Doberman Pinscher Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes, Nutrition & Tips

This is the ultimate guide to cooking Doberman Pinscher homemade dog food.

Making meals from scratch for your pooch can seem exciting, but it actually requires you to understand a lot of important aspects of dog nutrition and food-related health concerns. 

From the risks, benefits, and breed-specific nutritional advice, to our favorite recipes for Dobermans, this guide covers every little detail about cooking for your Doberman Pinscher. Let’s dive right in!

Doberman Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of feeding fresh dog food to your Doberman.

• Healthy eating habits
• Quality control
• More affordable
• Healthier
• Portion size control
• Fresh ingredients
• Dietary requirements can be met

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., also agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with great advantages such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over food recalls¹.

Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Nutrition & Doberman Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Doberman Pinschers are known for their susceptibility to skin and food allergies. It is believed that a hereditary trait of Dobermans is their food intolerances². These internal food allergies often appear on the skin as crusting lesions, dermatitis, and itchy skin.

Unfortunately, ingredients found in dry kibble are often the culprit behind Dobie’s food allergies. Due to kibble’s highly processed nature, the additives, preservatives play a role in triggering allergies in this breed. Oftentimes, ingredients such as beef, chicken, milk, eggs, and corn are also to blame.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America and researchers state that Dobermans have a genetic predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy^3,4. This means an abnormality in the heart muscle makes it hard for the heart to contract and function like it normally would. Doberman parents must act preventively and provide the right nutrition coupled with exercise to keep a healthy heart in Dobies.

There is also a high incidence of chronic active hepatitis (CAH) in Doberman Pinschers⁵. This results in a constant inflammation of the liver and ultimately liver failure. Dogs with hepatitis have high levels of copper in their systems. Generally, feeding a low protein diet will be recommended for most dogs with hepatitis to reduce strain on the liver. Plus, zinc supplementation may be added to the diet to restrict copper absorption in a dog⁶. Be sure to consult with your vet if this is your dog. Many meat-based kibbles have high levels of copper and sodium in them, which leads to further complications. If you want to prevent or have a Dobie that suffers from CAH, you may want to stir way for these foods or find one specific to treat this condition.

Keep in mind that hypothyroidism is a common health complication in Dobermans⁷. On one side, Hypothyroidism occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which results in lethargy, weight gain, loss of appetite, and more. A diet with too much iodine affects the synthesis of thyroid hormones, increasing the likelihood of this problem⁸. Dry food is a big ‘no no’ in Thyroid Disease.

Renal disease (aka kidney disease) affects the kidneys and is often found in juvenile Doberman Pinschers⁹. Typically, dogs with kidney disease should be fed diets reduced in phosphorus, protein, and sodium and supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil¹⁰.

Lastly, as with many deep-chested dog breeds, the Doberman Pinscher is prone to gastric dilation or bloat¹¹. This fatal condition occurs when food causes the stomach to expand, twist, and cut off the stomach’s blood supply. This often happens when dogs have eaten too quickly or played after eating a large amount. Be sure to avoid raised dog bowls, feed small, frequent meals, invest in a slow-feeder, and prohibit intense activity after meals.

Now you should understand why nutrition is so important in this breed.

How Can A Homemade Diet Help Dobermans With All of This?

A homemade fresh diet plays a key role in decreasing food-related allergies in Doberman Pinschers since it removes all those dangerous chemicals (i.e., colorants, preservatives, etc.) that often cause food sensitivities and allergies in this breed.

Cooking for your pup also puts you in control of the ingredients in the recipe, meaning you get to select only those ingredients that are safe for your pup. If you don’t know what foods your Doberman Pinscher is allergic to, we highly suggest doing an At-Home Food Dog Allergy Test before selecting the ingredients for his next meal.

As for dilated cardiomyopathy, there is a genetic component to the disease in Dobermans. However, a diet of legumes like peas, lentils, and potatoes can increase the risk of complications from DCM¹². Dog kibble that is often labeled as ‘grain-free does contain these starches. When you cook dog food, you can devise a meal plan to treat DCM and avoid these dangerous ingredients that may worsen this condition.

Homemade fresh dog food can help with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) because home-cooked meals have a higher bioavailability (easier to digest), putting less stress on the liver, which is affected by hepatitis. And because dogs with CAH have excess copper, cooking allows you to customize a non-copper diet and add supplements like zinc to support this condition.

