Holistic Dog Food – Homemade Diet
This will be enough food for one day for an average 25lb dog. A 50lb dog would get twice this amount and a 12lb dog would get half this amount. You can do the math for your dog’s weight.
Protein
You will need to feed 4 units of protein per day.
One unit of protein is equal to
2 oz meat or fish
1 medium egg
1/2 cup yogurt- note that 1/2 cup of yogurt counts as 1 unit of carbohydrate as well
1/3 cup cottage cheese- note that 1/2 cup of cottage cheese counts as 1 unit of carbohydrate as well
2 oz organ meat-you can feed up to one unit of organ meat several times a week if desired.
Carbohydrates
You will need to feed 4 units of carbohydrates per day
One unit of carbohydrate is equal to
1 cup vegetables such as-broccoli, brussel sprouts, greenbeans, peas, cabbage, spinich, squashes
1/2 cup fruits such as-melons, berries, bananas, tomatoes, apples. Also carrots at 1/2 cup.
1/4 cup cooked beans, lentils or chick peas
1/3 cup of grains such as-oatmeal or barley can be added if you wish. These are the best of the grains for a dog but note that grains in general are the least favorable type of carbohydrate for a dog. Try to limit this to one unit of the total amount fed per day if possible. You can also use whole wheat pasta or brown rice if needed.
Supplements
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tablespoon bone meal
multivitamin as directed for body weight
1 capsule of fish oil unless feeding an oily fish such as salmon
500mg vit C
400 iu vit E
Please note that this diet will not be adequate or appropriate for all dogs. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before begining this or any other new diet for your dog.
Hi,
I am concerned about the cruciferous vegetables mentioned above: 1 cup vegetables such as-broccoli, brussel sprouts, greenbeans, and cabbage.
I have learned/been informed that broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage should NOT be fed to dogs because they are known to cause large amounts of gas and can lead to bloat. Squashes and peas are okay because they do not cause gas. Please tell me what you know that would contradict this because I would like to know if the research I have found is incorrect; though I have to admit that it would make sense to avoid cruciferous gas producing vegetables.
These certainly are gas producing vegetables and for some dogs this is an issue- but is usually just an issue for the owners as the dog is passing gas. Some dogs do not have the problem at all. It is just like us with these foods- they affect some people much more than others.
That said, if you have a deep chested dog who would be prone to bloat, I would probably avoid these veggies all together- there are plenty more to choose from.
For all dogs, moderation seems to be key.
I love this site – it’s full of great info.
Just wondering – is there a particular multi-vitamin you can recommend for dogs and cats? (doesn’t have to be the same, just wondering for both species).
Thanks!
I honestly believe in a holistic approach and have vowed going forward I will feed my animals nothing but natural foods. Three years ago my 6 year old boxer was diagnosied with chronic kidney disease. Although, Sugar seemed to act ok, she was showing symptons (i.e. frequent urination, excessive thirst, urine leakage, vomiting, lack of excitement, loss of appetite etc…). We were told within the next few months, she would need to dialysis and she was given a maximum of 1 maybe 1 and 1/2 years to live. The doctor said only 20 percent of her kidneys were functioning. He stated, when her condition worsens (& it will be within the next month) you will start to see her health decline dramatically and the symptons would become more severe. I would not accept this prognosis and did extensive research regarding other remedies verses dialysis and medicines. We found a natural diet specifically designed for kidney disease. It has been over 3 years and you would never know she has this disease. She has done a complete 360. All the symptoms have disappeared (no excessive thirst, frequent urinations, frequent bed wetting, etc…) She is as happy, energetic and as hungry as she can ever be!!! Always wanting to eat & play! I never realized how a holistic diet and faith could lengthen her life. I plan to have her for many more years to come, but anything past the 1st year of her diagnosis continues to be a blessing.
Linda,
I generally recommend a whole food multivitamin for both cats and dogs. One such vitamin is the juice plus that you can find under the recommended products section of my website. You can click on the picture and order information will appear. You can find other whole food vitamins designed for dogs and cats as well- Missing Link, Nupro type supplements.
Keep working ,great job!
I have been researching a home-made diet for my corgis since one of them had surgery recently for struvites. They had been eating Dick VanPatten’s Nature’s Balance. I know there are factors other than diet that are key. However, diet is crucial and I can control it. Is the diet on this page a good one for UTI prevention? I noticed you recommended Missing Link. I have given my dogs this supplement on the recommendation of our daughter who is a vet. Is it okay to add this supplement to a homemade diet? Thanks for any advice you may be able to give me. The reason I am not taking these questions to my own vet is that she is a proponent of Hill’s Science Diet C/D for my dog. I do not want to feed my dogs that unless there is nothing else for them to eat.
