Why can’t dogs and humans eat the same food?

I know you probably consider your dog a member of the family and want to share everything, including your favourite food. Unfortunately, it can cause harm because some ingredients are toxic or can’t be digested well by your dog.

Digestive Systems

The digestive system is a complex network of organs responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body. There are notable differences in the anatomy, physiology, and dietary requirements between dogs and humans.

• The relative size and shape of the organs differ.

• Dogs have a shorter digestive tract, reflecting their evolutionary history as carnivores

• While dogs have adapted to consume some plant-based foods, their digestive system is still optimised for processing animal-derived nutrients.

• Dogs produce fewer digestive enzymes, particularly those involved in carbohydrate digestion, so their capacity to digest complex carbohydrates is limited.

• Dogs have a highly acidic stomach environment, with a pH ranging from 1 to 2. This high acidity is essential for breaking down raw meat and bones efficiently, as well as killing potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens. In comparison, the human stomach is less acidic, with a pH typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. This difference in stomach acidity reflects the dietary preferences and evolutionary adaptations.

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Dietary Requirements

While dogs possess the ability to digest carbohydrates to some extent, their nutritional requirements are primarily met through animal-derived proteins and fats. Dogs require specific nutrients that may not be present in adequate amounts in plant-based foods alone. For example, taurine and arachidonic acid are essential amino acids that are crucial for heart health, vision, and reproductive function in dogs. These nutrients are typically found in animal-based sources such as meat, fish, and eggs.

Eating behaviour

Dogs have a tendency to gulp their food, relying more on their powerful jaws and stomach acid to break down food particles. This behaviour reflects their carnivorous ancestry and natural instinct to consume prey quickly. While dogs do chew their food to some extent, their eating behaviour is more geared towards rapid consumption rather than prolonged chewing and mixing with saliva. they may encounter challenges with certain types of food that require prolonged chewing or are difficult to digest.

When selecting foods for dogs, it's essential to consider their natural eating behaviour and dietary requirements. Opt for high-quality, nutritionally balanced foods that are formulated to meet the specific. Choose treats that are easily digestible, free from harmful additives or preservatives, and appropriate for your dog's age, size, and activity level. Have a look at our treats here.