{"id":627,"date":"2022-03-20T21:28:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-20T21:28:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/?p=627"},"modified":"2023-12-19T13:52:17","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T21:52:17","slug":"what-can-dogs-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can Dogs Eat?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-678f421f35ca6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-678f421f35ca6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Understanding_Canine_Nutrition_and_Diet\" title=\"What Can Dogs Eat: Understanding Canine Nutrition and Diet\">What Can Dogs Eat: Understanding Canine Nutrition and Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Balancing_a_Dogs_Diet\" title=\"What Can Dogs Eat: Balancing a Dog&#8217;s Diet\">What Can Dogs Eat: Balancing a Dog&#8217;s Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#The_Best_Food_for_Dogs_A_Guide_to_Canine_Nutrition\" title=\"The Best Food for Dogs: A Guide to Canine Nutrition\">The Best Food for Dogs: A Guide to Canine Nutrition<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Diet_Types_and_Preferences\" title=\"What Can Dogs Eat: Diet Types and Preferences\">What Can Dogs Eat: Diet Types and Preferences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#What_Can_Dogs_Eat_According_to_Their_Age\" title=\"What Can Dogs Eat According to Their Age?\">What Can Dogs Eat According to Their Age?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#Newborn_to_1_Month_Milk_is_Essential\" title=\"Newborn to 1 Month: Milk is Essential\">Newborn to 1 Month: Milk is Essential<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#1-Month-Old_Puppies_Transitioning_to_Solid_Food\" title=\"1-Month-Old Puppies: Transitioning to Solid Food\">1-Month-Old Puppies: Transitioning to Solid Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#2_to_4_Months_Introduction_to_Solid_Food\" title=\"2 to 4 Months: Introduction to Solid Food\">2 to 4 Months: Introduction to Solid Food<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#5_Months_and_Older_Diversifying_Diet\" title=\"5 Months and Older: Diversifying Diet\">5 Months and Older: Diversifying Diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#Adult_Dogs_Maintaining_a_Balanced_Diet\" title=\"Adult Dogs: Maintaining a Balanced Diet\">Adult Dogs: Maintaining a Balanced Diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#Senior_Dogs_Tailored_Diets_for_Health\" title=\"Senior Dogs: Tailored Diets for Health\">Senior Dogs: Tailored Diets for Health<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#Human_Foods_Dogs_Can_Eat\" title=\"Human Foods Dogs Can Eat\">Human Foods Dogs Can Eat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/what-can-dogs-eat\/#What_Dogs_Shouldnt_Eat_Avoiding_Toxins\" title=\"What Dogs Shouldn&#8217;t Eat: Avoiding Toxins\">What Dogs Shouldn&#8217;t Eat: Avoiding Toxins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Understanding_Canine_Nutrition_and_Diet\"><\/span>What Can Dogs Eat: Understanding Canine Nutrition and Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>In order to know how and what to feed a dog, we must first understand what its nutritional requirements are. &#8220;What can dogs eat?&#8221; is a question many pet owners ask, and it&#8217;s important to know the best options for their health and well-being.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Balancing_a_Dogs_Diet\"><\/span>What Can Dogs Eat: Balancing a Dog&#8217;s Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although domestic dogs are largely carnivorous, many of their nutritional needs cannot be met through meat alone. Their dental structure and intestinal tract have evolved to adapt to an omnivorous diet. This means that dogs can eat both animal and plant foods, contrary to the common belief that they are strictly meat-eaters.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/dog-care\/nutrition\/general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Read VCA&#8217;s Feeding Guidelines for Dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Food_for_Dogs_A_Guide_to_Canine_Nutrition\"><\/span>The Best Food for Dogs: A Guide to Canine Nutrition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A strictly carnivorous diet is unbalanced and doesn&#8217;t meet all of a dog&#8217;s nutritional needs. The best food for a dog includes a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water. High-quality meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables, suitable for the canine digestive system, are essential.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Dogs_Eat_Diet_Types_and_Preferences\"><\/span>What Can Dogs Eat: Diet Types and Preferences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>There are various recommended diets for dogs, but it&#8217;s difficult to pinpoint the best one as each dog is an individual. Some common diets include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dry kibble (croquettes)<\/li>\n<li>Kibble combined with human food like meat, fish, vegetables, rice (cooked or raw)<\/li>\n<li>Canned food<\/li>\n<li>Homemade meals<\/li>\n<li>Raw diet<\/li>\n<li>Meat-based diet<\/li>\n<li>Plant-based diet<\/li>\n<li>Grain-free or low-grain diets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/nutrition\/how-to-choose-the-best-dog-food\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit AKC&#8217;s Guide on Choosing Dog Food<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Dogs_Eat_According_to_Their_Age\"><\/span>What Can Dogs Eat According to Their Age?