Sessions

This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy of home-prepared cooked and BARF recipes for dogs that are readily available in Hungarian on the internet, social media platforms and in books. The central aim was to assess whether an average dog owner relying exclusively on such sources could provide a diet that is balanced and suitable for long-term feeding.

A total of 75 recipes were collected from eight different sources, of which 20 met the predefined qualitative selection criteria and were therefore included in the quantitative analysis. Nutrient composition was calculated using the Futtermedicus software and compared against the reference values established by FEDIAF.

Only two recipes (2,7%) fully met both the qualitative and quantitative requirements. While most diets provided adequate energy levels, marked deficiencies were observed in protein, calcium and phosphorus supply. Protein content was below recommendations in 15% of the recipes, calcium in 75% and phosphorus in 40%. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio deviated from the recommended range in 70% of the cases with a median value of 0.2 Comparison across sources revealed no clear patterns as nutrient deficiencies were present in all groups.

In summary, the majority of Hungarian-language recipes available to dog owners cannot ensure balanced nutrition on their own. Owners wishing to feed home-prepared diets must pay close attention to nutrient balance and should seek professional guidance to achieve dietary adequacy.