Science Backed Benefits of Home Cooking for your Dog

With the recent focus on wellness, eating fresh, and cutting down on preservatives and processed foods, many pet parents are now turning to home cooking as a healthier option for their dog’s diet. But is it really worth the effort? Read on to learn more about some of the science-backed benefits that come with home cooking your dog’s meals at home.

Well, you don’t need to take our word for it.  Many independent studies have shown that home cooking is the number thing you can do to improve your dog’s long-term health and longevity. 

Science-Backed Benefits of Home Cooking:

1. Helps Prevent Medical Conditions 

A fresh food diet, rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and high-quality human-grade proteins can safeguard your dog against a number of diseases. Independent Study on Feeding Fresh Food 

“The results support what human nutritionists have been advising for decades – stay clear of heavily processed foods, and eat wholesome, balanced meals that are prepared fresh from the highest quality ingredients available, are lightly cooked. This same advice appears to be true for our canine best friends.”

“nutritionally balanced diet made from real food is scientifically shown to increase white blood cells and blood proteins that could benefit immune health”

2. Increase your Dog’s Longevity

What do some of the world’s oldest living dogs have in common, a fresh food diet.  Multiple studies have shown the correlation between fresh food and a dog’s longevity.   Integrating as little as 20% of fresh food can make a big difference - as little as small pieces of fruit and vegetables each day rather than processed treats. 

 Scientific Study Linking 20% Increase in Longevity on Homemade Diet 

“It was a home-cooked diet, however, that had the greatest impact on life expectancy, adding as much as 32 months – almost 3 years – to a dog's life.” 

3. Improves Allergies & Alleviates Skin Issues 

While allergies are a common culprit, pet parents should consider the possibility of skin issues being caused by their dog’s food. Many processed and dry commercial dog foods contain large amounts of fillers and preservatives which can lead to itching, rashes or even dry coats in dogs - don't let your fur-friend suffer needlessly!

4. Improved Digestion 

Just as with humans, dogs benefit from eating whole foods that are rich in fiber and nutrients and free from preservatives. When you cook dog food at home, you can ensure that you are providing them with the best possible ingredients for optimal digestion. Some studies have even shown that feeding your dog a homemade diet can reduce gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

5. Natural Weight Control 

Obesity is a common problem among pets, but when you cook homemade meals, you have control over portion sizes and ingredients. This makes it easier to provide your pup with meals tailored to its specific needs and energy levels. You can also experiment with different proteins and carbohydrates to find the ideal combination for weight management.

6. Improved Mobility in Later Life 

Homemade diets typically contain fresher ingredients than processed store-bought kibble or canned food, which means they may be better able to support joint health in later life. Studies have found that dogs fed a homemade diet were less likely to suffer from arthritis than those who ate store-bought food.

7. Potential Cost Savings 

While preparing meals at home may cost more upfront than purchasing ready-made meals from the store, it could save you money in the long run if it prevents costly trips to the vet due to digestive problems or other health issues caused by poor nutrition. 

8. Overcoming Picky Eating 

Making homemade meals allows you to customize every meal according to your dog’s individual tastes and preferences. This can help picky eaters become more adventurous eaters since they will no longer be stuck eating the same dry kibble day after day. Plus, adding variety to your dog’s diet can help them stay interested in mealtime!

9. Customization to Your Dog's Specific Needs and Preferences 

Homemade diets offer flexibility when it comes to tailoring each meal specifically for your pup's nutritional needs and preferences. You can easily adjust portion sizes depending on how active they are or switch up recipes entirely if they start getting bored with one dish over time. This allows you to provide them with balanced meals without sacrificing flavor or fun!

10. Bonding Experience For Both You And Your Dog 

Preparing homemade meals together is not only beneficial for your pup's health but also provides an opportunity for bonding between both of you! Spending quality time together while developing new recipes or prepping meals will allow both of you to get creative in the kitchen while strengthening your bond outside of mealtimes too!

11. Enjoyment & Excitement Around Meal Time 

Feeding your pup restaurant-quality dishes made just for them is a sure way to get them excited about mealtime! Not only does this provide an opportunity for playtime before digging into their dishes but it also helps keep mealtime fun instead of mundane so that both of you look forward to dinner each night!

Cook From Home with our Mixed Veggie Meal Mix

We worked with leading veterinary nutritionists to develop Meal Mixes that deliver complete and balanced nutrition. They aid immunity and support gut, skin, and coat health — all while still tasting delicious.

Dog Child offers a wide variety of homemade dog food recipes that are simple, quick, and full of the essential nutrients your dog needs for a balanced diet.

We know that good nutrition is the backbone of your dog’s health. By providing your dog with whole ingredients — made better with love — you’re doing what you can to support their longevity.