When it comes to feeding your dog, there is a lot of debate. Some believe that feeding dogs people food is beneficial for their health and longevity, while others argue that it can have negative effects. The truth is, it depends on your dog’s specific needs and diet recommended by your veterinarian. While there is no evidence to support that dogs live longer on a diet of only human food, veterinarians claim that dog-specific food can keep them healthy and at an ideal weight. However, if you do choose to feed your dog people food, there are signs to watch out for that indicate it may not be agreeing with them. It’s also important to be aware of the hazards associated with dogs eating certain human foods.
Signs Your Dog Shouldn’t Be Eating People Food
Feeding your dog people food consistently can lead to weight gain, breathing issues, decreased liver function, mobility issues, and lethargy. There are also many human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and grapes. Feeding your dog normal dog food reduces the risk of feeding them harmful substances. If your dog shows signs of weakness, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, significant weight gain or weight loss, it may be a result of the people food they are consuming.
Body Language
Your dog may exhibit certain body language cues to indicate that a people-food-only diet is not agreeing with them. These cues include alertness, barking, cowering, panting, chewing, scratching, dropped ears, pacing, and weakness. Additionally, there are other signs to watch out for, such as lethargy, swelling, non-seasonal itching, chronic skin and ear infections, constipation, vomiting, gassiness, and diarrhea.
The History of Dog Food
Commercial dog food was developed during the industrial revolution when animals started being kept as pets rather than just for work. The first commercial pet food was introduced in 1860 and consisted of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood. Since then, our understanding of animal nutrition has improved, and commercially-prepared pet food now provides a complete and balanced diet for dogs.
The Science Behind Dog Food
Dog food is formulated to provide dogs with the specific levels of vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. It is regulated by the FDA and contains ingredients required for dogs’ nutritional needs. Dog foods typically contain high levels of protein, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, and more. Feeding your dog human food, especially in a raw form, may result in them missing out on vital ingredients and nutrients.
How to Train Your Dog to Eat What He Needs To
If you want to transition your dog back to dog food from a people food diet, there are steps you can take. Help your dog understand that his dog food is his only option by setting it out for a certain amount of time and then taking it away. Gradually introduce dog food into his meals and transition away from people food. Mixing in a small amount of warm water with his dry food can make the adjustment easier.
“Feeding your dog people food may have negative effects on their health and well-being.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Consult with your vet: It’s important to talk to your vet about your dog’s specific health needs and what type of diet they should be on. They may recommend specific dog foods or even suggest incorporating some human foods to help your dog stay healthy.
2️⃣ Watch for signs of negative reactions: If you want to feed your dog people food, pay attention to any signs that it may not be agreeing with them. Weight gain, breathing issues, decreased liver function, mobility issues, and lethargy could indicate a correlation between the people food and negative health effects.
3️⃣ Be aware of toxic foods: Many human foods are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and grapes. Feeding your dog dog-specific food reduces the risk of feeding them harmful substances. If your dog is showing signs of weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or significant weight gain or loss, it’s likely that the people food you’re feeding them isn’t optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Should I feed my dog people food or dog-specific food?
The right answer depends on your dog’s specific health needs and diet recommendations from your vet. There is no evidence that feeding only people food will make your dog live longer.
2. What are the signs that my dog shouldn’t be eating people food?
Signs include weight gain, breathing issues, decreased liver function, mobility issues, laziness or lethargy. There is also a risk of feeding dogs toxic food, such as chocolate or grapes.
3. What are some body language cues that my dog’s people-food-only diet might not be agreeing with him?
Alertness, barking, cowering, panting, chewing, scratching, dropped ears, pacing, and weakness.
4. What are some other signs that a human-food diet might not be the best choice for my dog?
Lethargy or fatigue, swelling, non-seasonal itching, chronic skin infections, chronic ear infections, constipation, vomiting, gassiness, and diarrhea.
5. How can I train my dog to eat dog food instead of human food?
Gradually transition your dog’s diet by inserting dog food into his meals and gradually reducing the amount of people food. Set a time limit for mealtime and take the food away if not eaten. Adding warm water to dry food can make the transition easier.
