Pet Owner Nutrition Services
Custom Homemade Dog Food Recipes, Formulated by a Pet Nutritionist
Complete and balanced homemade recipes built around your dog’s life stage, energy needs and preferred ingredients, with every nutrient calculated, every supplement specified and every step explained.
A Homemade Diet Is a Formulation, Not a Shopping List
Cooking for your dog gives you control over every ingredient, the freshness of home preparation and a diet that fits your dog. What it does not provide on its own is nutritional adequacy.
A complete homemade diet has to supply every essential nutrient in the right amount relative to your dog’s energy intake, stay below safe upper limits, and suit your dog’s life stage. That is a calculation, and it is the part that cannot be judged by looking at the bowl.
I develop custom homemade dog food recipes using the same formulation approach I use for commercial pet foods, adapted to one dog, one household and one kitchen. You get the benefits of homemade feeding without guessing whether the diet is complete.
Why a Professionally Formulated Recipe Matters
Most homemade feeding problems are not caused by poor ingredients. They come from nutritional gaps and excesses that are invisible in the bowl and develop slowly over months.
95%
of 200 published recipes for adult dogs were short on at least one essential nutrient (Stockman et al., 2013).
100%
of the dog recipes in a study of recipes published in Portuguese fell below recommendations for at least one nutrient (Pedrinelli et al., 2017).
These studies evaluated general published recipes written for no dog in particular. They show why calculation matters, not that homemade feeding cannot work.
Meat, a carb and vegetables rarely add up
This combination usually supplies plenty of protein and energy while falling short on calcium, trace minerals, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine or essential fatty acids.
Supplements depend on the recipe
The right supplement, and the right amount, depends on what the rest of the recipe already provides. Generic doses can leave gaps and create excesses at the same time.
Human multivitamins don’t fit
They are built around human requirements, provide little calcium relative to a dog’s needs, and some chewable products contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Substitutions change the nutrition
Swapping one protein or starch for another changes calories, fat, minerals and vitamins. A formulated recipe tells you which swaps are safe.
Calories set the portion
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s energy needs and the calorie density of the finished recipe, not a percentage of body weight.
Life stage changes the targets
Growing puppies, adult dogs, and pregnant or nursing dogs have different nutrient requirements. Large and giant breed puppies need particular care with calcium and energy.
A well-formulated homemade diet can support a dog every day. Homemade food is not inherently healthier than a complete and balanced commercial diet, and the reverse is also true. The difference is formulation. If you’d like to understand the nutrition behind this in more depth, my complete guide to homemade dog food covers it in detail.
Custom Homemade Dog Food Recipe Development
Every recipe starts with your dog, not a template. I formulate around your dog’s age, size, body condition, activity, health history and food preferences, as well as the practical side: what you can buy locally, your budget and how much time you have to cook.
Recipes built for your dog
- Adult maintenance
- Puppies
- Large and giant breed puppies
- Senior dogs
- Pregnant or nursing dogs
- Food sensitivities and limited ingredients
- Medical conditions, with your veterinarian
- Your preferred ingredients
- One recipe or a small set for variety
What each recipe package includes
Individualized recipe development
Ingredients chosen for your dog’s needs, preferences and tolerances.
Energy requirement calculations
Daily calorie needs estimated for your dog’s weight, life stage and activity.
Formulation to established standards
Every essential nutrient evaluated against NRC and AAFCO targets.
Calculated supplementation
The specific vitamin and mineral supplementation the recipe needs, in measured amounts.
Daily feeding recommendations
A starting daily amount based on the recipe’s calorie density, with guidance on adjusting it.
Grams and kitchen measurements
Exact ingredient weights plus practical measurements for everyday use.
Preparation, cooking and storage
Step-by-step instructions for cooking, batching, freezing and adding supplements.
Complete nutritional breakdown
A full nutrient profile showing how the recipe compares with its targets.
Homemade recipe review
Already feeding a homemade diet? I can evaluate the recipe you’re using now, including any changes you’ve made along the way, and tell you clearly what is working, what isn’t and what needs to change.
Sometimes a few targeted adjustments are enough. Sometimes reformulating makes more sense. Either way, you’ll know where your dog’s diet stands.
