Can veterinary diets for dogs be fed with human food?

Original Question: My dog Bella is currently eating Canine Urinary UC Low Purine dry dog food Royal Canin®, Veterinary Diet Canine Gastrointestinal High Energy canned dog food, Authority® Dog Food Supplement - Pumpkin Authority®, Savory Cuts Adult Dog Food that are all approved by my veterinarian and a couple days ago I discovered Bella loves to eat chick peas. My question is, do you think it is okay to switch out the Savory Cuts to chick peas instead? I will follow up with my vet but I just wanted your advice as well. Thanks! - Andrew

Apr 26, 2018

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your question.

While I cannot give you a specific answer for your pup, I can provide some general information on feeding veterinary diets for dogs.

When a pet is started on a veterinary diet, we typically advise not to feed other foods unless otherwise directed. This is because the efficacy of these diets may be compromised when combined with other food items. However, this all depends on the underlying reason for starting the diet in the first place and the type of diet you are feeding. Sometimes it is fine to feed other foods or supplements, and sometimes it can be detrimental. This will vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a pet is on a diet for allergies and is fed treats or human foods as well, it can become difficult to know if the diet is making a difference for the pet.

My suggestion would be to review everything with your vet to see whether mixing several types of foods together would be reasonable or not. Most of the veterinary diet companies offer nutrition consults to veterinarians to advise on how to appropriately feed their products.