The Truth About Table Scraps For Dogs
Winter is a golden opportunity for our dogs to make their way under dinner tables heaped with food, sniffing for scraps of garlic potatoes and roasted chicken. Its a good time to review the most dangerous foods for your dog , but contrary to popular belief, not all table food is bad for our dogs.
So where does this myth come from?. After the invention of processed dog food, manufacturers were still struggling to successfully convince pet owners to replace real food with new, commercial varieties. So in the mid 1960s, the pet food industry launched a marketing campaign imploring consumers to Ban All Table Scraps from their pets bowls and switch to dry kibble. It worked, and, at least in the U.S., weve been hesitant to give our dogs human food ever since.
But dogs experience the same health benefits that we do when they consume fresh food, so the human grade food found on your table can actually be more appropriate for a dog to eat than the default dog food, ultra-processed kibble. There are a few caveats.
Be sure youre not adding too many table scraps on top of your dogs daily food allowance, otherwise you risk weight gain which is a serious matter for dogs. And too many foods that fall outside of your dogs meals can throw off the nutritional balance that those meals provide. Treats, or extras should make up no more than 10% of a dogs daily food intake.
What table foods can dogs eat?
What table scraps should I avoid?
Garlic and onion .
Grapes and raisins .
Be Proactive & Save Yourself From Expensive Vet Bills
If your dog eats something and gets sick, the vet bill can be tough for pet parents to stomach. Take the proactive step and consider pet insurance before you find yourself rushing to the vet. That way, if an unsuspecting treat becomes a medical emergency, your dog will be better off. Check out this video explaining what pet insurance is and why its worth it.
See something we missed? Does your pup have a favorite food youd like to learn more about?
Macadamia Nuts: Cant Eat
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia and depression when dogs consume them, even in small amounts .
Additionally, macadamia nuts have a high fat content, which may elevate your dogs triglyceride levels and potentially lead to pancreatitis.
Recommended Reading: Is Iams Dog Food Any Good
Dog Treats For Dogs With Kidney Disease
If you want a healthy pet treat to give to your dog with kidney disease, an occasional carrot can be good for them, Dr. Bailey says. “Green beans can be good sometimes, too,” she adds.
The main reasons behind those foods are that carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Green beans have vitamins, too, as well as iron.
But don’t just start feeding your dog random fruits and vegetables, Dr. Bailey warns. “Grapes and raisins are toxic,” she said.
In fact, those fruits can actually cause kidney failure in dogs.
Keep Your Dog On A Healthy Diet
Choosing to raise a dog is a big responsibility. Just as with a child, youve welcomed another living being into your household and family. We probably dont have to tell you to take care of your dog, but your dog will have very different needs from your child regarding food.
Ask your veterinarian what kind of food would be best for your dog, given your dogs size, age, and any special health needs. That way, you know what your dog can eat, and youre less likely to have any food-related issues.
Don’t Miss: Who Makes Dr Pol Dog Food
List Of Healthy People Food For Your Dog
Feeding your hungry hound fruits and vegetables is a healthy way to keep his/her appetite satisfied until mealtime!
Fill Your Treat Pouch with Hound-Friendly Fruits:
Wholesome Veggies for Your Hound:
Good Grains for Extra Energy in Hounds:
Many people feed their hounds grain-free diets today, but grains do have nutritional benefits when your dog eats them in moderation.
Dabs of Dairy for Dogs:
All dairy foods contain lactose, which can cause gas and diarrhea for some dogs, but many dairy products are safe for your dog to eat.
- Cheese Most dogs enjoy small pieces of cheese as treats. Just make sure your hound isnt lactose intolerant before feeding him cheese. If you do decide to give your dog cheese, feed low fat types like mozzarella or cottage cheese.
- Yogurt Like any dairy products, your hound might have trouble digesting yogurt, but each dog is different. Yogurt builds up the good bacteria in your dogs digestive system. Always feed her unsweetened, plain yogurt, if she tolerates dairy foods.
- Goat Milk Goat milk is easy for dogs to digest and is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and enzymes, which aid the digestion process, making it more tolerable for your dog to digest than cows milk.
Nutty for Nuts Some Okay for Dogs:
Know your nuts. The following nuts are safe to feed your hound, but make sure you know which nuts are toxic for dogs.
Plenty of Protein for Your Hound Dogs:
A Spoonful Honey Has Hounds Humming:
A Little Bit Goes a Long Way:
Dog Safe Fruit And Veggies
via Aspcapet Insurance
If you have a finicky eater, why not puree the vegetables in your Dogs Food. When you feed your Dog Vegetables, be sure that you wash the vegetables thoroughly.
Cut them into small pieces to prevent your dog from choking. They can have them steamed, baked, pureed or they can eat them raw.
Also Check: Purina Beneful Simple Goodness Recall
Can My Dog Eat This List
via Fun Doggy
There are lots of healthy options that your Dog will love. Bananas, blueberries, kiwis, pineapples, and strawberries are on the allowed list. They can also enjoy seeded fruits but only if the seeds are removed.
You can select from watermelon, peaches, oranges, lemons, and apples. Do not give your Dog raisins or grapes as they can cause kidney failure. Avocados are also on the must-not-eat list.
Human Foods For Dogs: Which Table Scraps And People Snacks Make Good Dog Treats
It seems easy to use the same food that you eat as a dog treat, but you shouldnt give your dog just any human food. Using human foods may be safe occasionally, but can often be toxic to dogs.
