If you are a person who likes to experiment, you might be curious to know what dog food tastes like. That your dog loves it means it should be tasty right? Eating dog food can also become a necessity in certain emergency situations when nothing else edible may be available near you. While the chances are rare, the possibility cannot be completely brushed aside. It brings up the question what will happen if you eat dog food. Will dog food make you sick? Is dog food toxic for humans? To answer such questions, here are some important things you need to know.
Different nutritional needs
Although both humans and dogs are mammals, their nutritional needs are quite different. What is good for your dog may not work for your body. For example, dogs can create their own Vitamin C in their liver. In comparison, humans have to rely on external food sources to get their Vitamin C.
Can you eat dog food?
Short answer is yes. But there are risks involved. Dog food is not exactly toxic, as it is made from items such as scraps of meat, soybeans, grains, minerals and vitamins. Dog food may also contain animal organ parts, skin and ground bone. If you are trying to experiment or dealing with an emergency situation, you may consume dog food. But it’s important that you cook it instead of eating it directly out of the box.
Can dog food make you sick?
While dog food may be safe for occasional consumption, there are various risks involved. For example, it is possible that a certain batch of dog food may have been contaminated during transportation and storage. If you eat this, you might get bacterial infection. Foodborne illness from harmful organisms such as E Coli, Campylobacter, Listeria and Salmonella can result in mild to severe infection. You may have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal cramping and nausea.
Risks related to eating dog food can also come in the form of certain additives that are mixed in dog food. For example, certain types of dog food have menadione, also known as Vitamin K3. This is a synthetic form of Vitamin K that has nutritional value for dogs. However, it is considered toxic for humans in high doses.
Greater risk for children
It is possible that a child may accidently end up eating dog food. Children are more prone to food-related illness, as their immune systems are not fully developed. Some forms of dog food such as dry kibble can have risk of choking. If you have kids, make sure the dog food is stored safely. Also, keep a close watch when feeding your dog. If your kid accidently eats dog food, immediately contact a pediatrician or poison control center for next steps.
In times of emergency or economic uncertainty, people often seek innovative methods for survival.
In the wake of food shortages or insufficient funds to buy groceries, you may find yourself wondering if your dog’s food is a viable option to help get you out of a bind.
After all, if your dog enjoys scraps of human food from time to time, maybe it can work the other way around, too.
This article reviews whether it’s safe for humans to eat dog food, including risks to consider if you’re contemplating chowing down on some puppy chow.
The bottom line
Dog food isn’t designed for the unique nutrition needs of humans, though it is made from ingredients that are technically safe for humans to eat. Thus, it’s not inherently toxic for humans and may be safe in an emergency situation.
However, eating dog food may increase your risk of developing foodborne illness. Children are at greater risk of developing complications related to foodborne illness and shouldn’t consume dog food.
Additionally, dog food may contain vitamin K3, or menadione, which may be toxic to humans in higher doses.
All of the same food safety practices used in human food handling and preparation still apply to dog food. It may be wise to keep track of any pet food recalls to ensure the highest level of safety if you plan on eating it.
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