Dog food is not meant for babies or toddlers. A single nibble is unlikely to cause serious harm, but kibble is a choking hazard and pet food can carry bacteria such as Salmonella. If your child has eaten dog food, stay calm, take it out of the mouth if you can safely see it, and watch for choking or stomach upset.
General information only. For a choking emergency call 911. For other questions call your pediatrician or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US).
Why dog food is a problem for babies
- Choking. Hard kibble pieces are the right size to block a small airway. Children under 4 are at the highest risk.
- Germs. Dry and raw pet foods have been linked to Salmonella and other bacteria in recalls. Babies, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are more at risk of getting seriously ill.
- Wrong nutrition. Dog food is balanced for dogs, not for a growing child, and it is not a substitute for meals or formula.
- Bowls and water dishes. Dishes, floors around the bowl and the dog’s slobber can hold bacteria that children pick up with their hands.
What to do if your baby eats dog food
- Check for choking. If your child cannot cough, cry or breathe, call 911 and start the first-aid steps you learned in infant or child CPR training.
- Clear the mouth of any pieces you can see, and wipe their hands and face.
- Do not make them vomit. Offer a few sips of water or milk if they are old enough.
- Call Poison Control or your pediatrician if they ate more than a taste, ate raw or recalled food, or you are not sure how much they swallowed.
- Watch for symptoms over the next few days: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or unusual sleepiness. Seek care promptly if any appear, especially in infants.
What about wet dog food?
Canned food is softer, so it is less likely to cause choking, but it can still hold bacteria and has ingredients that are not meant for children. Treat it the same way: a small taste is usually not an emergency, but call the doctor if you are worried.
How to keep pet food out of reach
- Feed your dog in a separate room or behind a baby gate, and pick up bowls when your dog is done.
- Use a raised feeder or a spot the baby cannot reach.
- Store food in a sealed container on a high shelf or in a cabinet with a child lock.
- Wash your hands after handling pet food and bowls, and wash bowls with hot, soapy water daily.
- Clean up spilled kibble right away, especially under the high chair.
- Do not let a crawling baby play near the bowl, and never let a baby and a dog share a bowl.
Check for recalls
If you see symptoms in a child or a dog, check whether your food has been recalled. The FDA keeps a current list at fda.gov. See our post on what to do if your baby eats dog food for a short action plan, and our Dogsters ice cream review for another product that is safe for dogs but not meant for kids.
Bottom Line
A taste of dog food probably will not hurt a baby, but the choking and bacteria risks are real. Keep it out of reach, wash hands and bowls, and call Poison Control or your pediatrician if your child eats more than a little or gets sick.
