Home-cooked meals or store-bought kibble? Divya Tanith seeks experts’ help to select healthy choice for your furry friend.
I offer my dog fresh, homemade food, the same way every other family member gets – fresh, wholesome meals,” an avid reader wrote to us. Has not this question haunted the minds of every pet parent across the world at some point?
A general consensus often suggests that processed dog foods are healthier. Others echo sentiments that raise concerns over “processing,” red flags that might do more harm than good. Today, let us review this factually and practically with the help of pet parents and experts. So, what should you feed your fur babies? Homemade meals? Or commercially processed tasty meals? This debate has been raging for decades; let the wagging tales and raised eyebrows rest, as we get to some facts.
The Curious Case of Homemade Food
Who doesn’t like eating fresh, tasty food? Pets definitely do. Those picky eaters sometimes need the smell of delicious fresh meat being boiled while they stare incessantly like it is criminal you have not fed them yet.
Home-cooked meals are like a warm hug! They are fresh and free of artificial preservatives. The best part? You can control the amount of sodium and the ingredients you put into it. It can be customized to your baby’s demands.
Vets and pet nutritionists suggest that a balanced homemade diet should include:
Protein: Chicken, eggs, fish, or paneer
Carbohydrates: Rice, oats, sweet potatoes
Fiber: Carrots, beans, peas
Fats and Omega 3s: Ghee (in small quantities), flaxseed oil
Note: Just making dal chawal, dahi chawal and adding bones to it is not the solution.
The Priority ought to always be nutrition, irrespective of what type of meal you choose. If your fur baby is not getting nutrition from home food, it is not right.
A 2020 study published in Veterinary Record found that over 90% of home-prepared dog meals analysed were nutritionally imbalanced. These were not formulated by a vet or canine nutritionist.
The solution: Research well for your dog breed based on age, height, and weight. Once you have the ideal ingredients you need, pre-prep your meals for ease. You can create a meat stock solution and prep beforehand for ease.
Adding coconut oil and some necessary supplements based on your vet’s suggestion can make a home-cooked meal also nutritious and wholesome. Oh please, your dog is going to lick the bottom of the bowl while furiously wagging its tail.
Why Packaged Food Works
Simple. Because it is science-backed, regulatory-approved. Packaged food, be it kibble or wet food, has been curated by food scientists. It is tough to argue the efficacy of packaged food because it most likely has all the ingredients your dog needs.
Processed dog foods are scientifically designed to meet AAFCO or FEDIAF standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Processed dog food comes in specific formulations: for age groups, breeds, weight control, renal support, or joint health.
Four key reasons why pet parents prefer packaged options:
- Nutritional completeness
- Long shelf life
- Portion control
- Breed-specific needs
What raises eyebrows is the list of unpronounceable ingredients present in them. Not the best kind. This includes fillers, preservatives, and additives. The additives are not the core protein, fat, minerals, or vitamins. These are added to increase shelf life and improve texture, taste, and consistency. While it has its merit in the product, the world is headed towards a more natural way of living.
Did you know? Packaged dog foods often contain added taurine, L-carnitine and prebiotics to aid heart and gut health. These elements are hard to balance in homemade meals without lab testing. Packaged food is balanced and convenient.
What Science Has to Say
A study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2021) showed dogs fed on high-protein commercial diets had better muscle retention and coat quality than those on unbalanced home diets.
But yet another, BMC Veterinary Research (2019) highlighted higher antioxidant intake in dogs fed on home-prepared diets rich in fresh vegetables and fruits.
Another study echoes this sentiment. A study by animal science researchers at California University, done over 12 months, concluded that freshly prepared food and lightly cooked meals are balanced. They also showed an increase in white blood cells and blood protein, hence improving immunity. The results attest to what human nutritionists, too, have been advising for decades – stay clear of heavily processed foods.
In short, nutritional wholesomeness matters more than the format.
Tail End Thoughts
Go hybrid if you have to. Experiment with different types of meals, but always consult your vet.
It’s never a one size fits all. Factors to consider include
- Your time and ability to plan meals
- Your dog’s age, health and allergies
- Access to reliable vet/dietary consultation
If you choose to prepare homemade food, consider consulting a nutritionist. If you choose packaged food, opt for reputable brands.
Do your research and check the ingredient list. Prefer brands that are cleaner.
The best part? Either way, your pet’s wagging tail is the best review you’ll get. So, follow your dog’s tail, trust the science.
