Key Vitamin Deficiencies in Homemade Dog Food: Natural Solutions for Optimal Health
- Joseph Wharram
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
As the latest research highlights Homemade dog diets are often deficient in key vitamins, which are essential for immune function, metabolism, skin and coat health, and overall well-being. This research indicates that many homemade meals lack sufficient levels of vitamins A, D, E, B12, and folate, creating potential health risks over time.
This cluster post expands on the vitamin deficiency section of the pillar blog, detailing safe natural sources, preparation methods, daily amounts, and life-stage considerations for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Why These Key Vitamins Are Critical
Vitamin A – Supports vision, immune function, and skin integrity
Vitamin D – Facilitates calcium absorption and bone growth
Vitamin E – Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and supporting skin, coat, and heart health
B12 & Folate – Crucial for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and
metabolism
Deficiency Signs:
Dull coat, dry skin, hair loss
Lethargy or poor growth in puppies
Weak immune system and frequent illness
Bone and dental issues (related to vitamin D)
Over-supplementation Risks:
Vitamin A toxicity (from liver) can lead to bone deformities, joint pain, and organ damage
Excess Vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia and kidney issues
Natural Key Vitamin Sources and Preparation
Vitamin A
Liver (chicken, beef, pork, goat) – feed in controlled amounts (see chart below)
Pumpkin and sweet potatoes (cooked or pureed for better absorption)
Carrots (cooked or pureed)
Vitamin D
Egg yolk (raw or lightly cooked)
Oily fish (anchovy, sardine, wild salmon oil)
Vitamin E
Leafy greens (spinach, kale — spinach must be cooked to remove oxalates)
Pumpkin or sweet potatoes
B12 & Folate
Liver and kidney (with portion control)
Eggs (especially yolk)
Practical Guides for Key Vitamin Sources:
Eggs: Practical Daily Guide
Dog Size | Whole Egg per Day | Approx. Weight (g / oz) |
Miniature | 1/4 egg | 10 g / 0.35 oz |
Small | 1/2 egg | 20 g / 0.7 oz |
Medium | 1 egg | 40 g / 1.4 oz |
Large | 1.5 eggs | 60 g / 2.1 oz |
Giant | 2 eggs | 80 g / 2.8 oz |
Liver & Kidney: Practical Daily Guide
(Ramses Organ Framework – Clarified)
Organ allocation depends on whether heart is included in the formulation.
Scenario A — When Heart IS Included
Total of all Organ Category = Up to 20% of Daily Meat Intake
Organ breakdown of that 20%: Heart = 65% Liver = 20% Kidney = 15%
Dog Size | Liver per Day (g / oz.) | Kidney per Day (g / oz.) |
Miniature (5 lb. / 2.3 kg) | 5–7 g / 0.18–0.25 oz. | 3–5 g / 0.1–0.18 oz. |
Small (15 lb. / 6.8 kg) | 12–15 g / 0.4–0.53 oz. | 8–10 g / 0.28–0.35 oz. |
Medium (35 lb. / 15.9 kg) | 20–30 g / 0.7–1.05 oz. | 15–20 g / 0.53–0.7 oz. |
Large (70 lb. / 31.8 kg) | 40–50 g / 1.4–1.76 oz. | 30–35 g / 1.05–1.2 oz. |
Giant (120 lb. / 54.4 kg) | 60–80 g / 2.1–2.8 oz. | 45–60 g / 1.6–2.1 oz. |
✔ Heart makes up the majority of the 20% organ allowance.
✔ Liver and kidney remain controlled within that structure.
Scenario B — When Heart is NOT Included
Total Secreting Organs (Liver + Kidney Combined) = ~10% of Daily Meat Intake
Breakdown of that 10%: Liver = 60–70% Kidney = 30–40%
Dog Size | Liver per Day (g / oz.) | Kidney per Day (g / oz.) |
Miniature (5 lb. / 2.3 kg) | 5–8 g / 0.18–0.28 oz. | 3–5 g / 0.1–0.18 oz. |
Small (15 lb. / 6.8 kg) | 15–20 g / 0.53–0.7 oz. | 8–12 g / 0.28–0.42 oz. |
Medium (35 lb. / 15.9 kg) | 25–40 g / 0.88–1.4 oz. | 15–25 g / 0.53–0.88 oz. |
Large (70 lb. / 31.8 kg) | 50–65 g / 1.76–2.3 oz. | 25–40 g / 0.88–1.4 oz. |
Giant (120 lb. / 54.4 kg) | 80–110 g / 2.8–3.9 oz. | 40–65 g / 1.4–2.3 oz. |
Important:
Liver and kidney DO NOT increase to fill the missing 10% heart allocation. Remaining portion stays as muscle meat.
