Homemade Dog Food: New Study Shows Promising Results

After more than 15 years working as a dog nutritionist and consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable transformations a balanced homemade diet can make. But what does the science say? Can homemade dog food really help your dog’s health?

The short answer: It just might.

While research is still limited, a recent study published in Veterinary Sciences (September 2024) explored whether homemade dog food can improve dogs’ health, particularly in those with skin or digestive problems. The results were encouraging.

Why the Study Matters

Interest in homemade dog food has grown quickly in recent years. An increasing number of dog owners are turning to homemade diets for the greater control they offer over ingredients, the potential for improved nutrition and health, and higher palatability compared to commercial foods. They also bring the reassurance of knowing exactly what’s going into the bowl.

However, while the popularity of homemade dog food is rising, scientific research on the long-term effects of homemade dog food is still limited, especially for dogs with ongoing health problems. Most published studies focus on nutrient balance and adequacy. This new study helps to fill that gap by looking at the health benefits of balanced homemade diets in both healthy dogs and those with medical conditions.

What the Study Looked At

• Dogs involved: 167 total — 48 healthy dogs and 119 with health issues such as gastrointestinal disease, dermatological problems, obesity, or a combination of conditions.
• Approach: Each dog was switched to a balanced homemade diet, individually tailored to meet its needs, preferences, and any medical requirements.
• The diet: Each recipe was formulated by a professional using specialised diet-planning software and included appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements to meet nutritional requirements.
  Follow-up: Median of 14 months.
• Monitoring: Owners provided feedback through regular questionnaires on coat quality, digestion, appetite, energy, and symptoms.

Key Findings from the Research

Sticking with the diet: 62% (104 dogs) remained on the homemade diet until the end of the study, while 38% went back to their old diets. Most who reverted did so due to practical challenges for the owners, not because the diet caused problems.

Healthy dogs (31 who stayed on the diet):

• 70% developed shinier, healthier coats
• 47% had fewer bowel movements, suggesting improved digestion and nutrient absorption

Weight loss group: Of the dogs aiming to lose weight, 67% achieved their target.

Dogs with medical issues:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: 95% showed symptom improvement
• Skin disorders: 83% improved
• Both GI and skin issues: 100% improved

What It All Means for Your Dog

The results suggest that well-formulated homemade dog food can do more than simply meet a dog’s nutritional needs – they can actively support healing and improve overall wellbeing. Benefits observed included better coat condition, improved digestion, successful weight management, and significant symptom relief in dogs with gastrointestinal or skin problems.

However, there are some important caveats:

• This was an observational study, meaning the study relied on owner reports rather than laboratory measurements.
• All diets were professionally formulated. This is key, as research shows the vast majority of homemade dog food recipes are nutritionally incomplete when not designed by a qualified dog nutritionist.
• More objective testing (bloodwork, microbiome analysis, skin swabs) in future studies would help confirm these results.

Take-Home Message for Dog Owners

If you’re considering a homemade diet for your dog, it’s important to ensure it’s properly balanced. Meeting all of a dog’s essential nutrient needs can be complex and usually requires specialist knowledge of animal nutrition. Most recipes created without professional input miss the mark, which can mean deficiencies or excesses in key nutrients.

A well-formulated homemade diet can be life-changing, but the keyword here is well-formulated.

Final Thoughts

This study adds encouraging evidence that carefully balanced homemade dog food can play a valuable role in canine health, particularly for dogs with medical conditions. While more research is needed, the results support what I see every day in my own work: when balanced correctly, fresh, personalised diets can help dogs thrive!

About the author:

Kristina Johansen, PGCert, MSc Animal Nutrition (cand.), is a pet nutritionist with over 15 years of experience. She specialises in home-prepared dog diets that meet NRC guidelines. Learn more →