If your baby ate dog food, stay calm, take any remaining food out of their mouth, and check that they are breathing normally. A small taste is usually not poisonous, but dry kibble is a choking hazard and pet food can carry germs like Salmonella. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or Poison Help.
What to Do Right Now
- Check breathing. If your baby is coughing, gagging, turning blue, or cannot cry or breathe, call 911 right away and start infant choking first aid.
- Remove what is left. Gently wipe out the mouth with a clean finger or cloth. Do not force your baby to vomit.
- Offer a drink or a feeding. If your baby is breathing normally, a few sips of milk, formula, or water can help.
- Call for advice. In the U.S., Poison Help is free and open 24 hours at 1-800-222-1222. Your pediatrician can also tell you what to watch for.
- Wash up. Clean your baby’s hands and face, and wash your own hands.
Why Dog Food Is Risky for Babies
Choking
Dry kibble is hard, round, and the right size to block a small airway. Babies and toddlers can choke on it quickly and quietly. Keep kibble out of reach, and learn infant choking first aid from a Red Cross or hospital class.
Germs
Pet food can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella. The FDA has warned that infants can get sick after touching pet food or the bowls and surfaces it touches, and then putting their hands in their mouths. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or stomach cramps in the days after, and call your doctor if you see them.
Not Made for Human Nutrition
Dog food is balanced for dogs, not babies. A single bite will not cause lasting harm for most healthy infants, but it should never be a regular food. Some babies could also react to ingredients like meat, grains, or dairy if they have allergies.
When to Call a Doctor Right Away
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or repeated coughing
- Hives, swelling of the lips or face, or repeated vomiting
- Fever, bloody stool, or diarrhea that lasts
- Your baby seems unusually sleepy or fussy
- Your baby ate a large amount, or you are not sure how much
How to Prevent It Next Time
- Feed pets in a spot your baby cannot reach, such as a gated room or a raised surface.
- Pick up the bowl after meals and store food in a sealed container up high.
- Wash your hands after handling pet food and bowls, and keep them away from baby gear and kitchen areas where food is prepared.
- Keep an eye on recalls. Our pet food recalls page lists current ones.
For more, read the dangers of dog food for babies. If you worry about pests in your pet’s food, see bugs in dog food.
Bottom Line
One taste of dog food is rarely an emergency, but choking and bacteria are the main concerns. Make sure your baby is breathing well, clear the mouth, and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or your pediatrician for guidance. Then move the bowl out of reach.
This article is general information and not medical advice. For any concern about your child’s health, contact a doctor or Poison Help.
