Study Finds Majority of Homemade Dog Food Recipes Lack Proper Nutrition

Veterinarians warn that homemade dog food can put pets' health at risk if not properly formulated.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A new study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that the number of dog owners making their own homemade meals for their pets has increased by 400% over the past 12 years. However, the research also showed that the overwhelming majority of these homemade dog food recipes, around 94%, are not nutritionally complete and can put dogs' health at risk if fed long-term.

Why it matters

As more pet owners turn to homemade dog food, often out of a desire to provide healthier and more natural meals, veterinarians are concerned that the lack of proper nutritional balance in many of these recipes could lead to serious health issues for dogs, including bone fractures, seizures, and heart failure.

The details

The study by the American Veterinary Medical Association looked at 1,700 dog owners who cook their pets' food and found that only 6% were making meals that were nutritionally complete. The most common mistake was only including ground meat and rice, which do not have enough vitamin D and calcium on their own. Veterinarians say the right protein to use is organ meat, not just muscle meat, and it's crucial to get enough calcium, bone nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and oils.

  • The study looked at data over the past 12 years.
  • The number of dog owners making homemade food has increased by 400% during this time period.

The players

American Veterinary Medical Association

The national organization representing veterinarians in the United States.

Dr. Donna Kelleher

A veterinarian who has seen an increase in health issues related to improperly formulated homemade dog food.

Mary Wu

The owner of an 8-pound Yorkie named Coby, who makes her pet's meals at home.

Just Food for Dogs

A company that focuses on providing balanced, nutritious homemade dog food recipes and meals, with the help of nutritionists.

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What they’re saying

“It's like, no, you can't feed those diets long term.”

— Dr. Donna Kelleher, Veterinarian (wsbtv.com)

“They can break bones, they can have fractures, they can die acutely from seizures and heart failure because they have no calcium, no magnesium.”

— Dr. Donna Kelleher, Veterinarian (wsbtv.com)

“All the patients that I've ever had in their 20s are all on homemade food.”

— Dr. Donna Kelleher, Veterinarian (wsbtv.com)

“A lot of people don't realize that the food they're giving their dog is balanced for them, and not their dog.”

— Just Food for Dogs (wsbtv.com)

“I'll add a little bit of turmeric.”

— Mary Wu, Dog Owner (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

Veterinarians recommend that pet owners consult with a veterinary nutritionist or use pre-formulated homemade dog food recipes from reputable sources to ensure their pets are getting a balanced and complete diet.

The takeaway

As the trend of homemade dog food continues to grow, this study highlights the importance of proper nutritional knowledge and planning to avoid potential health risks for dogs. While homemade food can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to meet all of a dog's dietary needs.