Making your own dog food is a great way to ensure that your furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition. But with so many different ingredients and recipes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where dog food bases come in – these pre-made mixes provide a solid foundation for your DIY dog food, making it easy to create a balanced and healthy meal for your pup.
When choosing a dog food base, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the base is made from high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Look for bases that include a variety of protein sources, as well as fruits and vegetables. You’ll also want to consider any specific dietary needs your dog may have – for example, if your pup is sensitive to grains, you’ll want to choose a grain-free base.
Another important factor to consider is the ease of use. Some dog food bases require additional ingredients and preparation, while others are ready to use right out of the bag. Think about how much time and effort you’re willing to put into making your dog’s food, and choose a base that fits your lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best do-it-yourself dog food bases on the market. We’ve researched and tested a variety of options to help you find the perfect base for your pup. Whether you’re looking for a grain-free option or a base that’s ready to go, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and find the best dog food base for your furry friend!
Best Do-It-Yourself Dog Food Bases
We all want to provide our furry friends with the best possible nutrition, and one way to do that is by making our own dog food. However, creating a balanced and healthy meal for our pets can be a daunting task. That’s where do-it-yourself dog food bases come in. These bases provide a solid foundation for a homemade dog food recipe, ensuring that your pup gets the essential nutrients they need. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best do-it-yourself dog food bases available on Amazon, so you can give your dog the nutrition they deserve.
#1 – JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food
If you’re looking for a nutrient blend to make homemade dog food, JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Chicken & White Rice is a great option.
Pros
- Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Cooking guide included
- Veterinarian developed
Cons
- Nutrient blend alone does not constitute a balanced meal
- May be more expensive than some other options
- Some reviewers have reported issues with the packaging
This nutrient blend is focused on dogs with sensitive stomachs and promotes a healthier coat and skin by boosting your furry friend’s immune system with whole-food ingredients. Each Nutrient Blend for homemade dog food comes with a full recipe and step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure your dog gets a well-balanced diet. The blend is compounded from 100% human-grade nutraceuticals regulated by the FDA and is formulated specifically for each recipe to meet AAFCO recommendations.
While this nutrient blend is a great option for making homemade dog food, it’s important to note that the DIY meals are only nutritionally balanced for long-term feeding when following the exact recipe and using the respective Nutrient Blend. Some reviewers have also reported issues with the packaging, so it’s important to handle with care.
Overall, JustFoodForDogs DIY Nutrient Blend for Homemade Dog Food, Chicken & White Rice is a great option for those looking to make homemade dog food with a nutrient blend that is focused on dogs with sensitive stomachs and developed by veterinarians.
#2 – Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food
If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself dog food base that’s easy to prepare and made with high-quality ingredients, Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food is a great option.
Pros
- Made with 24 whole foods including raw goat’s milk, green lipped mussels, shiitake mushrooms, and eggshell membranes
- Contains 9 dehydrated vegetables, 2 antioxidant-rich fruits, 2 energy-packed seeds, bone meal, and crushed eggshells for calcium, and 9 other immune-boosting superfoods
- Easy and safe preparation of a raw diet for your canine companion in a matter of minutes, right in your own kitchen; 3-pound bag conveniently makes 28 one-pound, finished meals
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
- The base mix may not provide all the necessary nutrients for your dog’s specific needs
- The price point may be higher than other dog food options
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food is a great option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a high-quality, homemade diet. The base mix is made with a variety of whole foods and superfoods that provide essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s overall health.
Preparing the food is easy and safe, and the 3-pound bag makes it convenient to make multiple meals at once. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, and the base mix may not provide all the necessary nutrients for your dog’s specific needs. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other dog food options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality do-it-yourself dog food base, Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
#3 – Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe
If you’re looking for a premix that can help you prepare a balanced homemade diet for your dog, Know Better for Dogs – Beef Recipe is a great option.
Pros
- Homemade Raw or Cooked Dog Food – Know Better for Dogs is a premix for preparing a balanced homemade diet for dogs.
- Grain-free & Easy to use!
- Ideal for dogs of all ages and is made with 100% human-grade ingredients.
Cons
- Vegetables are optional.
- Not a food for dogs on its own nor meant to be a sprinkle-on vitamin supplement.
- Quantity has reduced in the bags, and the price has skyrocketed.
