Baby food good for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Baby Food

How Much Baby Food Can Dogs Eat?

Baby food is best when fed in small amounts, as a kibble topper, or off the baby’s bib! It’s perfectly safe for dogs so long as the ingredients themselves are dog-safe.

For instance, banana and pumpkin baby food is not only okay, but healthy for dogs. But some citrus baby foods aren’t safe, because citrus can be toxic to dogs.

If your baby is eating food that isn’t dog-safe, I suggest putting your dog in another room during mealtime and until you can clean up.

Babies are notoriously messy eaters, so keeping it off the floor could be tough — especially if they enjoy feeding the dog and do so on purpose.

Baby food is safe for dogs so long as the ingredients themselves are dog-safe.

©Igor Normann/Shutterstock.com

Benefits of Baby Food for Dogs

Limited Ingredients

Baby food contains limited ingredients, which helps introduce babies to new foods slowly and narrow down any allergic reactions.

This is also good for dogs with allergies or other medical symptoms. And, you know exactly what’s in the food you’re feeding — which is always a good thing, and greatly decreases your risk of accidentally feeding your dog a toxic food.

Variety of Flavors

I’m a pet parent, not a human parent — so I was a little surprised to see that there are over 150 baby food flavors listed on Gerber’s website. And that’s just one company!

With so many flavors to choose from, there’s bound to be safe baby food that your dog will enjoy. If you’re planning to freeze it for enrichment, use it as a kibble topper, or mix it into dog treats, you can provide your dog with variety.

Or, you can at least be sure to find their favorite foods!

With so many flavors of baby food to choose from, there’s bound to be safe option your dog will enjoy.

©sophiecat/Shutterstock.com

Easy on the Stomach

Due to the limited ingredients, baby food is easy on your dog’s stomach as well. It can be good for dogs who are having tummy problems or pancreatitis.

Of course, always consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog’s diet — especially if they have a medical condition such as pancreatitis.

Easy to Eat, Even with Mouth Pain

If your dog is having dental issues, baby food can be easy on their teeth and gums. This may be especially helpful if they’re recovering from a dental surgery and struggling to eat whole foods.

As always, consult your veterinarian first if your dog is having trouble eating — but baby food might be a good option if your vet recommends soft foods.

Bonding with the Baby

This last one isn’t a health benefit, but it’s worth including. If your baby likes to share their food with the dog, this can promote a good bond between them.

After all, what do dogs love more than food? It coming from the baby gives your pup a strong, positive association with them.

Of course, you don’t want this to go too far — you don’t want the dog stealing baby’s food! You should also separate them at any time if the baby is getting too handsy or the dog shows signs of guarding or food aggression.

But in most cases, if baby’s splattering food on the ground and your dog cleans it up, everyone’s going to be just fine and both may even benefit from the arrangement.

If your baby likes to share their food with the dog, this can promote a good bond between them.

©Ekaterina_Kuzmina/Shutterstock.com

Risks of Baby Food for Dogs

The biggest risk of baby food for dogs is that there are a large variety of flavors, and some of them are made with ingredients that are toxic to dogs. It’s important to research the ingredients in the baby food before feeding it to your pup or letting them clean up after your baby.

Otherwise, it’s a completely healthy treat. Remember, though, that treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Baby food isn’t a replacement for a high-quality dog food, as it doesn’t have the variety of nutrients needed to sustain your dog long-term.

Best Baby Foods for Dogs

Here are some of the best baby foods to feed your dog:

Banana
Pumpkin
Sweet Potato
Chicken
Beef
Turkey

Toxic Baby Foods for Dogs

Below are a few baby food flavors to avoid for dogs. Keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive, and always research the ingredients before feeding baby food to your dog.

Grape
Avocado
Some types of citrus

Up Next

Yes – Dogs Can Eat Bananas! Here’s Why
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes Safely? It Depends
Can Dogs Eat Grapes or Not? What Science Says

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About the Author

I'm an animal writer of four years with a primary focus on educational pet content. I want our furry, feathery, and scaley friends to receive the best care possible! In my free time, I'm usually outdoors gardening or spending time with my nine rescue pets.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

Wiley Online Library, Available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119501237.ch55
VCA animal hospitals, Available here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs

Can Dogs Eat Baby Food? What You Need To Know

The answer to “can dogs eat baby food” might surprise you! It all depends on the type of food. Read on to see why you should be careful.

