Home Food vs. Store-Bought Dog Food: Which Is Healthier?

Feeding your dog is one of the most important decisions you make as a pet parent. With the rise of pet nutrition awareness, many families wonder whether home-cooked meals or commercial store-bought dog food offer better nutrition. Both options have their own advantages—but the healthiest choice depends on balance, convenience, and your dog’s individual needs.

In this blog, we break down the key differences to help you make the right decision for your furry friend. 

What Is Home-Cooked Dog Food?

Home food refers to meals prepared at home using fresh, human-grade ingredients like rice, chicken, vegetables, eggs, and curd. Many pet parents feel that home cooking is natural, safe, and free of preservatives, which is why it’s popular in Indian households. 

Pros of Home-Cooked Food

·      Fresh and chemical-free

·      Great for dogs with food allergies

·      Highly palatable

·      Easy to digest with gentle ingredients

Cons of Home-Cooked Food

·      Often nutritionally unbalanced (deficiency in calcium, vitamins, essential fatty acids, taurine, etc.)

·      Difficult to measure correct calories

·      Time-consuming to cook daily

·      Needs expert guidance to ensure balanced nutrition

Most home-cooked diets fall short in complete and balanced nutrition unless prepared under a veterinarian’s or canine nutritionist’s supervision. 

What Is Store-Bought Dog Food?

Store-bought dog food includes dry kibble, wet food, and veterinary diets formulated by nutrition experts. These foods follow AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional guidelines to ensure every meal is balanced with protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

Pros of Store-Bought Dog Food

·      Complete & balanced nutrition in every serving

·      Convenient & consistent for everyday feeding

·      Scientifically formulated for growth, adult maintenance, and senior care

·      Specialized formulas (weight management, renal support, allergies, grain-free, hypoallergenic)

·      Long shelf life & storage-friendly 

Cons of Store-Bought Dog Food

·      Some dogs may be picky at first

·      Quality varies across brands (always choose trusted brands) 

Nutritional Comparison: Home Food vs. Store-Bought Dog Food

Verdict:

Home food is fresh but can be nutritionally incomplete. Store-bought dog food is scientifically balanced, convenient, and reliable. 

Which Is Healthier?

For everyday feeding:

Store-bought dry or wet dog food is healthier, as it provides complete and balanced nutrition your dog needs daily.

For occasional meals or treats:

Home-cooked recipes are a great option if used occasionally or along with supplements recommended by your vet. 

For dogs with medical conditions:

Prescription or special-diet commercial foods are safest.

Best approach?

A combination of both works beautifully for many pet parents:

    80% balanced dog food

·     20% safe, vet-approved home food 

Safe Home Foods You Can Mix With Store-Bought Dog Food

·   Boiled chicken

·   Eggs (scrambled or boiled)

·   Rice

·   Pumpkin

·   Carrots

·   Curd

·   Sweet potatoes

(Avoid salt, oil, masala, onions, garlic, and fried food.) 

Why Store-Bought Dog Food From City PET Is Trusted by Pet Parents

At City Pet, we offer:

·       100% genuine, fresh stock of top dog food brands

·       Large collection for puppies, adults & senior dogs

·       Special diets – grain-free, hypoallergenic, sensitive stomach

·       Fast delivery across India

·       Budget-friendly as well as premium options

·       Expert-backed nutritional guidance

Should You Switch From Home Food to Store-Bought Food?

Switch if your dog:

·   Has dull coat or low energy

·   Shows nutritional deficiencies

·   Has irregular stool or digestive issues

·   Needs balanced nutrition for growth

·   Is pregnant, nursing, or highly active

·   Has allergies or medical conditions

Most dogs benefit significantly from a complete and balanced commercial diet. 

FAQ – Home Food vs. Store-Bought Dog Food

1.      Is home food enough for dogs?

Not always. Home food often lacks essential nutrients unless professionally formulated. 

2.      Can I mix home food with kibble?

Yes, mixing is safe if done in moderation and without masala or spices. 

3.      Which is better for puppies?

Store-bought puppy food—because puppies need high protein, DHA, and balanced minerals. 

4.      Are preservatives in dog food harmful?

No. Premium dog foods use safe, approved preservatives to maintain freshness. 

5.      What if my dog doesn’t like dry food?

Try mixing with wet food, curd, or chicken, or switch to a different flavour/brand's gravy dog food.

Final Thoughts

Both options have their advantages, but for daily feeding, store-bought dog food offers consistency, safety, and complete nutrition—something home-cooked meals often lack. Home food can be a great occasional add-on, but your dog’s primary diet should be balanced, scientific, and specially formulated.

If you're looking for premium, genuine dog food, explore the complete range at City Pet—your trusted pet nutrition partner.