What Is Customized Dog Food? Our Vet Explains How It Can Help Your Pup’s Health

If your dog has multiple comorbidities or health issues, such as kidney disease and food allergies, a customized diet may be able to address each issue, whereas commercial pet food might not be able to.

Customized diets for our dogs have another significant benefit: they’re often highly palatable. It’s frustrating when we get the perfect food for our picky eaters, and they have no interest in it! Depending on the company, you can pick what proteins your dog likes the taste of.

If you get customized dog food, the amounts are pre-portioned. It’s harder to overfeed your dog when all you have to do is open the package and dump it.

Disadvantages of Customized Dog Food

You’ll need to do a little bit more legwork with customized dog food diets than going into the store and grabbing a bag. A good company will have you answer questions about your dog before providing you with the diet. You’ll also want to verify that their foods meet AAFCO feeding guidelines.

Especially if you have a large dog or more than one dog, the number and size of packages can become overwhelming quickly. Depending on the company, the food might take up pantry space or fill your fridge.

You’ll also be paying a premium for your customized diet. You’re often shelling out several dollars for each serving.

Customized Dog Foods

Several companies offer customized dog foods.

Just Food for Dogs

Just Food for Dogs is quickly becoming popular among dog owners in the customized dog food space. It is even carried by some veterinary centers, such as the OC Veterinary Medical Center. This company has specific formulations that nutritionists can recommend, but it can also make special blends for pets that need them or provide a recipe for a DIY approach.

This company’s common formulations are designed to meet AAFCO feeding guidelines. However, diets custom-made for your dog have not undergone feeding trials.

Other companies include:

If your dog needs a customized diet, you must ensure they gradually transition to the new diet. You’ll usually start with 25% new and 75% old food. After a few days, go to 50:50 for both foods. You’ll then feed 75% new and 25% old food after another few days. Finally, your dog will get all-new food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between personalized and customized dog foods?

Whether the food is customized or personalized, you will likely need to survey your dog’s needs.

Personalized diets use your survey answers to pick one of the company’s formulas to send you. If you get a customized diet, it is specially made for your dog rather than from a predetermined recipe.

What’s the difference between prescription diets and non-therapeutic or over-the-counter diets?

Prescription diets are specifically designed to treat certain conditions, such as:

The ratios of their protein, carbohydrates, and fat must be appropriate, as must certain minerals such as calcium.

Conclusion

Customized dog diets can be helpful because your dog may have multiple health issues that need to be addressed by their food. They can be expensive, but many people feel that these highly palatable foods are worth the expense.

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Featured Image Credit: Daria Lixovetckaym, Shutterstock