If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years living with Thor, it’s that feeding a large dog takes extra attention.
It’s not just about quantity — it’s about quality and balance.
At first, I thought I could just cook up some rice with meat and call it a day.
But I quickly realized that a homemade diet is much more than that.
Giant dogs like Thor have specific nutritional needs, especially when it comes to joints, bones, muscles, and sustained energy.
So, if you’re also thinking of ditching the kibble and switching to natural, homemade food, let me walk you through how to build a balanced homemade diet for your giant dog — the right way.
🧠 Understand the basics: what should be in the diet?
The first thing I learned from our veterinary nutritionist is that a proper dog diet should be based on five key pillars:
- High-quality protein (like meat, eggs, and organ meats)
- Carbohydrates (like brown rice, sweet potatoes, yuca)
- Vegetables and greens (carrots, pumpkin, spinach…)
- Healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, sardines)
- Specific supplements (calcium, zinc, vitamins A, D, E)
And don’t just “guess” the balance — you need to calculate the right amount of each nutrient based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
🍖 Protein: muscle fuel
Thor needs a lot of protein because of his athletic build and size. His meals usually include:
- Lean ground beef or cooked chunks
- Boneless chicken
- Liver or gizzards (in small amounts)
- Boiled eggs
These protein sources help maintain strong muscles and, honestly, they’re delicious for him.
🍠 Carbs: quality energy
Forget the myth that dogs don’t need carbs. They do — especially big, active ones.
I often use:
- Brown rice
- Sweet potato
- Yuca
- Pumpkin
These provide long-lasting energy and help regulate digestion.
🥕 Veggies and greens: fiber and vitamins
Veggies offer fiber and important vitamins, but you need to keep portions balanced.
I typically cook and finely chop:
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Chayote
- Spinach (in moderation)
The trick is to rotate them and see which ones your dog likes best.
Thor even asks for raw carrot as a treat now!
🥥 Healthy fats: skin and heart support
To keep Thor’s coat shiny and his immune system strong, I include:
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, or
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Sardines in water (no salt) are also a great source of omega-3 for joint support.
⚖️ Supplements: the invisible balance
This one surprised me the most: a homemade diet without supplements can be risky, even if it looks healthy.
Big dogs like Thor need plenty of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, zinc, and more to keep bones strong and prevent joint issues.
So, don’t try to wing it. Always talk to a veterinary nutritionist to get the right calculations and the ideal supplement.
📝 Sample daily meal (based on vet guidance):
- 300g cooked beef
- 100g brown rice
- 100g cooked pumpkin
- 1 boiled egg
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Prescribed supplement
(This is just an example — each dog is unique!)
💬 Final thoughts: Homemade, yes — but responsibly
Feeding your giant dog a homemade diet is an act of love.
And when it’s done with professional support, it brings so many benefits: better health, more energy, a longer life, and the joy of seeing your dog enjoy every bite.
Since starting Thor on this journey, his allergies improved, his digestion settled, and he even got more playful.
Today, I look at him and see a healthier, happier dog — and I know food has everything to do with it.
So if you’re considering switching to natural feeding, go slow, do your research, and always get expert advice.
And tell me in the comments: have you ever tried homemade food for your big pup? How did it go?