What Can I Feed My Puppy Instead of Dog Food? 15 Tasty & Safe Alternatives

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Running out of puppy food can happen to any of us. Maybe you forgot to add it to your shopping list or perhaps you’re looking for healthier alternatives to commercial puppy food. Whatever your reason I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to feeding your puppy when traditional dog food isn’t an option.

As a pet parent myself, I’ve been in situations where I’ve needed quick alternatives that are still healthy for my fur babies. The good news is that there are plenty of human foods that can serve as excellent temporary substitutes for your puppy’s regular meals!

Why Consider Alternatives to Commercial Puppy Food?

Before diving into alternatives, let’s understand why you might want options beyond store-bought puppy food:

• You’ve unexpectedly run out of puppy food
• You’re concerned about the quality of commercial dog food
• Your puppy has allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in commercial food
• You want to provide more variety in your puppy’s diet
• You’re interested in feeding a more natural diet

Whatever your reason, it’s important to remember that puppies have specific nutritional needs that differ from adult dogs. Their growing bodies require appropriate amounts of protein, fat, calcium, and other nutrients to develop properly.

Quick Emergency Options When You’ve Run Out of Puppy Food

If you’ve suddenly realized your puppy food supply is empty, here are some quick solutions that will tide your pup over until you can get to the store:

1. Cooked Lean Meats

Protein is crucial for puppies, and plain cooked meats can be a lifesaver when you’re out of puppy food.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast (boiled or baked without seasonings)
• Turkey: Plain ground turkey cooked without oils or seasonings
• Beef: Lean ground beef, thoroughly cooked and drained of fat

Remember to remove ALL bones before serving these to your puppy, as cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal damage.

2. Eggs as a Protein Source

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse and safe for puppies when properly prepared:

• Scrambled eggs (no butter, salt, or seasonings)
• Hard-boiled eggs (peeled and cut into small pieces)
• Poached eggs (plain, without salt or seasoning)

I usually give my puppy one egg mixed with some plain rice as a quick meal when needed.

3. Simple Carbohydrates

Carbs provide energy and can bulk up your emergency puppy meal:

• White rice: Plain, cooked white rice is gentle on puppy stomachs
• Sweet potatoes: Cooked, peeled sweet potatoes (mashed or in small chunks)
• Regular potatoes: Plain, cooked potatoes without any seasoning or butter
• Oatmeal: Plain oatmeal cooked in water (not the flavored packets!)

4. Vegetables for Nutrition

Adding some veggies to your puppy’s emergency meal provides vitamins and fiber:

• Carrots (cooked or raw, cut into small pieces)
• Green beans (plain, cooked)
• Peas (cooked, plain)
• Pumpkin (plain canned pumpkin – NOT pie filling!)
• Broccoli (small amounts, cooked)
• Spinach (cooked, plain)
• Cauliflower (small amounts, cooked)

5. Fruits as Treats

These can be added in small amounts for extra nutrients:

• Apples (remove seeds and core)
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Strawberries

Creating a Balanced Emergency Meal

When mixing up an emergency meal for your puppy, try to include:

• Protein source (meat or eggs): 50% of the meal
• Carbohydrate source: 25% of the meal
• Vegetables: 25% of the meal
• Optional: small amount of fruit as a treat

For example, a quick puppy meal might include 1/4 cup cooked chicken, 2 tablespoons of rice, and 2 tablespoons of cooked carrots for a small puppy.

Longer-Term Alternatives to Commercial Puppy Food

If you’re considering moving away from commercial puppy food more permanently, here are some options to consider:

1. Homemade Puppy Food

Making your own puppy food gives you complete control over the ingredients. A basic recipe might include:

• Lean protein (chicken, turkey, beef)
• Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes)
• Vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas)
• Healthy fats (fish oil, flaxseed oil)
• Calcium source (plain yogurt, egg shells, or supplements)

IMPORTANT: If you’re planning to feed homemade food long-term, please consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your puppy is getting all the necessary nutrients.

2. Raw Food Diet

The raw food diet (sometimes called BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) has gained popularity. This typically includes:

• Raw meat (muscle meat and some organ meat)
• Raw bones (never cooked!)
• Raw vegetables
• Some fruit
• Supplements as needed

This diet tries to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. Again, consulting with a professional is essential before starting a raw diet, especially for puppies.

3. Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Dog Food

These commercial alternatives to traditional kibble often contain fewer preservatives:

• Just add water to rehydrate
• Often contain high-quality ingredients
• Less processed than kibble
• Good compromise between convenience and quality

Foods to NEVER Feed Your Puppy

While we’re discussing alternatives, it’s crucial to know what foods are toxic or dangerous for puppies:

• Chocolate (contains theobromine, toxic to dogs)
• Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
• Onions and garlic (damages red blood cells)
• Alcohol (toxic to dogs even in small amounts)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, and some peanut butter)
• Macadamia nuts (can cause weakness and hyperthermia)
• Avocados (contain persin, which can be toxic)
• Caffeine (stimulant that’s dangerous for dogs)
• Cooked bones (can splinter and cause injuries)
• Raw egg whites (contain avidin, which can cause biotin deficiency)

Transitioning Between Foods

Whenever you change your puppy’s diet, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset:

1. Start with 75% old food, 25% new food
2. After 2-3 days, move to 50% old food, 50% new food
3. After another 2-3 days, move to 25% old food, 75% new food
4. Finally, switch to 100% new food

This gradual transition helps prevent diarrhea and vomiting that can occur with sudden diet changes.

Can Puppies Eat Cat Food?

While you might be tempted to give your puppy some cat food in a pinch, it’s not recommended for anything more than a single meal. Cat food is formulated for carnivores and contains:

• Higher protein levels than dog food
• Different vitamin and mineral profiles
• Nutrients balanced specifically for cats

Feeding cat food to puppies for more than a day can lead to digestive issues and potentially pancreatitis.

Supplements for Homemade Puppy Diets

If you’re making your own puppy food, you may need to add supplements to ensure complete nutrition:

• Calcium (essential for growing puppies)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (for brain and coat health)
• Multivitamins designed for puppies
• Probiotics (for digestive health)

Always talk to your vet before adding supplements to your puppy’s diet.

Final Thoughts on Puppy Food Alternatives

While there are many alternatives to commercial puppy food, it’s important to remember that puppies have specific nutritional needs for proper growth and development. Any alternative diet should be:

• Balanced with appropriate nutrients
• Discussed with your veterinarian
• Introduced gradually
• Monitored for any negative effects

The best approach is often a combination of high-quality commercial puppy food supplemented with fresh, wholesome ingredients as treats or toppers.

Remember, what works for one puppy might not work for another. Pay attention to how your puppy responds to different foods and adjust accordingly.

Have you ever had to feed your puppy something other than dog food? What worked best for your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your puppy’s diet.