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Every dog owner knows this moment: You're standing at the front door, jacket on, keys in hand – and your dog looks at you with a look that almost breaks your heart. Unfortunately, for many of us, guilt is part of everyday life. But it is extremely important to understand: Dogs are highly social animals. Their natural way of life is geared towards living in a stable family unit. Being alone is simply not part of their evolutionary DNA. A dog benefits from the closeness and security of its humans – if left alone, this can instinctively trigger enormous stress or even deep anxiety. Why do they still have to learn it? Even if your dog is rarely alone right now, life circumstances can change at any time. Career changes, family developments, or unforeseen emergencies sometimes require the furry friend to stay at home. A dog that has not been systematically prepared for this will panic. Our goal is therefore for your dog to learn: I am safe, even when my human is not in the room. This guide shows you how to build this up together and stress-free. Short & sweet: The most important things in 30 seconds Puppies (up to 4 months): maximum 1–2 hours alone, preferably not at all. Adult, trained dogs: usually 4–6 hours, up to 8 in individual cases. There is no statutory hourly limit in either Austria or Germany. Only "regular, sufficient contact" with the primary caregiver is required. Training always happens in mini-steps: first seconds, then minutes, then hours. Distinguish separation anxiety (real panic) from loss of control (frustration over lack of control) – the training approaches differ. How long can my dog stay alone? Guidelines by age There is no legally defined maximum duration – neither in Austria nor in Germany. The Animal Welfare Act merely stipulates that a dog must have regular and sufficient contact with its primary caregiver. What "sufficient" means specifically is not defined in hours. In practice, however, clear guidelines have been established among veterinarians and dog trainers: Age Recommended maximum duration Note Puppy (up to 4 months) 1–2 hours, ideally not at all Bladder not yet controllable, high separation risk Young dog (5–12 months) Gradually increase to 3–4 hours Highly individual, always observe Adult, trained dog 4–6 hours, individual cases up to 8 hours Only after prior training and with sufficient exercise beforehand Senior dog Usually shorter than an adult dog Depending on bladder, joints, and health condition Important: These values are guidelines, not a guarantee. A dog with separation anxiety can panic even after 20 minutes, while a well-trained, well-exercised dog sometimes handles 8 hours just fine. What matters is always the individual training level – not a blanket figure. If a dog is regularly alone for more than 6 hours at a time, a care solution should be arranged: dog sitter, Doggy Daycare, a dog hotel or a trusted person who stops by in between. Why dogs cannot stay alone – and why every dog should learn it Dogs are highly social animals. Their natural way of life is geared towards living in a group – with constant interaction, shared tasks, and the security that closeness provides. Being alone is simply not part of their design. When a dog is left alone by its human, this can therefore trigger stress or even real anxiety – completely regardless of how well-behaved it otherwise is. And yet: Every dog should learn to stay alone calmly. Not because it is convenient for us – but because life circumstances change. Career changes, family developments, unforeseen events – sooner or later, almost every dog will be confronted with being alone for a while. A dog that is not prepared for this can quickly become extremely stressed in such moments. The goal should therefore be for your furry friend to be able to stay alone calmly for several hours – without falling into a distressing state. The reasons why some dogs find this particularly difficult to learn are varied: Lack of habituation is the most common. Dogs that received a lot of closeness as puppies may never learn that time to themselves is completely normal. Not a character flaw – but a learning deficit that can be well addressed with the right training. Breed predisposition also plays a role: dogs bred to be close companions – Border Collies, Vizslas, many Molosser breeds – simply need more training and more patience than others. Lack of mental and physical exercise is a frequently overlooked factor. A dog that is physically and mentally understimulated has too much energy left to doze calmly on its blanket. The solution here often lies not in the separation training itself, but in more sniffing, more thinking games, and more genuine exhaustion before being left alone. And sometimes past experiences play a role – with rescue dogs that have experienced the end of relationships, or with dogs that have been alone much longer than before overnight due to a sudden change in their owners' lives. The cause: separation anxiety or loss of control? How to tell the difference If a dog cannot stay alone, it is important to know the cause – because separation anxiety and loss of control often look similar from the outside, but have different roots. And this directly influences how you train. Separation anxiety: The fear of being left behind True separation anxiety in dogs is not defiance or bad behavior – but from a veterinary perspective, it is a real anxiety disorder. The body releases massive amounts of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when you leave. In this state, your dog simply cannot learn anymore – it reacts purely out of panic mode, without having any control over it. How do I recognize separation anxiety? The signs often start long before you leave the apartment. Your dog observes your morning routine very closely – reaching for your jacket, tying your shoes, looking at the clock. All of this already triggers a chain reaction in them: Panting, trembling, and whining as soon as you put on your jacket Restlessly pacing around or clinging to your legs Standing in front of the door to prevent you from leaving As soon as the door closes, the stress often escalates within minutes: Continuous barking and howling Scratching and gnawing at door frames, furniture, or window sills – always where you were last or where your dog thinks there is an escape Refusing food or vomiting from pure stress Soiling the house despite enough walks – not out of convenience, but because the body cannot help it in panic mode Important: Dogs with separation anxiety generally seek human closeness and have difficulty letting go. The presence of other people usually does not change their stress – it is not about company, but about their specific primary caregiver. Important! Dogs with separation anxiety generally seek human closeness and have difficulty letting go. The presence of other people usually does not change their stress – it is not about company, but about their specific primary caregiver. What to do if I recognize separation anxiety? Two things are important at the same time: 1. Get professional support. Contact a certified dog trainer with experience in anxiety disorders or your veterinarian. In some cases, temporary medication is useful – not as a permanent solution, but so that your dog can get into a state where training can work in the first place. 