We have found Know Better for Dogs to be a great supplement for making homemade dog food. It is easy to use and ideal for dogs of all ages. The premix is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is grain-free. However, vegetables are optional, and the product is not a food for dogs on its own nor meant to be a sprinkle-on vitamin supplement. We also noticed that the quantity has reduced in the bags, and the price has skyrocketed.
If you are interested in switching to a raw diet for the benefits but are nervous about correctly balancing everything, this is the product for you! Keep in mind that it is not a food for dogs on its own nor meant to be a sprinkle-on vitamin supplement. We recommend adding Know Better for Dogs to your dog’s raw or cooked meat and water to make a balanced homemade diet.
#4 – The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food (Just Add Protein)
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to feed your dog a nutritious homemade meal, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food is a great option.
Pros
- This grain-free base mix is made with dehydrated fruits and veggies, which makes it easy to create a healthy and nutritious meal for your dog.
- It’s a great option for raw feeders and homecookers who want to be sure their dog is getting all of their essential nutrients.
- The recipe is 100% human grade, meaning it’s made with the same quality and safety standards as people food.
Cons
- This recipe is designed to be mixed with meat or fish, so if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, it may not be the best option for you.
- It can be a bit pricey compared to other dog food options.
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the dehydrated fruits and veggies.
If you’re tired of chopping up veggies and want a quick and easy way to feed your dog a nutritious homemade meal, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Simply add your own source of protein and you’ll have a healthy meal your dog will love.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, which means you can feel confident that you’re feeding your dog the best quality food possible. Plus, it’s a great option for dogs dealing with meat sensitivities or for those who are on a grain-free diet.
While this recipe is a bit more expensive than some other dog food options, the convenience and quality of the ingredients make it a worthwhile investment. Just be aware that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the dehydrated fruits and veggies, so it may take some trial and error to find the right mix for your pup.
#5 – Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Pre-Mix
If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious dog food base, Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Pre-Mix is a great option.
Pros
- Made with high-quality superfoods such as hemp hearts, coconut, and kale
- Grain-free and all-natural recipe with no fillers, by-products, GMOs, or preservatives
- Easy to prepare by simply adding warm water and stirring
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
- Expensive compared to other dog food bases
- Only intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding
This limited ingredient diet is ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, as every ingredient in Macanna is chosen with a specific benefit in mind. Hemp hearts and pinto beans are both highly nutritious foods, and hemp hearts have no known allergies, so they are great for dogs with food restrictions. Coconut is a superfood that provides energy, helps aid in digestion and joint health, and promotes a shinier coat. Filled with powerful antioxidants, kale is rich in vitamins K, C, and A, and is high in iron and calcium for strong bones. Turmeric spice aids in digestion and promotes joint and skin health, antioxidant-rich blueberries help your dog’s immune system, and pumpkin is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Preparation is easy: simply add warm water, stir, and serve after 3-5 minutes. Macanna is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages and is made in the USA.
Overall, Grandma Lucy’s Macanna Pre-Mix is a high-quality dog food base that provides excellent nutrition for your furry friend. However, it may not be suitable for all dogs due to taste or cost considerations.
#6 – Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix Dog Food, Grain Free and Freeze-Dried – 3Lb Bag Sweet Potato; Fruit 3 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food base that’s easy to prepare, Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Quality ingredients – we appreciate that this pre-mix is made with only natural, whole food ingredients and contains no meat meals, chicken meals, or by-products.
- Easy to prepare – simply add warm water, stir, and serve after 3-5 minutes.
- Great taste – freeze-drying retains taste, texture, and aroma, so your pup will love it.
Cons
- Not a complete meal – this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. You’ll need to add your own protein source.
- Expensive – this pre-mix is pricier than some other dog food bases on the market.
- Limited flavor options – if your dog doesn’t like sweet potato or fruit, they may not enjoy this pre-mix.
Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food base that’s made with all-natural, whole food ingredients. However, keep in mind that this product is intended for supplemental feeding only, so you’ll need to add your own protein source.
One thing we really like about this pre-mix is how easy it is to prepare. Simply add warm water, stir, and serve after 3-5 minutes. And because it’s freeze-dried, it retains the taste, texture, and aroma that your pup craves.
