Can Humans Eat Dog Food?

In times of economic threat or uncertainty, people often look for innovative ways to survive.When faced with food shortages or insufficient funds to buy groceries, you may be wondering if eating the dog's food is a viable option to get you out of trouble.Finally, if your dog likes the occasional leftover human food, the opposite might work just as well.This article discusses whether it is safe for humans to eat dog food, including the risks to consider when considering eating puppy food.Short-term consumption should do little harmdog food is not intended for human consumption and is not subject to the same production standards as human food, but a small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm.dog food is typically made from a combination of animal by-products, grains, soy, vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet for your pet.Animal by-products commonly found in commercial dog food include meat trimmings, ground bones, skin, organs and damaged parts from animals deemed unfit for human consumption.While these ingredients may not be appetizing to most people, they are not technically dangerous to eat as long as they are properly cooked, processed, and stored.However, the types of vitamins added to your dog's food pose health concerns.Some dog foods contain a synthetic form of vitamin K called menadione or vitamin K3.While it seems perfectly safe for your dog, studies suggest it's toxic to humans in high doses 

(1).The amount of menadione in commercial dog food is generally small, but humans are still not recommended for regular or long-term consumption. So if you are unsure whether your dog food contains vitamin K3, contact the manufacturer for more information.Dogs and humans have different nutritional needs.

Short-term consumption is not likely to harm you

Dog food is not intended for human consumption and is not subject to the same manufacturing standards as human food, but a small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm.dog food is typically made from a combination of animal by-products, grains, soy, vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet for your pet.Animal by-products commonly found in commercial dog food include meat trimmings, ground bones, skin, organs and damaged parts from animals deemed unfit for human consumption.While these ingredients may not be appetizing to most people, they are not technically dangerous to eat as long as they are properly cooked, processed, and stored.However, the types of vitamins added to your dog's food pose health concerns.Some dog foods contain a synthetic form of vitamin K called menadione or vitamin K3. While it seems perfectly safe for your dog, studies suggest it's toxic to humans in high doses (1).The amount of menadione in commercial dog food is generally small, but humans are still not recommended for regular or long-term consumption. So if you are unsure whether your dog food contains vitamin K3, contact the manufacturer for more information.

The risks are higher for young children

Children are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses than adults because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Therefore, giving children dog food is discouraged (6).Another often overlooked hazard of dog food is the risk of choking in young children.This is particularly true of dry pellets, which small children may find difficult to chew and swallow safely.If you have a small child at home, be sure to keep the food bag out of reach and check it carefully when it is time for your dog to eat.If your child accidentally ingests dog food, contact your pediatrician or local poison control agency for more information on protecting your child.