What is a significant nutritional risk when making fresh dog food at home?

The resulting diet is often nutritionally incomplete, lacking minerals like calcium.

While fresh food proponents cite benefits like improved coat shine, preparing meals at home without expert guidance carries a substantial risk of nutritional deficiency. Owners often fail to provide the precise balance of micronutrients required for long-term health. A common pitfall in homemade fresh diets is the frequent lack or insufficiency of essential trace minerals and certain vitamins, such as calcium, zinc, or Vitamin B12. Over time, these critical deficiencies can lead to severe health problems. Reputable commercial fresh food services mitigate this risk by collaborating with veterinary nutritionists to ensure recipes meet necessary standards, such as AAFCO guidelines.