Immediate Solutions: What To Feed Your Dog Right Now
Safety First!
That sinking feeling. You head to the pantry, scoop in hand, ready to serve up dinner to your beloved canine companion. Then, you realize it: the bag is empty. You ran out of dog food. Every dog owner dreads this moment. But don’t panic! Running out of dog food happens to the best of us. While consistent nutrition is crucial for your dog’s health, including balanced proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, there are immediate solutions and long-term strategies to get you and your furry friend back on track. This article will guide you through what to do when you find yourself in this predicament and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening again.
Okay, take a deep breath. Before you rush out in a frenzy, it’s important to understand what you can safely feed your dog temporarily. Safety is paramount. We need to prioritize avoiding anything that can cause harm.
Never, ever feed your dog foods that are toxic to them. This includes, but is not limited to, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, and anything containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener). These foods can cause serious health problems, even death.
Also, remember that moderation is key. Don’t drastically overfeed your dog, especially with unfamiliar foods. It’s better to give a smaller portion than to risk an upset stomach. Observe your dog for any signs of digestive distress, like vomiting or diarrhea.
Safe, Temporary Substitutes
When you run out of dog food, certain human foods can serve as temporary, safe options. These are not meant to be long-term replacements for your dog’s regular diet, but they can help you get through a meal or two.
- Plain Cooked Chicken and Rice: This is a classic go-to for a reason. It’s bland, easy to digest, and provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly (no bones!) and unseasoned. White rice is generally easier to digest than brown rice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Plain Cooked Ground Beef (lean) and Rice: Similar to chicken and rice, lean ground beef offers a good source of protein. Drain off any excess fat after cooking to prevent digestive issues. Again, use plain white rice for optimal digestibility.
- Cooked Eggs (Scrambled or Hard Boiled): Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and essential amino acids. Cook them thoroughly without any added seasonings. Avoid feeding raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella.
- Plain Yogurt (Greek, unsweetened): Yogurt contains probiotics that can be beneficial for your dog’s gut health. Opt for plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, as it’s lower in lactose than regular yogurt. Avoid yogurt containing artificial sweeteners or flavors. If your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid yogurt altogether.
- Cooked Sweet Potato (Plain): Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Cook them until soft and offer them plain, without any added butter, salt, or spices.
- Canned Pumpkin (Plain, NOT pie filling): Plain canned pumpkin is a fantastic remedy for digestive upset in dogs. It’s high in fiber and can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Be absolutely sure you’re using *plain* canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugar that can be harmful to dogs.
- Oatmeal (Plain, Cooked): Oatmeal is easily digestible and provides a good source of fiber. Cook it with water (no milk or sugar) and let it cool before serving.
- Some Fruits (in moderation, research beforehand): Certain fruits are safe for dogs in small amounts. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, bananas are a good source of potassium, and apples (without the seeds!) offer fiber. Always research thoroughly before offering any fruit to your dog, and remember that moderation is key.
Mixing with Existing Food
If you happen to have just a little bit of dog food left, you can mix it with one of the safe substitutes mentioned above to stretch it out. This can help satisfy your dog’s hunger and provide some familiar nutrients.
Considerations
When offering any temporary food substitute, be mindful of portion sizes. Don’t overfeed your dog, especially with foods they’re not accustomed to. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of allergies or digestive upset. If your dog has known allergies to certain foods, avoid those ingredients entirely.
Short-Term Solutions: Getting Back on Track with Dog Food
Once you’ve addressed the immediate need, you need to figure out how to replenish your dog food supply. Here are some quick and easy options:
Local Options
- Pet Stores: This is the most obvious choice. Call your local pet stores to check if they have your dog’s preferred brand and formula in stock. Consider a smaller bag to get you through a few days if the regular size is not available.
- Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores carry a selection of basic dog food brands. While the selection may be limited, this can be a convenient option if you need food quickly and don’t have a pet store nearby.
- Borrowing: Don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors, friends, or family members who own dogs if they can spare some food to tide you over. Offer to replace it as soon as possible.
Online Ordering
- Several online retailers, like Amazon and Chewy, offer fast delivery of dog food. Check their websites for your dog’s brand and formula and see if they offer expedited shipping. Be aware of potential delays, especially during peak seasons.
Veterinarian’s Office
- Some veterinary clinics sell dog food, particularly prescription diets. Even if your dog doesn’t require a special diet, your vet may be willing to sell you a small bag of regular food to help you out in a pinch. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to check availability.
Emergency Food Banks/Pet Pantries
- Many communities have resources for pet owners who are struggling to afford food. Search online for “pet food bank near me” or contact your local animal shelter or humane society for information on available resources. These organizations can provide temporary assistance to help you keep your dog fed.
Prevention: Never Run Out Again!
The best way to avoid the panic of running out of dog food is to implement some simple preventative measures.
Inventory Management
- Check Food Levels Regularly: Make it a habit to check the dog food bag at least once a week. Don’t wait until the bag is completely empty to realize you need to buy more.
- Keep a Backup Supply: Consider purchasing a smaller bag of dog food to keep on hand as a backup. This way, you’ll always have a safety net in case you forget to buy more or encounter unexpected delays.
Subscription Services
- Automatic delivery services are a fantastic way to ensure you never run out of dog food. Companies like Chewy and Amazon offer subscription options where you can schedule regular deliveries of your dog’s food. You can adjust the frequency of deliveries as needed based on your dog’s consumption.
Estimate Food Consumption
- Take the time to figure out how much dog food your dog eats per day or week. This will help you estimate how long a bag of food will last. Keep track of when you buy new food and how long it takes to go through the bag.
Set Reminders
- Use your phone or calendar to set reminders to buy dog food before you run out. Schedule a recurring reminder a week or two before you typically need to replenish your supply.
Conclusion
Running out of dog food can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis. With a little planning and preparation, you can avoid this situation altogether. Remember the immediate solutions: safe food substitutes like chicken and rice, eggs, or pumpkin can tide your dog over in a pinch. Explore short-term options such as local pet stores, online retailers, or even your veterinarian’s office to replenish your supply quickly. And most importantly, implement preventative measures like regular inventory checks, subscription services, and reminders to ensure you never run out of dog food again. While it is important to provide consistent nutrition it is even more important to keep calm. You will be okay and you can get your furry friend back on track! By taking these steps, you can be prepared and keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-fed. The most important thing is that you and your dog are safe and back on track to optimal health.
