Running out of dog food can be a stressful situation for any pet parent. It’s a common scenario, and knowing what you can safely feed your dog in a pinch is crucial for their well-being. This guide will explore various human food options that can be used as temporary substitutes, and what you should absolutely avoid. We’ll cover everything from pantry staples to the importance of transitioning back to their regular diet.
Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs
Before diving into alternatives, it’s important to understand that a dog’s nutritional needs are different from our own. They require a balanced diet with the right proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Dog food is specifically formulated to meet these requirements. While human food can be a temporary fix, it’s not designed to provide long-term nutritional adequacy for your furry friend.
What To Look For In Emergency Dog Food Substitutes
When your usual dog food runs out, you’re looking for foods that are:
- Easy to digest: Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly processed options.
- Non-toxic: Many human foods are harmful to dogs (more on that later).
- Nutrient-rich (to some extent): While not a complete diet, you want to choose foods that offer some nutritional value.
- Acceptable for your dog: Picky eaters may need some trial and error.
Safe Human Food Options For Dogs
Here’s a breakdown of safe and readily available human food options you can offer your dog as a temporary substitute for their kibble or wet food:
Lean Cooked Meats
Plain, cooked lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef are excellent protein sources. Avoid adding any seasonings, as some, like garlic and onions, are toxic to dogs. Boiling or baking is preferable to frying or grilling. Make sure any meat you offer is boneless. “A little bit of plain chicken is a great, readily available option when you’re caught off guard,” says Dr. Evelyn Reed, a veterinary nutritionist. “It’s easily digestible for most dogs and provides the necessary protein.”
Plain Cooked Rice or Oatmeal
Plain cooked white or brown rice and oatmeal are good sources of carbohydrates that are gentle on a dog’s digestive system. Make sure these are cooked completely and offered plain, with no added sugar, salt or flavourings. Avoid giving your dog instant oatmeal as these often contain added ingredients that are not beneficial to their health.
Plain Cooked Sweet Potatoes or Pumpkin
Cooked sweet potatoes and pumpkin are great sources of fiber and vitamins. These can be boiled, steamed, or baked, and should be offered without any spices. Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is a particularly good addition, especially if your dog is experiencing any mild digestive issues.
Cooked Eggs
Cooked eggs are a fantastic source of protein and other nutrients for dogs. Scrambled, hard-boiled, or fried (without oil or butter) are all acceptable ways to prepare eggs for your dog. Make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of salmonella or other foodborne illnesses.
Certain Vegetables
Some cooked vegetables can also be offered in small amounts, such as carrots, green beans, peas, and broccoli. These are best steamed or boiled, without any added seasoning, and should be finely chopped to help with digestion, especially for smaller dogs. Avoid raw vegetables as they can be hard to digest and also be a choking hazard.
Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) can be a good source of probiotics and calcium for dogs. Make sure it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. It is also important to note that some dogs can be lactose intolerant.
Foods To Absolutely Avoid Feeding Your Dog
Knowing what not to feed your dog is just as crucial as knowing what they can eat. Here are some foods that are toxic or harmful to dogs:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs, especially in large quantities.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products that is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Can cause hypoglycemia, seizures and liver failure.
- Alcohol: Can cause alcohol poisoning, similar to the effect on humans, but dogs are much more susceptible.
- Caffeine: Can be very dangerous for dogs causing increased heart rate and neurological issues.
- Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause damage to your dog’s digestive system. Raw bones carry the risk of bacterial contamination and can be a choking hazard.
- Fatty/Fried Foods: High-fat foods like fried chicken or french fries can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
- Processed Foods: High salt and preservative content can be harmful to a dog’s health.
- Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and dairy products can cause digestive upset.
Preparing Temporary Meals for Your Dog
When using human food as a substitute, keep the following in mind:
- Portion Control: Start with small portions, similar to what they’d normally eat, to avoid stomach upset.
- Bland is Best: Avoid adding any salt, sugar, spices, or fats.
- Mix it Up: If using multiple options, mix them together to provide a more balanced meal.
- Monitor Your Dog: Watch for any signs of digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea), or allergic reactions.
