Baby food is basically mild solid food softened into puree or chunk consistency for easy consumption. But is it safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, dogs can consume certain baby food as a short-term solution and after approval from a vet if they show these gastrointestinal health concerns:
Anorexia
A decrease in or loss of appetite causes an otherwise energetic dog to become lethargic.
Dehydration
Refusing to drink water for more than a day affects the ability to release body heat.
Constipation
Absent or infrequent bowel movements are accompanied by discomfort and distress.
Diarrhea
Digestive irregularities cause loose and successive bowel movements throughout the day.
Vomiting
The inability to keep food or drink down results in throwing up to release pressure.
When feeding baby food to dogs, be mindful of the following:
- Start with small portions.
- Monitor for negative reactions.
- Discard all unconsumed baby food after 24 hours.
- Feed in moderation.
When shopping for commercially available baby food, avoid ingredients that are known to be toxic for dogs, such as garlic and onion. It is also recommended to choose simple Stage 2 meal flavors that provide higher protein and lower carbohydrate content, with no added salt or sugar. Here are several popular flavors to try:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
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