Your Dog and Table Food
The holiday season is in full swing, which means there will be no shortage of yummy food in heavy rotation. Gathering with friends and family over a spread on the table is just as exciting for your pup as it is for you. Your dogs may not be able to resist the urge to be when they see what’s happening in the kitchen.
Be careful before you toss your dog a piece of whatever you have on your plate or let them clean up the spill from the kid’s table. Some table scraps can be harmful to dogs physically and maybe even behaviorally. Let’s look at some of the dos and don’ts of feeding your dog food from the table.
Here are a few reasons why you should not:
- Begging – if you make feeding your dog from the table a habit (not just during the holidays), it will create a pattern of unwanted begging in the kitchen.
- Weight Gain – while adding on a few extra pounds in some breeds wouldn’t hurt. Continuously feeding your pup your food can lead to unwanted weight, and those small bites can lead to pounds which could ultimately lead to health problems.
- Some foods are toxic – We posted a blog earlier this year about a few things around the house that could be harmful to your dog (or cat), and artificial sweaters (xylitol)are on that list. Other toxic ingredients include garlic, grapes, raisins, almonds, and onions. It may even be a good idea to keep a list of these things on your fridge as a reminder.
- Tummy issues – Your dog eating the same foods as you could lead to digestive problems.
During special occasions, keep your dog’s favorite dog treat on hand. When they are not begging, reward them with one. If you want to make sure your dog feels included or just incorporate some new things into their diet. There are recopies for healthy and safe recipes just for them, and there are even companies like Your Pet Chef that specialize in making these foods. It is always good to consult with your vet before adding new things to fido’s diet. The key is to stay in the know with the things that could be harmful and what you could incorporate as a substitute. We hope this is helpful as you prepare for the seasons of celebration and food with your loved ones!
