With the growing awareness of what some commercially prepared foods lack, a lot of research began into a more natural diet for dogs. The research concluded, in a nutshell, that the dog's ancestor, the wolf, and today's feral dogs occasionally bring down their own food (another animal) and other times scavenge for food (pick off the remains of someone else's kill). Their food sources, then, are fresh meat (including organ meat), and the digested food of the other animal. Today's raw diets are based on this premise and are centered around feeding fresh (uncooked) meat and partially digested (steamed) vegetables and grains.

Proponents of raw diets say their dogs exude good health — no allergies, no chronic conditions, few parasites, fresh breath, healthy joints, and so on. There are many books and magazine articles on how to formulate and feed a raw diet, and they're fascinating.

For others who don't want to risk the potential ill effects of a commercial diet, there is the option to feed a homemade diet. Again, there are many books detailing what to include in the meals, as dogs do have nutritional needs that are different from humans, and simply giving leftovers from the family's table will not provide for all of them. A successful home-made diet needs to contain the necessary proteins, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and fat that a dog needs. The nice thing is that these proportions are under your control when you make your dog's food.

Typically, owners who feed homemade diets prepare large batches and freeze portions, often adding fresh ingredients as the individual meals are prepared.