Feeding puppies baby food
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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Are you wondering if your dog can be fed baby food?
These formulas are obviously designed for human newborns, but does that necessarily make them all wrong for animals?
Truth be told, most veterinarians will tell you there should be a good strategic reason to provide baby food.
While dogs have different dietary needs, bland nourishment can make sense for canines at the end of their lives. And there are also situations where this type of food is useful on a temporary basis.
And be very careful to withhold any formula that contains garlic or onion powder. Those are toxic ingredients when it comes to your best buddy.
Something else to consider…
Frequently feeding baby food could make your dog a finicky eater. Young puppies, in particular, can easily develop a frustrating food fussiness.
Be Selective With Ingredients
It must be stressed that you’ve got to be choosy.
Baby foods typically include fruits and vegetables such as:
- Oranges
- Banana
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Peas
Good news! These are beneficial and generally a net positive for dogs.
On the other hand…
Any brand that contains onion (usually in powder form) or garlic is strictly off limits to your dog.
And there is a real potential for harm if, for example, grapes are an ingredient in the baby food.
Carefully read the product’s label!
It’s Not For Healthy Hounds
Baby food is often used in emergency animal hospitals for under-the-weather pets.
We asked Veterinarian Sara Redding Ochoa (DVM) for her thoughts and here is what she said:
“Feeding baby food is a great idea if your dog is very sick. It’s easy to provide via syringe, but most under-the-weather canines will eat a little bit of baby food on their own before they will touch their regular dog food.”
But a thriving puppy doesn’t need this type of human-formulated diet.
It really is best to avoid experimenting when it comes to your dog’s diet and this applies to baby foods as well. Allergic reactions also aren’t out of the question.
The point is you should strive to keep your dog’s life as simple as possible!
Here’s The Biggest Downside
Dogs are prone to becoming picky eaters!
Does your buddy already like baby food?
Careful! They may begin refusing to eat what they really need to be healthy.
Make no mistake about it:
Giving in to your dog’s whims is a sign of behavioral trouble ahead. Avoid this early on while they are still puppies.
Mixed-In With Dog Food
Some people mix baby food with dog food which is better than straight baby food.
But again, if going that route, you must ensure there are no harmful ingredients.
And the dog food portion should be the majority of the serving size. It’ll be more balanced and nutritious assuming you’re buying the good stuff.
Regarding Picky Eaters
It is important to instill in your dog (or puppy) that not eating their adult meals will cause them to miss out and possibly go hungry.
Be firm! Consider withholding food if your dog refuses to eat.
Whatever you do…
Do not give in by offering questionable provisions including baby food unless a vet expressly recommends it.
The Bottom Line
Only feed your dog baby food if there’s a valid medical reason. Otherwise, doing so is not recommended.
While usually not dangerous, these formulas don’t offer the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Canines have a distinct set of nutritional requirements compared to newborn babies.
Last but not least, careful of bad feeding habits. Avoid spoiling an already healthy dog with baby food.
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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? Yes, you certainly may.
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.
Is it possible to give baby food to dogs?
Some give baby food to puppies, claiming that it is ideal for feeding them at this age, others - as a dietary food for dogs with diseases, others just feel sorry for throwing away an expired product, and some take baby food on a trip as an alternative to normal food .
The reasons are varied, but is it possible to give baby food to dogs? It would be safe to say no, but given that rare feedings in small quantities with certain types of baby products are not harmful to the animal, then it is more appropriate to say that it is not recommended.
Some veterinarians, on the contrary, recommend baby food in cans (Tyoma, Agusha) for feeding dogs, but you should not blindly trust such doctors. You should think, if children's products were suitable for animals, then there would be no recommendations in the form of huge articles, books about the proper feeding of dogs. If it was that simple, then dogs would only be fed human food.
Peculiarities of feeding a dog with baby food
It would seem that baby food cannot harm the animal, because it consists of natural ingredients, besides it does not contain artificial preservatives, dyes, it has a balanced set of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins. However, do not forget that such products are intended for people, and the gastrointestinal tract of people and animals is different.
Therefore, you need to think about whether it makes sense to give baby food to dogs, and if a decision has already been made to give, then you should carefully study the composition. Children's canned foods, cereals should not contain harmful ingredients, such as garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, etc. Before choosing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of foods prohibited for dogs.
If it is nevertheless decided to include baby food in the pet's diet, then it is given no more than twice a week as a separate treat or mixed with food in one of the feedings. Puppies need 1-2 teaspoons. Replacing natural or commercial food with baby food alone is unacceptable.
Children's products cannot replace dog food, because they are not a complete source of nutrition for dogs, they have the wrong consistency and the wrong set of minerals and vitamins. Of course, fruit and vegetable purees that do not contain grapes and other components that are toxic to dogs can occasionally be given to beloved pets, but meat puree or meat pieces are not the best food.
Meat products for children are usually crushed or very overcooked, so do not forget that dogs do not digest minced meat well, and they need roughage. If we talk about dairy products, then we can give children's cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir with a low percentage of fat content.
Why it is not recommended to give baby food to dogs
It is not recommended to feed baby food, especially mashed potatoes, because regular feeding of such products alone does not put pressure on the teeth, and the dog must train the jaw muscles. In addition, there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
The benefits of natural raw meat, not subjected to heat treatment and excessive grinding, are greater than from boiled meat. It is better to feed even sick old and toothless dogs with natural products, grind them yourself, scroll raw beef liver with carrots in a meat grinder, give low-fat cottage cheese, eggs.
Baby food is not as satisfying as special foods, and the food needs of an animal are quite different from those of humans.
