Homemade pet food can be risky if you make these three mistakes.

A veterinarian says many online homemade pet food recipes lack proper nutrient balance; the most common problems are incorrect calorie amounts, macronutrient imbalance, and missing vitamins and minerals.

Many pet owners prepare homemade meals for dogs and cats, and some recipes on social media promise health benefits. A veterinarian highlighted that these recipes can go wrong when they are not properly balanced. The concern centers on hidden nutrient gaps that may cause problems over time. Homemade diets can be safe when they are planned carefully. Key points: - Dr. Hillary Wolfe reports a large share of online homemade pet food recipes lack essential nutrients and proper balance. - The three common mistakes she cites are feeding the wrong number of calories, getting protein/fat/carbohydrate ratios out of balance, and missing key vitamins and minerals. - Micronutrients named as often missing include calcium, iodine, vitamin D, and zinc; deficiencies can lead to health issues over time. - Homemade meals often have higher moisture and lower calorie density than commercial food, which can cause underfeeding or, if high-fat ingredients are used, overfeeding. - Veterinarians report that properly planned homemade diets can be safe, and some owners use simple homemade treats or enrichment items without relying on them as a full diet. Summary: Pets fed unbalanced homemade diets may develop nutritional deficiencies or weight-related issues over time. Veterinarians report that properly planned diets, developed with veterinary or pet nutrition expertise, are the approach cited for managing these risks. Undetermined at this time.