GETTYIMAGES/EKATERINA VAKHRUSHEVA Alongside the rise in interest in fresh and “less-processed” pet foods is the desire to feed home-made foods by pet owners. Interest in home-prepared diets for dogs and cats has grown steadily over the past decade, fueled by social media, online recipe blogs, and book publications with recipes for pets. Many clients arrive in the exam room with screenshots of recipes, influencer videos, or handwritten mixtures they believe are healthier, safer, or more “natural” than commercial diets. Their intentions are always good, and they assume that since they can feed themselves, they should be able to feed their pets. Unfortunately, the nutritional adequacy of these recipes rarely matches their enthusiasm. Veterinary practitioners should be equipped to review these recipes on a surface level for nutritional gaps and be prepared to guide pet owners toward a safe, home-prepared diet. Articles published within the past decade have documented serious concerns of nutritional deficiencies in home-prepared diets, whether sourced from websites, books, or well-meaning friends. When analyzed, these recipes fail to meet the minimum nutrient recommendations provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or the recommended allowances provided by the National Research Council (NRC). Common problems include poor or non-specific ingredient descriptions, deficiencies in essential nutrients, imbalanced mineral ratios, and wide variability in caloric density. If vitamin or mineral supplements are recommended, they may be generic or vague; this is unacceptable, as supplements vary widely in content. Ensuring nutritional intakes are adequate and the diet is safe to feed long term, while honoring the pet owners’ desire for control of the food fed, should be the priority. A practical, surface-level recipe evaluation framework can help clinicians quickly identify potential issues in recipes pet owners select and also facilitate productive conversations about nutrition. What research shows: Homemade diets are commonly inadequate Multiple peer-reviewed studies have examined the nutrient composition of homemade diets for dogs and cats, and the findings are remarkably consistent: nutritional deficiencies are prevalent when pet owners feed recipes without expert help. Most recently, home-prepared diets fed by pet owners to dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project cohort were qualitatively examined through free-test responses provided from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023.1 Ingredients fed were input into a website designed by veterinary nutritionists to determine the overall completeness of the diets, and it was found that only six percent were potentially nutritionally complete. A prior 2021 study by Pedrinelli and colleagues analyzed 100 homemade recipes—75 for dogs and 25 for cats—sourced from popular websites. None of the cat recipes met iron requirements, and diets lacking supplements were universally low in calcium with abnormal calcium to phosphorus ratios. Zinc deficiencies were common across both species. Importantly, the number of ingredients did not predict nutritional adequacy; even complex recipes with many components were often incomplete.2 Earlier work by Larsen et al. in 2012 evaluated 67 recipes intended for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Not a single recipe met all the NRC-recommended allowances. Protein and amino acid deficiencies were common, and key micronutrients, such as choline, selenium, zinc, and calcium, were frequently inadequate. Phosphorus levels varied widely, making many recipes inappropriate for CKD management despite being marketed for that purpose.3 A 2022 review article published online by Chandler in the Royal Canin Academy also reinforced these findings.4 Most homemade diets—raw or cooked—are nutritionally unbalanced unless formulated by a board certified veterinary nutritionist. This article highlighted the problem of “recipe drift,” in which owners modify ingredients, change proportions, or omit supplements or ingredients over time, potentially creating unknowns in nutrient or caloric intake. Taken together, the literature highlights concerns that home-prepared recipes made by pet owners may pose challenges and veterinarians’ call to provide nutritional guidance when a homemade recipe is used. Practitioners should request detailed information about the recipe and preparation method. From this data collection, they can evaluate the recipe on a basic level to help guide the pet owner toward feeding a confirmed complete and balanced diet. Since many clients are committed to preparing food at home, providing resources to further check and balance recipes can both validate the pet owner’s desire to feed homemade foods while ensuring a recipe is safe and appropriate for the pet. Homemade pet food can be made with common foods providing protein, carbohydrate, fat and fiber in measured portions. Supplements can be added to provide minerals and vitamins in the proper amounts. This home-prepared canine meal is made from ground turkey, steak whole egg, white rice, sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, and corn. A vitamin-mineral supplement powder supplement and fish oil soft gels are added. PHOTO COURTESY WHOLE PET PROVISIONS, PLLC Further areas of potential concern: Recipe is too nonspecific in ingredient descriptions, cooking methods, amounts of ingredients. An excessive number of ingredients are used. Complexity may result in pet owner fatigue or abbreviation of the recipe over time with omission of ingredients. Recipe allows too much flexibility/ variability with no real