FAQ

What are the benefits of a homemade dog food diet?

There are so many! To name just a few:

  • Know exactly what ingredients your dog is getting: whole proteins, vegetables and grains. No more mystery meat, chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, additives and unnecessary ingredients.
  • Better quality! Food that is used to make dog food is not held to the same standard as human food to say the least! Kibble is generally made from recycled byproducts of production farming and extremely low quality. When you feed your dog human-grade food you will feel better about how you are caring for your dog, and your dog will thank you for it for years to come.  
  • Your pet will have more energy, better range of motion, and a shinier coat.
  • Improved digestion. Dogs who eat homemade food tend to have smaller and less smelly bowel movements.
  • The protein, micronutrients, and natural antioxidants found in high-quality, human-grade food also help fight ailments and illness resulting in fewer trips to the vet and the expense that goes with that.
  • Dogs who eat homemade tend to maintain a healthy weight which has been linked to at least 25% longer lifespan.
  • Cost effective: Many of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen so with a little effort your dog can have the healthiest diet possible. Also, leftover meat from trimming family meals can be incorporated into your recipe, saving money and trips to the supermarket.

Can I use the completer with a raw food diet? 

Yes, Top Dog meal completer can be used with a raw food diet. Simply prepare our raw food recipes and add the completer. You will notice that our recipes do not include bones, which you often have with raw food. We understand that giving your dog bones is a natural way in which to give your dog the calcium they need alongside their homemade food diet. The benefit of giving calcium through a supplement is knowing precisely how much they are getting. None of the recipes include bones since the calcium requirements set by AAFCO are met by the completer. It is still safe to give your dog the occasional bone to enjoy.

Can I feed homemade dog food to my puppy?

Yes! Our supplement is safe for puppies who have been fully weaned and are steadily eating solid food. Protein and calcium needs of puppies are highest immediately after weaning and steadily decline as they grow. Additional nutritional needs can be supported by the food you give them and adjusted as they get older. Talk with your vet regarding specific supplementation for your puppy. 

 

Do dogs need an omega 3 and 6 supplement added to their food? 

A balanced recipe using Top Dog Meal Completer will meet and exceed the omega fatty acids recommended by AFFCO for dog health. If your pet has specific health issues that call for special supplementation, follow your veterinarian's specifications. 

We believe your dog should get as much of their nutrition through whole, healthy foods as much as possible with out adding things they don't need. Top Dog Meal Completer supports the food you give your dog for the best diet possible. With our balanced recipes your dog will get all the nutrition they need.

 

Is homemade food as nutritionally complete as kibble?

Yes. By using a variety of proteins, vegetables, grain, organ meat and Top Dog Meal Completer your dog will get everything they need from their food, without the industrial chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, and mystery meat found in kibble.

 

Is preparing homemade food time consuming?

While making your dog's food does take some time and effort on your part, it pales in comparison to the many benefits your dog will get from homemade food. There are so many ways to efficiently prepare and cook your food you will wish you had started sooner. Cook top, instant-pot and slow cooker recipes are provided on this site to help you keep it simple and efficient. 

 

Is making my own dog food cheaper than kibble?

If you buy the cheapest dry, generic kibble available in bulk there is no way homemade food can compete in price. However, if you buy higher quality kibble, canned food, or ready-made delivered food, you might be surprised to find that making it yourself can save you money. When you do your regular grocery shopping keep an eye out for sales on meat and vegetables that will work well in a dog food recipe. You can also save and use lean trimmings from family meals to incorporate in your gourmet dog food.

Smart food prep, combined with reduced trips to the vet, make home made dog food a cost-effective alternative to processed kibble. Watching your dog enjoy the food you lovingly prepared is priceless.

 

Doesn’t my dog need kibble to keep their teeth healthy and clean?

This is a myth. In a similar way that eating crunchy food doesn't clean our teeth, kibble sticks to a dog's teeth like any food does. One of the best ways to ensure healthy bones and teeth is to include enough high-quality calcium in your dogs diet as well as regular teeth brushing. Most home made diets are lacking in calcium, however, Top Dog Meal Completer contains the optimal amount of calcium for dog health. This will go a long way in improving your pup's dental hygiene.  

 

What if my dog won’t eat the food I made?

If you have made the switch to homemade food slowly and your dog does not eat their food within 15-20 minutes, refrigerate it and try again at a later feeding time. Some dogs do not like change and may protest eating for a day.

If your dog is not eating at meal time you may be feeding your dog too soon. Homemade food tends to be more filling than kibble due to its rich nutrient and high protein content. You may need to adjust your feeding schedule to accommodate these changes. Try hand feeding or adding a small treat to the bowl that they enjoy like yogurt or pureed pumpkin. Occasionally try to cook your dog food about an hour before your dog usually eats. Sometimes the smells and cooking process can trigger your dogs need to eat and they will be ready to go when the food is cooked and cooled.

Like all things that are worth the wait ... try to be patient. Changing your dog's food can be a big adjustment and may take some time for both of you to get used to. Also, if you feed one recipe too frequently your dog might get bored and not gobble it down. Variety is the spice of life even for dogs! Praise your dog by giving a verbal mark for eating their food so they know they did a good job. Consider keeping a food journal of all the ingredients you are offering in your food so you can better tell where to make changes. 

 

How much food do I feed my dog?

Dog caloric intake varies wildly from dog to dog depending on activity level, age, metabolism, breed, gender, reproductive status, if it is spayed/neutered and ideal weight. A good approach is to "feed and watch". If they are gaining weight feed less. If they are losing weight feed more. No one knows your dog as well as you do, but always talk to your vet if you have concerns. Further, your dog will need different amounts of food as time passes. Learning to observe their needs will help you both in the long run. Our general feeding guidelines are as follows:

Dog weight in pounds

Cups of food per day

5-20

1.5 to 2

20-50

2 to 3.75

50-70

3.75 to 4.75

70-100

4.75 to 6

 

My dog has a sensitive stomach. Can I make one recipe and repeat it?

For your dog's diet to be healthy and balanced it is optimal to rotate proteins and vegetables. If consistently fed the same food, some dogs may develop an intolerance to common ingredients. Dogs who have adverse reactions and can't eat certain foods still have many options for sensitive stomachs without limiting them to one recipe. Talk to your vet about the best option for your dog.


Do I need to have grain in my dog food?

No. Many dogs have an adverse reaction to grain so a grain free diet is still compatible with the completer. Please visit the "grain free" section under the recipe tab at the top of the page. 


Can I add Top Dog Meal Completer to my dry kibble or canned dog food?

No. Our meal completer should only be added to homemade food using the the recipes provided on this website.


When will my order arrive?

After placing your order request you will get an email confirmation with an estimated shipping date and a USPS tracking number. All orders ship via the US Postal Service and are expected to reach their U.S. destination within 5 business days. Due to staff shortages, there have been recent shipping delays with orders taking an additional 1-2 days. If you need to expedite your order, please contact us (info@nutrition.dog) and we will give you other shipping options and rates.