homemade dog food vs commercial

Homemade vs. store-bought: A dog food comparison

So, your usually ravenous dog isnt interested in his kibble much lately, and youre wondering if its time to change his diet. Youve heard about the trend toward homemade dog food and are thinking youll give it a try. Should you make the switch?

If you do, youll be in good company. A recent study by the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College in Canada found that 87% of dog owners give their pets some real food (read: suitable for humans) as part of their diet. And yet, its hard to discount the value of commercial dog food, reliably produced by an industry that dates back to the mid-1800s.

Which option is best for your dog homemade or store-bought? Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.

Fresh ingredients

Without question, homemade dog food wins in this category. When you commit to making your dog his meals, you can choose the freshest ingredients to feed him. Most commercially made dog food has a long shelf life. A bag of unopened dry dog food can last as long as 18 months; unopened canned food is good for two years. Thats why its important to check the expiration date on every bag or can of food you purchase.

Even with fresh-dog-food subscription services, such as The Farmers Dog, which says their meals arrive at your door within days of being prepared, there is a bit of a lag. If youre concerned about feeding your dog the freshest ingredients, homemade wins the day.

Nutritional value

You might think that homemade dog food beats kibble here, too, but thats not always the case. Dogs have distinctly different nutritional needs and digest food differently than humans, which means homemade meals might lack healthy ingredients that dogs need. In fact, when researchers at the University of CaliforniaDavis School of Veterinary Medicine evaluated 200 popular dog food recipes, they found 95% to be missing necessary levels of at least one essential nutrient.

In comparison, all dog food manufactured in the United States must meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements for balanced nutrition. Ingredients are regulated by the Center for Veterinary Medicine, which is a branch of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Association of American Feed Control Officials is responsible for the enforcement of state laws regarding the safe production and labeling of animal food.

Whats the verdict? When it comes to nutritional value, store-bought food is the best choice for an active, healthy dog. The recipes are formulated for each stage of your dogs life as well as his special dietary needs, which is something thats hard to get right in your own kitchen.

Safety

Were calling this one a tie.

Lets address the elephant in the room first. Weve seen a lot of dog food recalls in the past 15 years, which is one of the reasons homemade dog food is now so popular. In a 2007 incident, nearly 180 pet food companies voluntarily recalled their products, which were reportedly responsible for causing kidney failure and death in thousands of dogs and cats in the United States and Canada.

What do you have to fear by making homemade dog food? Much the same risk. Foodborne illness isnt exclusive to commercial dog food. A 2010 study determined that less than 2% of reported foodborne illness cases were related to pet food. Thats in comparison to 76 million foodborne illness cases worldwide that cause nearly 5,000 human fatalities every year.

And when youre cooking for your dog, you need to know which common foods are potentially harmful or even fatal for canine consumption. A short list includes avocado, chocolate, grapes, and raisins.

Cost

Is it less expensive to make meals for your dog? Not necessarily. Here are some variables to consider:

• Budget. Store-bought dog food prices range anywhere from slightly less than $1/pound for dry kibble to more than $20 for a 13-ounce can. Determine how much you currently pay per meal so you can have an accurate picture of how much it will cost to switch.
• Ingredients. If you switch to homemade, what ingredients will you need? How much do they cost and are they readily available where you live? For example, duck is a common ingredient in homemade meals, but its typically more expensive than chicken and harder to find year-round.
• Time and effort. How much is your time worth? Store-bought dog food is fairly straightforward: Simply open the bag and serve the correct portion. Homemade dog food, by contrast, takes more effort. Besides shopping for the right ingredients, you must put in the time and effort to cook and store the meals properly.

Final verdict

Theres a lot to consider when youre trying to decide whether to feed your dog store-bought or homemade meals. His age, health, and lifestyle, along with your budget and availability, should all be part of the equation.

Before you decide, be sure to consult with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. She is the expert on your dogs health and can help you make educated decisions about how to achieve optimal health. Working together, you can rest assured that your dog is receiving the best nutrition for his health, happiness, and longevity.

Editors' Recommendations

Food is one of the important factors of a dogs life, but also the most expensive. And the best thing you can do for your dogs is to give them the best quality dog food there is, whether that is store-bought or homemade. Unfortunately, good quality dog food has its price. Is it cheaper to make your own dog food than buy commercial ones?

If you want to save money on dog food but dont want to scrimp on the quality for the sake of your dos health, then check out this guide on homemade vs. commercial dog food.

Pros and Cons: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dog Food

What better way to make sure that your dog stays healthy than give them the best dog food you can find or make? Heres a comparison of the pros and cons of homemade vs. store-bought dog foods to help with your choice.

Pros of Homemade Dog Food

One benefit of making your own dog food is knowing what exactly your dog is eating. You can give them as much healthy food as you want, plus, you can also personalize it, so they get the nutrients they need, especially if they have allergies to certain food.

In homemade dog foods, there are also no filler ingredients, there are no preservatives, always fresh, and there will be less waste.

Cons of Homemade Dog Food

Although homemade dog foods mean no guessing what goes into your dogs stomach, making your own dog food at home takes a bit of effort and time in planning and preparation. Youd have to have all the ingredients for your dog food on-hand.

Pros of Store-Bought Dog Food

If its convenient you are looking for something that you have to buy when you are grocery shopping and serve when your dog needs to eat, then the store-bought or commercial dog food would be ideal.

Its a hassle-free way to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrients for his health.

Also, commercial dog foods are specially made for your pet, which means its safe for them and doesnt contain any toxic ingredients that might cause harm to your pet. It also makes commercial dog foods to give the correct nutrients that make sure your dogs get the best for optimum health.

Commercial dog food is more convenient in terms of preparation, and it also lessens the guessing game if your dog is getting the nutrients he needs from the food you are giving.

Cons of Store-Bought Dog Food

Although commercial dog foods are convenient and mostly has the nutrients dogs need, the nutrient-value it contains is often generalized. It means that most dog foods you can buy commercially dont always cater to the unique health needs of your dog. Also, most of them have filled ingredients, and allergens some dogs might be sensitive to.

To put it simply, we can make homemade dog foods to address your dogs unique nutritional needs while commercial dog foods are convenient.

Cost Analysis: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dog Food

When it comes to dog food, aside from its nutritional value, one component to consider is the cost. And while you probably think its impossible to give your dogs high-quality food daily, but there are ways to save money on dog food with no need to cut down its quality. Check out your options for dog food and find whats affordable.

Dry Store-Bought Dog Food

Dry commercial dog food varies largely depending on the grade and brand. It usually costs about $35 for mid-range dry dog food for a 30-lb bag. It costs about $65 for the same amount of dog food for a premium grade or brand.

Canned Store-Bought Dog Food

The price for commercially canned dog foods also varies depending on the brand name. But mid-range brands of dog food usually cost about $1.25 for a 12-ounce can and premium brands up to about $2.25 for the same amount.

However, its also worth noting that a small portion of premium dog food can often have the same amount of nutrients with a regular portion of non-premium dog food.

Standard Homemade Dog Food

When you are making your own dog food at home, the possibilities are endless. The price of home-cooked meals for your dog will largely depend on the ingredients you choose, so you can make it as expensive or as cheap as you would want.

Fresh meat like chicken will cost two dollars per pound, while fresh vegetables like carrots or broccoli will be less than a dollar per pound. You can also combine fresh meat and veggies to save some bucks but ensure that your dog is getting enough nutrients.

For example, for chicken thighs, carrots, and rice recipe (chicken at $1.50 per pound, $0.70 for rice, $0.750 for carrots) usually costs about $1.20 per pound.

Organic Homemade Dog Food

If you go all organic for your homemade dog food, its usually higher than the standard homemade dog foods. Using organic ingredients for the same homemade dog food recipe usually adds two dollars to your budget.

For example, for the same chicken thighs, carrots, and rice recipe, it could cost over $2.85 per pound.

Conclusion

Putting it all together, dry dog foods can cost about $1.17 per pound for mid-range grade and $2.17 per pound of premium grade, while canned dog foods will cost about $1.67 per pound for the mid-range brand and about $3.33 per pound for premium brands. Standard homemade dog food of chicken thighs can cost about $1.20 while using organic ingredients for the same recipe can cost about $2.85.

So, is it cheaper to make your own dog food than buy commercial ones? The best answer is, it can be, depending on the ingredients you choose.

Related Topic: 5 Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs How to Prevent and When to Call the Vet

References:

• • https://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/3-ways-save-money-dog-food.html
  • http://www.frugalitymagazine.com/save-money-dog-food/

https://dogsfirst.ie/raw-faq/cost-raw-dog-food/

• • https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/cheaper-homemade-commercial-dog-food-2242.html

https://blog.carlsonpetproducts.com/cost-homemade-dog-food-vs-store-bought/

Commercial Dog Food vs. Homemade

Commercial Dog Food vs Homemade Dog Food: Updated: 1-20-2024

In recent years, there has been a growing concern among dog owners about the quality of commercial dog food and the potential health implications for their beloved dogs.

With the rise of allergies, digestive problems, and obesity.

This has led many dog owners to question whether commercial dog food is truly the best choice.

The debate between commercial dog food and homemade dog food has sparked a heated discussion among pet owners, veterinarians, and pet food manufacturers.

( Scroll down for the Homemade Dog Food Recipe.)

Nutrient Balance Crucial for Dogs

Dogs, like humans, require. a balanced diet . This provides essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining healthy bodily functions, supporting growth and development, and preventing various health issues.

