Understanding the 80/20 Rule for Dog Food
The
80/20 rule for dog food is a practical feeding approach that combines commercial dog food with homemade meals. This concept is growing in popularity among pet owners seeking to enhance their dogs' diets without relinquishing the convenience of conventional pet food.
What Does the 80/20 Rule Mean?
Essentially, the 80/20 rule suggests that dog owners feed their pets:
- 80% commercial dog food (primarily kibble)
- 20% homemade food prepared with safe, nutrient-rich ingredients
This ratio makes it easy to incorporate fresh, natural foods into your dog’s diet while still benefitting from the reliability and nutritional completeness of store-bought, veterinarian-formulated pet food.
Why Follow the 80/20 Rule?
The benefits of this feeding method include:
- Improved nutritional variety — Homemade food can bring in ingredients not found in kibble.
- Better palatability — Dogs may find meals containing fresh food more appetizing.
- Easier digestion — Homemade ingredients often digest more smoothly.
- Controlled ingredients — Homemade food lets you avoid allergens or additives.
Safe Homemade Additions
When customizing the 20% homemade portion of your dog's diet, it's important to stick to safe, veterinarian-approved ingredients. Here are common components used in recipes from the source:
- Boiled or cooked chicken, turkey, or ground beef
- Brown or white rice
- Vegetables like carrots, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower (avoid garlic and onions)
- Fruits such as peeled and seeded apples
- Optional additions such as omega oils or eggshell powder for nutrients
Recipes that Support the 80/20 Rule
Several homemade dog food recipes align with the 80/20 concept. Here are a few examples from veterinarian-reviewed sources:
Lucky and Rippy's Chicken and Rice Recipe:
- Chicken, rice, and vegetables
- Simple stovetop preparation
- Can be frozen for convenience
Homemade Ground Turkey Dog Food:
- Ground turkey, brown rice, rosemary, and a vegetable mix
- Cooked in one pot in under 30 minutes
Ultimate Chicken & Rice Meal:
- Chicken thighs, liver, gizzards, rice, and fresh vegetables
- Includes a dog-specific nutrient blend for balance
- Lasts several days refrigerated or months when frozen
Implementing the 80/20 Rule at Home
To successfully use this feeding method:
- Calculate the total daily food needs for your dog based on size, weight, and energy level.
- Make 80% of that requirement a high-quality kibble or commercial diet approved by your veterinarian.
- Prepare the remaining 20% using safe, balanced homemade recipes.
- Gradually introduce changes to prevent digestive upset.
- Monitor your dog's health and appetite and adjust as needed.
Important Considerations
Dog owners should consider the following:
- Consult your vet before significant dietary changes.
- Ensure homemade food is balanced with enough protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients.
- Avoid harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, chocolate, or apple seeds.
- Portion sizes vary—some large breeds may eat 2 cups twice daily, as noted by recipe reviewers.
Conclusion
The 80/20 rule for dog food offers a balanced, flexible approach to feeding your dog. By mixing commercial and homemade food, you can provide both complete nutrition and nutritious variety. With careful preparation and veterinarian guidance, this method supports your dog’s health and happiness.
