Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the nutrition of home-prepared and commercial diets in dogs. In order to do this, weighed food records, laboratory analysis of food samples, and serum analyses were completed. The home-prepared diets were compared to commercial pet foods and to recommendations set by AAFCO (the American Association of Feed Control Officials). Compared to AAFCO recommendations, it was found that both the home-prepared and commercial diets were energy dense, being high in kcal/g. Compared to commercial diets and AAFCO recommendations, the home-prepared diets were low in calcium and phosphorus, and Ca:P ratio. They were also low in the minerals potassium, copper, and zinc and the fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E. However, dietary essential fatty acid content was adequate. Home-prepared diets had higher saturated fat and lower polyunsaturated fat than samples of American commercial dog foods. Serum phospholipids of dogs on home-prepared diets were lower in 18:2n-6 and 20:4n-6 than dogs on American commercial diets. The dogs fed home-prepared diets had normal serum vitamin A, parathyroid hormone, chemistries and complete blood counts. There were significant differences between puppies and adults for many serum analytes, although most were within normal ranges.
Streiff, Erin Leigh (2001). A comparison of the nutrition of home-prepared and commercial diets for dogs. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2001 -THESIS -S746.