2. Organize care for the interim. A dog with true separation anxiety should not be left alone during this phase. Not because you are spoiling it, but because every panic attack actively worsens the problem and makes later training considerably harder. Whether a dog sitter, dog hotel, Doggy Daycare, or a trusted person from your circle – every solution is better than a dog that is in an exceptional state for hours. Loss of control: The frustration of not being able to do the job Less known, but just as relevant: Some dogs do not suffer from separation anxiety in the classic sense, but from a pronounced need for control. The difference is important – because the training also differs. How do I recognize loss of control? These dogs often appear confident and self-assured from the outside – but they have learned to constantly keep their surroundings and especially their humans in view. Typically, the stress does not start immediately after leaving, but only after a certain amount of time – when they realize they can no longer exercise control: Following everywhere – also within the apartment, also into the bathroom Intense observation and monitoring of their humans' movements Continuous barking or destruction of objects after a while of being alone Making seemingly independent decisions – blocking doors, limiting movements The stress here arises not from fear of being alone, but from the feeling of no longer being able to control the humans. What helps? These dogs need one thing above all: Clarity. Not strictness – but clear communication about what is allowed and what is not. A dog that knows clear rules does not have to come up with its own. Give clear instructions. If your dog follows you from room to room, actively send it to its blanket. Do not scold, do not ignore – but give a clear instruction: "Place. Blanket." And then consistently enforce it. Whoever simply lets the following behavior happen unconsciously confirms to the dog that control is its job. Build up blanket training. The blanket becomes a fixed retreat and at the same time a training tool. Your dog learns: Lying calmly on the blanket is its job – not monitoring its humans. Start by rewarding it for lying quietly on the blanket while you move around in the same room. Then briefly leave the room, come back, reward. Step by step, the blanket becomes a safe place – even when you are not in view. Consistently stick to clear rules. Is it allowed in the bedroom? On the sofa? Following into the bathroom? Decide it – and stick to it. Dogs with a strong need for control seek orientation. Whoever says yes today and no tomorrow makes it impossible for them to truly relax. Do not put the dog in control situations. Do not assign tasks that make him feel responsible for safety or surveillance. Humans make decisions – and thus provide guidance. Rescue dogs: settling in first – training later For rescue dogs, an important rule applies: Give your furry friend time to settle into their new home first. The first few days and weeks are already full of new impressions, smells, and people – that is more than enough stimulation. But – and this is crucial – after a short settling-in period of one to two weeks, you should consciously start leaving your dog alone briefly within the apartment regularly. Go into the bathroom, close the door. Go into another room. Give your dog the chance to learn: Being alone is normal, it happens regularly, and you always come back. Unfortunately, many rescue dogs have experienced exactly the opposite in their past: broken relationships, unpredictable situations, no one to rely on. This makes it all the more important to build reliability and predictability from the start – in small, safe steps. Only when your dog can stay alone calmly within the apartment should you take the next step together: short breaks right outside the door, then the first few minutes outside – always in small steps, always with success. Being alone in puppies: build up gradually from the start The most important thing you need to know about training: The earlier you start, the easier it will be. Those who teach their puppy to be alone for short periods from the start – even before there is a problem – lay a foundation that will support the dog for life. No drama, no getting used to constant presence, no bad habits that have to be painstakingly retrained later. Short separations from the start, built up gradually, are the best gift you can give your dog and yourself. Because puppies who learn early on that being alone is part of life simply do not develop any problems with it – they do not know it any other way. This also applies to adult dogs that have to learn to be alone for the first time. It is also worth starting consistently from scratch here – even if that initially seems like less than you might imagine. It is better to practice for three weeks at the level of seconds and then make quick progress than to demand too much too soon and have to start over. Also read: Puppy at home: The first few weeks – what you really need to know Test freshly cooked dog food now & start a more relaxed everyday life How to train "being alone" step by step Regardless of whether your dog is more prone to separation anxiety or loss of control, the basic training initially follows the same principle: start small, take manageable steps, and always end with success. Step 1: Establish a fixed lying place The first step has nothing to do with being alone yet. Your dog gets a fixed resting place – in a quiet, inconspicuous spot, not directly by doors or passageways. This place is positively reinforced so that your dog seeks it out voluntarily and feels comfortable there. The blanket will later become the anchor point for the entire training. Step 2: Distance training in everyday life Your dog learns to stay calm when you move away – initially still within their line of sight. Stand up, take a few steps, come back. Reward calm behavior. Then briefly leave the room – open the door, close the door, come right back in. Gradually increase the duration. Your dog learns the most important lesson: You leave. But you always come back. Step 3: First real separation Your dog