Fresh real food is advised for dogs with hyperthyroidism, preferably lightly cooked or raw. This is the most natural diet for dogs, and it’s been shown to help¹³. Additionally, vitamins play a key role in hypothyroidism as well. If your Doberman is suffering from renal disease, homemade cooking will let you easily customize your Dobie’s meals based on the recommended diet for dogs suffering from renal disease.

Homemade meals also provide faster nutrient absorption. Key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are absorbed more quickly with fresh food due to their higher bioavailability. This speeds up your dog’s body inflammatory responses, which help reduce allergy-related symptoms at a faster pace or prevent them altogether.

Home dog food is also easy on your dog’s digestive system which contributes to a healthier gut, less bloating, and better overall health.

Doberman Homemade Dog Food Risks

These are some of the risky practices commonly found in homemade dog food meals that could jeopardize the health of your Doberman.

• Not understanding the nutritional needs of Dobermans
• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Not understanding your dog’s life stages (puppies, adults & senior) nutritional needs
• Neglecting your dog’s health conditions

The results of a study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary concluded that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients while other recipes use dangerously high levels of some nutrients.

Furthermore, research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded 48% of dog homemade diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal. What’s more alarming is that 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe, 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough, and 28.3% didn’t use any of the recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.

You need to take this into account in order to avoid serious repercussions to your dog’s health when cooking homemade dog meals. We recommend speaking with a veterinary nutritionist. Your vet should be able to provide you with trusted recipes, guide you on your Doberman Pinscher’s nutritional needs, and/or recommend a homemade dog food delivery service.

Doberman Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

Make sure that your dog’s homemade meals include the six essential nutrients. A well-balanced diet is vital for overall health and well-being.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, is the governing body that sets the standard for the nutritional value of commercial dog food and recommends these ingredients in every dog’s meal to support life and function.

You will also need to consider your dog’s health status, activity level, size, breed-specific needs, and weight, as these are factors that may affect nutrient content, ingredients, calories, and more.

Nutrient	Food	Description
Protein	Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs	Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates	Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat	Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat	From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others	Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues
Minerals	Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.	Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
Water	Water	Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
Vitamins	A, B, C, D, E, and K	Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

It is best to avoid a diet that promotes obesity. Avoid high calorie treats like cooked bones, table scraps, foods with high-fat content, or too many treats.

Often, homemade dog food lacks one or more key nutrients. Therefore using a multivitamin supplement like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews can help your pup get a balanced diet.

Speak to a veterinarian about what supplements are the right fit for your Doberman. Vets can help you create a unique and individualized plan for your dog. If you need more help, check out Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D. He’s an expert in veterinary medicine and pet nutrition. His book is considered the bible for dog nutrition by many vets.

Health Dietary Changes In Dobermans

Food-related health conditions can be managed by modifying your pups diet.

This is a list of nutritional adjustments that can be added to your dog’s fresh homemade diet to help with the following health conditions caused by bad nutrition.

Condition	Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes	Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs	Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis	Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial
Dull Coat and Scaling	Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Doberman Pinschers’ are known to have skin conditions and itchy, dull coats. If your Dobie has skin allergies or joint pain, adding dog fish oil may be a good idea. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other important effects include promoting improved immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs.

Doberman Calorie Requirements

Dog caloric needs are based on their weight. An adult Doberman Pinscher usually weighs between 75 to 100 pounds so most Doberman Pinschers would need to eat between 1380 and 1714 calories per day.

Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

For instance, if a Doberman weighs 90 lbs. Then, he would need 1582 calories per day. If you feed him treats, then that’s 1423 calories in food (90%) and 158 in treats (10%). Usually, full-grown dogs eat 2 meals per day, but because Doberman Pinschers can bloat easily, split 1423 into three meals of 474 calories each. You can use this calculator to find your Doberman’s exact caloric needs based on his weight.

Pregnant Doberman Pinschers can need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they would normally have as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

Homemade Dog Food For Doberman Puppies

Puppies have different nutrition requirements than adult dogs.

Puppies need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus when compared to adult dogs. If these levels are not adequately met it can result in deficiencies, stunt growth, or lifelong complications.

