Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 49)
The Pawsome Truth About Dog Food: A Comparison of Homemade vs Commercial Options
As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend – nutritious food that meets their unique needs and promotes optimal health. However, with so many commercial dog foods on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind homemade dog food versus commercial options, highlighting key differences in ingredient quality, nutritional content, and safety concerns.
Homemade Dog Food: The Science
Making your own dog food from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods. A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) found that homemade dog food can be just as nutritious as commercial kibble, with some notable differences.
According to the study, a homemade diet rich in whole foods like chicken, salmon, and sweet potatoes can meet a dog’s nutritional needs, while commercial kibble may contain added preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. A balanced homemade diet should include:
* 70% protein sources (e.g., meat, fish)
* 15% fat sources (e.g., oil, dairy)
* 10% complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
* Essential vitamins and minerals
Commercial Dog Food: The Science
Commercial dog foods are designed to meet specific breed needs and life stages. While they may not be as nutrient-dense as homemade diets, many commercial options can provide essential nutrients for healthy digestion and mobility.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that commercial dog foods can be just as effective as homemade diets in terms of preventing certain health issues, such as urinary tract infections. However, some commercial brands may contain higher levels of fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives, which can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Key Differences:
* Protein Content: Homemade dogs receive a balanced mix of protein sources, while commercial foods often have lower protein content due to added preservatives and fillers.
* Ingredient Quality: Commercial dog foods may contain higher levels of grains, soy, and other processed ingredients that can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Homemade diets focus on whole, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, and fruits and vegetables.
* Safety Concerns: Commercial dog foods are subject to stricter regulations and testing protocols than homemade diets. However
Written by: Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Small Animal Veterinarian
Last Updated: May 2026
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Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 50)
Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 44)
Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 50)
Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 44)
Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 50)
Related: Home-Cooked Vs Commercial Dog Food: What The Science Actually Says (Part 44)