Healthy Dogs

Homemade Dog Food

Homemade Dog Food: Shelf-life and Storage

Commercially prepared foods have a long shelf life. Not so with homemade meals, Abood says. “It’s a ‘pro’ that you’re choosing fresh ingredients; it’s a ‘con’ that you don’t have a long shelf life.”

For small dogs, owners can concoct a big batch, freeze it, and pull out portions as needed. “It’s going to last for quite a while,” Abood says. But meals for big dogs are best stored in the refrigerator because, as Abood says, “It’s going to be gone in two or three days.”

The bottom line: Home-cooked diets can be very healthy and rewarding for owners, but require a time commitment and extra cost from the owner, and consultation with a veterinarian to make sure the diet isn't causing harm.