The National Research Council recommends puppies get around twice as many calories as do their adult counterparts of the same breed. Many people believe that they need to change their puppys’ calorie and food amount daily because they are always growing. However, that’s not necessarily true. “To promote normal growth, most puppies need to be fed the same number of calories, and food, from about 4 months of age to 12 months of age,” says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM, from Nom Nom.

Doberman Pinscher puppies should eat 4 to 5 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months) you can switch to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

While puppies are developing, it’s not advised to skip a meal to encourage proper growth and development. A puppy’s diet needs to be a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

We recommend feeding refresh homemade food for your Doberman Pinscher because it offers the best nutrition available for dogs compared to traditional kibble.

However, if you have a busy lifestyle, cooking homemade food can be time-consuming or even an overwhelming task for those dog parents who don’t know how to cook balanced dog meals let alone use the right ingredients and serve the appropriate portions.

If this is you, don’t worry, your pup can still get all the benefits of freshly homemade dog food through a homemade dog food delivery service like Ollie.

Ollie fresh dog food delivers fresh, healthy dog food made with real, human-grade ingredients customized to your pup’s unique nutritional needs. Ollie’s recipes are vet-formulated dog meals that are full of healthy proteins, fresh veggies, and superfoods delivered right to your door. The best part about Ollie is that they cater to your pup’s nutritional needs, goals, and/or health concerns.

For instance, if your Doberman Pinscher has weight issues, digestive issues, picky tastes, or other health concerns, Ollie will cook a personalized meal plan to meet those requirements.

They offer several tasty recipes that only feature USA-sourced ingredients cooked in human-grade kitchens. Your meals come pre-portioned for easy serving. 

Additionally, board-certified veterinary nutritionists ensure each recipe complies with AAFCO standards. The ingredients are sourced from human-grade farms in the US, and their premium, pasture-raised lamb comes from free-range farms in the US and Australia.

Ollie promises NO by-products, fillers, artificial flavoring or preservatives in their food. All seeds, oils, and other ingredients are sourced with care. With Ollie’s fresh food, your dog can experience eating homemade food with the benefits of shinier coats, fewer allergies, more energy, and better overall health.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

Doberman Homemade Food Tips

Before revealing our delicious Domerman homemade food recipes, here are some things you should remember while cooking for Dobermans.

1. Set a consistent feeding schedule.
2. Feed your Dobbie 3 times a day (puppies under 12 months, 3 to 4 times a day, check with your veterinarian).
3. Meal prep weekly or monthly.
4. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs.
5. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days.
6. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low.
7. If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals.
8. Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra-easy).
9. Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows.
10. Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories.

How To Cook Homemade Food For Dobermans ( Video)

Watch this video to learn how to make homemade meals for your Doberman Pinscher.

Best Doberman Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Here are our favorite homemade dog food recipes for Doberman Pinschers. We know that your pup will be drooling for meal time and get ample nutrients at the same time!

We’ve also added a special treat recipe for Dobermans that is not only delightful and tasty but it’s packed with awesome health benefits. We kid you not; this recipe can do a lot for your pup’s health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil.

Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

CBD-Infused Treat | Salmon Veggie Fruit | Wholesome Sirloin | Marvelous Mutt Loaf 

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CBD Infused Dog Treat

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• dash of sea salt
• 120 mg CBD oil

Total: Makes 24 treats

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar together. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix completely. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion out the dog biscuits and press into the dog treat baking pan. Bake 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

The number of dog treats will vary depending on the size of the mold you use. Try to make each dog treat have 2-5 mg of CBD.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

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Salmon Sweet Potato Veggie Fruit

This recipe is packed full of healthy fats and protein. The quinoa is a great plant-based source for protein. We know your Doberman’s coat will be shining with the Omegas found in olive oil and salmon. Yum!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pounds salmon fillet (boneless)
• 1 large sweet potato, shredded
• 2 cups green beans (canned or frozen)
• ¼ cup apple, cored and chopped

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook quinoa according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add salmon until fully cooked (3 to 4 minutes on each side). Remove from heat, flake apart and double check for and remove any bones.
3. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in green beans, apple, flaked salmon and quinoa.
5. Let cool completely.

Recipe From: Pure Wow

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Wholesome Ground Sirloin Veggie

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked organic brown rice
• 2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
• 3 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1/4–1/2 cup minced fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried herbs
• 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil

Directions

1. Start with cooking the eggs
2. While the rice is cooking, you can brown the sirloin and get all of the fresh ingredients together.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a large container and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.

Recipe from: This Messisours

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Marvelous Mutt Loaf 

Not only do we love the name, but we love the idea of cooking our pups a meatloaf. Say goodbye to boring dry food, and hello to saucy, flavorful mutt loaf. The kidney beans are a great source of carbs and protein. The combination of beef, eggs, and beans make this protein-packed loaf perfect for your Doberman!

• 2 and 1/4 Pound 85% Lean Ground Beef
• 4 Eggs, white or brown
• Kidney Beans
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• Sprig Rosemary – 1 Teaspoon
• 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 Carrots Shredded
• 3 Medium Size Potatoes Shredded (skins on)

Directions

1. Using your hands, fold the mixture until well combined
2. Using a Muffin Tin, make a ball and pack the muffin hole. Don’t overfill as they can leak out over your pan.
3. Pop into pre-heated 350F (180c Oven). After 50-55 minutes, the Meatloaf will be ready.
4. You can use larger loaf pans in lieu of muffin tin, however, the muffin tin allows you to make individual portion sizes. If you do use a larger tin, It will also take longer to cook, usually around 1 hour 10 minutes
5. Allow the Meatloaf to cool down before feeding them to your Dog

Recipe from: The Whoot

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Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking Practices

We want to ensure that your pup’s meals will be perfectly safe. Follow these recommendations for safe meal prep.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Use only boneless meats (no cooked bones)
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

What Foods Should Your Doberman Never Eat?

With so many different foods available, it can be difficult to know which foods can be included in a home cooked diet. Here is a list of foods that are toxic to dogs and should never be included in dog food:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

For a more comprehensive list, check out this handy list. We have it posted on our refrigerator as a reminder!

Doberman Raw Diet (BARF)

A raw dog food diet, also known as the BARF (short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods), aims to resemble what dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago.

The BARF diet consists mainly of organs, muscle, whole or ground bones, raw eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy. There are many types of raw foods available for dogs, including homemade raw dog food, store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).

If you are planning to make raw dog food for your Doberman Pinscher, and dogs in general, know that it requires a lot more effort and planning because the risk for contamination and nutritional imbalance is greater in raw ingredients.

Raw dog feeding is becoming more and more popular for its positive benefits on teeth, coat, digestive functions, and more. If you want to learn more about the benefits and risks, get the best commercial raw food diet for your Doberman Pinscher, read our raw dog food diets article.

Monitor Weight And Health

As long as you feed a balanced homemade diet, your Doberman Pinscher will stay healthy and happy.

However, after switching to homemade food, it’s advised to monitor your pup’s weight to ensure he is staying at a healthy weight. Do it for at leas a month.

If you are unknowingly feeding your Dobbie an unbalanced diet, it can lead to symptoms like excessive lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, or obesity. If these issues begin to occur, stop feeding the diet to your pet, review your dog’s meal plan, and talk to a vet as soon as possible.

We always recommend working with your vet to ensure the homemade diet maintains nutritional adequacy.

Other Food Alternatives

Based on our research and finding about Doberman nutrition and kibble, the best food for Dobermans is homemade food.

The benefits of feeding fresh far out-weight the convenience of traditional dog food. Feeding food that contains artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives is not a good alternative for dog nutrition, especially since it can cause health problems in the long term.

If you’re looking for inspiration on new homemade recipes to try with your dog, we hope you found a few on the list that might interest you!

What other foods do Doberman Pinschers enjoy, or are beneficial? For Dobermans prone to food and skin allergies, chronic hepatitis, or any other food-related health issues, check out our vegan dog food guide. There are many fantastic benefits of switching to vegan dog food.

Be sure to run anything by your vet before switching your pup to a new diet or adding a new ingredient to his diet. You have the opportunity to be in control of your dog’s digestive health by cooking their food at home. Supply your Doberman Pinscher with fresh, balanced, and palatable homemade meals for better overall health.

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Sources & References: [1] AKC, [2] Nom Nom, [3] Doberman Pincher Club of America [4] NCBI, [5] UFAW, [6] PubMed [7] Purina Pro Club, [8] AKC [9] Juvenile Renal Disease, [10] Tuff University [11] DPCA, [12] DMC, [13] Dietary Hyperthyroidism In Dogs

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