Baby food is just pureed food. It should be safe for dogs, right? This guide will tell you whether it’s safe and why you should be careful.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating baby food.

Table Of Contents

Can Dogs Eat Baby Food?
- Do Not Replace Food With Baby Food
- Can Dogs Eat Baby Formula?
- Can Dogs Eat Gerber Baby Food?
- Is Banana Baby Food Good For Dogs?
- Pumpkin Baby Food For Dogs – Yes or No?
- Can Dogs Eat Baby Puffs
Is Baby Food Good For Dogs?
Best Baby Food For Dogs
Can Puppies Eat Baby Food?
- Can Puppies Eat Baby Formula?
Baby Food For Sick Dog
- Feeding A Sick Dog
- Liquid Food for Sick Dog
Baby Food For Dogs: Final Thoughts
More Dog Food Resources

Can Dogs Eat Baby Food?

Since baby food is basically just pureed fruits and vegetables, isn’t it good to feed them? If you have ever looked at a jar of mashed sweet potatoes and wondered, “can I feed my dog baby food?” You aren’t alone.

Lots of people ask the same thing. In fact, some people are told to feed their dog baby food when they are sick and they can’t eat solid food.

The short answer is that yes, you can feed baby food directly to your dog. You can also mix it into their dog food or use it to make dog treats.

However, you should still read all the labels. If the baby food contains onions or onion powder, avoid it. Onions can be harmful to dogs.

As a dog owner, remember to introduce new foods slowly. Even leftover baby food can be safe for young puppies, but watch for signs of an upset stomach and stop giving them the food if they react negatively.

Do Not Replace Food With Baby Food

Dogs need fiber and other nutrients that baby food can’t replace. Do not replace your dog’s food with only baby food.

You can still use it sparingly or as a treat. Remember, dogs need to eat dog food, not human food, as their main source of nutrition.

It is a good option when your dog is unable to eat dry food or if they need to be on a bland diet.

Can Dogs Eat Baby Formula?

If your dog gets into baby formula, you don’t have to worry too much. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, eating too much baby formula might give your dog a stomach ache, but it won’t hurt them.

While baby formula does contain iron that could be toxic to dogs, there is usually such a small amount that it doesn’t bother them.

It’s still a good idea to keep your dog away from baby formula.

Can Dogs Eat Gerber Baby Food?

Yes, dogs can eat Gerber baby food as long as it is pure fruit or vegetable. Do not give them any kind of baby food with onions or garlic.

Otherwise, it is safe to give your dog baby food that is made from single-sourced fruits and vegetables. However, you should be careful with how much they eat. Baby food is high in sugar and low in fiber, which isn’t a healthy combination for dogs.

Baby food won’t meet your dog’s nutritional needs. But it can be a good idea if they have a sensitive stomach.

Is Banana Baby Food Good For Dogs?

Yes, banana baby food is safe for dogs. Before you start doling out these sweet jars, hold back and only give it to them in moderation.

Bananas are actually healthy for dogs. They are a fantastic source of vitamin B6 and C. They are also rich in potassium too.

Too much sugar in a dog’s diet can lead to obesity and diabetes. Bananas contain natural sugars that you still need to be careful with.

It’s ok to add a little bit of banana baby food to your dog’s food, just don’t give them too much every day.

Pumpkin Baby Food For Dogs – Yes or No?

Pumpkin is a very safe flavor to feed your dog. Vitamin A is good for their eye health and the high amount of vitamin C will boost their immune system.

You can either mix pumpkin baby food in with their dog food or make some dog treats with pureed pumpkin.

Can Dogs Eat Baby Puffs

Lots of dog owners buy baby puffs and give one or two at a time as dog treats. As long as your dog doesn’t have any food allergies, these are safe for them to eat and a good choice.

The main ingredients in baby puffs are:

Rice flour
Whole wheat flour
Cane sugar
Whole grain oat flour

Then, depending on the flavor you buy, it might have some fruit puree in it too.