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Dogs&#8217; nutritional needs change with age. From newborns to seniors, it&#8217;s crucial to feed them the right food at each life stage.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Newborn_to_1_Month_Milk_is_Essential\"><\/span>Newborn to 1 Month: Milk is Essential<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>For newborn puppies, mother&#8217;s milk or a dog milk formula is crucial. Bottle feeding may be necessary if mother&#8217;s milk isn&#8217;t available.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Month-Old_Puppies_Transitioning_to_Solid_Food\"><\/span>1-Month-Old Puppies: Transitioning to Solid Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>At around one month, puppies start transitioning to soft or semi-solid food, often a mix of milk formula and canned dog food or moistened dry kibble.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_to_4_Months_Introduction_to_Solid_Food\"><\/span>2 to 4 Months: Introduction to Solid Food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>By 7-8 weeks, puppies should start eating solid dry puppy food, with occasional additions of meat, rice, or cooked vegetables. Raw diets are not recommended for very young puppies.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Months_and_Older_Diversifying_Diet\"><\/span>5 Months and Older: Diversifying Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>As puppies grow, they can start trying new foods suitable for dogs, with careful monitoring for any signs of intolerance or allergies.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adult_Dogs_Maintaining_a_Balanced_Diet\"><\/span>Adult Dogs: Maintaining a Balanced Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Adult dogs typically eat commercial dog food (dry or wet), combined with safe human foods. Balance and moderation are key.<\/p>\n<h5><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Senior_Dogs_Tailored_Diets_for_Health\"><\/span>Senior Dogs: Tailored Diets for Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Older dogs may need dietary adjustments based on their health conditions. Consult a vet for personalized advice.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Human_Foods_Dogs_Can_Eat\"><\/span>Human Foods Dogs Can Eat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Many human foods are safe for dogs, including meats like chicken and beef, certain fish, liver, eggs, rice, oatmeal, some cheeses, plain yogurt, and various fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Dogs_Shouldnt_Eat_Avoiding_Toxins\"><\/span>What Dogs Shouldn&#8217;t Eat: Avoiding Toxins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, xylitol, ice cream, coffee, tea, alcohol, raw yeast dough, and processed foods.<\/p>\n<p>Continuing with the theme of &#8220;What can dogs eat?,&#8221; it&#8217;s important to also focus on the way we feed our dogs. Alongside choosing the right foods, the manner and frequency of feeding play a crucial role in a dog&#8217;s health. Regular, portion-controlled meals are better than free feeding to avoid obesity. Also, when introducing new foods, it&#8217;s advisable to do so gradually to prevent digestive upset.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, hydration is as important as diet. Ensure that your dog has constant access to fresh water, especially when their diet includes dry food. Remember, each dog has unique needs, so consult your veterinarian regularly to tailor the diet as your dog ages or if health issues arise. By understanding and catering to your dog&#8217;s dietary needs, you can ensure a happy, healthy life for your furry companion. This approach embodies the essence of &#8220;What can dogs eat?&#8221; &#8211; a question that goes beyond mere food choices to encompass overall care and well-being.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Can Dogs Eat: Understanding Canine Nutrition and Diet In order to know how and what to feed a dog, we must first understand what its nutritional requirements are. &#8220;What can dogs eat?&#8221; is a question many pet owners ask, and it&#8217;s important to know the best options for their health and well-being. What Can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":2,"featured_media":1653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[56,14,59,55,57,28,58],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/627"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=627"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1656,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/627\/revisions\/1656"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}