New Texas Study Reveals Homemade Dog Meals Actually Lack Nutrition

Let's face it, dog food is expensive, especially when some brands cost over $100 per bag. It's no wonder that some dog parents choose to go the homemade route.

The problem with homemade dog diets is that they may actually be hurting our canines, according to a new study from Texas A&M.

Homemade Dog Diets Lacking Nutrition

Making your dog's food at home is not uncommon at all. In fact, there was a stretch where my dogs were pampered with this treatment.

We would actually blend up bits of raw gizzards and vegetables. The problem with doing this is that you use every pot in your kitchen, it takes forever, and your counters end up looking like a butcher shop afterwards.

According to Dr. Janice O'Brien from Virginia Tech, only 6% of homemade diets actually contain the proper nutrients that dogs need on a day-to-day basis.

If you do choose to make your dog's food at home, it's crucial that you adhere to their nutritional needs. One way you can do this is by speaking with your veterinarian about what diets would work best for your pet.

Common Nutrients Missed in Dog Food

Oils, phosphates, and calcium can be very picky when it comes to the optimal levels in dog food. If your dog's calcium levels are too low, their bones can become soft like cartilage.

It's also important to never add bones or grapes to your dog's homemade diet. You may feel tempted to give Fido a full raw chicken drumstick, but bones can break up and create choking hazards.

Yes, I know dogs in the wild eat bones, but they still are at risk for choking, so it's best to avoid it.

Also, as delicious as grapes are, they can be quite toxic to dogs, if you didn't already know. If your dog does eat any grapes, you should immediately call your vet or call the Pet Poison Hotline at 1-800-213-6680.