Homemade diets for pets: better or worse?

Growing concerns

In recent years, the number of owners feeding their pets on a homemade diet has grown – and so too has concern among vets whether those diets are complete and balanced. A poorly balanced diet can cause various nutritional and metabolic disorders. Depending on the degree of the nutrient deficiencies, pets may display clinical signs after just a few weeks or months but some of the problems will only become noticeable after several years.

These concerns are more prominent for young animals that are still growing, since they have greater nutrient requirements and special nutrient ratio needs.

DIY recipes

There is an abundance of do-it-yourself (DIY) recipes readily available on the internet and in magazines. Owners can simply follow the guidelines for ingredients (carbohydrates, proteins and fat sources) and prepare a ‘good’ homemade diet for their pet. Due to the above-mentioned concerns, a lot of research has been done worldwide into the suitability of these diets. Perhaps surprisingly, the majority of the readily available homemade diet recipes showed several nutrient deficiencies. Even more worryingly, some recommended the use of ingredients that are toxic (for example garlic, onions and leeks), harmful (for example cause brittle bones) or pose a contamination risk (for example raw animal products) for pets.

Certified advice

Despite the concerns about homemade diets, they can be very beneficial for some pets – particularly animals that have food allergies or multiple diseases. Homemade diets are often highly digestible, which improves the nutrient absorption. When they are properly formulated, it is also easier to control the balance of nutrients.

However, to maximise the benefits, it is important that the homemade diet is properly designed based on the advice of a certified veterinary nutritionist. The expert will ensure that all the essential nutrients are included and keep a close eye on the animal in case the diet needs to be adjusted.

Trust the vet

Owners need to be aware that their pets’ nutrient requirements vary depending on the species, life stage, body condition score, weight, activity level and certain diseases. The veterinarian will consider each of these parameters before giving the optimal nutritional advice for the specific pet. The veterinarian will also address the importance of providing the animal with a complete and balanced diet.

If a homemade diet is the best option, the owners should stick strictly to the diet plan. They should not alter the ingredients or amounts prescribed, and they must include any advised supplements, prepare the food in line with the specified recommendations and attend the necessary follow-up consultations. This approach will reduce the risk of owners creating a poorly balanced diet for their pets.