- Introduce Slowly: If your dog hasn’t eaten these foods before, offer them in small quantities to test for tolerance.
- Don’t Overdo It: This is a temporary solution. Once you are able to purchase dog food, start re-introducing it slowly and mix it with the human food to transition back to their regular diet.
What To Do If You Run Out of Dog Food
Being caught without dog food can happen to anyone. Having a plan can help you navigate this situation more effectively. Here’s what to do:
- Check your pantry: Look for the safe alternatives mentioned earlier.
- Ask a friend or neighbor: They may have extra dog food they can spare.
- Contact your vet: They may have recommendations or even some emergency food on hand.
- Check your local pet supply store: See if you can arrange delivery or pick up an order.
- Plan Ahead: Keep an emergency supply of dog food in your pantry so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
- Consider a subscription: Setting up a dog food subscription can be a convenient way of never running out of dog food again.
“It’s always better to be proactive when it comes to your dog’s diet,” adds Sarah Miller, a dog behaviour specialist. “Keeping a small supply of your dog’s regular kibble on hand is a good practice. You may also want to think about having some extra canned food, which has a longer shelf life and makes an easy substitute when you are in a pinch.” If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, you might want to read our article my dog eats poop what can i do for advice.
Transitioning Back to Dog Food
Once you have your dog food back in stock, it’s important to transition back to it gradually to avoid any digestive upset. Here’s how:
- Day 1-2: Mix 75% of the human food alternative with 25% of their regular dog food.
- Day 3-4: Mix 50% of the alternative with 50% dog food.
- Day 5-6: Mix 25% alternative with 75% dog food.
- Day 7: Switch completely to their regular dog food.
This slow transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the change and should prevent any issues.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many pet owners have questions regarding switching up their dog’s diet.
Can I feed my dog human food every day?
No, it is not advisable to feed your dog human food every day. While certain foods are safe in a pinch, they do not offer the complete and balanced nutrition that commercially prepared dog food does. A long term reliance on human food could lead to serious health issues.
What about raw diets?
Raw diets can be beneficial for some dogs, but it’s essential to research and understand what type of raw meat is good for dogs. Ensure you provide proper food preparation and hygiene practices to avoid salmonella poisoning. If you’re considering raw feeding, speak with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist first. Our article what type of raw meat is good for dogs provides more information.
What if I accidentally fed my dog something harmful?
If you think your dog has consumed something toxic, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Don’t delay; prompt action could save your pet’s life.
My dog has allergies. What can I feed them?
If your dog has known allergies, it’s especially important to be careful. Stick to foods they have tolerated well in the past, and when unsure, consult with your vet. Always read the ingredients of anything you feed to your dog. If you have a French Bulldog, it’s crucial to know what foods can french bulldogs not eat to keep them safe. The same goes for Boxer dogs, check out what can boxer dogs not eat for further information.
Is it okay to feed my dog human food for a long time if they won’t eat their dog food?
If your dog is refusing to eat their dog food, there might be an underlying reason. First make sure they aren’t sick, by checking with your vet. Then, explore reasons why they are refusing to eat their food, including stress, picky eating or dislike of the brand of kibble. If they still won’t eat, you can temporarily use some of the safe options listed above while you try to figure out the reasons behind their refusal to eat their dog food.
Can I feed my dog human-grade dog food?
Human-grade dog food refers to food prepared in a facility that produces food for people. This is often a higher-quality standard than standard dog food. It can also include whole, recognizable ingredients that you might have in your own kitchen. You can find commercially produced human grade dog food if this is a product you are interested in using.
What happens if a human eat dog food?
While it’s not toxic for a human to consume dog food, it’s also not recommended because it is not nutritionally balanced for a human’s needs and it can be very unpalatable. You can learn more about this in our article what if human eat dog food.
Conclusion
Running out of dog food can be a bit stressful, but there are safe alternatives you can use as a short-term solution. Knowing what foods are safe for dogs and what to avoid is vital for your furry friend’s health and well-being. Remember to always transition back to their regular diet slowly and consult with your vet if you have any concerns. Always keep a little extra dog food on hand to avoid future emergencies. Staying informed and prepared will ensure your pet remains healthy and happy, even when you run out of their regular kibble.