stays alone in a safe, familiar room – initially only for a few minutes. The duration is gradually extended, always depending on how calm your dog remains. Important: Return before they become restless. Every successful completion counts more than one long session. A camera or an old smartphone as a monitoring tool is incredibly helpful here – this way you can see exactly how your beloved reacts when you are not there. Are they sleeping? Are they pacing restlessly? Do they start barking after two minutes? These observations show you at what pace you can really make progress. Step 4: Build up realistic everyday situations Now it is about gradually building up and extending real situations – shopping, doctor visits, work. The same rule applies here: only as long as it corresponds to your dog's current training level. Steps that are too large often lead to setbacks. Better do it briefly more often than once for too long. Desensitizing key cues Dogs are masters at associating routines with meaning. Putting on shoes, grabbing keys, picking up a bag – for many dogs, these are reliable signals announcing: I'm about to be alone. And that is exactly what often triggers the stress response even before you have touched the door. These so-called key cues should be deliberately desensitized. This means: Perform these actions regularly without leaving afterwards. Put on your jacket – and sit on the sofa. Take the keys in your hand – and go into the kitchen. Tie your shoes – and read the newspaper. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference: When these cues lose their predictive power for your dog, they also lose their ability to trigger stress. The goodbye becomes something insignificant – and that is exactly the goal. Bello's tip: Make a small checklist and deliberately desensitize these cues in everyday life: Put on your jacket several times throughout the day, do something at home for 10–15 minutes – and take it off again. Do the same with keys, shoes, and bag. The more often you repeat this, the faster these signals lose their effect. Eventually, your dog will look up briefly – and simply lay their head down again. Tips for everyday life: How to handle goodbyes & arrivals properly In addition to the actual training, there are several everyday things that make a massive difference – and that you can implement immediately. No big goodbye scenario: The extended cuddling right before leaving, the ten-fold "Be good, my dear!" – all of this signals to your dog that something special is happening. Keep your goodbye short, calm, and ordinary. Put down a lick mat, leave the apartment. Done. Make the arrival just as relaxed: Come in, ignore your dog for five minutes at first. Not because you are cold – but because you are teaching them that your return is something completely normal. Only when they have calmed down should you give them the big greeting. It sounds heartless, but it is the friendliest thing you can do. Introduce fixed rituals: Dogs are absolute creatures of habit and find real security in rituals. A specific chew item that only comes out when they are alone. A lick mat that is always filled just before leaving. A specific command like "I'll be right back." – such rituals signal: This is normal. Everything is fine. Build in a rest phase between activity and being alone: Before leaving them alone, your dog should be both physically and mentally tired – but there should be a short rest phase between the last activity and you leaving. A dog that goes directly from excited play to being alone will find it harder to relax. Never leave them alone for too long: Your dog should only ever be left alone for as long as corresponds to their current training level. Punishment for unwanted behavior during your absence is absolutely to be avoided – this behavior arises from stress, not from intention. Why nutrition plays a role in leaving your dog alone This may sound surprising at first, but from a veterinary perspective, it makes absolute sense: What your dog eats directly influences how relaxed they are. A dog that gets low-quality ingredients – lots of fillers, cheap carbohydrates, artificial additives – often has fluctuating blood sugar levels. This sounds abstract, but it is absolutely relevant to their well-being: Blood sugar fluctuations lead to restlessness, irritability, and poorer stress processing. The nervous system is then simply constantly a little bit in alarm mode – even when there is no obvious trigger. High-quality nutrition with first-class proteins, natural ingredients, and without unnecessary fillers, on the other hand, ensures even satiety, a healthy gut flora, and a balanced energy metabolism. And a dog that feels good from the inside out is simply easier to calm and easier to train. In addition, healthy dog nutrition has a direct influence on gut health – and the gut is also closely linked to the nervous system in dogs. An intact gut flora supports the production of messenger substances that regulate well-being. In short: A healthy belly not only makes your dog physically fitter, but also emotionally more stable and more resilient to stress. Frequently asked questions about leaving your dog alone How long can I leave my dog alone? There is no legal maximum. As a guideline: puppies maximum 1–2 hours, adult, trained dogs 4–6 hours, in individual cases up to 8 hours. Always depending on the individual training level. At what age can a puppy be left alone? First, very short training sessions of a few minutes are possible already in the first weeks in the new home. Longer phases of over an hour should only follow after the fourth month of life. Is it animal cruelty to leave a dog alone during the day? Not necessarily. It becomes problematic when a dog is regularly alone for significantly longer than its training level allows, or when it visibly suffers. A well-prepared dog can be alone for several hours calmly. How can I tell if my dog has separation anxiety? Typical signs include panting and restlessness even before you leave, continuous barking or whining after you've left, scratching at doors, and accidents despite having been walked earlier. How long does it take to teach a dog to be alone? It varies greatly from dog to dog. Some dogs make significant progress within a few weeks, while others need several months. Consistency and taking small steps are more important than speed. Should I film my dog while I'm away? Yes, that's highly recommended. A camera or an old smartphone will show you objectively how your dog actually reacts when you're not there – this will help you assess the pace of training correctly. Ready to give your dog a healthier and longer life? Order healthy dog food now and save 30% ! Order now Conclusion: Patience pays off – for both of you Being alone is not an innate ability – it is a skill that must be developed systematically. The key lies in structured, small-step training, a clear and reliable daily routine, and the knowledge that every dog can learn it. Start early – as early as possible. Stay consistent, even when it sometimes feels like you're treading water. And don't forget: Your dog isn't working against you, but with you. They want to succeed. They just need someone to show them how. A dog that has learned that it is safe even without its human can handle separation situations more calmly – and remain stable alone in the long term. That is no small goal. But it is one that you can achieve together. 🐾 Anita Lorber