Sandra,
What have you decided to do regarding a recipe for homemade food and adding Missing Link supplement? I am looking for an alternative to Hill’s CD because my dog just had surgery for struvite (triple phosphate) bladder stones. I had always made food for her and my other dog, so I hate to go to a “by-products” type food.
Thank you for your help.
I was wondering if you allow advertising on this site – because I’d be interested in talking to you!
My 12 year old Japanese Chin, Aidee, (7.5 lbs.) has just been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and the vet put on Vetmedin, Lasix and Benazapril (she does not have kidney problems). Unfortunately, we had to put her non-biological sister, Suki, to sleep in May because of the same illness that had progressed to the point where she coughed every breath and was miserable; I want to do everything possible to keep Aidee as healthy and happy for as long as I can. Although raised on dry kibble, she now refuses to eat that or canned dog food. I have decided to start her on a holistic diet, but don’t know enough to be sure she is getting the proper nutrients and food combinations. I’m also somewhat concerned about raw meats. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
With a dog with severe health problems, you will have some special dietary needs that will vary depending on the severity of your dog’s condition, the different ways that it is manifesting, what blood work is looking like, etc. The best idea is for you to contact a holistic practitioner in your area to get some specific advise for your pet. You do have to be careful with diet when the heart is involved.
Just want to know information on feeding my Cocker Spaniel and generally taking care of him. Thanks
Thank you for this wonderful site. I was wondering though if this diet would be okay for a senior Great Dane/Shepard mix diagnosed with moderate Thoracolumbar IVDD? Very surprising as she was still very active 3 months ago and never showed any syptoms or discomfort. Her appetite has went down the tubes in the last week and she has lost around 15 pounds over a 2 month period. Though I know it is better for her, at this point to be a little leaner, I would at least like to maintain her at her current weight. I don’t think it’s possible to regain any muscle in her rear area at this point. Horrible how fast she atrophied in her hips and legs. Am I wrong in thinking this can’t be reversed? We love her very much and want to make her as comfortable as possible. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks again!
So long as your dog’s organ function is good- no problems with liver or kidneys, heart etc it should be fine to feed. Be sure you are adding the supplements and check with your veterinarian to be sure that there is no underlying condition that could cause a problem.
Best of luck
My dog has just been diagnosed with UT issues, that, while not needing treatment at this time, require a special diet to help control the problem before it becomes MORE. Does anyone have a recipe to share? I am searching for a tried and true one, and am having problems finding a good one. My vet suggested the K-D food, but we have been making food for both our dogs for several years now, and I plan to continue to do so.
The vet says we need to feed Missy a diet low in protein and phosphorus…..a trusted friend tells me that I just need to make sure it is GOOD protein, because, as we all know, dogs need protein.
Thanks!
This is a case that I would recommend getting a diet formulated specifically for your pet. You are going to be best off having a veterinarian formulate a diet once they have looked at and considered bloodwork, clinical signs etc.
If you wish to have me do this for you, the cost would be $110 which would include a balanced diet recommnedation that I would formulate with the help of a nutritionist.
Dr Lord
My daschaund has ben diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis and he of course is the love of me and my wife..we have been feeding him newmans own organic beef but i’m not so sure that is best for him..he is very picky but we think we need to feed him homemade dog food, is there a special recipe for dogs w liver issues? thanks Randy
[...] Terry shares his experience with putting his dogs on raw diets. Check out Dr. Tracy Lord’s site for more information about homemade diets and suggested vitamin supplements. [...]
>2 oz meat or fish, 2 oz of organ meat
do you recommend feeding this cooked or raw?
Thank you!
My 14 yr old Jack Russell has had allergies since a small pup. He was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease a year ago and has had 2 subsequent pancreatitis attacks. What may work for allergies doesn’t work with the IBD. He really has characteristics of both hot and cold. He is constantly licking his feet and itching. I love the little guy and am a wreck as is my wallet in searching for relief for him. Do you have recommendations for diet and itch relief? I can’t tell you how greatful I’d be to find some relief for him. Hopeful!
Is the above recipe good for dogs with bladder issues, like infections and crystals in the urine. I would love to find a recipe that is a benefit, and this is a very rural area with no holistic vets in the area. Can anyone assist me. Please and Thanks.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your articles. You obviously know what you are talking about! Your site is so easy to navigate too, I’ve bookmarked it in my favourites
Hi Dr. Lord! We miss seeing you, and hope you are well. A few years ago you recommended Synovi G3 tablets for our dogs, and we have used them ever since. I just went online to order more, and read that this product recently failed FDA inspection, is no longer FDA approved, and will no longer be manufactured. Not sure what happened, but disappointed since this was a helpful product for us. I have no idea which direction to go now or what to substitute. I’d be so grateful for any recommendation or suggestion. Thank you!!!!