A well-balanced diet can contribute to a strong immune system, healthy skin and coat, optimal digestion and improve energy levels.

Feeding commercial dog food or preparing homemade meals. It's essential to prioritize nutrient balance to promote overall health and longevity for our canine companions.

Nutritional needs for dogs:

• Protein-rich meats
• Whole grains and vegetables
• Healthy fats like fish oil or coconut oil
• Calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Vitamin-rich fruits and berries
• Water for hydration and digestion

Looking Inside Commercial Dog Food vs Homemade

Commercial dog food undergoes extensive testing and is subject to strict quality control standards to ensure it meets nutritional requirements and is safe for consumption.

Regulatory agencies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

This establishes guidelines and conduct inspections to monitor the manufacturing processes and ingredient sourcing of commercial dog food.

These regulations help to minimize the risk of contamination, ensure accurate labeling, and provide dog owners with the confidence that the food they are purchasing meets recognized safety standards.

Walking through a grocery store and looking at all its commercial dog food can be confusing.Most people dont know what dogs need in their diet.

Commercial dog food is an industry more concerned with sales and marketing.

The pet food industry is a $50 Billion a year industry between pet food and medicine for our pets.

What Commercial Dog Food wants Pet Owners to Know

We believe the hype that pet food companies are making the best decisions for our pets by providing a type people grade food dried inside a bag of food.

Many who want to claim this is what our pets require. The advertising messages that came across were that table scraps were harmful.

To be safe, you needed to feed your pet's processed food!

There is a certain amount of convenience in having a bag of dog food you only have toscoop of twice a day.

It was easier, and people hadconcerns about what they were feeding your pets. Advertisers try to make pet food look natural.

Dog food companies want you to think their food is 100% complete. The fact is that no one knows the nutritional requirements of a cat or a dog.

Homemade Food requires Extensive Research

IWhen. preparing homemade dog food, t's important to recognize that the responsibility lies with us to do the research.

Commercial dog food undergoes rigorous testing and adheres to regulatory guidelines. Homemade dog food recipes require careful consideration of the nutritional needs and dietary requirements specific to our individual pets.

This entails consulting with veterinarians or animal nutritionists, studying recommended portion sizes, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and ensuring a balanced diet that meets all necessary nutrient profiles.

The reward lies in knowing exactly what goes into our dog's meals and tailoring their diet to suit their specific needs.

Research for Homemade Dog Food:

1. Nutritional needs of dogs.
2. Cooking methods for canine diets.
3. Safe ingredient substitutions for dogs.
4. Protein sizes for different dog breeds.
5. Food preparation and storage guidelines.
6. Supplements and vitamins for homemade dog food.

Cost and Convenience Considerations:

1. Price per serving.
2. Time needed for preparation.
3. Availability in local stores.
4. Nutritional value and variety.
5. Packaging and storage options.
6. Feeding on the go or during the travel.

Health Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

1. Better control of ingredients.
2. Can cater to specific dietary needs.
3. Higher quality nutrients and vitamins.
4. Fewer preservatives and additives.
5. Can be more cost effective.
6. Improving overall health and digestive for dogs.

Proper Food Storage and Handling:

1. Airtight containers for dry food.
2. Refrigerator for stored homemade meals.
3. Separate utensils for handling raw and cooked food.
4. Use clean bowls for serving and storing food.
5. Wash hands when handling food.

Some brands of Commercial Dog food is bad

One: is that process which destroys nutrients inside ofdog food.

• No matter if its canned, dry dog food processing destroys the nutritional value of the food.
• Dry dog food is cooked under pressure, dehydrated, flavored, thencoloring is added.
• Afterward, dog food issprayed with unnecessary and unhealthy fats so that our pets will eat it.

Two: Most commercial pet foodsare made of low-quality meats.

• Most of them are not human quality ingredients. The fat pet food industry considers them too expensive.
• The U.S. Government allows pet food companies to use meat-by-products. These products are not fit for human consumption.
• They call them the 4-D of meat ingredients, which means dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. Most of this 4-D product has rotted. They use phosphoric acid to halt the rotting process.
• These ingredients aren't just grocery store dog foods. Veterinarians can sell as premium brands.

Three:Additional ingredients in commercial foods is not fit for human consumption.

• And if its only been in recent times that people asked more questions about their pet's nutrition.
• We have seen a decrease in health issues by feeding homemade diets to our pets. Our pets are designed to eat meats.

Four:Most commercial pet food contains stabilizers, flavor enhancers, chemical preservatives, and thickeners.

• Chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), glutamate (MSG), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxy quin.
• They have linked cancer to ethoxy quin and sodium nitrate.
• If a manufacturer includes these items separately, listed on the package.
• Pet food manufacturer buy the ingredients that have preservatives, which they are not required to list them.