Our dogs have long ceased to be mere working animals – they are full-fledged family members, loyal companions, and our best friends. We share our home, our sofa, and our lives with them. So it is only logical and consistent that we also ask increasingly critical questions about their healthy dog nutrition: Is highly processed, shelf-stable food from a bag really the best thing for my dog? In recent years, a real, scientifically sound revolution has taken place in the pet market. More and more responsible dog owners are turning their backs on industrial uniformity and looking for more species-appropriate, transparent alternatives. This is exactly where freshly cooked dog food is coming into sharp focus for veterinarians and dog nutritionists. But what exactly is hidden behind this term? Is it really healthier and safer than BARF or classic wet food from a can? And why do the latest veterinary studies strongly advise against simply mixing dog food yourself on the home stove? In this very detailed and comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the world of modern dog nutrition. We examine current scientific studies and show you how you can significantly and measurably change your dog's vitality through the right feeding. Test freshly cooked dog food for your dog now and save! Table of Contents What exactly is freshly cooked dog food? The gentle manufacturing process and its benefits Transparency instead of guesswork on the label Dry food, BARF, wet food, or freshly cooked? The honest, evidence-based comparison 1. Dry food: Convenient, but extremely highly processed 2. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): Very natural, but highly risky 3. Wet food (canned food): Moist, but often opaque 4. Freshly cooked dog food: The healthy solution Cooking dog food yourself: Well-intentioned, but often risky Cooked dog food: What you must look for when buying Frequently asked questions about freshly cooked dog nutrition Why HelloBello is the best choice for your dog's life The food transition: What happens in your dog's body? What exactly is freshly cooked dog food? The term freshly cooked dog food basically describes exactly what the name promises: It is a dog food made from real, fresh, and above all, visible ingredients – just as you would prepare it for yourself in your own kitchen from fresh ingredients. In dramatic contrast to the industrial mass production of conventional dry or canned food, only high-quality muscle meat, nutrient-rich offal, fresh vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes), valuable oils (such as hemp oil or salmon oil), and easily digestible carbohydrates are used. These ingredients all meet food quality (human-grade) standards. This means they are microbiologically and qualitatively so high-quality that they would theoretically also be approved for human consumption. No inferior slaughter byproducts are used, guaranteed! The gentle manufacturing process and its benefits The all-important difference from conventional food lies in the manufacturing process: The fresh ingredients are not compressed under extreme pressure, but cooked extremely gently at low temperatures (usually gently below 90 degrees Celsius). This gentle cooking process fulfills two vital tasks: It ensures that potentially dangerous bacteria, parasites, and germs are completely killed. It gently breaks open the hard cell walls of vegetables and meat. This optimally unlocks the nutrients for the extremely short dog intestine, while heat-sensitive vitamins, natural protein structures, and minerals remain almost completely intact. The absolute superiority of this feeding method is now also proven by science: Current clinical studies have shown that gently cooked food-grade dog food is highly digestible. It makes essential amino acids and macronutrients significantly more available to the dog's organism than conventionally extruded, pressed food (Oba et al., 2020). This is also supported by further studies, which prove that the specific selection of ingredients and the gentle preparation in freshly cooked dog food lead to excellent nutrient digestibility (Do et al., 2021). The result for your everyday life? A healthier gut, better nutrient absorption, less bloating, and measurably smaller stool volume! Transparency instead of guesswork on the label Have you ever read the back of a conventional dry food package? Often, the ingredients list resembles a cryptic puzzle. Terms like "Animal By-Products", "Plant By-Products", or "EU Additives" leave the consumer completely in the dark about what exactly ends up in the bowl. Behind the vague term "animal by-products", high-quality offal such as heart or liver can be hidden in exceptional cases – but in mass production, it is extremely often merely feathers, claws, beaks, connective tissue, or inferior animal meal (so-called K3 material), which has hardly any real nutritional value for the dog. Freshly cooked dog food stands for absolute and honest transparency. When you open a fresh ration, you see the ingredients with your own eyes! You recognize the fine meat fibers, you see the green peas, the orange carrot cubes, and the rice or potato pieces. This uncompromising transparency gives you as a dog owner 100 percent certainty that your beloved is not taking in any hidden fillers, no artificial sugar, no flavor enhancers, and absolutely no chemical flavor enhancers. Bello's Promise: Real ingredients, measurable health! We have no secrets and no animal meal. We cook fresh, transparently, and absolutely to demand – individually tailored to the needs of your furry friend. 👉 Start the HelloBello Food Configurator now, create your meal plan, and secure 30% off! Dry food, BARF, wet food, or freshly cooked? The honest, evidence-based comparison The dog food market is gigantic, confusing, and often characterized by extremely strong marketing. To be able to make the actually best decision for the long-term health of your dog, we must objectively, mercilessly, and scientifically compare the four most common feeding methods with each other. 