Homemade Dog Food: A Balanced Starting Recipe

Home-cooked food is fine if it is balanced. The common failure is feeding rice and chicken for years and wondering why the coat is poor and the dog is stiff.

The rough framework

About 40% protein source (chicken, egg, paneer, fish), 30% carbohydrate (rice, oats), 30% vegetables (pumpkin, carrot, beans). Cook everything, no salt, no masala, no onion or garlic.

What is still missing

Calcium above all — meat is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, and the imbalance causes bone problems, especially in growing pups. You also need vitamin E, zinc and often omega-3.

Do not guess the supplement

Dose calcium by body weight with your vet's guidance. Too much is as harmful as too little in a growing large-breed dog.

Transition slowly

Move over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts into the old food.