Rice cereal and oatmeal cereal are also safe for your dog as an occasional treat. It’s always better to feed your dog whole foods since they need more fiber than sugar. But these are safe options in moderation.

Is Baby Food Good For Dogs?

Baby food can be used as an ingredient in dog treats or added to their regular food. It should not be used as a substitute for dog food since it doesn’t contain all the fiber and nutrients they need.

Baby food can be used to coax a sick dog to eat and a great way to help them take their medicine.

Best Baby Food For Dogs

Meat, fruit, and vegetable are all safe types of baby food to give to your dog in moderation. Things like mashed baby carrots or other safe vegetables are a good thing to give your pet in addition to their regular diet.

Always look for baby food that is made with as few ingredients as possible. Avoid anything with onion or garlic powder.

Can Puppies Eat Baby Food?

Just like full-grown dogs, it is safe to give puppies baby food. However, puppies need a lot of protein and fiber to grow. High-quality commercial puppy foods will have all the amino acids and nutrients they need while they are growing.

Can Puppies Eat Baby Formula?

Can you give a newborn puppy baby formula? The short answer is that the best option is always their mother’s milk. If at all possible, keep the puppies with their mother and let her feed them until they naturally wean.

If this isn’t an option, then you should only give it puppy formula. Human formula won’t harm them, but it isn’t designed for them and doesn’t have the correct balance of nutrients.

Puppy formula is the closest thing to a dog’s natural milk.

Baby Food For Sick Dog

If your dog is sick and doesn’t want to eat regular food, the baby food can be an easy way to coax them to eat. Put a little bit on their nose. Then, put a little bit with their food. Use it sparingly so it is more of a treat. It should not replace their regular meals.

Feeding A Sick Dog

Lots of veterinarians will give baby food to sick dogs who refuse to eat solid foods. They give them a little bit in a syringe if they are really lethargic. This bit of sugary foods will give them more energy and interest in their normal food.

Liquid Food for Sick Dog

If your dog has an upset stomach, always consult your veterinarian first. Always take their advice before trying any home remedies.

Some vets will suggest a liquid food diet for dogs.

That means you can give them mild, whole-food baby food. Other options include bone broth and pumpkin.

Baby Food For Dogs: Final Thoughts

The biggest warning about giving baby food to dogs is that it could make your dog a picky eater. It is so easy for dogs to eat that they tend to only prefer the sweet-tasting baby food over their more nutritious solid options.

Only use baby food when you absolutely need to. You can use it to make your own homemade dog treats and to coax a sick dog to eat. Do not use it full-time as a substitute for their complete nutrition.

More Dog Food Resources

As you keep learning about what your dog can eat, here are some more articles on human foods for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Animal Crackers
Fennel for Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut
Dogs and Crawfish
Can Dogs Eat Tahini

Find lots of articles about food dogs can eat and ones they can’t right here on Spoiled Hounds!

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Is it possible to feed dogs with baby food, what to give instead for puppies

January 25, 2022

The question seems simple and unambiguous only at first glance. Many people think that if a product is made for babies, its quality should be on top and certainly suitable for feeding pets. We do not argue that in most cases the production of food for infants is indeed of high standards, but the problem here is not in the quality of raw materials and compliance with production standards, but in compliance with the composition of baby food to the needs of predators - adults and especially growing ones.

Only as a treat

If there is a baby in the house, dogs often get the uneaten remains of instant cereals, milk mixtures, vegetable and meat purees. Well, if it's about giving baby food as treats to dogs, it's okay, even though it doesn't make sense. Just do not forget that the share of this kind of treats should be no more than 10% of the calorie content of the entire diet (per day), otherwise your dog will quickly gain weight, which will be very difficult to get rid of.

Particularly harmful in this regard are porridges, a source of readily available carbohydrates. However, cottage cheese, kefir and milk mixtures are also not the healthiest food for a dog. Yes, they contain milk protein and usually probiotics, but they are often additionally sweetened - which is not good for animals at all. If we are not talking about puppies, but about adult dogs, then “native” milk sugar is a big risk. The farther from puppyhood, the less pets have enzymes designed to digest lactose. By 7-8 months, only a small part of the dogs can digest and assimilate the "milk" well, the majority have bloating, diarrhea of varying degrees of intensity.

