Louie is a mild-mannered two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. As mentioned in a previous post, he mainly eats Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried food and The Honest Kitchen grain-free dehydrated turkey, and since early this year, I have also started combining home-cooked meals. Preparing home-cooked food for dogs turned out to be more complicated than I expected. Because Louie follows a grain-free diet, balancing proper ratios felt even more challenging. The more I learned, the more complex dog nutrition seemed to become.
Among many books I have read, The Forever Dog stood out enough that I brought the Korean translation back from Korea. The book is filled with insights about longevity and healthy habits for dogs. Today, I want to share why this book is worth reading before preparing home-cooked meals for dogs.
1. What Kind Of Book Is Forever Dog
Forever Dog presents research showing that dogs fed fresh ingredients and diets closer to natural food tend to live longer than those fed only heavily processed kibble. Even adding fresh toppings or partially incorporating natural food can positively affect immunity and gut health.
2. Why Read It Before Starting Home-Cooked Meals
Forever Dog helps readers understand not just what to feed, but why certain foods matter. Making home-cooked meals without background knowledge can feel simple at first. However, once you consider nutrient balance, the process becomes much more complex. This book explains the roles of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins in a scientific yet accessible way.It also discusses additives, preservatives, and ingredients such as glycerin commonly found in commercial food and treats. By understanding these risks in advance, caregivers can make more informed decisions and avoid elements that may negatively impact long-term health.
It is important to note that recipes should not be scaled directly by weight. For example, half of a recipe designed for a 5 kg dog does not automatically become appropriate for a 2.5 kg dog. The book emphasizes adapting principles rather than copying recipes exactly.
3. Core Principles Of Natural Dog Diets
The book does not simply encourage home cooking. Instead, it repeatedly emphasizes balance and variety in natural diets.Rotating protein sources is recommended rather than relying on a single protein long term. Using antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cranberries, broccoli, spinach, or turmeric can support aging and cellular health. Sustainable fat intake, especially omega-3 sources like minimally processed fish oil or flaxseed oil, is highlighted as important. Digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potato, pumpkin, and quinoa are also suggested when appropriate.
Understanding these principles alone can make planning home-cooked meals far less overwhelming.
4. Practical Habits Caregivers Can Apply
The final section of the book focuses on daily habits rather than theory. It suggests simple practices that may support longevity.Daily walks of 10 to 15 minutes are encouraged, as fresh air and sunlight can positively affect cellular health. Providing dietary variety by adding fresh toppings or serving natural meals two to three times a week is recommended instead of feeding the same food daily.
The book also emphasizes clean water, BPA-free bowls, and mindful feeding schedules. Time-restricted feeding is discussed, but it is not the same as intermittent fasting. For healthy dogs, skipping one meal occasionally is not presented as a major concern.
Reflections
Forever Dog is not just a book about dog nutrition. It feels more like a guide to supporting a longer, happier life for dogs. Reading it before starting home-cooked meals helped clarify how to think about ingredients and balance rather than blindly following recipes.If you are interested in home-cooked or natural diets for dogs, this book offers a thoughtful foundation. It encourages caregivers to make informed, flexible choices instead of pursuing perfection.