What Is Customized Dog Food? Our Vet Explains How It Can Help Your Pup's Health
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View 4 More +You want what's best for your dog, and you've probably seen some home-delivery meal service-type companies for dog food. You might have even tried one (or three!) for your family, so why not for your furry family member? Can customized dog food keep your dog healthier than kibble? Customized dog food is specially made for your dog based on their individual needs rather than a predetermined recipe.
What Is Customized Dog Food?
Customized dog food considers your dog's signalment, which includes characteristics such as age and weight, as well as any health conditions. You don't just order these foods; you'll usually consult with a nutritionist to see precisely what formula is best for your dog.
When you order customized dog food, you must ensure it meets AAFCO feeding guidelines supporting complete and balanced diets. This feature is essential because a UC Davis study of 200 home-cooked diets showed that only 5% of the diets evaluated were balanced.1
Benefits of Customized Dog Food
In theory, customized dog food has a range of health benefits.
They can often be tailored to help with conditions like:
If your dog has multiple comorbidities or health issues, such as kidney disease and food allergies, a customized diet may be able to address each issue, whereas commercial pet food might not be able to.
Customized diets for our dogs have another significant benefit: they're often highly palatable. It's frustrating when we get the perfect food for our picky eaters, and they have no interest in it! Depending on the company, you can pick what proteins your dog likes the taste of.
If you get customized dog food, the amounts are pre-portioned. It's harder to overfeed your dog when all you have to do is open the package and dump it.
Disadvantages of Customized Dog Food
You'll need to do a little bit more legwork with customized dog food diets than going into the store and grabbing a bag. A good company will have you answer questions about your dog before providing you with the diet. You'll also want to verify that their foods meet AAFCO feeding guidelines.
Especially if you have a large dog or more than one dog, the number and size of packages can become overwhelming quickly. Depending on the company, the food might take up pantry space or fill your fridge.
You'll also be paying a premium for your customized diet. You're often shelling out several dollars for each serving.
Customized Dog Foods
Several companies offer customized dog foods.
Just Food for Dogs
Just Food for Dogs is quickly becoming popular among dog owners in the customized dog food space. It is even carried by some veterinary centers, such as the OC Veterinary Medical Center. This company has specific formulations that nutritionists can recommend, but it can also make special blends for pets that need them or provide a recipe for a DIY approach.
This company's common formulations are designed to meet AAFCO feeding guidelines. However, diets custom-made for your dog have not undergone feeding trials.
Other companies include:
If your dog needs a customized diet, you must ensure they gradually transition to the new diet. You'll usually start with 25% new and 75% old food. After a few days, go to 50:50 for both foods. You'll then feed 75% new and 25% old food after another few days. Finally, your dog will get all-new food. Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for the best course of action before attempting the food switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between personalized and customized dog foods?
Whether the food is customized or personalized, you will likely need to survey your dog's needs.
Personalized diets use your survey answers to pick one of the company’s formulas to send you. If you get a customized diet, it is specially made for your dog rather than from a predetermined recipe.
What's the difference between prescription diets and non-therapeutic or over-the-counter diets?
Prescription diets are specifically designed to treat certain conditions, such as:
- Obesity
- Kidney (renal) failure
- Brain health
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
The ratios of their protein, carbohydrates, and fat must be appropriate, as must certain minerals such as calcium.
Conclusion
Customized dog diets can be helpful because your dog may have multiple health issues that need to be addressed by their food. They can be expensive, but many people feel that these highly palatable foods are worth the expense.
See also:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Daria Lixovetckaym, Shutterstock
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Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian)
Dr. Samantha Devine is a practicing veterinarian who enjoys caring for animals and sharing her knowledge with pet owners. Preventative care, ranging from nutrition to vaccination, is her specialty and passion!
With over 12 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Devine has extensive knowledge to share about small animal medicine, horses, aquatic species, and even zoo animals. She has also been writing for online pet sites for most of that time.
