What Can I Feed My Dog Instead of Dog Food?
While retailers and manufacturers are working hard to replenish shelves, what do you do if you find yourself unable to purchase your pet’s regular food?
Rotating Proteins
Switch proteins within your favorite brand’s family of food. This is the easiest route and, barring any specific protein allergies, it’s good to rotate your pet’s protein regularly to provide a variety of nutrients in your pet’s diet, says Tom Cameron, DVM. Plus, pets enjoy changing things up a bit, too! Check out Nature’s Logic’s variety of proteins for dogs and cats
Switching Protein Brand
If you must switch brands, feed the same type of food (i.e. kibble, etc.) as you were feeding before. Look for a brand that most closely resembles your current brand in terms of the quality of ingredients (high quality animal protein sources, no legumes, etc.) and choose the same protein as you were feeding before, recommends Dr. Cameron. To reduce stress on your pet’s digestive system, gradually mix the new food in with the old for ideally 5-7 days or as long as you can. Also, reduce your pet’s feeding by about 25-50% for ideally 7-10 days to make it easier on your pet’s digestive tract.
Emergency Dog Food Substitute in Your Kitchen
Sample Emergency Meal Ideas
Here are two quick, safe combos:
- Chicken & Rice Bowl: Cooked chicken, white rice, and a spoonful of canned pumpkin.
- Egg & Oat Mash: Scrambled egg, oatmeal, and some chopped green beans.
Pantry items
- Canned chicken or tuna in water
- Canned vegetables (rinsed or salt-free)
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Plain steel-cut or old-fashioned oats (cooked)
- Whole grains like brown rice and barley
- Canned pumpkin
- Gluten-free grain alternatives like millet and quinoa
Refrigerated foods
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef
- Mild, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar
- Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
Fresh produce
Some everyday foods can be toxic—or even deadly—for dogs. Avoid feeding:
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute in gum, peanut butter, and baked goods)
- Cooked bones and fatty scraps
- Avocados and macadamia nuts
Even small amounts can cause serious health issues. When in doubt, skip it or check with your vet first.
What Not To Feed Your Dog
- Chopped fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber
- Gently steamed green vegetables like broccoli and green beans
- Cooked sweet potatoes
- Cooked butternut squash
- Fresh chopped or sliced melon
- Peeled, sliced bananas
- Peeled, cored apples, and pears
- Washed berries like blueberries and strawberries
Ask Your Local Pet Retailer
Above all, ask your local pet retailer for advice! This is the great thing about buying local with independent pet stores…they typically know a lot about food and nutrition and can give you great advice as to what brands are comparable to the one you are feeding. They also may have special coupons or even samples of the food you are looking to try so you can determine if your pet likes it!
If you find yourself in this situation with Nature’s Logic diets, contact our customer service department and we can assist you in finding where your pet’s favorite food is available. You can also check our store locator to determine nearby stores that have Nature’s Logic in stock and might be able to help.
We’re in this together so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!
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