From Confusion to Confidence: My Journey to NRC-Balanced Diets for Dogs

I haven’t always fed NRC-balanced diets.

Like many dog parents who start exploring fresh food, my journey began with good intentions… and a lot of trial and error.

I started feeding fresh in my mid-20s, long before social media and online dog nutrition communities were a thing. My heart was in the right place, but information wasn’t nearly as accessible — or as accurate — as it is now. There were books, spreadsheets, and word-of-mouth advice from other well-meaning dog owners. And while I was doing my best, I now know that my best wasn’t always balanced.

At the time, I thought I was giving my dogs something better. And in many ways, I was. But looking back, I can clearly see the gaps.

I used percentage-based spreadsheets that relied on ratios but didn’t account for actual nutrient requirements. I followed unbalanced cooked and raw recipes from popular books — many of which made no mention of trace minerals or essential fatty acids. I bought commercial raw diets that were marketed as “complete and balanced,” only to later learn they didn’t meet even basic nutrient profiles. I dabbled in the “balance over time” approach with DIY raw, assuming variety alone would cover all the bases.

Spoiler: it doesn’t.

I fed nearly every protein you can imagine — from rabbit to lamb to duck necks. And, in full transparency, I gave too many raw meaty bones and recreational bones. The result? Dogs with slab fractures. Lessons I won’t forget.

To be fair, I owned a dog store with freezers full of options and body parts. Resisting the temptation to try everything? Almost impossible. Every week brought new inventory and new products to explore — and I genuinely wanted to try them all.

I’m sharing this not to discourage anyone, but to say: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, I’ve been there.

If you’re wondering why your dog’s coat isn’t improving, or why you’re still seeing soft stool or recurring health issues even on a raw or home-cooked diet — this is for you.

Because here’s the part I want you to really hear: I don’t share my perspective from a place of judgment. If I ever come across as a little intense about balanced nutrition (I prefer “passionate” ), it’s because I’ve lived the missteps. I’ve also seen the incredible difference it makes when everything is in balance.

Over the years, I’ve learned that feeding fresh food isn’t just about using real, whole ingredients. It’s also about real formulation. That’s where the NRC — the National Research Council — comes in. These are the science-backed nutrient guidelines used to build homemade diets that actually meet a dog’s needs, without guesswork or assumptions.

And let me tell you: discovering NRC guidelines was a turning point for me.

Once I started using them and began formulating properly, I saw changes — not just in my dogs, but in my own confidence as a caregiver.

Audrey (my dog) and her belly on premade, commercial raw (L) on her personalized NRC balanced diet (R).

Their digestion improved. Their skin and coats looked even better — and trust me, they already got plenty of compliments. Their energy levels became more consistent. I didn’t even realize there was room for improvement until I saw what “optimal” looked like. And most importantly, I had peace of mind. I knew I was giving them what they needed, not just hoping I was.

Even now — at 53, with all of my beloved dogs having since passed — I can say without hesitation: feeding NRC-balanced diets gave me more peace and confidence than anything else I did.

It changed everything — for their health, and for my ability to advocate for them.

Every dog parent is on their own path. Some are just beginning to explore fresh food. Others have been feeding raw or home-cooked for years and are just now realizing there might be more to learn. Some are cooking at home. Some are feeding raw. Some are adding fresh toppers to kibble. There is no one-size-fits-all.

But wherever you are on that journey, I want to offer this reassurance: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There is support. There’s a way to feed real, whole foods and meet your dog’s nutritional needs with precision — not trial and error.

And if you’re not sure what NRC is or how to start exploring it, that’s completely okay. Here’s a link to help you get started. Because the truth is, when we know better, we do better. And it’s never too late to improve your dog’s diet — one step, one bowl at a time.

If you’re interested in working one-on-one to create a balanced homemade diet for your dog, I’m here to help. Whether you’re feeding raw, cooked, or a mix of both, we can create a plan that works for your dog, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Your journey doesn’t have to be as long or as winding as mine. And if I can help make the road clearer and a little less overwhelming, I’d be honored to walk it with you.