Findings from the Dog Aging Project: home-prepared diets for companion dogs feature diverse ingredients, and few are nutritionally complete

Abstract

Objective To qualitatively describe the home-prepared diets of dogs enrolled within the Dog Aging Project cohort and to evaluate the overall potential for the diet to be complete when possible. Methods Free-text responses provided from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, by dog owners were evaluated by 2 independent coders to describe dietary ingredients in this observational study. Five independent coders input ingredients into a website for pet owners that was designed by veterinary nutritionists to determine the overall completeness of diets. Results Overall, 1,726 home-prepared diets were composed of a range of ingredients, which may include meat and organs, vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds, and added oils. The most common dietary ingredients were meat (90%) and vegetables (65%). Nearly half (45%) of owners added some form of commercially prepared diet or base/topper to supplement the home-prepared ingredients. Only 6% of these diets were potentially nutritionally complete according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials adult dog maintenance standards. Conclusions The composition of home-prepared diets varied substantially in terms of ingredients, and few are likely to be nutritionally complete. Clinical Relevance Veterinarians collecting diet history information should take care to fully examine the home-prepared diets reported by owners and use a variety of tools, including consultation with board-certified veterinary nutritionists (diplomate of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine–Nutrition), to assist owners in the selection of a maintenance diet.