However, it’s important to note that this pre-mix is pricier than some other dog food bases on the market. And if your dog doesn’t like sweet potato or fruit, they may not enjoy this pre-mix.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food base that’s easy to prepare and tastes great, Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix is definitely worth trying.
#7 – Sojos Mix-A-Meal Fruit & Veggie Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food
If you’re looking for a way to make homemade meals for your dog without the mess and guesswork, Sojos Mix-A-Meal Fruit & Veggie Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food might be the answer.
Pros
- Make It Your Way: Mix this base of veggies and fruit with the raw or cooked protein of your choice for a handcrafted meal in minutes; just add meat, soak and serve for fresh, well-rounded nutrition.
- Natural and Raw: Our shelf-stable Pre Mix recipes are made without genetically engineered ingredients, fillers, preservatives, or anything artificial; just a short, sweet list of nutritious ingredients.
- Safe and Economical: Every pound of Sojos makes up to 5 pounds of fresh, raw food for a surprisingly budget-friendly cost per serving; our gentle, proprietary freeze-drying process makes raw meat safe without heat or chemicals.
Cons
- Requires Additional Ingredients: This product requires the addition of raw or cooked protein to make a complete meal.
- Not Suitable for All Dogs: Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in this mix.
- Short Shelf Life: Once opened, this mix has a shelf life of only a few weeks.
Sojos Mix-A-Meal Fruit & Veggie Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food is a convenient and easy way to make fresh, homemade meals for your dog. Simply add the protein of your choice, soak, and serve. It’s made with natural, raw ingredients and is free from fillers and preservatives. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that can make up to five pounds of food per pound of mix. However, keep in mind that this mix requires additional ingredients to make a complete meal and may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, once opened, the mix has a short shelf life.
#8 – Grandma Lucy’s PUREformance Pre-Mix Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-quality pre-mix dog food that contains all-natural, grain-free ingredients, Grandma Lucy’s PUREformance Pre-Mix Dog Food is an excellent option.
Pros
- The wholesome blend of high-quality ingredients, freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and chickpeas makes for a nutritious meal that your dog will love.
- This all-natural, grain-free recipe contains no fillers, by-products, GMOs, or preservatives, making it a healthy choice for your furry friend.
- The freeze-drying process used to create this product retains the taste, texture, and aroma that your dog craves, ensuring that they’ll love the flavor.
Cons
- This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, so it may not be suitable for dogs who need a complete and balanced diet.
- You’ll need to add your preferred protein source to this pre-mix, which can be a bit of a hassle.
- Some dogs may not like the garlic smell of this product.
Grandma Lucy’s PUREformance Pre-Mix Dog Food is an excellent choice for dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a healthy, nutritious, and delicious meal. The wholesome blend of high-quality ingredients, freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and chickpeas makes for a nutritious meal that your dog will love. This all-natural, grain-free recipe contains no fillers, by-products, GMOs, or preservatives, making it a healthy choice for your furry friend. The freeze-drying process used to create this product retains the taste, texture, and aroma that your dog craves, ensuring that they’ll love the flavor.
However, it’s worth noting that this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, so it may not be suitable for dogs who need a complete and balanced diet. Additionally, you’ll need to add your preferred protein source to this pre-mix, which can be a bit of a hassle. Some dogs may also not like the garlic smell of this product. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality pre-mix dog food that contains all-natural, grain-free ingredients, Grandma Lucy’s PUREformance Pre-Mix Dog Food is an excellent option.
Do-It-Yourself Dog Food Bases Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best do-it-yourself dog food base, there are a few important features to consider. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Nutrition
The most important aspect of any dog food is its nutrition. Look for a base that provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Dogs also need essential vitamins and minerals, so make sure the base you choose includes these as well.
Quality Ingredients
Choose a base that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients. Avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Look for ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers and that are free from contaminants.
Customizability
One of the benefits of making your own dog food is the ability to customize it to your dog’s specific needs. Look for a base that is versatile and can be easily mixed with other ingredients to create a complete and balanced meal.
Cost
While making your own dog food can be cost-effective in the long run, it’s important to consider the cost of the base itself. Look for a base that fits within your budget without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
Availability
Make sure the base you choose is readily available in your area or online. You don’t want to be stuck without a base when it’s time to make your dog’s food.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best do-it-yourself dog food base for your furry friend’s needs.
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