5 Steps to the Best Custom Dog Meal Plan Ever

J'adore
Jun 29
4 min read

Updated: Jul 6

Different meal plans for different dogs — The pawfect meal plan is the one tailored to the dog's needs

Hey, it’s me—J’adore. Tiny dog, big appetite, and even bigger opinions about food. I’ve sniffed out the science, chewed through the myths, and napped on the research (multitasking, of course). So here it is: a real-deal, nutritionist-backed guide to figuring out what should actually be in your dog’s bowl.

✨ Why Personalised Nutrition Matters

You wouldn’t feed a marathon runner and a couch potato the same meal, right? Same goes for dogs. Every pup’s body is different—our size, age, health history, and energy levels all change how we need to eat.

“The best diet for a dog is not the one that looks good on paper—it's the one that matches their unique biology and lifestyle.”— Dr. Karen Becker, Integrative Veterinarian & Author

And science agrees. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that individualised nutrition plans helped dogs maintain better weight, reduced inflammation, and improved overall quality of life.

📊 Step 1: Figure Out Your Dog’s Calorie Needs

Before you throw chicken and kale into a bowl, you gotta know how much your pup needs.

Factors That Affect Daily Calorie Needs:
- Weight (and ideal body condition)
- Age (puppy, adult, senior)
- Activity level
- Medical conditions

Quick Calculation (for adults):

Calories/day = 30 x (body weight in kg) + 70

Dog Type	Calories/kg/day
Sedentary, neutered	70–90
Active or intact	90–110
Puppies	130–200
Seniors	60–80

So if you’re a 6kg Shih Tzu (like me), that’s about 250–350 calories/day, depending on your zoomie frequency.

🍽 Step 2: Choose a Fresh, Nutrient-Dense Feeding Approach

Here’s the ideal breakdown (by weight) for a balanced, home-prepped diet:

Component	Approx %	Notes
🥩 Muscle meat	60–70%	Includes heart and thigh meat
🧠 Organs	10%	Liver (5–7%), other organs (kidney, spleen)
🥜 Calcium source	10%	Ground bone or eggshell powder
🥕 Veggies	5–10%	Steamed or pureed
🍚 Optional add-ons	0–10%	Fruits, seeds, herbs, grains (if tolerated)

🔬 Step 3: Balance the Macronutrients (Protein, Fat, Carbs)

Dogs are facultative carnivores, which means meat is essential, but we can digest some plant foods too.

Protein: 20–35% (minimum 18% per AAFCO)
Fat: 10–20%
Carbs: 0–25% (not required, often best kept low)

Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy—they’re linked to inflammation and allergies, especially in sensitive breeds. A 2017 review in BMC Veterinary Research found that high-carb diets were associated with obesity and diabetes in dogs.

💉 Step 4: Micronutrient Balancing is Key

Homemade food sounds great, but here’s the catch: most DIY diets are missing vital minerals and vitamins.

Key ones to watch:

Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio → Aim for ~1.2:1
Zinc & Copper → Low in cooked diets
Vitamins D & E → Often require supplementation
Iodine → Kelp works, but dosage must be precise

Use a canine-specific whole food supplement or work with a certified vet nutritionist. \

“The bowl doesn’t tell you if the diet is right. Your dog does.”— Dr. Judy Morgan, Holistic Vet & Pet Food Expert

🐶 Special Tips for Shih Tzus (Like Me!)

We’re cute, but we’re also complicated.

Flat faces mean soft or chopped food is easier to chew.
Sensitive digestion means bland proteins (like turkey or chicken) are a good start.
Tear stains? Avoid dairy, excess carbs, and preservatives.
Tiny size means portion control is critical. We gain weight fast!

Sample Day for a 6kg Adult Shih Tzu with a 3/5 BCS score:

Meal 1 & 2 (we give this half of this for each):

75g lean chicken thigh
10g liver
10g pumpkin-spinach puree
5g eggshell powder

Snack:

1 boiled egg
Optional: turmeric paste or goat milk splash

Meal 2:

75g turkey
5g kidney
10g zucchini-carrot mash
5g calcium source

🤖 Step 5: Observe, Tweak, Repeat

Your dog is the final judge of a great meal plan. Look for:

Shiny coat, no itching
Firm poop (not dry, not mushy)
Steady energy
Healthy weight
Excitement at mealtime

Keep a food journal for a week or two to track responses.

❌ Myth-Busting Corner

MYTH: Kibble is "complete and balanced," so you're done.
FACT: It's a legal term, not a guarantee of quality or bioavailability.

📖 Sources & Science I Trust

Dr. Karen Becker — Integrative Vet & Author
Dr. Judy Morgan — Holistic Vet & Educator
Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2020: Personalized nutrition outcomes
BMC Veterinary Research, 2017: Carbs and obesity in dogs
AAFCO Nutrient Profiles, 2022 Update

😊 Final Thought (With Tail Wags)

Feeding your dog isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. With attention, a little education, and a pinch of love, you can create meals that help your dog thrive.

Build a custom dog meal plan that supports your pup’s unique health needs. Vet-backed, science-based, and adorably easy to follow.