sources for dog FOOD recipes

 

• Homemade dog food is doable but it must be complete & balanced or you risk deficiencies. Use a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a reputable recipe generator built by vet nutritionists (e.g., BalanceIT, UC-Davis). Tufts University+2UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine+2

• Vegetarian (and even vegan) diets for adult dogs can be done, but only if professionally formulated; evidence is mixed and quality varies—do it with a vet nutritionist and monitor closely. Not for puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs. Tufts University+2British Veterinary Association+2

---

The safest ways to get a balanced recipe

1. Get a custom recipe from a veterinary nutritionist (ACVN).
   They formulate to meet AAFCO/NRC nutrient requirements for your dog’s age/size/health and your ingredient prefs. (Tufts & UC Davis both do this.) UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine+1

2. Use BalanceIT (UC-Davis)
   Pick ingredients (e.g., turkey + rice + veggies or vegetarian options), it calculates exact amounts and the required supplement to make it complete. (Most OTC “multi-vitamins” are not enough.) balance.it+2balance.it+2

Why so strict? Studies show many DIY internet recipes are deficient (calcium, trace minerals, some amino acids, vitamins). Vet groups (WSAVA/Tufts) urge using vet-formulated plans. WSAVA+2WSAVA+2

---

Basic cook-method (works for omnivore or vegetarian recipes)

Use your nutritionist/BalanceIT recipe for the exact grams; then cook like this:

1. Proteins or plant protein base (e.g., lean meat/eggs or tofu/tempeh/legume mix) — cook fully.

2. Carb (rice/oats/potato/pasta) — cook to digestible softness.

3. Veg (finely chopped/cooked) — carrots, green beans, pumpkin, leafy greens per recipe.

4. Oils/fats per recipe (often fish oil or algal DHA for omegas; vegetarian diets almost always need a DHA/EPA plan).

5. Add the precise mineral/vitamin supplement (usually after cooling) in the amount the recipe specifies.

6. Portion by calories, store 2–3 days in the fridge, freeze the rest.
   (That supplement step is what makes it complete & balanced, per Tufts.) Tufts University

---

Can this be vegetarian?

• Yes, for many healthy adult dogs, with careful formulation and supplementation (e.g., adequate protein quality, sulfur amino acids, certain vitamins/minerals, omega-3s). Work with a nutritionist or BalanceIT to avoid gaps; plan routine vet checks (weight, body condition, bloodwork if advised). Tufts University

• Evidence caveat: Professional bodies note the research base is still limited/mixed; proceed only with a complete diet and monitoring. British Veterinary Association+1

---

What I can deliver next (fast)

• A couple of balanced sample recipes (omnivore and vegetarian) generated via BalanceIT for, say, a 50-lb adult, plus a shopping/prep checklist. balance.it

• A one-page feeding SOP for your program (intake transition, batch-cooking, storage, sanitation). (WSAVA templates help with tracking & calories.) WSAVA

Tell me your target dog size(s) (e.g., 15 lb, 50 lb, 80 lb), any allergies, and if you want omnivore, vegetarian, or both—I’ll generate balanced recipes and a printable kitchen workflow.