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.
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. Get the baby food dog treats recipe.
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 baby food 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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We have tried so many dog foods and mixing it with baby food and my puppy would eat it and then completely stop. She would not touch her food. It would always go to waste. We have been giving her just the baby food meat and single vegetable and she eats every bit of it. She is a very picky eater. She likes human vegetables as well.
This isn’t good your dog must be a Chihuahua cause that is the same thing my dog did in of course she is a chipin. But back to your question your dog needs her food from health reasons she wanor he want get the full nutrition it needs to live a healthy full life if it’s not eating right in eating right is it it its own food
What do we do she does not like dog food. I make her chicken with vegetables and she loves it. If I try to give her dog food she would rather starve then eat. She is a 7 month old Multis-Pom. And weights 7 lbs. Overly active little puppy. She is my emotional support dog.
My Papillon was puppy milled. And had microscopic holes in her liver. Which effected her kidneys also. I switched to whole foods chicken thighs rice veggies and fruits. She loved it. I used my milk thistle too not the Vets. They told me she wouldn’t live long. Well she lived to 12. And was healthy. So I would say that the food was probably better than the Dog food. I boiled the thighs just to cooked so it didn’t get rubbery. I also gave it to her baked. And the fruits and vegatables were both raw ( treats ) and cooked. All her life she loved fruits and vegatables. Thank God. I didn’t use any spices or oils. When I baked I just put a little water in with the chicken. And she got the B vitamins too. You can research that. To see what is appropriate for yours. By weight and health. My Vet ran periodical tests to see how she was fairing. Never had another issue with her health after that. Good strong Dog. For such a little thing. And a disposition that was filled with happiness.
My 5 month old is the same way. She will not eat plain puppy food.
They killed my dog 2 weeks back, now I left with 8 puppies, what can I feed them.
Please discuss what to feed the puppies with a veterinarian or an experienced breeder.
What happened…
Can you feed pumpkin in a can or does it have to be baby pumpkin. Not pumpkin pie mix just plain pumpkin in a can. Thank you Lesley
Dogs can eat canned pumpkin. Note that it can cause constipation or diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. I recommend discussing it with your vet.
Need ideas very peaky eaters and not food driven at 4 months old Thank you
I can only suggest trying different dog foods to see what your picky eaters enjoy.
My dog is allergic to chicken. Any suggestions on substitution ideas to a sick tummy rice and plain chicken meal?
Turkey or lamb may be good alternatives to chicken. However, it is best to ask your vet. Plus your vet may have some special or prescription food that would be best for your dog when it has a sick tummy.