What about meat purees in glass and tin jars - such as Tyoma, Nestle, Grandmother's basket, etc.? It is they who are most often referred to when they talk about feeding pets with baby food. Moreover, many owners specifically buy baby food in stores, and do not use stocks purchased for children and grandchildren with the goal of “not wasting”. Usually this practice is typical for owners of small puppies, adult dogs of small breeds, as well as pets who find it difficult to chew. Alas, it is undesirable to give even meat baby food to dogs on an ongoing basis. And there are reasons for this.

Why shouldn't you feed your dog meat baby food?

First, these products have a completely different composition. The dog will obviously not receive the necessary components - animal protein and fat, which are vital to it, and calories will not be received from the usual and so healthy meat, fish or poultry, but most likely from grain and starch.

Secondly, all these products undergo a powerful heat treatment (sterilization), during which not only possible pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed, but also many useful substances vital for predators are lost - a number of amino acids and vitamins. In the manufacture of industrial food for dogs, the same thing usually happens, however, manufacturers, knowing about the problem, introduce the "lost" substances additionally, at the last stage of production.

It is not for nothing that ready-made food, which is intended for daily nutrition of animals, is called “complete” or “balanced”, and its recipe is called “formula”. On the label you will definitely find the components included in the mineral-vitamin complex, the amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber. And even if some substances were not enough in the feedstock, after taking samples for analysis, the developer will add what is needed to the “dough” of the feed.

Data on the needs of dogs are not taken from the ceiling and not from the personal experience of the manufacturer, but are correlated with the figures recommended by the competent regulatory organizations - AAFCO, FDA, as well as GOSTs for non-productive animals.

Thirdly, in the composition of children's meat food, you can often find such undesirable components as potato starch, rice or wheat flour. And also, which is rather unpleasant, salt, spices and even dried onions. The proportion of such additives is rarely indicated, and it may happen that when buying a “meat” puree, you will provide your pet with only its likeness, moreover, devoid of the necessary nutrients.

Why is the use of baby food so popular in feeding puppies and dogs? This product really has many advantages: it contains understandable types of meat, is well homogenized and has a delicate texture (which is important for small puppies and dogs with oral problems), is completely ready for use and can be stored at room temperature. An important advantage for some owners is the financial side of the issue: sometimes baby food seems cheaper than high-quality wet dog food, and at the same time it is easy to buy.

Is it possible, taking into account the above-mentioned advantages, to choose an analogue for children's purees among canned food created specifically for dogs? Delicious, complete, healthy in composition, delicate in texture, conveniently packaged and affordable and available in stores? Of course you can.

What to give instead of baby food?

Let's start with those who receive baby food not from younger family members, but from reverent owners who strive to give their pet the best and safest.

Feeding small puppies

For the first three weeks, mother's milk is the only thing a puppy needs, but then you can start accustoming a kitten to meat food. Not any diet is suitable, but as you understand, the most tender, easily digestible and very nutritious. It is commonly referred to as a "starter", but not all manufacturers make one. We have such a product in our assortment, it is Blitz Sensitive "Turkey with Zucchini" - a starter food for puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches. Packed in 200 g cans with a key. Contains turkey meat, several types of offal, zucchini pulp, milk powder, prebiotics and a vitamin and mineral complex. The product has a high calorie content, so it is advisable to give it up to 4 months, when the puppies are growing rapidly, then it is advisable to switch to other canned food options, for example, with chicken and pumpkin or lamb and turkey.

All Blitz wet foods for dogs and puppies are complete rations with 80% to 98% meat ingredients. By consistency, they are divided into “pieces in sauce” or chopped pates, they are available in different packaging options (85 g, 200 g, 400 g and even 700 g) and are presented in a wide flavor palette - you will definitely choose what suits your pet.

The current assortment can be viewed on this page of our catalogue. Foods marked "for all breeds and ages" are designed, among other things, for the daily feeding of puppies that have come out of the lactation period.

Canned food for small breeds of dogs

Miniature pets (Chihuahua, Spitz, Dachshund, Toy) are also very fond of eating baby food, and in terms of packaging it seems to be intended for them for a single portion. But, despite the external "toy", these are real dogs - brave, tireless, with well-developed muscles and light bones. And they need to eat the same way as other breeds - not purees like "Tyoma", but a balanced diet. Slices of canned Lamb with Salmon, Beef with White Fish or Turkey with Duck soaked in fragrant sauce will please your gourmet much more than baby food, and they will be a hundred times more useful.