Hi,
I have a 5-year old neutered English Bull terrier who came down with hypothyroidism as a pup. Practitioners have also told me that he is weak in liver/spleen.
Anyway, how does the above diet look for him? Any suggestions? He has eaten raw and good kibble his whole life.
Hi Dr. Lord,
I have a 9 yr old dog; mixed husky breed (54 lb). Within the last year and a half, he has been diagnosed with Discoid Lupus (nose flare ups), Hypothyroidism, and Arthritis. He was put on Soloxine everyday for thyroid, and Prednisone whenever he has the lupus flare-ups. I will not keep him on Pred long term becasue of side effects. I have done tons of research on supplements and raw diets, vaccines, etc for my dog and discussed with my vet. He disagrees with the supplements and raw food diet and tells me to just stick with Hills precription kibble and his prescription medication. I don’t agree with this and would like to know what your opinion on a healthy raw diet for my dog would be, and also what supplements I should have him on. I’m interested in the wild alaskan sockeye salmon oil capsule because I’ve heard it has great benefits. Any advice or suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!
Dr. Lord,
I have a 7 year old Shih Tzu, Whitney, who recently had surgery for Struvite stones. My vet put Whitney on Hills c/d dry food; however, Whitney is allergic to the food. Whitney also has very bad allergies; food and environmental. I was hoping to find a good diet that would work for Struvite stones but would not care Whitney allergic reactions.
Thank you…
Lacey-
Every veterinarian has different beliefs when it comes to feeding as well as medication recommendations. With your dog’s multiple issues, I would recommend that you find a vet who is willing to work with you and your dog. There are many frozen raw foods out there that are very good and balanced. Look for a vet in your area who will support your efforts to better your pets health.
Good Luck
Dr Lord
Nancy-
The biggest thing with struvite stones is to find a diet that gives the dog an acid urine (pH less than 7). Many of the frozen raw diets are designed with a pH of 6.5-7 and will work well. Ultimately, you should have your vets support of your choices so that he or she can help you during your food transition and in follow ups to be sure that this food is doing what you want. Cooked diets can also be made to be appropriate in the case of struvite stones.
You can work with a nutritionist at balanceit.com for a fee to design a balanced diet for your dog.
My vet put me on Hills Prescription Diet w/d for my diabetic type 1 poodle x australian terrier. He’s 13 y/o very fit and healthy other than diabetes. He is very underweight at 7.5kg (16.5 pounds). Before diabetes he was 9.5kg.
I have taken him of Hills (I’m sure you know why) and home cooking. I decided 1 third meats, 1 third veg/fruit and 1 third grains/fiber.
There is no holistic vet in the state I live in in Australia and I spent months online searching for information.
Could you tell me if these ingredients are good for my diabetic dog?
Meat – Chicken, Beef, Lambs fry and lambs brain (only put brain in there because I want him to put on weight, there is not much brain in it tho)
Veg – sweet potato, pumpkin, green beans, beetroot, carrots, squash, dried cranberries, apples, broccoli and peas
Grains/fibre – brown rice, white rice, oat bran, rye bread, oats and wheat germ.
I was thinking of leaving the veggies and meat raw, but decided to lightly cook them to kill bacteria and release more vitamins etc.
Am I on the right track here? There is literally no one in driving distance to give me advice. All the vets push corporate sponsored diets which are aweful.
I would very very much appreciate your feedback on this diet for my diabetic dog. I have recorded my recipe so I can replicate it easily for consistency.
I hate being this annoying but can I also ask a little about suppliments? I have purchased these suppliments from health food stores for him
1.
Chromium Picolinate (for carbohydrate/fat metabolism and managing appetite demand)
2.
Folic Acid (so many benefits, mostly to maintaining and restoring a healthy gut) I know it is harmful to give your dog too much so I’m super cautious here.
3.
Cranberry tablets (for urinary tract health – my dog already picked up and has since been treated for urinary tract infection)
4.
Silybum Marianum aka milk thistle (to assist liver function and break down and eliminate toxins)
Again am I on the right track or just hurting my dog?
I also have no idea what qty of these supplements to give my 7.5kg dog.
I’m trying to figure out if I should put a teaspoon of cottage cheese into each meal along with half a boiled egg (he gets fed morning and night with insulin)
Any advice would be much appreciated. My vet just wants me to give him science diet, he hates it, I hate it and I don’t think the vet knows what a dirty scam it is.
Thank you so very very very much.
