Meatloaf is a household staple in the United States. You can prepare this ground meat mixture in several ways that are delicious and satisfying. It’s loaded with protein, easy to make, and smells heavenly when you pull it from the oven. Given its delicious taste, it’s no wonder your dog looks on with envy when you prepare meatloaf.
After all, some ground meat can be nutritious for your dog, but should you let your dog eat meatloaf? Unfortunately, we cannot answer this question with a simple yes or no because it depends on the ingredients you use.
Should Dogs Eat Meatloaf?
A plain bite of meatloaf with no seasonings should be acceptable and safe for your dog to eat. The potential harm lies within what seasonings and spices you use, as some are harmful and even toxic to your dog. Let’s face it—no human likes plain meatloaf with no spices or seasonings, so if you want to share it with your dog, you’ll need to ensure the ingredients used are safe.
What Meatloaf Ingredients Are Harmful to Dogs?
Now that we know certain ingredients are off-limits to dogs, let’s check out exactly what those ingredients are so you can refrain from adding them to your meatloaf if you want to share it with your dog.
Can I Make a Dog-Friendly Meatloaf?
Yes! Meatloaf can be a tasty treat for your dog, but it needs to be made with safe ingredients. You can always make a separate meatloaf for your dog apart from your own—that way, you can still enjoy your meatloaf and still share a dog-friendly recipe meatloaf with your canine.
Regarding meat, you can use ground chicken, ground beef, or ground lamb for your dog-friendly meatloaf. To give you an idea, here’s a recipe from the famous dog whisperer Cesar Millan.
Directions:
This recipe makes one week’s worth of meatloaf. Double-wrap the remaining meatloaf in aluminum foil or a Ziploc bag. You can freeze the remaining mixture for up to 6 months.
Tips for a Healthy Diet for Your Dog
As stated, certain seasonings and spices are harmful or even toxic to your dog. Commercial dog food contains all the necessary ingredients for a complete and balanced meal, or you can make homemade dog food. However, if you choose this route, consult your veterinarian to ensure you are adding all necessary and safe ingredients for your dog, which is essential for your dog’s overall health.
When shopping for commercial dog food, ensure it contains no added artificial flavors or preservatives and that it adheres to AAFCO’s levels of nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Meatloaf is a scrumptious dinner for humans, and if you want to share it with your dog, ensure you make it with safe ingredients. Meatloaf can be nutritious for your dog but only in small amounts. Treats should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and if you plan to feed your dog meatloaf as a treat, ensure you don’t overdo it. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for an appropriate amount to feed.
Featured Image Credit: Paul Cowan, Shutterstock