Blitz dog food is produced in Russia using European equipment. They are developed taking into account the recommendations of leading veterinary organizations and regulatory authorities, from high-quality raw materials, without the use of preservatives and dyes.

Nutrition for debilitated dogs

In most cases (except for liver diseases) during the recovery period and in old age, dogs do not need diet food (as we understand it), but easily digestible nutritious food. If your dog was recommended a temporary liquid diet after surgery, or if your pet has oral problems, it is not necessary to opt for baby mashed meats. The correct choice would be to use any of Blitz's complete wet or even dry foods, bringing them to the desired consistency with water. Learn how to properly soak dry food here.

Blitz – available to everyone

Blitz wet food can be found on all major online trading platforms (Ozon, Wildberries, YandexMarket), ordered on the official website of the brand or bought at the pet store of our distributor partners. A complete list of them, with addresses and phone numbers, you can see on this map. We supply our products to all regions of Russia.

Due to Russian production, transparent logistics and focus on quality, Blitz wet food boasts a competitive price. You can give them to your pet every day, and it will certainly not be more expensive than feeding him baby food, but it is guaranteed to be more beneficial for his health and development.

Quick Answer: Can I mix baby food with dog food?

Many people ask the same question. In fact, some people are told to feed their dog baby food when they are sick. Short answer: yes, you can feed baby food directly to your dog. You can also add it to dog food or use it to make treats.

Baby food can be fed directly to dogs or mixed with other ingredients to make dog treats. … Baby food is not a good substitute for dog food because it does not contain all the nutrients and vitamins a dog needs. As an occasional treat, feed baby food in moderation.

Baby food is suitable for dogs if they eat it in moderation. Baby food should not be given to dogs as part of their normal diet. This is not the only food source, and if they eat too much, they can get sick. … Baby food can be given to dogs to entice them to eat if they are not eating regular food.

Veterinarians recommend feeding Stage 2 meat-based infant formulas such as chicken, lamb and turkey, provided the infant formula does not contain garlic or onion powder.

10 quick and easy supplements you can add to your dog's food to improve his health

Never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes. Not only are they difficult to chew, but they can upset your dog's stomach and potentially cause an intestinal blockage. Some dogs are known to "breathe" their food, so if the potato has a soft texture, it reduces the risk of choking.

Dogs may be agitated by the sounds and movements of the child. Dogs have been known to try to move the baby by carrying it in their mouths, much like a mother dog does with her puppies. Other dogs have hurt babies because the baby moves and sounds like prey.

Can dogs eat Gerber baby food? Yes, dogs can eat Gerber baby food as long as it is pure fruits or vegetables. Don't give them baby food with onions or garlic. Otherwise, it is safe to give your dog baby food made from fruits and vegetables of the same origin.

It is not recommended to feed your puppy with infant formula. The best food for your puppy is mother's milk, just like breast milk is the best food for all babies. … Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot easily digest milk or dairy products, especially at high doses like a bottle.

What is the best pumpkin to feed a dog? Regular canned pumpkin is the best choice for your dog. Both fresh and canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber, but canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin.

Can dogs eat chicken and rice every day? It is not recommended to keep a dog on a daily diet of chicken and rice for a long time. Although this dish is extremely healthy for dogs, it does not contain all the nutrients they need from other sources such as red meat and vegetables.

Dogs need roughage in their diet and grass is a good source of fiber. Lack of roughage affects a dog's ability to digest food and pass stool, so grass can actually help their bodily functions run more smoothly.

3% hydrogen peroxide solution is the recommended medication for vomiting in dogs. Fortunately, this is something that many of us have in our first aid kit. It's also a good idea to include a bottle in your dog's travel first aid kit.

You can mix wet and dry dog food or wet and dry cat food, as long as both options are of high quality and meet your pet's nutritional and other health needs. Quality wet and dry foods are formulated to provide your pet with all the proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they need to develop.

Carbohydrates are an important part of a dog's diet, along with a certain amount of protein and fat.