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Question:

Home cooked food good enough?

Posted by luv4pets on 08/22/2010
My friend brought her dog to my house this weekend. The dog is a 12 year old little Chihuahua. My friend cooks her own dog food - basically fried rice (fried rice with chicken). She asked me to feed her dog very little food everyday. The dog is very hungry. She never feeds her dog commercial dog food.


I like commercial dog food as I believe the nutrition is well balanced. And you can buy special dog food made for senior dogs. It's ok to feed the dog cooked food but it shouldn't be something primary. I don't think she's feeding her dog the right food as the fried rice has only carbon-hydrates and chicken. I'm concerned if the dog gets enough nutrition and that whether or not the dog can stay healthy.


So which food should be the main food for dogs? How to well balance the dog's diet?
Answers:
Answered by fairfieldvet on 08/25/2010
Home cooked food is okay for pets. However, like you mentioned, you have to be very careful that it is nutritionally balanced. Most commericial dog food companies go to great lengths to make sure their food is nutritionally balanced. Look for an "AFCO" statement on the bag of pet food. This will help you know that the food is safe and nutritionally balanced for your pet.

Home cooked meals need to be carefully prepared. There are several sites online that offer to do this for owners. Some savvy veterinarians have recepies for long term home cooked diets.

Rice and chicken alone is not enough for the little Chihuahua. At least the dog should be on some vitamin and mineral supplements. Have your friend discuss the matter with her veterinarian so they can come up with a feeding plan together.
Comments:
Commented by Dr.Greg on 08/25/2010
My book Dog Dish Diet available at www.dogdishdiet.com is all about this question. I used to believe that commercial dog foods were good for all dogs. After years of chronic skin and ear problems, digestive disorders,bladder problems, and seizures due to ingredients in commercial foods, I know the wholesome ingredients in home made food can be better than most you can buy. I use 25% to 50% meat with veggies, and leave the bones in for the minerals. The recipes are at my website listed above and on youtube(drgregdvm)

On the other hand there are excellent dog foods with hypoallergenic ingredients, but you must learn to read the label and avoid allergy causing ingredients