1. Dry food: Convenient, but extremely highly processed Dry food is by far the most widely used feeding method worldwide. It is cheap, doesn't smell, doesn't grease, and can be extremely easily stored in large bags. But the health price for this human convenience is extremely high. In modern veterinary medicine, classic dry food is increasingly discussed critically and classified as "Ultraprocessed Food" (highly processed foods) . Current findings warn ever louder about the potential long-term health consequences of such highly industrially altered rations. To make the hard kibble, the raw ingredient mass is pressed in the so-called extrusion process under extremely high pressure and at temperatures of sometimes over 140 degrees Celsius. Through this massive thermal and physical stress, natural vitamins, secondary plant compounds, and enzymes are almost completely denatured and destroyed. They must be artificially applied back to the kibble in the form of sprays at the end of the process. Many concerned dog owners mistakenly believe that the only alternative to this "Ultraprocessed Food" is the often complicated and hygienically risky BARF (raw feeding). But that is a myth! The modern veterinary recommendation for a healthy, species-appropriate dog nutrition is "Minimally Processed Food" – i.e., minimally processed food. Gently cooked fresh food is exactly that: It provides the full natural nutrient power of real food, without having to take the germ risks of pure raw feeding. In addition, dry food usually contains far less than 10% moisture due to the manufacturing process. Dogs must make up for this immense lack of moisture through their water bowl. If your dog doesn't drink enough (which unfortunately happens extremely often), this can put enormous strain on the kidneys over time and lead to the dangerous formation of bladder stones. Read more about this here: My dog drinks a lot – this could be why . Another myth: dry food cleans the teeth. This is factually incorrect. The starch contained in it forms a sticky film on the teeth and promotes tartar buildup and plaque. 2. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): Very natural, but highly risky With BARF, the dog is fed exclusively raw meat, raw offal, meaty bones, and raw, pureed vegetables. This feeding method undoubtedly comes very close to the original diet of wolves. But beware: Today's pet dogs are no longer wild wolves, and handling raw meat in the kitchen poses massive, scientifically proven hygiene risks. Scientists from the renowned Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zurich examined 51 commercial raw meat rations (RMBDs - Raw Meat-Based Diets) for dogs and cats. The published result was shocking: 72.5% of the samples did not meet the microbiological EU hygiene standards for enterobacteria! In over 62% of the samples, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria (ESBL producers) were found – i.e., multi-resistant germs against which common antibiotics in medicine often no longer work! In several samples, extremely dangerous Salmonella were detected (Nüesch-Inderbinen et al., 2019). These antibiotic-resistant pathogens not only endanger your pet's immune system (gastrointestinal infection), but also pose a highly serious risk (zoonosis risk) to human owners. 3. Wet food (canned food): Moist, but often opaque Wet food from commercially available cans is generally very popular with dogs due to its more intense aroma and high moisture content of about 70 to 80%. For the water balance and kidneys, it is definitely better than dry food. The disadvantages: To keep an airtight can shelf-stable at room temperature for years, it must be heated extremely strongly (sterilized). This merciless process almost completely destroys the natural nutrients of the ingredients. Important to understand: It is completely normal and veterinary-medically necessary to supplement vitamins and minerals in any high-quality complete feed (including our HelloBello fresh food!). Why? Because the energy requirements of our modern pet dogs have dropped sharply compared to their ancestors, the wolves, due to significantly lower activity – but not their absolute requirement for vitamins and minerals. The crucial difference, however, is: While we at HelloBello merely optimize an already nutrient-rich, gently cooked base, vitamins in canned food often have to be added massively simply because the intense heat of sterilization has literally "overcooked" the meal to death beforehand. In addition, it is precisely in many cheap cans that the unclear thickeners (such as Cassia gum), flavor enhancers, and low-quality animal by-products are hidden, which cause gastrointestinal problems and intolerances in sensitive dogs every day. 4. Freshly cooked dog food: The healthy solution Freshly cooked dog foodr brilliantly combines all the fantastic benefits of the methods mentioned above and at the same time completely eliminates their dangerous weaknesses! It is natural: It consists of pure, intact foods, just like BARF. It is highly digestible: Since the cell walls of vegetables and meat are already broken down by gentle cooking, making them ideal for the short dog intestine, it is the perfect daily dietary food for dogs. In a comparative study, it was also proven that gently cooked rations increase macronutrient digestibility compared to extruded dry food and even raw feeding, and positively change the stool consistency and microbiome (Algya et al., 2018). It is safe and hygienically flawless: The precisely controlled, gentle heating reliably kills all pathogenic germs and resistant bacteria. It is suitable for everyday life: It is calculated, portioned, and frozen or freshly refrigerated by experts (as with HelloBello) and delivered directly to your front door. Cooking dog food yourself: Well-intentioned, but often risky The idea is tempting: "If gentle cooking is so good, I can just mix the food myself on the home stove, can't I?" As a short-term dietary food for acute diarrhea, homemade chicken with soft rice is excellent. However, as a permanent, daily diet without professional guidance, it is a major risk. An amateurishly cooked meal of meat and vegetables without exact veterinary supplementation almost always lacks vital macro- and micronutrients. That this is not a myth of the food industry is proven by large-scale research: A recent study by Texas A&M University analyzed over 1,700 recipes for homemade dog food. The alarming result: Only 6% of the homemade rations met the essential nutrient requirements for dogs! This means that 94% of privately fed dogs are at risk of suffering from a creeping deficiency. Similar results (95% deficiency) were already found in a major study by UC Davis in 2013 (Stockman et al., 2013). If important nutrients such as