Disclaimer & safety.
What this site is, what it isn't, and what you need to know before changing your dog's diet.
We are not veterinarians.
The recipes, calculators, and information on Teddy's Kitchen are designed by a pet nutritionist. We are not licensed veterinarians, animal nutritionists, or medical practitioners. The content on this site is educational and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your dog has any health condition, you should consult with a qualified veterinarian before changing their diet. Always.
- Diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis history
- Cancer (current treatment or remission)
- Severe food allergies that have caused anaphylactic-style reactions
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Heart disease, including DCM or mitral valve disease
- Any other chronic medical condition
Recipes are for healthy adult dogs at maintenance.
Our current 5 recipes are designed for healthy adult dogs (1-8 years) at maintenance weight. They are not formulated for:
- Puppies (have different calcium, phosphorus, and protein requirements)
- Pregnant or lactating females (need higher calorie density and specific nutrients)
- Senior dogs with specific medical needs (kidney, joint disease may need different ratios)
- Dogs in weight-loss programs requiring veterinary supervision
- Working dogs requiring extreme calorie loads (military, sled, competition)
Puppy, senior, and renal-friendly recipe variants are in development.
AAFCO-aligned vs AAFCO-certified.
We say "AAFCO-aligned" — meaning the recipes are designed to align with AAFCO adult maintenance profiles for complete and balanced diets. They are not "AAFCO-certified" because:
- Home-cooked food cannot be lab-tested in the same way as commercial pet food (ingredient variation is inherent to home cooking)
- Independent feeding trials would be required for certification
- Certification is a commercial pet food regulatory framework, not a home-cooking framework
The recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles when made with The Premix. Without the premix, they are not nutritionally complete over long periods.
The Premix is required.
Our recipes are designed to be nutritionally complete only when used with The Premix. Without the premix, the recipes will be deficient in calcium, certain vitamins (D, E, iodine), taurine, and trace minerals. Long-term feeding without complete supplementation will result in nutritional deficiencies.
If you cannot or will not use The Premix, please consult a pet nutritionist to design a custom supplement strategy.
Calculator estimates have natural variance.
The calorie calculator uses the standard RER (resting energy requirement) formula: 70 × body weight^0.75, multiplied by activity, body condition, age, and breed-specific factors.
This produces estimates that work for the average dog of your dog's profile. Actual needs vary by ±10-15% based on:
- Individual metabolism (some dogs naturally burn more)
- Climate and temperature (cold weather increases needs)
- Stress, illness, or recovery
- Body composition (muscle vs fat ratio)
- Recent neuter/spay status (energy needs drop ~20%)
Monitor your dog's weight monthly and adjust portions if they're gaining or losing weight unintentionally. A simple body condition check every 4 weeks is the most reliable indicator.
Food safety responsibilities.
When you cook your dog's food at home, you take on food safety responsibilities. Please:
- Use fresh meat and produce — same standards as for human food
- Cook meat thoroughly (no raw meat in our recipes — that's a different feeding approach with its own risks)
- Refrigerate cooked food within 2 hours of cooking
- Eat within 4 days refrigerated, or freeze for up to 3 months
- Defrost in the fridge, never at room temperature
- Wash all surfaces, knives, and bowls thoroughly
Ingredient sourcing and allergies.
If your dog has a known food allergy, check every ingredient before using any recipe. We list common allergens (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) clearly on each recipe page. We may add new recipes or update existing ones — always re-check ingredients before using a familiar recipe.
What to do if your dog gets sick.
If your dog shows symptoms of illness — vomiting, diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, breathing difficulty — contact your vet immediately. Do not assume the food is responsible or wait to see if it passes. Dogs deteriorate quickly when sick.
If you suspect a specific ingredient triggered a reaction, document what they ate and bring it to your vet appointment.
Liability.
Teddy's Kitchen provides information for educational purposes. You are responsible for the food you choose to feed your dog. We make no warranties, express or implied, about the suitability of our recipes for any individual dog. By using our recipes and tools, you accept responsibility for your dog's health and agree that Teddy's Kitchen is not liable for any adverse outcomes.
Changes to this disclaimer.
We may update this disclaimer as the site evolves. The current version is dated May 2026. Significant changes will be noted on the homepage.
Questions?
If anything is unclear or you want to discuss your specific dog's situation, email hello@teddyskitchen.com.au. We read every message.
Teddy's Kitchen is operated by Ruhan Oberoi (Individual / Sole Trader, ABN 60 805 688 583), based in New South Wales, Australia. These terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales.