Best Homemade Food for Dogs in Indian Homes

One of the most common questions we receive at The Dogfather – A Pet Hostel is:

“What is the best food we can prepare at home for our dogs that is nutritious, safe, and easy to digest?” The answer is simple — home-cooked meals. But the key is understanding nutrition, portion balance, and frequency.

Why Homemade Food is Good for Dogs

• Better digestion
• Improved coat quality
• Higher energy levels
• Fewer allergies

Best Homemade Food for Puppies

Puppies need high protein, calcium, and easily digestible food 3–4 small meals per day for proper growth.

• Boiled chicken (boneless)
• Soft rice or mashed roti (roti occasionally)
• Pumpkin (great for digestion)
• Curd (in small quantity)
• Eggs (well cooked)

Best Homemade Food for Adult Dogs

Adult dogs require a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fiber. Ideal Meal Combination is 40% protein (chicken, eggs, paneer occasionally), 40% carbs (rice, roti) and 20% vegetables (carrot, beans, pumpkin). Feeding frequency should be 2 meals per day.

Example Meal: Boiled chicken + rice + vegetables + little oil like fish oil, salmon oil, hempseed oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil (for coat health)

Foods That Improve Digestion

Good digestion is the foundation of your dog’s health.

• Pumpkin (natural digestive support)
• Curd (probiotic)
• Boiled vegetables
• Rice (light and easy on stomach)

Avoid:
❌ Spicy food
❌ Oily leftovers
❌ Excess salt or sugar

Packaged Food: How Often Should You Give?

Packaged food (kibble) is convenient but should be used wisely.

• Use packaged food occasionally or in combination with home food
• Not necessary for every meal
• Choose high-quality brands only

👉 Ideal approach:
70–80% home food + 20–30% packaged food.

This ensures both:
✔ Nutrition
✔ Convenience

Common Mistakes Pet Parents Make

• Feeding only packaged food
• Giving spicy human food
• Overfeeding treats
• Ignoring portion control
• Sudden diet changes

These can lead to digestive issues, allergies, and behavioral changes.

Our Experience at The Dogfather Hostel- A Pet Hostel

We care for dogs from different backgrounds — rescued, adopted, and raised pets. One thing we’ve consistently observed is:

👉 Dogs thrive on simple, balanced, home-style food
👉 They don’t need fancy meals — they need consistent nutrition and care

Every dog is different, and understanding their body and behavior is key.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog is not just about filling their bowl — it’s about nourishing their life. A balanced homemade diet, combined with occasional packaged food and controlled treats, ensures your dog stays healthy, active, and happy. At The Dogfather, we follow the same philosophy —because every dog deserves food that feels like home.