What Happens If You Eat Dog Food?

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.