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In recent years, many dog owners have been turning to natural, additive-free options in feeding their pets. New-generation fresh dog foods have become increasingly popular due to ingredient control, freshness, and the idea of “human-grade nutrition.” Many people are also adapting to this shift by cooking or preparing food for their dogs at home. However, a comprehensive scientific study conducted recently suggests that the trend of home-cooked dog food may not be as safe as we think. How Balanced Is Homemade Food? 1,726 Homemade Diets Were Examined; Researchers (a joint study by the Dog Aging Project / Texas A&M University and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine) analyzed the nutritional value of 1,726 homemade dog food recipes prepared by owners. Although the ingredients varied, the study’s critical finding was striking: Only 6% of the recipes had the potential to meet dogs’ complete and balanced nutritional needs. In other words: 94% of homemade dog foods are nutritionally inadequate or unbalanced. These imbalances were especially concentrated in the following areas: Disrupted calcium–phosphorus ratios Vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, etc.) Essential fatty acid insufficiency Trace mineral deficiencies Improper energy distribution Over the long term, these deficiencies may negatively affect vital systems such as bone health, immunity, metabolism, and skin/coat condition. Why Is Homemade Food Deficient? The main reason homemade recipes become problematic is that nutritional balance cannot be achieved through simple or intuitive methods. Ingredients being natural or seeming high quality is not sufficient on its own. Dogs’ biological needs differ from humans’, and these needs must be calculated according to professional nutrition standards. In addition, dog owners often make frequent changes to recipes reducing ingredient amounts, removing certain items thinking “it’s optional,” or using different oils. Even small changes like these can make a recipe deficient. What Should Those Who Want to Prepare Homemade Food Do? Researchers emphasize the following recommendations for people who prefer homemade diets: Recipes formulated by professional nutrition experts must be used. Altering recipes can disrupt nutritional balance. Vitamin-mineral supplementation should be planned if necessary. Homemade food can be much riskier for dogs with chronic illnesses or special needs. So What’s the Solution? The idea of homemade dog food often starts with love and good intentions. But good intentions alone are not enough to meet a dog’s biological needs. For a balanced and safe nutrition plan, scientific recipes, correct formulation, and professional oversight are essential. At this point, fresh foods prepared with special formulations stand out as a strong alternative that can eliminate the risks of homemade diets. How Does Kito Fresh Fit Into This Picture? Kito Fresh fresh foods take the positive aspects of the homemade trend (freshness, naturalness, no additives) while professionally completing the critical parts that require scientific formulation. Recipes are developed by veterinarian nutrition experts. The ingredient standard aims for human food quality. Vitamin-mineral balance and the calcium–phosphorus ratio are planned scientifically. No preservatives or artificial additives are used. For this reason, Kito Fresh offers dog owners who want natural nutrition and also want to meet all their dog’s nutritional needs completely a safe and balanced option that fills the gaps left by homemade food. Source: O'Brien JS, Lawson E; Dog Aging Project Consortium; Tolbert MK, Ruple A. Findings from the Dog Aging Project: home-prepared diets for companion dogs feature diverse ingredients, and few are nutritionally complete. Am J Vet Res. 2025 Aug 27;86(11):ajvr.25.06.0216. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.25.06.0216. PMID: 40865554.

As a brand dedicated to the health and happiness of our beloved pets, we were delighted to sponsor VetSummit 2025 – New Horizons in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. A Platform Where Science and Experience Met Held online between October 13–24, 2025, VetSummit 2025 addressed current developments and practices in veterinary clinical sciences. During the event, participants attended evening sessions featuring experts in their fields, covering topics such as: Prof. Dr. Dr. Hakan Salcı – Thoracic, Cardiac, and Vascular Surgery in Cats and Dogs Prof. Dr. Duygu Dalgın – Looking Toward the Future in Veterinary Field Practice: Potentials, Opportunities, Making a Difference Prof. Dr. Pınar Saçaklı – The World Within Us: Gut Health and Nutrition Arş. Gör. Dr. Ebuderda Günay – Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stasis/Obstruction in Rabbits Veterinarian Batuhan Nathur – Ozone Therapy in Companion Animals  Prof. Dr. Yücel Meral – My Dog Suddenly Fainted While Walking in the Park! Cardiology Emergencies Dr. Veterinarian Onur İskefli – Dilated Cardiomyopathy Veterinarian Batuhan Elifoğlu – Introduction to Oral and Dental Health in Cats and Dogs: Anatomy, Dental Charting, and COHAT  Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Pınar Can – Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Small Animals Dr. Veterinarian Başar Ulaş Sayılkan – Pulmonary Hypertension Dr. Veterinarian Erman Koral – Lower Urinary Tract Diseases in Cats and Dogs  Veterinarian Yusuf Sefa Dedeoğlu – Sonographic Interpretation of Kidney Diseases Participants had the opportunity to ask questions during the live sessions, and all recordings will remain available for replay for 60 days. Why Was Kito at This Event? At Kito, our mission is not only to offer high-quality, natural products, but also to actively support scientific advancements in pet health. In line with this mission, we: Contributed to the exchange of knowledge and experience among veterinarians, Shared our vision on nutrition and welfare grounded in scientific approaches with the veterinary community,  Had the opportunity to present our “human-grade pet food” philosophy to a broader professional audience. What Remains From the Event Throughout VetSummit 2025, hundreds of veterinary clinicians, academics, and industry professionals came together on the same digital platform. As Kito, we were proud to be part of a valuable community that integrates scientific perspectives with our brand. This sponsorship was not merely a promotional step, but an initiative that contributed to sustainable knowledge sharing in pet health. Thank You As the Kito family, we extend our gratitude to all instructors, participants, and partners who contributed to this organization. Guided by science, we will continue working to enhance the quality of life of our beloved animal companions. See you at future events!