calcium, zinc, or essential vitamins are missing in the long term, serious bone, organ, and kidney problems threaten. The absolute basic rule is therefore: Anyone who wants to cook food for their dog permanently should do so exclusively in close cooperation with a specialist dog nutrition veterinarian – or directly trust professionally calculated, ready-made, freshly cooked dog food from experts. Test HelloBello's freshly cooked complete food and save on your first delivery! Cooked dog food: What you must look for when buying If you decide on a ready-made, freshly cooked dog food you should absolutely look for the following quality features when choosing a provider: Complete feed meeting requirements: Pay close attention to the label to ensure that the food is legally declared as "complete feed". Only then is it 100% guaranteed that all vital nutrients are included. Developed by veterinarians: The recipes should have been developed by real, certified veterinary nutrition specialists to absolutely exclude malnutrition such as the dreaded "Rubber Jaw". Individual portioning according to calorie requirements: A really good provider calculates the exact daily ration for your individual dog. Why is this so incredibly important? Scientific long-term studies prove that lean dogs have a significantly higher life expectancy and suffer less from osteoarthritis in old age (Kealy et al., 2002; Salt et al., 2018). Recent evaluations also confirm that the use of whole, fresh foods in the diet has a measurably positive effect on body composition (muscle-fat ratio), efficient energy consumption, and important blood health markers (Roberts et al., 2023). Food quality & regionality: All animal and plant ingredients should come from the best, regional food quality and be absolutely transparently broken down on the label. Approved by a specialist veterinarian “From a veterinary perspective, HelloBello fresh food offers a high-quality, healthy, and tasty diet for dogs. It contains natural ingredients with high bioavailability, is free from synthetic additives, and is gently processed.” Mag. med. vet. Specialist in animal nutrition Frequently asked questions about freshly cooked dog food 1. Is freshly cooked dog food more expensive than dry food? Yes, the daily food costs alone are slightly higher than for highly processed discount store dry food. However, you are investing in pure, fresh food quality and real muscle meat without cheap grain fillers every day. In the long term, this healthy foundation very often saves you high veterinary costs. 2. Do I need to boil or heat the food again before feeding? No! The food is already gently cooked by the manufacturer in the craft kitchen and delivered to you absolutely ready to eat. You just need to thaw it gently in the refrigerator and can put it directly in the bowl at room temperature. 3. Can I permanently mix freshly cooked dog food with other types of food? Yes, theoretically you can feed freshly cooked dog food (or wet food) together with dry food without any concerns. In the past, this was often generally advised against because of the supposedly different digestion times, which were thought to lead to fermentation processes in the intestines. However, according to today's veterinary knowledge, this is an outdated myth. One important exception remains, however: The combination of BARF (raw meat) and dry food is still rejected, as the digestion of raw meat requires significantly more stomach acid than dry food. Since our HelloBello fresh food is gently cooked, however, this acid problem completely disappears. You can therefore handle the feeding absolutely flexibly – even though we recommend switching completely to fresh ingredients in the long term for the best health results (such as small stool volumes, optimal nutrient flow, and best digestibility). 4. Is freshly cooked dog food also suitable for dogs with severe food allergies? A clear and absolute yes! Since no artificial additives or chemical preservatives are used in production, it is a real blessing for allergy sufferers. However, it is also extremely important to check whether the dog is intolerant to certain proteins or carbohydrates, in order to consistently exclude them when choosing the menu. This is exactly where HelloBello supports you: We offer sound veterinary advice to find out together which variety might be the right one for your allergy sufferer and how to properly carry out a professional elimination diet if necessary. 5. How is freshly cooked dog food stored and how long does it last? Since genuine freshly cooked dog food consistently avoids chemical preservatives, it naturally has to be preserved in another way. It is therefore delivered shock-frozen (or extremely well chilled). You simply and safely store the weekly rations in your home freezer. There, it stays fresh for many months and loses absolutely no nutrients. You simply thaw the respective portions for the next day conveniently overnight in the refrigerator. 6. But doesn't hard dry food clean the dog's teeth much better? That is an absolute marketing myth! An extremely hard dry food kibble cleans your dog's teeth exactly as little as a dry, hard butter cookie would clean our human teeth. Quite the opposite: The fine carbohydrates in dry food form a stubborn sticky film on the gum line and promote plaque. Ready to give your dog a healthier and longer life? Order freshly cooked dog food now and save 30% ! Order now Why HelloBello is the best choice for your dog's life If you decide on the absolutely healthy path of freshly cooked dog food, you naturally want only the best for your loyal four-legged friend. At HelloBello, we combine all the described health benefits of this modern feeding method with the highest quality standards. 