Can Dogs Eat Baby Food?

All dog owners want to ensure their dog has a healthy diet. The nutritional value in the food they eat plays a critical role here. It’s no mystery that when it comes to dog food, there are dozens of options available. In order to select the best diet and snacks for your canine companion, you’ll need to understand some key components of dog nutrition and have a conversation with their veterinarian.

When we think of baby food, we generally think of food that is easy to swallow and digest, natural, and full of fruits and vegetables. While this may be a key component of nutrition for your tiny human, be sure to take a good look at those ingredients before sharing a spoonful with your pup as certain ingredients can be toxic. Read on to learn more about what to look out for.

When Is Baby Food Safe for Dogs?

Feeding your dog baby food regularly isn’t ideal. However, sometimes, our pets get sick and don’t have the energy to eat their kibble and dry food. Feeding them wet, easily digestible food can benefit them and aid them in getting their nutrients to recover. If you’re considering feeding baby food to your dog, we recommend consulting with your vet at the next checkup! Additionally, do so sparingly, such as using baby food as dog treats.

Why Give Dogs Baby Food?

Be sure you are only feeding your dog baby food at the recommendation of their vet. Certain foods can temporarily assist with symptoms of digestive issues, stimulate appetite and can provide nutritional support to a sick dog not eating as much as they normally would. In summary, some baby foods are mild enough for a dog’s stomach and can be fed in moderation when needed.

What Kinds Are Dog-Safe?

The baby food aisle at your local store can be pretty overwhelming, as there are hundreds of brands and flavors to choose from! We recommend baby food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, such as wheat and corn, as it’s easier for your pet to digest. When choosing baby food for dogs, opt for meat-based flavored meals:

• Beef: Rich in protein and essential nutrients, beef is safe for dogs in moderation and can aid in muscle growth and overall health.
• Chicken: A lean source of protein that’s easily digestible for dogs, chicken provides essential amino acids and is a common ingredient in dog food.
• Turkey: Like chicken, turkey offers a lean protein that helps with muscle development and is gentle on your dog’s digestive system.
• Sweet potato: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are safe for dogs and can help their digestive health.
• Banana: A good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins, bananas are safe for dogs and can offer a healthy treat option.
• Pumpkin: High in fiber and beta-carotene, pumpkin is safe for dogs and can help with digestive issues and support their overall health.

What Ingredients Are Not Dog-Safe?

Certain ingredients are harmful to your dog’s tummy and digestive health. When feeding baby food to dogs, ensure that they do not contain the following:

• Salt: Excessive salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
• Onion and onion powder: Onions contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia and other health issues.
• Garlic: Garlic can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage to your dogs’ red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia and other health concerns.
• Raisins: Raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts, leading to symptoms like vomiting and lethargy.
• Avocado: Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if ingested in significant amounts.
• Spices: Many spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili powder, can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious health issues in dogs, including toxicity and allergic reactions.

How to Feed Your Dog Baby Food

While baby food shouldn’t have harmful ingredients for your dog, it’s essential to monitor your pet after it eats baby food to ensure no issues or allergic reactions. As with any food or treat, moderation is key! Start with a small spoonful here and there before giving them the full jar. Remember, once a baby food jar is opened, it must be refrigerated and eaten within 24-48 hours.

• Keep it simple. A bland diet is often recommended for dogs with digestive troubles. The food in a bland diet is bereft of artificial ingredients or sweeteners. These foods often contain pumpkin, rice, chicken or bone broth.
• Watch the ingredients. Never feed your dog human food before you carefully check that ingredient label. You’ll want to be on the prowl for toxic ingredients such as xylitol, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and more. Even small amounts are very dangerous. Note that this is not an exhaustive list. Never feed your dog bone-in meat, as bones or bone shards can get stuck, causing obstruction, choking, pain, and creating an emergent situation. When in doubt, check with your vet first.
• Small amounts. As with any treat, don’t overdo it! Feeding large quantities can cause digestive troubles, pancreatitis, and other issues. Long-term overfeeding can lead to obesity, arthritis, and diabetes, too. A treat like this should be fed in conjunction with your dog’s regular food, not as a substitute, unless otherwise directed by their vet.
• Talk to the vet. While trying something new can be tempting, go to the experts first and make an appointment with their veterinarian. At your visit, you can discuss potential allergens, precautions, and what to look out for when offering a tasty treat
• Gradual introduction. Dogs can have very sensitive stomachs, so be sure to introduce any new kibble, dog food, or baby food gradually. Consider mixing a small amount in with your dog’s regular food to start. Giving too much of a new food or snack at once can make your dog sick. Most dogs are open to trying new snacks, but be sure the new food is given in moderation and you watch them closely after they eat it for any concerning symptoms.

Contact Sit Means Sit Austin

If you have any questions or are unsure about specific ingredients you can feed your dog, feel free to contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! You can also check out our available training programs in Austin to give your dog the highest-quality care and attention they deserve.