When it comes to pet care, most dog owners trust commercial pet food to provide the nutrition their furry companions need. However, veterinarians and pet owners have debated the quality of commercial dog food for years. While heavily marketed as nutritious, many brands include ingredients that range from low-grade “meat meal," a catch-all term for processed animal parts not deemed fit for human consumption, to additives like preservatives, artificial dyes, and even sawdust.  Even high-end brands labeled natural or organic often include questionable ingredients designed to make the food more visually appealing or shelf-stable.

Julie Smith is the author of The Canine Culinary Dog Food Cookbook: For Maximizing Your Best Friend’s Health, Happiness, and Longevity and started making homemade dog food when she rescued two dogs: an abandoned Bishon Poodle, Ricky, and a Maltese Poodle mix, Lucy.  She says, “I started doing research on what to feed them and couldn't believe what I discovered about commercial dog food. Think about it - you wouldn’t feed your family a diet full of mostly grains, mystery meats and questionable chemicals, so why give it to your dog? Cooking for your dog ensures that you know exactly what goes into their food—and it’s easier than you think.”  

Smith emphasizes that homemade dog food isn’t just a trend but a lifestyle change that prioritizes pet health. She has three key reasons why dog owners should consider making the switch and preparing dog food at home.

1. Eliminating Harmful Additives: Homemade meals exclude common commercial ingredients like preservatives, dyes, and “mystery meats.”  Smith explains, “Dog owners assume commercial food is safe because it’s on the shelf at major grocery and pet stores, but when you look into what goes into these products, it becomes clear that we should demand better for our pets.”  

2. Improved Longevity: Fresh, homemade meals can prolong a dog’s life by providing optimal nutrition.  The focus in Smith's dog food cookbook is on fresh ingredients, including vegetables and meats. After that, organic and naturally raised is preferable to non-organic. "The higher the

quality of ingredients we can feed to our pets, the less likely they are to have health

issues, just like for people," Smith points out.  She also says that some additives, while generally regarded as safe (GRAS), may contribute to long-term health issues like digestive problems or chronic illnesses.  

3. Cost Savings: Homemade dog food is far more economical than many premium commercial brands.  According to Smith, using ingredients like organ meats, vegetables, and healthy grains like quinoa, rice, or a few others, a single week’s worth of homemade meals can cost as little as $5. This stands in stark contrast to a $30 bag of freeze-dried dog food or high-end kibble.  "Cooking for your dog doesn’t just save money—it provides peace of mind,” she says. “You control every ingredient, ensuring quality and freshness.”  But then there is the added benefit of maintaining your dog’s health. Dogs eating healthy “whole foods,” as opposed to chemical laden kibble with truly dubious ingredients is bound to minimize expensive vet bills.

Designed for dogs of all sizes and dietary needs, The Canine Culinary Dog Food Cookbook For Maximizing Your Best Friend’s Health, Happiness, and Longevity is packed with imaginative recipes for daily homemade meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare.  Julie Smith has an expertise in food chemistry and engineering that forms the foundation of her passion for creating nutritious homemade dog food recipes. Each recipe is paired with tips on ingredient substitutions and proper storage, ensuring pet owners have everything they need to get started.  Her deep understanding of the science behind dog food ingredients allows her to craft meals that are both wholesome and tasty. That is one of the best things - your dog will love homemade way more than just boring kibble.

After honing her chef skills in Los Angeles as a sought-after caterer, Smith now channels that same passion and precision into crafting recipes that promote canine health and happiness. Her belief that cooking for pets is both a path to better health and a way to deepen the owner-pet bond shines through in every page of The Canine Culinary Dog Food Cookbook. To explore more of Smith’s work, follow her on Instagram for tips, recipes, and adorable canine inspiration. Her cookbook is available on Amazon, offering a practical and heartfelt guide to feeding dogs the way they deserve.