Ask 10 Indian pet parents about dog food and you'll get 10 different answers. "Only Royal Canin." "Home-cooked is best." "My dog eats what we eat." Here's what the science actually says.
The case for commercial food
Pros: Nutritionally complete and balanced, consistent quality, convenient, formulated for life stage and breed size. Top Indian-available brands: Royal Canin, Drools, Pedigree Pro, Farmina, Acana.
Cons: Cost (₹2,500-6,000/month), preservatives in lower-quality brands, not all brands are equal, some dogs find it boring.
The case for home-cooked
Pros: Fresh ingredients, no preservatives, variety, cultural familiarity (Indian families are comfortable cooking), lower cost, dogs love it.
Cons: Nutritionally incomplete unless carefully balanced, time-consuming, easy to over/under-feed specific nutrients (calcium, taurine), spoilage risk in Indian heat.
What vets actually recommend
Most Indian veterinary nutritionists recommend a 70-30 split: 70% quality commercial kibble (provides guaranteed nutrition) + 30% home-cooked (provides variety and freshness). This gives your dog complete nutrition while keeping meals interesting.
The 70-30 plan
| Meal | What | Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Quality kibble + warm water | As per brand feeding guide |
| Evening | Boiled chicken/paneer + rice + vegetables (carrot, pumpkin, beans) | Cup-sized for medium dog |
| Treats | Curd, banana, carrot sticks, commercial treats | Max 10% of daily calories |
Foods to never feed
Onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw bones, and cooked bones (splinter risk). Full list in our toxic foods guide.
Leo's diet
Leo eats Royal Canin Labrador Adult (morning) + boiled chicken and rice with pumpkin (evening). Monthly food cost: ₹3,800. He's 28 kg, coat shines, energy is perfect. The 70-30 works. — Ranjiesh, Leo's dad.
The one thing to do today
Check the back of your dog's food bag. If the first ingredient isn't a named meat (chicken, lamb, fish), you're feeding filler. Switch to a brand where meat is #1.
Your pet deserves better than scattered records
Petrāah keeps everything in one place — vaccination tracker, AI health companion, digital passport, and more. Founding members get it all at ₹3/day, locked for 3 years.
Reserve your founding spot →Sources & further reading
- WSAVA — Global nutrition guidelines for pets. wsava.org
- FSSAI — Pet food regulation in India. www.fssai.gov.in
- Journal of Animal Physiology — Canine nutrition India study. www.indianjournals.com
- Royal Canin — Breed-specific nutrition science. www.royalcanin.com
- Merck Vet Manual — Canine nutritional requirements. www.merckvetmanual.com
Related Reading
Honest dog food cost breakdown — Best Dog Food in India 2026