Joanna Easom
Our 13 year old St. Poodle has been diagnosed with IBD and possible Liver problems. She is on numerous meds. and continues to vomit most every nite or early morning. I would like to start making her meals, as she has started to turn down most all foods that her Dr. has prescribed. It is getting to be very costly and is very tiring trying out so many kinds of the food, only to have her turn her pretty nose up, after a day or two, and wants a change..her change is so limited too. I am at the end of my rope to say the least. what would you reccomend?
Thank you so much….Virginia
@ Josie
I just founded out my dog has Kindey disease. The Vet told us she has 25% of her Kindey left and that she might only have couple of month to a year left at most.
I am so glad to read that your dog is still doing well after 3 years. That gives me a lot of hope.
I was wondering what have you been doing with your dog? what do you feed your dog? is it homemade? if yes what is it?
please be detail I don’t mind reading if it can prolong my dog’s life
I hope you read this Josie.
Thanks
Dr. Lord,
How can I contact you regarding your diet consult mentioned in one of the above responses?
Thanks
Dr. Lord:
I’m in dire need of help, I’ve researched & spoke with my vet about my 2 dogs.
I have 2 Bostons, 1 is 3 and she appears to suffer from seasonal allergies, and licks her paws endlessly.
The other Boston is 4 and has experienced 3 seizures since Oct. that I “know” of. Any advice, vet put her on low dose of pheno & I thought her Wellness food w/fix, but not. I started last night on cooking their food, any help would be appreciate. Thanks.
Lisa- Unfortunately there is no way for me to give you specific recommendations for your dogs without having the chance to review case histories and do a thorough intake.
I do offer phone consults if you are interested but the fee is $135. It would generally take about one hour of time.
Thanks
Dr Lord
Dr. Lord,
Is it healthier to feed dogs quinoa rather than other grains as it is a complete protein?
I know it is extremely healthy for humans but have not heard much about it for dogs.
Thanks,
Jennifer
I, too, have a pit-bull who is the most tender animal I have ever owned. Quickly, a fresh dog breed will arrive together for the media to blast, as they have performed rotties and dobies in past many years. Unfortunate that media sensationalism breeds a lot inaccurate data.
Heaps of Great information in your post, I favorited your blog so I can visit again in the near future, All the Best
I have an 11 year old Golden Retriever that has been getting fatty tumers over the last several years. I had one taken off Jan 09 that was the size of a soft ball on her side. Now a year and a half later she has more. Another on her side and several little ones. On her chest and one on her Growen. I have always feed her dry dog food from the pet store and very little table scraps. Treats are milk bones and maro bones. She is on a vitamin for arthritis. She is alway licking her front legs and one rear leg plus sometime bottom of her feet. I thought maybe if I started cooking holistic food the fatty tumers would go away. I would love to avoid surgary again. It is so expensive. Can you please give me some much appreciated addvice? Thank you for your time.
Dr. Lord, is it okay to use brewers yeast to provide my dog with her necessary vitamin B intake? If not, can you tell me a good source of vitamin B for her? Thank you for your help.
I often recommend nutritional yeast as a good source for B vitamins
Wow great breakdown of everything your dog needs and where to get those nutrients. I’ll be sure to keep those foods in mind. It’s tough to transition from dog food diet to something like this though. Thanks for the information.
I read your blog just now.You blog is very useful to me.I bookmark your blog!:D
Hi Dr. Lord,
I was just curious about the multivitamin and 500mg vit C and 400 iu vit E recommendations. Is their a multivitamin that has adequate amounts of C and E or do they need to be separate supplements? I am new to this whole idea and a little confused. Thanks!!
I was told one a day multi vitamins and other human vitamins, but only some, were good too put in homemade dog food is this true and which ones because it is much cheaper. i love my dogs i just dont have the money too cook there food and buy vitamins too. what should i do.
Dr. Lord, Thanks for the helpful information about homemade diets. Emily, Scooter and I look forward to seeing you in Williamsburg on Thursday. Hope Scooter is behaving for you there. He is running around lately so I know he must be feeling pretty good. Emily is still suffering from summer heat. Glad to read the info on Yang and Yin. It seems from the descriptions that Emily is Yang (hot) and Scooter is Yin (cool).
I have a 6 yr old German Sheppard who was having problems with pain in his hips. With my vet’s approval, I slowly converted him to a more natural dog food and he has veggies everyday (sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, zucchini, and apples). He loves sweet potatoes but hates tomatoes and bananas. Anyway, in less than 1 1/2 months he is like a pup again. He is running and playing as he did as a 1 yr old. I highly recommend the holistic approach and I will continue to incorporate more holistic recipes into his diet.