Feeding Dry Homemade Dog Food

Having enough time to make a nutrient balanced homemade diet to help your dog be healthier can be extremelyhard.

All healthy homemade dog food only to be supplemented with vitamins. Many people, myself included, preferred to rotate between commercial food and raw meat proteins.

Human grade in pet food means it's legally approved for pets and humans.

It is edible and has gone through rigorously regulated standards approving it for pets as being edible for humans.

Making Homemade Dog Food

Homemade is the absolute best for your pets. For some people, it's not possible to spend the time on something you want to do.

Along with being moretime-consuming. Sometimes homemade dog food can be more costly and commercial dog food.

Wet food, in cans or pouches, is the next best alternative.

Youll want to combine that with a few raw food items and nutritional supplements.

At the veryleast, youll want to add in some raw vegetables daily.

Regular checkups and routine bloodwork are an essential part of feeding a homemade diet.

Making Homemade Dog Food Healthier

• Raw VegetablesFor every 10 pounds of your dog's weight, add to cup of raw vegetables.
• Grated carrots
• Zucchini
• Chopped lettuce
• Green Beans
• Steamed broccoli

Raw Fruits: Giving fresh fruits several times a week.

• Apples
• Watermelons
• Pumpkin
• Carrots

Animal Protein Requirements

Organic Meats:

For every 10 lbs of your dog's weight, you'll add to cup of baked, broiled or raw organic meats.

• Chicken
• Beef
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Free range is best,be sure to grind or remove all the bones.

Raw Eggs:

Provide your pets with a raw egg once a week.

This is a significant source of antibiotics.

Its best to use organic eggs from free-range chickens.

Acidophilus:

This can befound in the refrigerator section of a natural food store.

• Add to teaspoon acidophilus. (Liquid or powder form).

Yogurt:

Using yogurt, once a week will help your pet to stay regulated.

• Using to cup for small dogs and to cup for a larger dog.

Always use a plain natural yogurt from health food stores.

Cottage Cheese:

Add a small amount up to three times a week.

Cottage cheese is easy to digest and is an excellent source of protein and is beneficial if your dog is not feeling well.

Goats milk or Cows milk:

If your dog has digestion issues. Avoid milk.

Some dogs do not have the digestive enzymes to digest milk.

Goat's milk naturally homogenizes itself.

Goat's milk is easy to ingest and is better than cow's milk.

Youll never want to feed half-and-half or whole milk.

They cannot digest cream. These forms of milk will often cause diarrhea.

Cheese: Try feeding your dog a few small pieces of cheese in the beginning.

Youll want to watch your pet's stools as cheese can causeconstipating or diarrhea.

I feed my dogs small pieces (3 or 4) as daily snacks with no problems.

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for your Dog

Vitamin and Mineral supplements: I use high-quality natural vitamin and mineral supplements.

These come from natural pet food companies. The directions will vary on the brand you choose.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are a supportive antioxidant and help the bodys level of toxicity and free radicals.

Most dogs tolerate antioxidants.

Enzyme supplements: Always use according to the directions on your choice of enzyme supplementation.

I like the Poochie Powder and EcoDigestives.

What's the most important thing our Dog's need?

Animal protein. That is what our pets need to live a long and happy life.

Animal proteins have all the essential nutritional needs that our pets have to maintain a healthy coat, good digestion, strong eyes, and body.

Dogs digestive systems can handle raw meats and fats.

Protein is the staple of a pet's diet.

Studies confirm that high levels of protein are necessary for dogs of all ages.

Protein in a pet food comprises more than just meat, dairy, fish or eggs. These all are substantial sources.

Grains and vegetables are additional proteins good for our pets.

What should you Feed your Dog? Commercial Dog Food vs Homemade

Complete proteins include:

• Red meat
• Poultry
• Cultured dairy, which includes cottage cheese or yogurt.
• Eggs
• Organ meats

Our pets need a balance of these proteins for optimal health with calcium, antioxidants, and mineral supplements.

Chart for Feeding our Pets:

Free Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Recipe

Go slow when introducing a Homemade diet

Once you feed a natural raw diet, youll notice an upswing of energy. Health problems can disappear and youll have a less gassy dog.

Your dog may take a few days or a week to adjust to his or her new diet. Sometimes the change in diet can cause diarrhea with your pets.

This is common with the change in diet and will go away in a week.

Feeding a Balanced Diet over time

Going from feeding processed dog food to homemade food is a more natural, complete and healthier state for your dog.

Changing your pet's diet is one of the most important things you can do for your pet.

The only reason to feed commercial food is for the convenience. If you want your pet to live a longer, healthier life, give raw homemade dog food atry.

Do you feed your dog raw food? Cooked food? Or processed food.

Commercial Dog Food vs. Homemade