"Homemade diets are a significant nutritional strategy that enhances overall health and quality of life in both healthy and sick dogs. The study demonstrates that homemade diets serve as an effective tool in veterinary practices, yielding successful results in symptom management." As awareness among pet owners about their dogs' nutrition grows rapidly, homemade diets are becoming increasingly popular. A recent study highlights the positive effects of homemade diets on dogs' overall health. In this article, we explore the importance, outcomes, and implementation details of homemade diets based on the findings of the study titled "Homemade Diet as a Paramount for Dogs’ Health." Objective and Scope of the Study This study was conducted on 167 dogs of various ages, genders, and health conditions. The participants included both healthy dogs and those with various pathological (diseased) conditions. The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the long-term effects of homemade diets and to assess the adherence rates of dog owners to these diets. The study particularly focused on the following health conditions: Gastrointestinal diseases (chronic diarrhea, vomiting, reflux) Dermatological issues (dermatitis, otitis, tear staining) Dogs experiencing both conditions simultaneously Data and Findings Participant Profile Total of 167 dogs: 30% mixed-breed, 70% purebred. Age range: 7 months – 14 years. 75% spayed females, 57% neutered males. Diet Types and Preferences Diet Type Initial (n) Final (n) Change (%) Homemade diet 55 (26 mixed) 104 (24 mixed) +62% Commercial food 112 63 -38%   A significant increase was observed in the number of dogs using homemade diets (p < 0.0001). The main reasons for discontinuing the diet were owner compliance issues (27%) and dogs not adapting to the new diet (15%). Observations in Healthy Dogs Coat Quality: 70% improvement in shine and softness. Defecation Frequency: 47% decrease. Overall Energy and Appetite: Stable. Observations in Sick Dogs Condition Improvement Rate Gastrointestinal diseases 95% Dermatological diseases 83% Dogs with both conditions 100%   Homemade diets were found to significantly alleviate symptoms, particularly in dogs suffering from chronic enteropathy (intestinal diseases) and dermatological issues. Features of Homemade Diets Homemade diets are tailored to meet the individual needs of each dog. The primary components include: Protein Sources: Chicken, turkey breast, beef. Carbohydrates: Rice, potatoes, couscous. Fats: Salmon oil, sunflower oil. Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, peas. The meals are typically prepared by steaming or boiling with minimal water and are recommended to be served in two daily portions. Benefits of the Diet Significant improvements were observed in coat quality, energy levels, and appetite among dogs that adhered to the homemade diet. Parameter Odds Ratio (OR) p-Value Appetite 4.07 0.003 ** Energy Level 3.47 0.017 * Coat Quality 9.88 <0.001 *** Defecation Frequency 0.01 0.93 Defecation Consistency 0.01 0.97   Features of Homemade Diets Improved Digestive Health: A 95% improvement was observed in dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Natural and Fresh Ingredients: Prepared using human-grade food, preserving nutritional value. Reduction in Health Problems: 100% symptom improvement in dogs with both gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions. Challenges and Kito Fresh’s Solutions Owner Compliance: Preparing homemade diets can be time-consuming, requiring owner education and process simplification. / Kito Fresh can be stored at room temperature and served in its specially designed, easy-to-open packaging. Supplement Usage: 21% of owners discontinued supplements due to flavor incompatibility (93%) and difficulty in accessibility (7%). / Kito Fresh provides all necessary vitamins and minerals from its ingredients, eliminating the need for supplements. Conclusion Homemade diets are a significant nutritional strategy that enhances overall health and quality of life in both healthy and sick dogs. The study demonstrates that homemade diets serve as an effective tool in veterinary practices, yielding successful results in symptom management. Balanced diets tailored to individual needs should be recommended by veterinarians and nutrition experts for optimal outcomes. References Pignataro, G., Crisi, P.E., Landolfi, E., et al. (2024). Homemade Diet as a Paramount for Dogs’ Health: A Descriptive Analysis. Vet. Sci. 11(438). DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11090438.