100% honest transparency: With us, you know exactly what ends up in the bowl, down to the gram. No mysterious animal waste, no harmful chemicals. Regionality: We source our fresh ingredients as regionally and sustainably as possible. Developed by specialists: Our recipes are healthy and designed to be 100% nutritionally complete according to the latest scientific standards. Individually tailored to YOUR dog: Every dog is unique in its metabolism. With our intelligent food configurator, we calculate the exact daily food amount in grams. The food transition: What happens in your dog's body? If you decide to offer your dog professionally calculated, freshly cooked dog food from HelloBello from now on, a careful food transition is extremely important. Especially if your dog has been used to only dry industrial food for years, its complex gut flora needs some time to adjust to the new, high-quality food. This is how the transition is carried out absolutely gently in 7 days: Days 1-2: Mix 25% of the new freshly cooked dog food with 75% of the previous food. Days 3-4: Mix 50% new food with 50% old food. Days 5-6: Increase to 75% new food and 25% old food. From Day 7: You feed 100% of the healthy, freshly cooked dog food. What positive changes will you notice in the very first weeks? As soon as your dog's body begins to optimally absorb the high-quality nutrients, you will very quickly notice that the volume of your dog's stool decreases drastically! The output will be significantly less, firmer in shape, and smell less unpleasant. In addition, countless of our customers report an incredibly soft, shiny coat, an end to itching, and greatly increased, joyful vitality after a few weeks. That these are not just purely subjective observations is proven by science: * A longitudinal analysis found that switching to freshly cooked dog food permanently and significantly changes the dog's microbiome and metabolome in a positive way (Lin et al., 2022). Clinical studies also impressively show that dogs fed with gently cooked food of food quality (Human-Grade) show measurable improvements in skin and coat health as well as beneficial changes in gene expression (Geary et al., 2022). Conclusion: A loving, daily investment in a long, healthy dog life Freshly cooked dog food is far more than just a short-lived, hip trend in the pet world – it is the long overdue, absolutely scientifically substantiated return to a healthy, species-appropriate, natural, and above all honest dog diet. By consciously deciding on gently cooked, extremely nutrient-rich, and exactly individually portioned food from today, you actively protect your dog's highly sensitive gut flora. You protect it from dangerous germs from raw feeding (Nüesch-Inderbinen et al., 2019), prevent life-threatening nutrient deficiencies, and strengthen its immune system in a completely natural way. End the exhausting guesswork on the supermarket label today and finally serve your dog what it really deserves as a loyal family member: Real, honest, and above all healthy food that extends its life! Anita Lorber Bibliography & Scientific References Algya, K. M., Cross, T. L., Leal, J. N., Swanson, K. S., & ... (2018). Apparent total-tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets. Journal of Animal Science, 96(9), 3670-3683. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky235 Do, S., Phungviwatnikul, T., de Godoy, M. R. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2021). Nutrient digestibility of fresh-cooked diets for dogs: Impact of ingredient composition and processing. Journal of Animal Science, 99(7), skab173. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab173 Dog Aging Project / Texas A&M University (2025). Most homemade dog diets lack nutrients, Texas A&M study finds. American Journal of Veterinary Research. Insights by Dr. Janice O’Brien & Dr. Katie Tolbert. Geary, E. L., ... & Swanson, K. S. (2022). Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 100(10), skac265. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac265 Kealy, R. D., Lawler, D. F., Ballam, J. M., Mantz, S. L., Biery, D. N., Greeley, E. H., Lust, G., Segre, M., Smith, G. K., & Stowe, H. D. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(9), 1315–1320. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315 Lin, C. H., ... (2022). Longitudinal analysis of the canine microbiome and metabolome following dietary transition to fresh food. Animal Microbiome, 4(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-022-00188-5 Nüesch-Inderbinen, M., Treier, A., Zurfluh, K., & Stephan, R. (2019). Raw meat-based diets for companion animals: a potential source of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Royal Society Open Science, 6(10), 191170. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191170 Oba, P. M., Utterback, P. L., Parsons, C. M., & Swanson, K. S. (2020). True nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human-grade ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Translational Animal Science, 4(1), 442–451. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz175 Roberts, M. N., ... (2023). Evaluation of whole food-based diets for adult dogs: Body composition, energy expenditure, and health markers. Journal of Animal Science, 101(5), skad123. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad123 Salt, C., Morris, P. J., Wilson, D., Lund, E. M., & German, A. J. (2018). Association between life span and body condition in neutered client‐owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(1), 89-99. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15367 Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., Kass, P. H., & Larsen, J. A. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500-1505. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.11.1500
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! A new dog brings endless joy, love, and action into your life. But in the first weeks or months, you and your new companion face a very special challenge: You need to get your dog house trained. The tiny puddle on the expensive carpet or the unexpected pile behind the sofa is almost part of everyday life with a new dog. Getting your dog house trained is one of the most important milestones in basic dog training. It requires a lot of patience, iron consistency, and above all, a positive approach. It is extremely important to understand and take into account both the physical possibilities (puppies do not yet have control over their bladder!) and the emotional needs of your dog. In this comprehensive guide, we show you how you can greatly accelerate the process and turn the initial chaos into harmonious coexistence. Table of Contents Basics of getting your dog house trained Decoding behavior: When does your dog need to go? Step-by-Step Process: How to get your dog house trained! Common mistakes that must be avoided during training The enormous role of nutrition in house training What experts say about house training Our HelloBello conclusion Basics of getting your dog house trained Understanding the absolute basics of house training is the most important task for every new dog owner. These basics are not aimed at regulating the dog, but at building a stable, trusting relationship in which the dog naturally learns to relieve itself in the right place. Among the most important approaches are clear and consistent communication, the establishment and strict adherence to a regular schedule, and the promotion of behavior through pure positive reinforcement. Always remember: Every dog is unique. What worked for the neighbor's little pug within two weeks can easily take a few months with your excitable terrier. Never put pressure on yourself or your dog! Decoding behavior: When does your dog need to go? Decoding