🐾 Frequently Asked Questions from Course Participants Making Homemade Dog Food

1. What if my dog doesn’t eat the food right away?

Don’t panic! Some dogs need time to adjust to new textures or smells. Try warming the food slightly, mixing in a small amount of something irresistible (like bone broth or green tripe), or transitioning more gradually. Picky eating is often a sign of past dietary monotony or gut imbalance—both of which we’re working to improve.

2. Do I have to use every ingredient in the recipe exactly as listed?

We build flexibility into the recipes—but some ingredients (like calcium or organ meat) are non-negotiable for balance. We’ll teach you what can be safely swapped (e.g., kale instead of spinach) and what must be kept consistent.

3. How long will a batch of food stay fresh in the fridge or freezer?

Fridge: 3–4 days
Freezer: About 6 months
Always store portions in airtight containers, and label them with the date. Defrost in the fridge, not on the counter.

4. Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes! Scaling recipes is encouraged for efficiency—but make sure you scale all ingredients proportionally, including the supplements. Don’t forget to recalculate the final batch weight for proper portioning.

5. What if I can’t find a specific supplement in the recipe?

Check the course resource list or product links for vetted alternatives. Some items are interchangeable, but never skip essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, or vitamin E unless you’ve confirmed another source is already providing it.

6. Is it okay if the stool looks different now?

Yes, changes in food = changes in poop. Softer, more frequent, or slightly different color stools can be totally normal as the gut adjusts. Diarrhea, mucous, or straining means we may need to tweak ingredients or add digestive support.

7. Can I batch cook with a crockpot or Instant Pot?

Yes, but be cautious not to overcook protein or create a soupy texture that’s hard to portion. Slow cooking can denature some nutrients, so be mindful of timing and temperatures, and always add heat-sensitive supplements after cooking.

8. How do I add calcium if I’m not using bones?

Every balanced batch must have a calcium source. If you’re not feeding raw meaty bones, you must add eggshell powder, calcium carbonate, or another approved calcium supplement—measured based on the total weight of food.

9. My dog is still itching or licking—does that mean the food isn’t working?

Not necessarily. Food is just one piece of the puzzle. Detox can temporarily flare symptoms, and gut healing takes time. We’re looking for gradual improvement over weeks, not overnight miracles. Keep journaling symptoms.

10. How do I portion the food correctly now that I’ve made a big batch?

We’ll walk you through how to weigh the total cooked batch, divide by daily caloric needs, and pre-portion meals into containers or freezer bags. Consistency is key to tracking your dog’s response.

11. Do I need to add supplements to every single portion or just once to the batch?

Depends on the supplement. Some should be mixed into the batch (e.g., minerals), others are better added fresh per meal (like probiotics or omega-3 oils). The course will indicate which is which.

12. Is it okay to use frozen veggies or pre-chopped produce?

Yes—frozen or pre-cut can save time. Just make sure they’re plain and unsalted (no seasoning blends or sauces). Lightly steam or puree fibrous veggies for better digestion.

13. Can I rotate recipes each week, or should I stick with one?

Once your dog is stable on one recipe, it’s great to rotate weekly or biweekly. Just make one change at a time—switch proteins or veggies, not both. We’re building diversity gradually, not creating chaos for the gut.

14. How do I know if I’m doing it “right”?

The biggest indicators:

Appetite is good
Energy is steady
Stool is consistent
Coat is shiny
Symptoms (if any) are improving
We’re not aiming for perfection—just progress and learning. Keep tracking your dog’s response and reach out for help when needed.

15. What if I messed up a batch—do I have to throw it out?

Not necessarily! If it’s missing a non-toxic item (like veggies or fish oil), you can often adjust per meal. But if you overdid something like calcium or salt, it may be best to start fresh. When in doubt, ask in the forum—we’ll help you troubleshoot. If you know your error — you may be able to make another batch and blend the two together to even things out.

15 FAQs