Dog Food Alternatives: 6 Vet-Approved Options

As a dog owner, you are probably familiar with the panic you feel when you realize you have run out of dog food and are unable to get more at the moment. You might be scrambling around your pantry in search of food that your dog could eat instead, but you likely don’t know where to start. Thankfully, you can feed various dog food alternatives until you can get their main food.

This article will discuss six dog food alternatives to try when you have run out of dog food. You could try the recipes that include food items you already have at home and mix it up, so your dog eats a variety of different foods.

These foods are meant for short-term use only and aren’t complete and balanced enough for long-term feeding.

The 6 Dog Food Alternatives

1. Plain Cooked Chicken, Pumpkin, and Rice

The number one recipe that many dog owners follow when their dog’s main food bag runs out is plain cooked chicken, pumpkin, and rice. These ingredients are gentle on your dog’s stomach and contain a source of protein (chicken), carbohydrates (rice), and fiber (pumpkin). It should be prepared without any seasonings, butter, or sauces and served plain so that it is safe for your dog.

Preparing this recipe is simple. You will need to boil the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked. The rice should be boiled next, and you can choose either brown or white rice. Next, you must cut up the plain pumpkin and boil it until soft. Once everything has been cooked thoroughly, you can shred the chicken into sizable pieces and mash the pumpkin, so it is easier for your dog to eat.

2. Steamed or Boiled Vegetables

If your dog is only going without their main food for a day or two, you can offer them steamed or boiled vegetables in the meantime. There are various types of vegetables that you can prepare for your dog.

Vegetables are best served with a meat protein source, and be aware that feeding a lot of vegetables can cause digestive issues.

All you need to do is boil or steam at least four different types of veggies without any seasonings or sauces. It doesn’t take long to prepare, and most people usually have vegetables in their pantry that they can use.

3. Plain Greek Yogurt and Oatmeal

Dogs can enjoy plain Greek yogurt and oatmeal as a dog food alternative. This recipe is easy to make and only consists of two main ingredients. However, you can add additional ingredients such as vegetables to give your dog more variety.

Ensure that the plain Greek yogurt and oatmeal you use are free from dangerous ingredients such as xylitol. It should ideally be low in sugar. Cook the oatmeal thoroughly before feeding it to your dog so that it is easier for them to digest.

Plain Greek yogurt contains beneficial probiotics, protein, and calcium along with lower lactose levels. Plain oatmeal is high in fiber and omega-6 fatty acids that can benefit your dog’s skin and coat health.

4. Scrambled Eggs and Veggies

Dogs can eat scrambled eggs and steamed or boiled veggies if they are served plain without any seasoning, oils, or sauces. Eggs contain protein, essential amino and fatty acids that benefit dogs. Furthermore, eggs are rich in phosphorus and calcium which are good for their bone health. Adding cooked, chopped veggies into the scrambled eggs helps boost the nutrient content of the food and offers more variety.

You should follow a dog-friendly recipe when making scrambled eggs for your dog. Any vegetables that are safe for dogs can be added to the recipe. This includes boiled or steamed peas, broccoli, spinach, carrots, and lentils. The vegetables can either be mixed into the scrambled eggs or served on the side.

5. Bone or Vegetable Broth

Dogs can eat bone or vegetable broths that have been formulated using a dog-friendly recipe. Not all bone and vegetable broths intended for human consumption are safe for dogs as they may contain harmful ingredients. You can either create the bone or vegetable broth from scratch or use a premade one formulated for dogs. Bone and vegetable broths are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can support a dog’s digestion, joint, and gut health.

Bone or vegetable broths won’t be complete on their own, you will need to serve it with additional ingredients. These ingredients could range from cooked rice, chicken, lean beef, vegetables, or eggs.

6. Ground Beef and Veggies

Ground lean beef and vegetables can be a tasty alternative to dog food that most dogs will enjoy. This recipe is easy to prepare and versatile, so you can customize it with the vegetables you already have in your pantry as long as they are dog-friendly. All you need to do is cook plain ground beef with no additives like seasoning, sauces, or oils.

Cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, green beans, peas, carrots, and broccoli can be chopped up and mixed into the ground beef. You could also add sweet potatoes or rice to keep your dog full for longer.

As always, we recommend seeking veterinarian advice before updating any of your dog’s diet.

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Conclusion

Dogs are omnivores, so there are various foods they can enjoy that are already in our pantries. When their main food runs out, you can create an alternative using ingredients such as lean meats, vegetables, eggs, and starches. Just be sure to get them back on their regular diet as soon as possible as these substitutes are for short-term use only.

• See also: 10 Dog Food Trends: Pet Food Industry Facts & Statistics

Featured Image Credit: Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock