Study Finds Homemade Dog Foods Often Lack Essential Nutrients

The study analyzed open-ended survey responses regarding the nutritional completeness of 1,726 homemade dog meals. Pet owners of over 50,000 dogs participated in the research. Dr. Janice O’Brien, a doctoral researcher at Virginia Tech's Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, stated, "We found that only 6% of homemade diets had the potential to be nutritionally complete." She added that the percentage could be even lower, as the study did not consider exact ingredient amounts.

Homemade dog meals attract owners who value unprocessed foods, mirroring a broader consumer trend against ultra-processed items. Previous studies indicated that kibble diets could lead to increased blood sugar, blood lipids, and weight in dogs, while raw food diets showed the opposite effects. However, caution is advised, as some plant-based dog foods may lack essential iodine and B vitamins.

Published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the DAP study was led by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, among other institutions.

Of the analyzed home-prepared diets, 20% did not have sufficient ingredient information for assessing their nutritional completeness, while 44% were deemed deficient. Owners used an online tool called Balance It to help ensure their recipes met nutritional requirements, as noted by O’Brien.

The most common protein sources included non-meat options like eggs, beans, and lentils. Typical starches were sweet potatoes, rice, and squash, and vegetables like carrots and green beans were frequently reported. Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese were common, along with other non-dairy substitutes.

The study highlighted that 45% of owners supplemented homemade diets with commercially prepared options. Among the analyzed recipes, only 6% were classified as complete, whereas 44% were deficient, and 31% showed partial deficiencies.

Dr. Katie Tolbert, also part of the study, stressed the importance of responsibility in home-preparing pet meals. "It’s essential to work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and adhere closely to prescribed diets, as any omitted ingredients can affect nutritional balance."

Omitting necessary supplements can have serious consequences, such as imbalanced calcium and phosphate levels leading to bone health issues. The risk is even higher for dogs with existing health problems, as improper diets can worsen their conditions.

Researchers recommend consulting a veterinarian before starting a homemade diet, and then working with a certified nutritionist to create a tailored plan. For those considering long-term homemade feeding, testing the food's nutritional content in a lab can help ensure consistency and completeness in the diet.