your dog's behavior exactly is the absolute key to success when it comes to getting your dog house trained. To avoid accidents in the house, it is crucial to correctly interpret your dog's subtle pre-signals. Dogs almost always show signs when their bladder is full! Watch your dog closely. Typical signs are: He suddenly becomes restless and stops playing. He sniffs the floor intensely and persistently. He starts spinning tightly in circles. He walks purposefully toward the front or patio door. He whines softly or looks at you expectantly. If you recognize these signs, you must react lightning-fast! Take your dog (if it is a puppy, it is best to carry him, as this temporarily suppresses the urge to urinate) and take him outside immediately to his designated spot to do his business. Make sure to praise him extensively and enthusiastically and reinforce him with rewards the very second he is successful outside. Through attentive observation, you will not only understand your dog's behavior better, but also be extremely successful in getting him house trained. Order freshly cooked dog food now for healthy digestion and save! Step-by-Step Process: How to get your dog house trained! The process of house training is a combination of observation and management. If you follow these steps, your puppy or rescue dog will understand the principle extremely quickly. 1. After sleeping, playing, and eating There are three golden moments when your dog almost certainly needs to go: Immediately after waking up. Immediately after a wild play session. About 15 to 30 minutes after eating. Always take or carry your dog outside immediately in these situations. 2. The right timing and the fixed spot Timing is an absolutely crucial element. Choose a completely fixed spot in the garden or on the grass strip in front of the house. Always go to this one place. After a short time, it will smell like your dog's toilet, which instinctively encourages him to relieve himself there again. The environment should be quiet at first. Choose a place without too many distractions (such as loud cars or other dogs), so that your dog can concentrate on the essentials. By the way, heavy rain or icy cold can prevent dogs from going outside – extra patience is required here! 3. Positive feedback: Make a party! During these toilet walks, it is immensely important to celebrate your dog's successful actions immediately with positive confirmation. As soon as he has done his business, praise him in a high, joyful voice and give him a super tasty treat. This way, the dog learns very quickly: "Aha, if I do it here outside, it rains praise and cookies! It doesn't happen inside." 4. Make the nights safe At night, you must make sure that accidents are avoided. A puppy cannot yet control its bladder for hours at night. Let him sleep in a cozy dog crate or in a separate area next to your bed. Dogs extremely dislike dirtying their own "nest". If he becomes restless and whines at night, you wake up immediately and can quickly take him outside. Bello's tip: Regulated digestion = Fewer accidents! The quality of the food plays a huge role in house training! High-quality food promotes predictable, formed stools and minimizes diarrhea attacks in the house. Common mistakes that must be avoided during training When trying to get your dog house trained, there are some very common mistakes that can massively undermine the success of the training. Mistake 1: Punishment! It is absolutely crucial never (!) to punish accidents in the house or scold the dog. Never put the dog's nose in its waste! This is cruel and will only lead to your dog becoming afraid of you and secretly relieving itself under the sofa in the future, instead of showing you that he needs to go. Mistake 2: Impatience. You should remain patient and not expect the dog to be house trained immediately. Puppies gain physical control over their sphincter only at the age of approx. 14 to 16 weeks. Before that, it is often physically impossible to hold it for long. Mistake 3: Negligence. It is dangerous to become negligent just because the dog makes initial progress. Full attention to its signals must be maintained for weeks to come to avoid setbacks. Mistake 4: Incorrect cleaning. Wipe up the urine stain in the house and clean the area extremely thoroughly with a special enzyme cleaner (for pets). Normal cleaning products often do not sufficiently cover the urine smell for the fine dog nose. If it smells like urine there, the dog will always use the spot as a toilet again. The enormous role of nutrition in house training You might ask yourself what food has to do with toilet training? A lot! Your dog's nutrition plays an extremely important role. High-quality food with exactly the right nutrients supports the sensitive intestinal flora and promotes regular, predictable bowel movements. A balanced diet ensures that your dog is much less prone to sudden stomach problems or bloating, which in turn drastically reduces surprising diarrhea accidents in the house. In addition, low-quality industrial food (often with a lot of grain and fillers) can lead to huge amounts of stool, which extremely impairs your dog's ability to hold it. Freshly cooked HelloBello dog food is a brilliant and effective companion here, which demonstrably helps in the process of house training through its excellent digestibility! What experts say about house training Numerous renowned experts, behavior researchers, and veterinarians in the field of animal training repeatedly emphasize that training to get your dog house trained has an absolutely essential influence on the later development of a healthy, trusting relationship between humans and pets. They claim and prove that early, consistent, and above all patient house training can massively strengthen the deep bond between you and your pet. They strongly advocate for using exclusively positive reinforcement instead of outdated punishment methods. According to the unanimous opinion of experts, the dog receives an enormously solid, positive foundation for good, cooperative behavior throughout its entire future life through this fair treatment. Try HelloBello for your four-legged friend and save on your first delivery! Our HelloBello Conclusion Housebreaking your dog doesn't require magic, but above all powers of observation, excellent timing, a few comfortable walking shoes, and a great deal of loving consistency. Never react angrily to minor accidents in the house – they are simply part of the learning process. Clean up the mess without comment and instead be overjoyed when the business happens outside in the grass. With the right routine, a few tasty treats, and a highly digestible diet, you will get through this phase together very quickly and successfully! Anita Lorber
