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Is homemade raw pet food better than store-bought raw food options?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs
I am looking to begin feeding Winston a raw food diet. I am a educated pet parent and I have already done my research on both sides. That being said, are there any pros or cons to preparing the raw diet at home with all essential vitamins and minerals vs commercially available frozen raw or freeze dried raw diet (Primal, Stella & Chewys)? Is there any difference and does one out way the other? I am able to do either. Just one is a bit more convenient although I am not at all opposed to homemade.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 27th, 2017
If you want to make a homemade diet I suggest you use the BalanceIT website.
https://secure.balanceit.com/
They will tell you how to prepare the diet based on what ingredients you are wanting to use and then will also tell you how to balance the diet using their supplements. This website was created by a veterinary nutritionist and would be the only way I would consider feeding a homemade diet.
Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 29th, 2018
Thank you for you post on Petcoach. I do agree that some canned and dry pet foods can have less then desirable ingredients. Therefore I only recommend those which have been tested. There are only three pet food brands which are fully approved by veterinarians. These are Hill's science diet, royal canin and purina pro plan. Only these three Have undergone detailed research to ensure they provide an adequate and nutritious diet for pets. This research is approved by veterinarians. Any other food brands may not be as regulated or researched as thoroughly. For this reason I would only advise feeding one of those three.
In regards to raw food diets, there are undeniably benefits to this type of fresh, less processed food. The issue can be obtaining, and preparing quality enough meat to prevent infections from food borne pathogens. An alternative to consider to raw food diets are home prepared diets. This is what I serve to my own pets, and what I recommend to clients who have the desire to have more control over what their pets eat.
Here are some links to how to start home cooking your pet's food.
https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-create-a-balanced-homemade-diet-for-your-pet/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-make-tasty-homemade-treats-for-your-dog/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/fresh-diets-the-nutrient-rich-alternative-for-your-dog-or-cat/
Here is a link to raw food diet ;
https://www.petcoach.co/article/understanding-the-benefits-of-raw-and-fresh-nutrition/
Are is a link to understanding pet food and how it has changed over time.
https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-history-of-pet-food/1Pet Parents found this answer helpful