Adjustments When Feeding a Cooked Diet
Feeding a home-prepared, cooked diet is a viable alternative to raw feeding. It can provide similar health benefits when properly balanced and adjusted for the nutritional changes that occur during cooking. However, the cooking process alters several nutritional components, and understanding these changes is essential to maintain dietary adequacy.
Below are key considerations and necessary adjustments when transitioning to, or formulating, a cooked whole food diet for dogs.
1. Loss of Natural Enzymes
Cooking denatures the naturally occurring enzymes in raw meat and plant materials. These enzymes aid digestion and nutrient absorption. While dogs produce their own digestive enzymes, some individuals—especially those with compromised pancreatic function or gastrointestinal conditions—may benefit from the addition of a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement.
2. Reduction in Microbial Exposure
Raw diets maintain any probiotic content, whilst cooking removes most microbial content. To support the gastrointestinal microbiota, consider adding a probiotic supplement approximately 30 minutes before the meal. This can assist with digestive regulation, stool quality, and immune support, particularly during the transition phase or in sensitive dogs.
3. Fat Oxidation During Cooking
Heating fats initiates oxidative reactions, particularly in unsaturated fatty acids. This produces secondary lipid oxidation products such as aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols. These compounds can enhance flavor but, in excess, may contribute to oxidative stress or systemic inflammation. To minimise lipid oxidation:
Use low-fat meat cuts.
Cook at lower temperatures.
Avoid prolonged high-heat methods (e.g., frying).
Add supplemental fats (e.g., fish oil, hemp seed oil) after cooking and cooling.
These practices help preserve essential fatty acids and reduce the formation of potentially harmful compounds.
4. Calcium and Bone Alternatives
Whole raw bones, which are commonly used in raw diets for calcium and phosphorus, cannot be safely fed when cooked due to the risk of splintering. If feeding a fully cooked diet:
Replace bones with bone meal (specifically formulated for canine use).
Alternatively, finely ground eggshells (calcium carbonate) can be used as a calcium source. However, calcium carbonate may buffer stomach acid, potentially reducing digestive efficiency—particularly for protein and mineral digestion. This is less relevant when bones are excluded entirely.
In addition, cooked diets lack the mechanical chewing and mental stimulation that raw bones provide. Offer safe, non-edible chew items or raw meaty bones at separate mealtimes (if feeding a partial-raw diet) to support dental health and behavioural enrichment.
5. Combining Raw and Cooked Elements
Some guardians choose to feed a hybrid diet that includes both raw and cooked components. In these cases:
Raw meaty bones must remain raw to avoid splintering risks.
Feeding bones separately from cooked meals—such as at a different time of day—may aid digestion, especially in dogs with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
Care must be taken to ensure total nutritional adequacy when combining raw and cooked ingredients, as partial diets often miss key micronutrients if not formulated with a full daily balance in mind.
6. Adjustments to Food Ratios
Water is lost during cooking, which reduces the weight of the meal without significantly altering its caloric content. Feeding guidelines based on raw food ratios (e.g., 80/10/10) may need adjustment when using cooked ingredients to prevent overfeeding and unwanted weight gain. Monitor body condition and energy levels regularly and adjust portion sizes as needed.
7. Professional Formulation Support
Cooked diets require precision in balancing macro- and micronutrients. Errors in calcium-phosphorus ratio, essential fatty acids, or trace minerals can lead to health complications over time. Consultation with a qualified canine nutritionist or veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition is strongly advised.
Professionals can assist with:
NRC- or FEDIAF-based formulation.
Supplement selection and dosing.
Adjustments for age, breed, activity, and health status.
Periodic reviews as the dog ages or develops new needs.
Conclusion
Feeding a home-prepared cooked diet is an effective way to provide whole food nutrition to dogs. By accounting for the changes introduced during cooking and making the appropriate adjustments, guardians can ensure their dogs receive balanced, safe, and biologically appropriate nutrition.