A balanced cooked-diet ratio (template)
Use this as a starting framework — your vet nutritionist sets the exact amounts and supplements:
| Component | Approx. share | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lean protein | ~50% | Cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, eggs |
| Vegetables (+ a little fruit) | 25–35% | Carrot, green beans, peas, pumpkin, spinach, blueberries |
| Cooked carbohydrate | 15–25% | Rice, oats, sweet potato, quinoa |
| Supplements | as directed | Calcium source, omega-3, vitamin/mineral mix |
Always cook ingredients plainly (no onion, garlic, salt, or sauces) and avoid toxic foods. Check individual foods with our food safety checker.
The one rule that matters most
Homemade food can be excellent — but only if it's complete and balanced. Studies have found the large majority of homemade recipes online are missing essential nutrients (especially calcium and certain vitamins and minerals), which causes serious problems over time. Have your recipe formulated or checked by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a vetted service (such as BalanceIT or PetDiets). It's a small one-time cost for a diet that won't quietly harm your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Is homemade better than kibble?
Not automatically. A complete-and-balanced commercial food beats an unbalanced homemade one. Well-formulated fresh food can be great — the key word is "well-formulated."
Can I just add a multivitamin?
A generic human multivitamin won't correctly balance a dog's diet (calcium-to-phosphorus ratio especially). Use a supplement plan designed for your specific recipe by a nutritionist.
How do I switch my dog to homemade food?
Transition over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food in, and watch stool and energy. Get the recipe balanced first.
Related: dog food (kibble) calculator · raw food calculator · is my dog overweight?