https://carniwel.com
Cooking for a dog feels as rewarding as it is comforting. You chop vegetables, boil chicken, and the entire routine of it feels more personal than just opening a packet. But as warm as that thought is, dogs don’t eat the way we do. Their meals need a structure that keeps the bowl nutritious every single day.
Once you understand what makes homemade dog food in India balanced and safe, preparing it becomes much easier.
What to Feed Dogs at Home?
Dogs require certain nutrients in the right amounts. A meal that feels complete to us may still miss key vitamins or minerals for them. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) notes that dogs require balanced levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth and organ function.
A balanced home diet for dogs generally contains:
- Clean protein
- Carbohydrates
- Calcium source
- Fat (a small amount)
- Fibre
A bowl of food with these components supports digestion, energy, and long-term health.
How to Choose the Right Proteins?
Protein is the backbone of a vet-approved balanced home diet for dogs. Here are a few everyday protein options that you can feed your dog safely:
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Lamb
- Cooked and deboned fish (tuna, sardine, mackerel)
These healthy ingredients for dogs are easy on the stomach and supply the amino acids they depend on.
How much protein should you add?
Protein should make up about 25-30% of a dog’s meal. Carniwel Dog Food is crafted with crude protein levels in this range, suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion or those who need steady energy through the day.
Which Vegetables Can Dogs Have?
Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and soft cooking makes them easier to digest. Here are a few vegetables that usually work well for proper dog nutrition in India:
- Pumpkin: Known to help with digestion and stool quality.
- Carrot: A light source of fibre and a simple chew with a crunch factor that most dogs enjoy.
- Spinach: Brings small amounts of iron and mild antioxidants when cooked softly.
- Peas: Add some plant protein for steady energy throughout the day.
- Sweet potato: Provides slow, gentle carbohydrates and stays easy on the stomach.
- Green beans: Low in calories and useful when you want to add light fibre.
Keep these vegetables plain, without salt, masala, or oil. Some vegetables should be left out altogether, as highlighted in the Merck Veterinary Manual:
- Onion: Can affect red blood cells and may cause anaemia.
- Garlic: Can injure red blood cells in dogs, so even small amounts are not safe.
- Tomato: Parts of the tomato plant, such as the leaves, may irritate the stomach and should be kept out of the bowl.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are tricky to judge, and some kinds are toxic, which is why they are best avoided for dogs.
What Carbohydrates and Healthy Fats Do Dogs Need?
Carbohydrates give dogs energy, but the kind you choose matters. Here are a few foods with carbohydrates that work well in homemade dog food:
- Rice: Soft on the stomach and useful during digestive upsets.
- Oats: Provide slow-release energy and a bit of fibre.
- Boiled potato: Gives quick, gentle carbs most dogs handle easily.
- Ragi: Gives a little extra calcium and fibre, but works best in small portions.
- Quinoa: It’s light, easy to digest, and adds plant-based protein to the meal.
How to Add Calcium Safely?
Calcium and protein for dogs must stay balanced to maintain bone strength. Here are a few calcium sources that work:
- Plain curd
- Paneer (small amounts)
- Eggshell powder (only if your vet approves)
Avoid bones unless your vet explicitly recommends them.
What Ingredients Should You Never Use?
Even tiny quantities of certain foods can be unsafe. Here’s a list of toxic foods for dogs that Indian pet parents must avoid:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot break down and can affect the heart and nervous system.
- Grapes or raisins: Even small amounts can affect kidney function in some dogs.
- Avocado: Parts of the fruit contain persin, which may upset the stomach.
- Xylitol: This sweetener can drop a dog’s blood sugar very quickly and strain the liver.
- Alcohol or caffeine: Both can overstimulate the body and cause shaking.
- Spices, masala, and fried food: These ingredients generally include salt, onion, garlic, or heavy oils that dogs struggle to digest.
As a general thumb rule, if you are unsure about an ingredient, keep it aside.
How to Keep Homemade Meals Balanced?
Many people prepare homemade dog food in India with good intentions, but unknowingly miss essential vitamins or minerals. Dogs fed only rice and chicken, for example, often lack omega-3 fats and key micronutrients. Here are a few tips to improve your dog’s nutrition in India:
- Rotate proteins across the week
- Add one vegetable at a time
- Keep fat moderate
- Add calcium regularly
- Avoid seasoning
- Watch stool quality and overall energy.
If you want a custom plan, a veterinary nutritionist can chart out a balanced home diet that suits your dog’s age and lifestyle. Also, check out this featured post on Can Dogs Really Taste Their Food? to understand how your furry friend really tastes the food.
Feeding Healthier with Carniwel
Home-cooked dog food recipes are a great way to calculate what went into the meal. But cooking every day takes time, and it can be tough to keep meals consistent when schedules get busy. When planning homemade bowls starts to feel complicated, a good commercial diet can make things easier while still keeping your dog well-nourished.
Carniwel’s Dog Food range offers several options built on clean proteins and gentle human-grade ingredients, including Fresh Lamb, Fresh Chicken, and Veg Super Foods recipes suited for daily feeding. These meals support digestion, skin health, and steady energy without adding extra work to your routine.
FAQs
- What should I feed dogs at home if I want something simple?
A basic homemade meal can work well when it has a clear structure. Begin with a cooked protein, whether it’s chicken, fish, or lamb. Add a mild vegetable like pumpkin or beans, mix in a small amount of rice or oats, and complete the bowl with a calcium addition.
- Is home-cooked dog food healthier than kibble?
It can be, but only when the nutrients are balanced. Dogs need the right amount of protein, fats, calcium, and trace minerals each day. When any one of these is missing for long periods, health issues can develop slowly.
- Which oils are safe for cooking?
A small spoon of ghee or a little fish oil works for most dogs, as both support skin and coat health. Keep the amounts light and avoid strong or heavy cooking oils, since they can upset digestion.
- How do I know if my dog’s meal needs adjustment?
Your dog’s body usually gives you clues. A dull coat, loose stools, or low energy may suggest a nutritional gap or an ingredient that does not suit them. If the signs keep showing up, it is better to review the recipe with your vet before making changes.
- Can puppies eat home-cooked meals?
Puppies grow quickly and need very specific nutrient ratios. A homemade recipe can work only when it vet-approved dog diet in India. For most families, a balanced commercial Puppy Food is the safer choice until the pup is older.