- Nutritional adequacy for your dog’s life stage
- Nutrient deficiencies and excesses
- Calcium and phosphorus balance
- Supplement suitability and amounts
- Calorie content and feeding amounts
- Ingredient substitutions made over time
How the Recipe Formulation Process Works
The process is structured so that the recipe you receive is built on accurate information about your dog and is realistic for your household to prepare.
- 1
Discovery conversation
We talk about your dog, your goals, what you’re feeding now and whether you need a new recipe or a review of an existing one.
- 2
Detailed intake
Age, weight, body condition, activity, neuter status, health history, current diet and treats, ingredient preferences, foods your dog refuses, budget and kitchen practicalities.
- 3
Veterinary information
For dogs with medical conditions, I review relevant records and coordinate with your veterinarian so the recipe fits your dog’s care plan.
- 4
Energy and nutrient targets
I estimate your dog’s daily energy requirements and set nutrient targets for their life stage and circumstances.
- 5
Formulation
I select ingredients and quantities, calculate the full nutrient profile, determine supplementation and refine the recipe until every essential nutrient meets its target without exceeding safe upper limits.
- 6
Recipe delivery and follow-up
You receive the complete recipe package. We then check how your dog is doing and adjust feeding amounts or ingredients if needed.
Timelines depend on the complexity of your dog’s needs and whether veterinary input is required. I’ll confirm the timeline for your project before we begin.
The Nutritional Standards Behind Every Recipe
A recipe can only be called complete and balanced if it has been checked against a recognized nutritional standard. I formulate homemade recipes using two references:
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
The scientific reference for canine nutrient requirements. It provides minimal requirements, adequate intakes, recommended allowances and, where data exist, safe upper limits for each nutrient.
AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
The standard used to establish nutritional adequacy for commercial dog food in the United States, and widely used as a reference in Canada. It sets minimums for all essential nutrients and maximums for some.
Both express nutrient targets relative to energy, per 1,000 kcal. This matters because your dog eats to meet their calorie needs. In a calorie-dense recipe, your dog eats less food, so every other nutrient has to be more concentrated to compensate. Formulating per calorie keeps the whole diet in proportion.
AAFCO does not approve individual recipes or diets. When I describe a recipe as complete and balanced, it means the recipe has been calculated to meet the nutritional targets set for your dog’s life stage.
| Life stage | What changes in the formulation |
|---|---|
| Adult maintenance | Targets set to maintain healthy body condition and long-term nutritional adequacy. |
| Growth | Higher requirements for energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and many other nutrients per calorie. Recipes need updating as the puppy grows. |
| Large and giant breed puppies | Calcium and energy are managed within narrower limits to support steady, controlled growth. |
| Pregnancy and lactation | Energy and nutrient needs rise substantially, especially during lactation. |
| Senior dogs | There is no separate senior nutrient profile. Recipes are built around the individual dog’s body condition, health and changing needs. |
Working Alongside Your Veterinarian
Nutrition supports veterinary care. It does not replace it. For dogs with diagnosed medical conditions, I develop recipes in collaboration with your veterinarian so the diet fits your dog’s overall care plan and monitoring.
If your veterinarian has recommended a therapeutic diet, any homemade alternative should be discussed with them first. A well-formulated recipe can support the nutritional management of a condition, but diet decisions for a dog with a health condition should always be made together with the veterinary team.
Who This Service Is For
Custom recipe formulation suits owners who want to feed homemade food as a complete daily diet, not just an occasional topper. That includes:
- Owners switching from commercial food to homemade
- Owners already feeding homemade food who want it checked
- Puppy owners, especially of large and giant breeds
- Owners of senior dogs with changing needs
- Dogs with food sensitivities or a short list of tolerated ingredients
- Dogs with medical conditions, working with their veterinarian
- Owners who want fresh food with professional nutritional oversight
- Picky eaters who need a recipe built around what they will eat
All services are delivered remotely, so I work with dog owners across Canada and the United States.
