Complete Nutrition Guide

Understand what nutrients your dog needs, what homemade food provides, and which supplements are essential.

Important: Homemade Food Alone is NOT Complete

While our recipes provide excellent protein, fats, and many vitamins, homemade food without supplements is nutritionally incomplete for long-term feeding.

Solution: Use a complete vitamin/mineral supplement designed for homemade dog food diets (see recommendations below).

Macronutrients (from food)

Protein

Minimum: 18% for adults, 22% for puppies

Builds muscle, repairs tissue, supports immune system.

Our recipes provide: 25-40% protein

Fat

Minimum: 5% for adults, 8% for puppies

Energy, coat health, brain function, vitamin absorption.

Our recipes provide: 10-20% fat

Carbohydrates

No minimum required but provides energy

Fiber for gut health, sustained energy release.

Our recipes provide: 20-40% carbs

Minerals (often need supplementation)

Mineral Function Homemade Status Supplement?
Calcium Bones, teeth, muscle function Usually LOW YES - Critical
Phosphorus Bones, energy metabolism Often adequate Usually with calcium
Zinc Skin, coat, immune system Often LOW YES - Important
Iron Oxygen transport, energy Good from red meat Usually not needed
Manganese Bone formation, metabolism Usually LOW YES
Iodine Thyroid function OK if using kelp If no kelp/seaweed

Essential Supplements (Must Have)

1. Calcium Supplement

Options: Bone meal powder, eggshell powder (finely ground), or calcium carbonate

Dosage: ~1000mg calcium per 500g of boneless meat fed
Quick guide: 1/2 tsp bone meal OR 1/2 tsp eggshell powder per 250g meat

2. Fish Oil (Omega-3)

Options: Salmon oil, sardine oil, or fish body oil (NOT cod liver oil)

Dosage: 1000mg EPA+DHA combined per 10kg body weight
Quick guide: 1 tsp fish oil per 10kg dog

3. Complete Vitamin/Mineral Premix

Covers zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, vitamin D, E, and other trace nutrients that are nearly impossible to balance from food alone.

Recommended brands:
• Balance IT - Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• Hilary's Blend - Comprehensive formula
• Just Food For Dogs DIY Nutrient Blend

Nutrition by Life Stage

🐶

Puppies

  • Protein: 22-32%
  • DHA for brain development
  • Controlled calcium for large breeds
  • Feed 3-4 meals daily
🐕

Adults

  • Protein: 18-25%
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Feed 2 meals daily
  • Adjust for activity level
🧓

Seniors

  • Protein: 25-30%
  • Glucosamine for joints
  • Easy to digest foods
  • Watch for weight gain
🤰

Pregnant/Nursing

  • Calories: 25-50% more
  • Nursing: up to 3x intake
  • Extra calcium critical
  • Multiple small meals

Daily Nutrition Calculator

Calculate Your Dog's Requirements

Your Dog's Daily Requirements

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Fish Oil

Daily Supplement Checklist