How about the other way around? Can humans eat dog food? Or are there ingredients in your dog’s bowl that would cause health issues? There are many instances of human foods that are unsafe for dogs to eat.
In addition to the likelihood that your dog won’t want to share their meals with you (especially not their premium, lightly-cooked ones), the answer to the question of whether you can is a little trickier. Everything depends on the kind of food you feed your dog, how it was stored, and, um, the reason you decided to eat your dog’s food in the first place.
The questions you never knew you had about whether people can sneak a few bites of their dog’s food are all answered in this article. (And why you probably shouldn’t make it a regular habit. ).
Differences in nutritional needs of dogs and humans
When you first look at dog food, you might assume that it contains all the same ingredients as human food. The four main macronutrient categories of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins/minerals are the foundation of both canine and human nutrition. Although the amounts of these nutrients in dog food and human food may be the same, the balances of these nutrients differ between the two species.
It’s likely that the ingredients in your dog’s food will include chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, rice, blueberries, peas, lentils, and corn. Despite the fact that these ingredients resemble those you would typically find on your own plate, they are included at different concentrations. This is because humans and dogs have differentnutritional requirements.
The amount of protein needed by dogs is one of the biggest nutritional differences between humans and dogs. Protein is necessary for healthy growth and metabolism in both humans and dogs. However, compared to humans, dogs need much more protein and a different combination of amino acids in their diet. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that adult dogs need at least 18% crude protein in their diet, while puppies need at least 22% crude protein. On average, dog food contains >25% protein. It is advised by nutritionists that a human diet not contain more than 15% protein, so this is significantly more protein than humans need each day.
Cholesterol is also much more of a concern for humans. Although dogs can still have high cholesterol, it is not as severe as it is in humans. Compared to what is typically found in a human diet, dog food contains significantly more protein and fat. This implies that a person would consume more saturated fats if they consumed dog food. If a human ate dog food for a prolonged period of time, the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and atherosclerosis would rise.
Only one other species, humans, needs vitamin C in their diet. Unlike humans,vitamin C is not an essential vitamin for dogs. Dogs do not require vitamin C supplements in their diet because they can synthesize it in their liver. Ascorbic acid, a natural preservative that is sometimes added as a supplement to some dog foods, is not present in all dog foods. Humans cannot maintain or repair many tissues, including skin, bone, teeth, and cartilage, without vitamin C supplements. Scurvy, a fatal condition that can be caused by vitamin C over time and manifest as bruising, easy bleeding, and joint and muscle pains.
Is dog food safe for humans to eat?
When humans consume dog food, food safety concerns regarding these commercial pet products are also raised in addition to nutritional deficiencies. In addition to being processed very differently from human food, dog food may also contain different-grade ingredients that are not necessarily safe for consumption by humans. Therefore, eating dog food may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses in humans.
Is dog food fit for human consumption?
There will probably be a label on a generic bag of kibble warning that the food should not be consumed by humans. And, there are a few reasons for that.
For starters, all dog foods available on the market are made for, you guessed it, dogs, and as it turns out, our canine companions have very different nutritional requirements than we do. There is no need to add vitamin C to the food for canines because they can synthesize it in their liver. Since humans cannot synthesize vitamin C on their own, we must get it from plants in our diet. Then, if you switch to a diet consisting solely of dog food, you might increase your risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin A is another example. Because organ meats are frequently used in dog food, this vitamin can be found there in large amounts. And, as we discussed in our article on the advantages of offal for dogs, a lot of this vitamin is fantastic for a dog’s well-being and vigor. But excessive vitamin A can cause some issues with human nutrition.
These are just two instances of how dog food may satisfy your dog’s nutritional requirements in ways that are hazardous to human health. Even more generally, you’ll discover that the various protein, fiber, carb, and other breakdowns are simply unsuitable for human consumption. Finding a healthy diet plan created for you rather than your dog is much preferable.
FAQ
Is pet food toxic to humans?
Raw pet foods, including packaged foods sold in stores, contain bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria that can make pets and people ill. These germs can make your pets sick. Taking care of your pet or handling raw food can make your family sick as well.
Is it safe for humans to eat dogs?
First, dog meat isn’t as nutritious as people might think. Contrarily, the dangers of consuming it exist in real life. Toxocara canis, a notorious parasitic worm that can cause respiratory failure, myocarditis, and blindness, may be present in dog meat. Rabies is another legitimate concern.