- EducationMSc, Veterinary Toxicology & Nutrition, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
- SpecializationCompanion animal nutrition and formulation
- Experience5+ years in pet food product development and consulting
About Your Pet Nutritionist
I’m Andrea Geiger, a Certified Companion Animal Nutritionist. My graduate research focused on canine nutrition, and I’ve spent more than five years developing and evaluating commercial pet foods, including fresh-cooked diets, for brands across Canada and the US.
That background shapes how I formulate for individual dogs. Your recipe gets the same nutrient calculations, ingredient scrutiny and attention to practical preparation that a commercial formula receives, applied to one dog and written for a home kitchen.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the scope of your project, including the number of recipes, your dog’s life stage, any medical considerations and whether you need a new recipe or a review. Current packages are listed on my pricing page.
View PricingFeeding a healthy adult dog and not ready for a custom recipe? My recipe ebooks are formulated to the same standards and are a practical starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a dog nutritionist do?
A dog nutritionist assesses diets, estimates energy and nutrient requirements, formulates complete and balanced recipes, and advises on commercial diets and supplements. “Nutritionist” is not a protected title in most places, so it is worth asking about a nutritionist’s education and formulation experience. For dogs with medical conditions, a nutritionist should work alongside the dog’s veterinarian.
How much does a custom homemade dog food recipe cost?
Cost depends on the scope of the project, including how many recipes you need, your dog’s life stage, any medical considerations and whether you need a new recipe or a review of an existing one. Current packages are listed on my pricing page.
How long does it take to get a custom recipe?
Timelines depend on the complexity of your dog’s needs and whether veterinary information is required. I confirm the timeline for your project before we begin.
What information do you need to formulate my dog’s recipe?
I’ll ask about your dog’s age, weight, body condition, activity level, neuter status, health history and medications, current diet and treats, ingredient preferences, foods your dog refuses, your budget and how much time you have to cook. For dogs with medical conditions, recent veterinary records and bloodwork are also helpful.
Can you review my existing homemade dog food recipe?
Yes. I can evaluate your current recipe for nutritional adequacy, deficiencies and excesses, calcium and phosphorus balance, supplementation and feeding amounts, then explain what needs to change or whether reformulating makes more sense.
Can you formulate a homemade recipe for a puppy?
Yes. Puppies have higher nutrient requirements than adult dogs, and large and giant breed puppies need calcium and energy managed within narrower limits. Because energy needs change as a puppy grows, puppy recipes and feeding amounts need to be updated over time.
Can you formulate a recipe for a dog with a health condition?
Yes, in collaboration with your veterinarian. A homemade recipe can be formulated to support the nutritional management of many conditions, but diet decisions for a dog with a health condition should be made together with the veterinary team.
Do I need supplements with a homemade recipe?
In most cases, yes. Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine and some trace minerals are difficult to supply in the right amounts from whole foods alone. Your recipe will specify exactly what supplementation is needed and how much, based on the complete recipe.
Can I use my own preferred ingredients?
Usually, yes. I build recipes around ingredients you prefer, can source easily and that your dog tolerates. If an ingredient makes it difficult to meet a nutritional target, I’ll explain why and suggest workable alternatives.
What if my dog won’t eat an ingredient or I need to substitute something?
Substitutions change a recipe’s nutrient profile, so they should be checked rather than guessed. Your recipe includes guidance on what can be swapped, and adjustments can be made during follow-up if your dog refuses an ingredient.
How do I know how much to feed?
Your recipe includes a starting daily amount in grams, calculated from your dog’s estimated energy needs and the calorie density of the finished recipe. You’ll also get guidance on monitoring body condition and adjusting portions over time.
Do you work with clients outside Canada?
Yes. All services are delivered remotely, and I work with dog owners in both Canada and the United States. If you are located elsewhere, get in touch to discuss your situation.
Is a homemade diet better than commercial dog food?
Not inherently. A complete and balanced commercial diet and a properly formulated homemade diet can both support a healthy dog. Homemade feeding offers ingredient control, freshness and customization, but its nutritional quality depends on how well the recipe is formulated and prepared.
Custom Recipe Formulation
Ready to feed homemade food with confidence?
Let’s talk about your dog, your goals and the recipe support you need. The first step is a conversation about your dog’s age, health and current diet, and whether a new recipe or a review of your current one is the right fit.