guidelines or guardrails on substitutions allowed. It is difficult to understand the nutritional adequacy in this type of feeding plan. This approach may present gaps in nutrient intakes, or it might unknowingly protect from nutrient deficiencies with the variety and rotation. Nutritionists will always try to understand the feeding plan with a nutritional analysis. Recipe has no nutritional data available. To feed any recipe long term, knowledge of the energy density/ calories consumed and the macronutrient balance (amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrate reported in either As Fed, Dry Matter Basis, Energy Basis or percent Metabolizable Energy) should be known. The pet owner is not actually following the recipe as written. It is important to check what the owner is doing compared to the actual recipe, as diet drift is the most common finding following pet owners feeding home-prepared recipes. Minor changes may not impact on the overall nutritional intake; however, some omissions or changes can greatly impact the nutritional quality of a diet. Nutritional management of medical conditions is the practice of veterinary medicine, and the diet plan is a prescription, therefore, a home-prepared diet for pets with medical conditions should always be overseen by a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. A practical framework for evaluating client provided recipes While obtaining a full nutritional analysis requires specialized formulation software and expertise, general practice veterinarians can perform a quick, surface level assessment to identify obvious gaps. This approach helps structure the conversation and provides a nonjudgmental way to explain why a recipe may not meet a pet’s needs but also identify the value in nutritional analysis and why seeking expert help is important to confirm that a recipe is safe and appropriate to feed. Request information Ask pet owners to provide the recipe source (online, from a book, social media page, etc.) and the exact ingredients with specific amounts used, as well as the preparation method for each ingredient. Ask who formulated the recipe and check their qualifications. Recipes may be formulated by veterinarians, board-certified veterinary nutritionists, “canine nutritionists” or animal nutritionists who all have various levels of training and expertise in pet food formulation. If a specific plan following a balanced recipe (or combination of balanced recipes) is not being followed, or a vague recipe with unspecified or variable amounts of ingredients is used, then it is unlikely the diet is adequately complete or balanced. At minimum, the nutrition plan lacks control of caloric intake, which may predispose the pet to being overweight or obese. Look for a calcium source This is one of the most critical steps and a common indicator a diet is incomplete or unbalanced. Homemade diets without an added concentrated source of calcium are usually always deficient. Red flags include: No mention of a commercial calcium supplement (calcium carbonate, calcium citrate) or a concentrated natural source such as bone meal, eggshell calcium, or seaweed-derived calcium. Reliance on dairy products as the sole calcium source. These foods do not contain enough calcium to meet recommended amounts for dogs in cats in reasonable, palatable amounts. Use of bone to meet calcium requirements. Bones may pose risks if fed raw, cooked, or whole. While some “natural feeders” advocate for this approach, a discussion on potential risks is warranted. Ground bone products can be a safer option, provided they have an available nutritional analysis. Calcium deficiency and inverted calcium-to-phosphorus ratios are among the most common and clinically significant problems in homemade diets. This mistake can be devastating for young, rapidly growing large/giant breed dogs, resulting in nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, growth deformities, bone fractures, or rubber jaw.5-7 It is critically important to evaluate homemade recipes being fed to younger dogs and cats during the rapid growth phase to avoid permanent and devastating injury to pets. Look for a multivitamin/mineral supplement Well constructed recipes commonly use comprehensive vitamin mineral supplements designed to balance homemade diets for dogs or cats. Evaluate whether the recipe includes: A veterinary specific commercial supplement designed to balance a home-prepared diet. (Examples include BalanceIT, Annamaet Enhance, Chef’s Canine Complete, iViBlend, Wagtricious, etc.). Product should state this purpose obviously on the package or online. Use of “regular” pet multivitamins. These products sold to the general pet populations are made assuming that a complete and balanced commercial diet containing a vitamin/mineral premix is already being fed, thus, the content of minerals and vitamins is low to avoid potential overdose/ingestion above “safe upper limits.” They do not contain the full complement of nutrients often needed to balance a homemade diet. A human multivitamin or human vitamin/mineral products. These can be formulated into canine and feline diets, but a combination may be required to meet the nutrient requirements and achieve a balanced diet. Many human multivitamin supplements contain too much vitamin D for dogs or cats, and use will exceed the safe upper limit; thus, a specific product mention is always required. Vague or generic recommendations for supplements, such as “human multivitamin.” Multivitamins are not created equal; thus, they do not ensure adequate nutrient intake. A specific brand and quantity should also be specified (i.e. NOW Daily Vits tablet - 1 ½ tablets per day). No supplements at all. Recipes can be carefully formulated to avoid or reduce the amount of synthetic vitamins/minerals used; however, the ingredient list will be more complex, and specific functional foods are included that serve as concentrated sources of certain nutrients (e.g. nutritional yeast for B vitamins, ground pumpkin seeds for manganese, beef liver for copper). Formulation expertise is required to ensure these recipes are truly complete and balanced. The pet owner’s commitment to following these recipes exactly is required. Concern exists that natural foods may not deliver the exact content promised, and pet owners will not analyze raw ingredients; thus, there are potential disadvantages of this approach. Very simple recipes with few ingredients not using a vitamin/mineral supplement are almost guaranteed to be deficient in multiple micronutrients. Examining the full nutritional analysis is the only way to be sure a diet is complete and balanced. Identify the protein source Every homemade diet should include an obvious high quality protein source. Common examples include chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, tofu, or fish. Red flags include: Very small amounts of protein relative to carbohydrates Reliance on low protein ingredients, such as vegetables or grains Vegan diets using plant-based proteins; these are technically more challenging to formulate. Protein quality matters, especially for cats that require higher levels of essential amino acids, including taurine. Many pet owners prepare recipes that are very high in protein. This is not problematic in a healthy dog or cat. Additionally, many cat owners may not know cats are obligate carnivores and what that means for their nutritional needs. Lower protein, lower fat homemade dog food made with chicken breast, green beans, red peppers, corn, and peas with vitamin/mineral and oil supplements mixed into the food. As this dog was a good eater, further blending of food ingredients was not necessary to ensure consumption of the complete meal. PHOTO COURTESY WHOLE PET PROVISIONS, PLLC Identify the fat source All animal protein sources (i.e. meat, fish, eggs) will also provide fats. Whether the fat content includes all needed essential fatty acids for the intended species requires a formulation analysis. Fat also contributes significantly to caloric density. Look for: The recipe stating specific cuts of meat (e.g. ground turkey 93 percent lean/7 percent fat, chicken thighs without skin, ground beef 90 percent lean/ 10 percent fat, etc.) A defined fat source is present in the exact amount (e.g. 1 tsp of chicken fat, salmon oil, sunflower oil, etc.) If the meat source is vague or not specified, or different cuts of meat with variable fat content are allowed as exchanges, this can vastly affect the nutritional balance, essential fatty acid, and caloric content of the total recipe. If no fat source is listed, and only very lean meats or fish are chosen (e.g. chicken breast meat, whitefish (tilapia)) essential fatty acid deficiencies are probable. If a defined fat source is called for in the recipe, the exact amount should be provided (e.g. one tsp of chicken fat, salmon oil, sunflower oil, etc.) Many homemade diets are unintentionally very low in fat, which can lead to inadequate caloric intake (e.g. chicken breast + white rice). This can cause weight loss or the need for a very high volume of food intake to meet caloric needs, especially in active dogs or growing animals. Long-term feeding of diets very low in fat or deficient in essential fatty acids may result in poor skin and haircoat quality, impaired epidermal barrier function, and secondary dermatitis. Physical examination of the pet should look for warning signs. Low fat canine homemade meal prepared from chicken thighs, black beans, white rice, butternut squash, and green beans with supplements required to balance mixed into food. Recipe is blended well to prevent picking out ingredients and encouraging consumption of the entire meal. PHOTO COURTESY WHOLE PET PROVISIONS, PLLC Identify the carbohydrate and fiber source(s) Carbohydrates are not essential nutrients for dogs and cats but commonly are included in homemade diets as a source of energy and fiber. Evaluate: Is the carbohydrate clearly defined along with cooking method (rice, oats, potatoes, barley). Is it a highly digestible carbohydrate (low fiber) or a high fiber carbohydrate (whole grain source). Insufficient or excessive fiber can be problematic. Are there inclusions of vegetables such as sweet potato, pumpkin, green beans, or leafy greens, which can deliver a mixture of fibers as well as micronutrients? Specific quantities and cooking method should be provided. Check the proportion of carbohydrate/fiber with protein sources. Does the ratio seem disproportionately large compared to protein inclusion or vice versa? Carbohydrate and fiber ingredients may contribute to protein, fat, phosphorus, oxalate, or other nutrients in the total formulation. An analysis of the diet is essential to understand the total content, and this is important for pets with medical conditions and needs for nutrient limits. Recipes found online may be very high in carbohydrate content or, conversely, very low in carbohydrate content. Fiber is not a “filler” ingredient in pet foods, as it is beneficial to support the gut microbiome and help maintain stool quality. Many homemade diets lack sufficient fiber, which may result in variable stool quality and fragile gut balance. Conversely, excessively high amounts of fiber can interfere with nutrient absorption, dilute caloric density of the food, or produce large