A comparison of the nutritional adequacy of home-prepared and commercial diets for dogs.

Maintaining the health of dogs and cats by feeding wholesome nutritional diets is an important component of responsible pet ownership. Numerous improvements in companion animal nutrition have resulted in a wide array of foods providing complete and balanced nutrition. In spite of these developments, some pet owners prefer preparing food at home for their animals (1). Although owners generally have good intentions, some of them may lack the scientific knowledge or other resources to recognize important nutritional needs of their pets. Thus the potential for nutrient deficiencies, excesses and imbalances exists. This study was conducted to compare the nutritional adequacy of home-prepared diets in young and adult dogs using data gathered from a population of dogs and their owners in Vienna, Austria. Representative samples of home-prepared diets were analyzed and compared to commercial pet foods and to recommendations set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) (2).