Critical Safety Notes:
• Liver is extremely high in Vitamin A — exceeding guidelines risks toxicity.• Kidney contributes copper and selenium — excess can cause mineral imbalance.• Secreting organs should never exceed recommended limits.
Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes & Carrots: Practical Daily Guide
Dog Size | Pumpkin (g. / oz.) | Sweet Potato (g. / oz.) | Carrots (g. / oz.) |
Miniature | 10–20 g / 0.35–0.7 oz. | 10–20 g / 0.35–0.7 oz. | 10–15 g 0.35–0.53 oz. |
Small | 25–40 g / 0.88–1.4 oz. | 25–40 g / 0.88–1.4 oz. | 20–30 g 0.7–1.06 oz. |
Medium | 50–70 g / 1.76–2.5 oz. | 50–70 g / 1.76–2.5 oz. | 40–60 g 1.4–2.1 oz. |
Large | 100–140 g / 3.5–4.9 oz. | 100–140 g / 3.5–4.9 oz. | 80–120 g 2.8–4.2 oz. |
Giant | 180–240 g / 6.3–8.5 oz. | 180–240 g / 6.3–8.5 oz. | 150–200 g 5.3–7 oz. |
Practical Notes:
Cook pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots lightly to improve beta-carotene absorption.
Mash or puree for easier digestion.
Rotate these vegetables with liver, eggs, and leafy greens for balanced vitamin A intake.
Safe for long-term feeding at these portion ranges.
Oily Fish: Practical Daily Guide
(Anchovy, Sardine, Wild Salmon Oil)
Provides natural omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for skin, coat, cardiovascular, cognitive, and anti-inflammatory support.
Dog Size | Whole Oily Fish (g / oz) | Salmon Oil (ml / tsp) |
Miniature (5 lb. / 2.3 kg) | 5–10 g / 0.18–0.35 oz. | 1 ml / ¼ tsp |
Small (15 lb. / 6.8 kg) | 15–20 g / 0.53–0.7 oz. | 2–3 ml / ½ tsp |
Medium (35 lb. / 15.9 kg) | 25–40 g / 0.88–1.4 oz. | 5 ml / 1 tsp |
Large (70 lb. / 31.8 kg) | 50–60 g / 1.76–2.1 oz. | 8–10 ml / 1½–2 tsp |
Giant (120 lb. / 54.4 kg) | 80–100 g / 2.8–3.5 oz. | 12–15 ml / 2½–3 tsp |
Important: Oily fish should replace a portion of muscle meat, not be added on top of it. Feed 3–4 times weekly unless using measured oil daily. Use only wild-caught, low-mercury species.
Leafy Greens: Practical Daily Guide
(Spinach, Kale – Finely Chopped or Lightly Steamed)
Provides magnesium, vitamin K, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Dog Size | Leafy Greens per Day (g / oz) |
Miniature (5 lb. / 2.3 kg) | 5 g / 0.18 oz. |
Small (15 lb. / 6.8 kg) | 10–15 g / 0.35–0.53 oz. |
Medium (35 lb. / 15.9 kg) | 20–30 g / 0.7–1.05 oz. |
Large (70 lb. / 31.8 kg) | 35–45 g / 1.2–1.6 oz. |
Giant (120 lb. / 54.4 kg) | 50–60 g / 1.76–2.1 oz. |
Important: Leafy greens should not exceed ~5% of total daily food volume. Rotate varieties. Light steaming improves digestibility and reduces oxalate load (especially important with spinach as it should never be included uncooked).
Life Stage Vitamin Considerations
Puppies: Require higher vitamin A, D, and E for growth and bone development. Avoid excessive liver.
Adult Dogs: Can tolerate a broader variety of sources if the diet is balanced. Rotate foods to maintain nutrient variety.
Senior Dogs: Vitamin E and highly digestible protein remain critical. Vitamin D intake may need monitoring if kidney function declines.
Practical Tips for Safe Vitamin Supplementation
Measure total intake carefully by dog size and life stage
Rotate natural sources to prevent over-supplementation
Cook spinach, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes to remove oxalates and increase bioavailability
Monitor your dog for deficiency or toxicity symptoms
Avoid toxic foods (onions, garlic, chocolate, etc.)
Conclusion
Vitamin deficiencies are a common hidden risk in homemade dog food. By carefully incorporating eggs, liver, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens, you can safely provide all essential vitamins.
For even greater insights go to www.RamsesSeries.com and check out the Ramses Series of Nutritional Guidance for Dogs starting with "Making Your Own Dog Food with Ramses Vet approved Recipes.
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