amounts of stool, diarrhea, or flatulence. Communicating with clients: Meeting them where they are Clients who choose homemade diets often do so out of love and a desire to provide the “best” for their pets. A judgment-free, collaborative approach is essential. Consider the following strategies: Acknowledge their effort and intention “You’re clearly putting a lot of care into your pet’s nutrition. I appreciate your wish to feed homemade foods and have control over the foods your pet eats. Let’s get the details on your exact recipe, ingredients, and amounts fed to see what that looks like.” Use the surface level evaluation to explain concerns “This recipe has good protein and fiber sources, but it’s missing a calcium supplement, which is essential for bone health. We need to get this analyzed and corrected to be sure this is safe for long-term feeding.” Emphasize safety and long term health Nutrient deficiencies or excesses may take months to manifest but can have serious consequences. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are not always clinically obvious, may be difficult to diagnose or may be dismissed as part of another disease process. As veterinarians, we do not want to miss diet deficiencies that are easily corrected and avoided. Offer support to check the nutrition plan Provide resources for board certified veterinary nutritionists or reputable formulation tools that can check and balance their recipe. (See: “Formulation resources for home-prepared diets for dogs and cats”) All recipes used should be checked in formulation to make sure they are complete and balanced, and to provide macronutrient and calorie information. This is the only assurance that the diet is safe to feed long-term. The upside of home cooking: Personalized nutrition There are multiple potential benefits to home-prepared diets. Cooking at home allows the pet owner and the veterinarian to take control of the diet and provide a custom recipe for that pet, something no commercial diet can do. Pet owners can source ingredients that meet their personal philosophies, including human grade, organic, non-GMO etc., which may not be available in pet foods. Separate, individual ingredient testing is possible for palatability and tolerance, which helps with picky eaters and those with adverse food reactions or food allergies. Diet diversity, variety, and rotation are possible with a plan to feed appropriate substitutions or a rotation of balanced recipes. A diet can be monitored and adjusted over time as the individual pet’s medical condition changes. As pet owners view their dogs and cats now as family members, they are also asking for personalized nutrition of the highest quality, not just for themselves but for their pets, and are willing to invest in nutrition plans to achieve these goals. Since this can be time-consuming for veterinarians and this level of nutrition care is not expected in general practice, motivated pet owners should be referred to a qualified nutritionist. From well‑meaning to well‑formulated Home prepared diets appeal to many pet owners, but good intentions do not guarantee good nutrition. Publications have demonstrated that homemade recipes for dogs and cats commonly are incomplete unless thoughtfully formulated by someone with expertise in diet formulation for dogs and cats. A simple, surface-level review can help identify serious errors. By first identifying the calcium, vitamin/mineral, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber sources, veterinarians can quickly assess client-provided recipes and see if it is likely to be a well-formulated diet. Confirmation of nutritional adequacy is best confirmed with formulation analysis which is always recommended for home-prepared recipes. With clear communication and supportive guidance, clinicians can help bridge the gap between what owners want and what pets truly need. Formulation resources for home-prepared diets for dogs and cats: Contact a board-certified veterinary nutritionist: https://www.vetspecialists.com/ Formulation software websites: Animal Diet Formulator BalanceIT.com MixitPet.com Laura B. Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), is an independent consultant and the owner/founder of Whole Pet Provisions, PLLC, a nutrition consulting company established in 2016, which offers veterinary nutrition consulting to pet owners, veterinarians, the pet food industry, and pet supplement companies. Dr. Gaylord offers homemade diet recipe formulation and commercial diet consultations through her business for pet parents and their veterinary teams. References O'Brien JS, Lawson E, Tolbert MK, et al. Findings from the Dog Aging Project: home-prepared diets for companion dogs feature diverse ingredients, and few are nutritionally complete. Am J Vet Res 2025;86. Pedrinelli V, Zafalon RVA, Rodrigues RBA, et al. Influence of number of ingredients, use of supplement and vegetarian or vegan preparation on the composition of homemade diets for dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res 2021;17:358. Larsen JA, Parks EM, Heinze CR, et al. Evaluation of recipes for home-prepared diets for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;240:532–538. Chandler M. Homemade diets – good or bad? Veterinary 2022; https://academy.royalcanin.com/en/veterinary/homemade-diets-good-or-bad. Accessed 1/29/2026, 2026. Svoboda M, Doubek J, Zert Z. [Secondary hyperparathyroidism in dogs]. Vet Med (Praha) 1994;39:29–36. Lourens DC. [Nutritional or secondary hyperparathyroidism in a German shepherd litter]. J S Afr Vet Assoc 1980;51:121–123. Bennett D. Nutrition and bone disease in the dog and cat. Vet Rec 1976;98:313–321.
