How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

As a general rule, feed approximately 2-3% of your dog's body weight in cooked food daily. This is about 1 oz of food per pound of body weight. A 50-lb dog needs roughly 50 oz (3 lbs) of homemade food per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on weight changes.

What supplements do I need for homemade dog food?

Essential supplements include: calcium (eggshell powder — 1/2 tsp per pound of meat), a dog multivitamin/mineral complex, fish oil for omega-3s, and vitamin E. Without proper supplementation, homemade diets can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies over time.

What foods are toxic to dogs?

Never include: onions, garlic (in large amounts), grapes/raisins, chocolate, xylitol (artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts, avocado, raw yeast dough, alcohol, or cooked bones. Also avoid excessive salt, caffeine, and fatty trimmings that can cause pancreatitis.

Can I just feed my dog chicken and rice every day?

No. While chicken and rice is fine as a temporary bland diet for upset stomachs, it's not nutritionally complete for long-term feeding. It lacks essential vitamins, minerals (especially calcium), fatty acids, and micronutrients. A complete homemade diet requires variety and supplementation.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes & Guide

How to make nutritionally balanced homemade dog food. Recipes, portions by breed size, essential nutrients, and common mistakes to avoid.

~35 kcal/oz

Overview

Homemade dog food gives you complete control over ingredients and quality. Cooked from fresh, whole ingredients, it can be tailored to dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health needs. However, it requires careful formulation to ensure all nutritional requirements are met.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

✓Full control over ingredient quality and sourcing
✓No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers
✓Can be tailored to specific health needs or allergies
✓Cooked food eliminates raw diet bacterial concerns
✓Dogs often prefer the taste of fresh food
✓Know exactly what your dog is eating

Considerations

•Time-consuming to prepare in batches
•Risk of nutritional imbalances without expert guidance
•More expensive than commercial kibble
•Requires supplementation (calcium, vitamins, minerals)
•Shorter shelf life than commercial food
•Difficult to maintain consistency batch to batch

Best For

Dogs with multiple food allergies or sensitivities

Owners who enjoy cooking and meal prep

Dogs recovering from illness (under vet guidance)

Senior dogs needing customized nutrition

Feeding Tips

1Work with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate recipes
2Always include a calcium source (eggshell powder or bone meal)
3Use a multivitamin/mineral supplement designed for homemade diets
4Batch cook and freeze portions for convenience
5Rotate protein sources every few weeks for variety
6Include a mix of 50% protein, 25% vegetables, 25% grains or starch

Find Your Breed's Portions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer

The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.

Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.

These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.