What can I feed my dog if I run out of dog food?

If you want to feed your dog a diet that contains all the vitamins, proteins, and minerals they need to stay healthy, kibble is the best choice because it’s formulated for complete nutrition. However, there will always be occasions when you get the dog food out of the cupboard and realise you’re running low or ran out completely. There are some dog food alternatives that you can feed your dog to help you to feel better.

While we wouldn’t recommend serving up a homemade meal for your dog on a regular basis, it’s likely you’ll have ingredients in your cupboard that are suitable alternatives to dog food and will stop your pet from feeling hungry. In this blog, we look at the foods you could prepare for your dog in a late-night emergency, what a balanced meal should comprise and what to leave off the menu at all costs.

What should I consider before I prepare my dog a homemade meal?

If you need to cook up a meal for your dog, it’s important to avoid anything with too much sodium and fat, as this can make them very thirsty and cause digestive problems. It’s also important to leave out any ingredients they have a food sensitivity to, as this could make them feel unwell and cause their symptoms to flare up. As a rule, it’s important to aim for a balance of complex carbohydrates and lean proteins such as cooked chicken and rice. If you’re a vegetarian, you might not have any meat in the fridge, but there are still lots of alternatives that are safe for your dog to eat and will give them a full tummy.

What dog food alternatives are safe to feed my dog?

If you have a meat-eater in your home, it’s likely you’ll have some protein to hand. It doesn’t have to be the finest cut of meat, as dogs aren’t too fussy. Frozen chicken or beef (de-frosted and cooked) will do the job nicely, as will the canned variety or even some sort of meat-based broth. If you don’t eat meat, scrambled eggs will also go down a treat and are quick and easy to prepare.

When it comes to complex carbohydrates, plain, cooked grains such as brown rice are a good choice, as is oatmeal or a small helping of wholegrain bread. If you have any vegetables, you can also add some green beans, carrots and corn to your dog’s meal; make sure you give them a rinse if they’re canned to remove any excess salt. Peanut butter is another cupboard staple that dogs tend to enjoy and can be added to their late-night snack. Just ensure that it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener, as this is extremely toxic to dogs.

What dog food alternatives should I avoid feeding my dog?

As much as it’s likely you’ll have lots of dog-friendly ingredients at home, there are some items that you should keep away from your pet, even if you’re whipping up an emergency meal. Processed ready meals should always be avoided, even if they’re meat-based, because of their high salt content. Onions, garlic, avocados, salty chips, mixed nuts, raisins, and grapes also need to be off limits, as should anything too fatty, spicy or sugary. This means no butter, mayonnaise, cured meats, sweetened cereals, or chocolate. There’s no doubt that a bowl of kibble is the recommended option when it comes to your dog’s diet, but a homemade meal can be a healthy alternative and a nice treat if harmful ingredients are avoided.

Order a food intolerance test for your pet

If you’d like to order a food intolerance test for your dog to find out whether any ingredients are likely to make them feel unwell, you can order one from our website by clicking here. This will help you understand what dog food alternatives would be required. Please remember that although we’re happy to give you advice about food intolerances, you should always speak to a vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s health and wellbeing.