What can I feed my dog when I’ve run out of dog food?

Whether dog food was accidentally missed off the weekly shopping list or your dog’s normal food is out of stock, it can be difficult to know what to feed them.  

So, we’ve created this handy guide to make sure your dog gets as many nutrients as possible, while you’re waiting to get hold of their normal food. 

Here are some safe alternatives to dog food that you might find in your fridge or cupboards, to keep your canine companion happy and well-fed:

A few things to consider before providing an emergency meal

While you can provide a suitable alternative meal for your dog, our suggestions aren’t nutritionally complete and not designed to replace your dog’s proper diet.

The following are emergency meals and food suggestions designed to provide you with enough time to get your dog back to their normal feeding routine.

Always make sure your chosen ingredients are low in salt and/or fat, as this can cause excessive thirst and stomach problems in dogs. 

Also, it’s important to consider your dog's special dietary needs, along with any intolerances or allergies they may have, and avoid any food that could be toxic.

How to make dog food when you’ve run out

Making a quick meal for your dog is easier than you might think! 

The first step is to check you have the right ingredients. Here are some plain, unseasoned, additive-free foods that are safe to feed your dog in moderation:

• Cooked potato (e.g. unseasoned, unflavoured mashed potato).
• Cooked, peeled sweet potato.
• Cooked, boneless, unsalted, lean meat (chicken, beef, or turkey).
• Additive-free cooked, tinned, or pureed pumpkin.
• Cooked swede (mashed or chopped).
• Broccoli.
• Carrots.
• Peas.
• Green beans.
• Parsnips.
• Cauliflower.
• Cooked sweetcorn.
• Celery.
• Spinach.
• Tomatoes.
• Bananas.
• Blueberries.
• Strawberries.
• Apples (with core and seeds removed).

Providing a combination of the foods above may help to keep your dog’s hunger at bay, until you can get their regular food.

As an additional treat, or to encourage a fussy dog to eat unfamiliar food, the following food types are safe to give your canine companion in small amounts:

• Plain porridge, cooked in water.
• Peanut butter (without xylitol).
• Onion-free gravy (for taste!).

Can dogs eat cat food?

While it might be tempting to give your dog a little of your cat’s food when you’ve run out of theirs, we don’t recommend feeding your dog cat food.

Although your dog should be alright if they sneak a mouthful of cat food, it’s not safe to give them cat food as a meal. Due to the nutrients included in cat food being balanced specifically to meet the dietary needs of carnivores, cat food won’t provide dogs with the nutrients they require as omnivores. 

Unfortunately, feeding your dog cat food can lead to stomach problems (e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting) and, in some cases, pancreatitis (life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas). 

Can dogs eat eggs?

Yes, cooked or boiled eggs are generally considered safe for dogs! 

However, any eggs you feed your dog must be plain and free from eggshell, as well as fully cooked or boiled (raw eggs carry risks of bacteria and nutritional deficiencies). 

If you’d like to feed your dog a small amount of egg, you could provide:

• Scrambled egg (without butter, salt, pepper, or other seasonings).
• Boiled egg cut into small pieces (unseasoned).
• Dry-fried egg (without oils, butter, salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
• Poached eggs (without oils, butter, salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
• Baked eggs (without salt and other harmful ingredients, like dairy products).

Is rice good for dogs?

Yes! A small portion of plain, cooked/boiled white rice is safe for your dog to eat.

Since it’s bland, plain white rice (along with boneless, skinless, unseasoned, cooked chicken) may be recommended by a vet if your dog has been suffering from an upset stomach.

It’s important to note that vets don’t suggest feeding your dog rice long-term, because your dog needs a varied, balanced diet to stay happy and healthy.

Foods to avoid when making a quick meal for your dog

Not all food is dog friendly. So, we’ve listed some ingredients you’ll need to avoid, to prevent your dog from eating something toxic – avoid these foods and flavourings when prepping your pet’s meal:

• Bread.
• Dairy products.
• Fatty meat.
• Meat skin (e.g. chicken skin).
• Cooked bones.
• Crisps.
• Crackers.
• Nuts (e.g. macadamia nuts).
• Avocado.
• Corn on the cob (the cob can cause a blockage).
• Grapes.
• Dried fruit (e.g. raisins and sultanas).
• Alliums (e.g. onions, garlic, and chives).
• Cakes.
• Pies.
• Pastries.
• Sweets. 
• Chocolate.
• Sauces (e.g. cheese sauce, curry sauce, dipping sauces, etc.).
• Salt.
• Sugar.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine (e.g. in coffee and tea).
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener).

Please remember to be mindful of the quantities you feed your pet, and return to feeding their normal dog food as soon as you can. 

Always speak to a vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s dietary needs.