When your dog is sitting by the table, staring eagerly up at your dinner, it can be tempting to treat him with some of your scraps. Likewise, when you run out of dog treats, it is easy to simply give him one of your snacks.
Feeding human foods to your dogs is usually unhealthy and can sometimes pose health risks or even be toxic to dogs. Its important to know which foods make for decent dog treats and which could lead to a trip to the veterinarian. Heres a short guide on using human foods for dogs.
You May Like: Royal Canin Urinary So Feeding Guide
Is Cbd Safe For Dogs
CBD may be a natural way to treat anxiety, pain, skin conditions, neurological disorders, and more. But is it effective and safe for dogs?
From the limited veterinary research performed so far, reports show that CBD is safe and effective for managing arthritis in many dogs. More research needs to be done to evaluate how CBD could help with other conditions in dogs, such as seizures.
Be sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Many companies are joining the CBD hype, so the CBD product at the best price may not be the safest for your pup. Do your research before you get started.
Also, your vet understands your dogs unique needs better than you or the company selling the products, so be sure to check with them before administering. Be aware, though, that your vet is not legally allowed to recommend CBD treatment for your dog.
Table Foods To Avoid Feeding Dogs:
When feeding your dog either a homemade meal or something off of your plate, avoid these household foods. If you arent sure of something youre feeding your dog or wont eat it yourself, dont feed it to your dog. The foods listed below have been linked to several issues with dogs, but this isnt a complete list. Check with your vet before giving your dog a food that may be of concern.
- Food Bones
- Corn on the cob
You May Like: Where To Buy Pedigree Dog Food
Foods Shih Tzu Should Not Eat
Like most dogs, the Shih Tzu loves to eat. You’ll want to ensure you purchase a high-quality dog food that provides your pet with the nutritional content he or she needs to stay healthy. It may be tempting for you to feed your pet table food as a treat or even for a meal. However, there are certain types of foods that you should never give to your Shih Tzu. A common mistake many owners make is assuming that dogs can eat anything that humans eat. Unfortunately, there are some foods that — while safe for you and me — could be harmful or even fatal to your dog.
Although there are some human foods that Shih Tzus can safely consume, the following foods can prove to be lethal and should never be fed to your pet.
Recipe : Lean Mean Fighting Machine
1. Purchase some ground beef from a local pet food store. Cook the beef and then drain it thoroughly making sure that the fat is thoroughly drained.2. Now cook some Kale and 3. Trim a Beef Kidney and cook it thoroughly 4. Now cook some Squash 5. Now boil come Oat Meal and drain drain and mix all the ingredients together.
You May Like: Can You Buy Dog Food With Food Stamps
What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat Safely
The best foods for dogs should meet canine nutritional requirements and steer clear of unnecessary additives, like processed sugar. According to the National Research Council, essential nutrients in a canine diet include protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and water.
However, as you’ll see in the sections below, not all fruits, vegetables, and nuts are safe for dogs to eat. Well take a look at some of the best and worst foods for dogs, so you can avoid the cost of an emergency vet visit and promote your pets ultimate wellness.
Which Table Scraps Are Bad For My Dog
If you just follow that list above, you are never going to give your dog anything that might hurt her. There are a few table scraps that are dangerous, though, so I added this list of things you need to avoid.
Don’t Miss: Who Makes Dr Pol Dog Food
Iron Supplement For Anemic Dogs
Usually, as a nutritional supplement, Ferrous sulfate is used for dogs to treat iron deficiency anemia. It can be given in the form of a tablet, liquid elixir, or liquid drops. You can provide it with the dog food production line or without. To prevent stomach upsets, you can give it with food. Pet Tinic is a common product used for iron supplementation of dogs. You find 12.5mg of iron per tablespoon.
Human Food Safety For Dogs
Almonds:No, dogs shouldnt eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.
Bread: Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread wont hurt your dog, but it also wont provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but its best to avoid it altogether.
Cashews: Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. Theyve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if theyre unsalted.
Cheese: Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isnt lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese .
Recommended Reading: Is Iams Dog Food Any Good
Recipe : Rice Is Nice
1. Cook some rice thoroughly it is important that the rice is cooked all the way through and not hard in the middle as this will cause added complications.2. Now cook some Chicken Broth make sure that it is low in fat.3. Cook some Sweet Potatoes and some Squash and dice them up before mashing them. Add the ingredients together and feed to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat & Fish
Raw meat and fish can become contaminated with bacteria, such as E. coli, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, some fish can contain a parasite that causes fish disease or salmon poisoning disease .
Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. Cooked, unseasoned fish is perfectly fine because the cooking process kills the parasites. Be sure to remove all bones to avoid choking or internal organ risks.
Feeding raw meat is not recommended because there is a risk of food-borne disease for the dog, as well as the person preparing the food. Although raw diets for dogs are increasing in popularity, organizations like the FDA and American Veterinary Medical Association advise against feeding them.
You May Like: Iams Response Fp
Healthy Dog Treat Options
Feeding your dog a dog treat doesn’t have to be rocket science. Avoid these dangerous foods and feed your dog a variety of healthy, less processed, whole food alternatives. This way, you avoid symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, heart diseases, weight gain, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Whole foods such as carrots, apples, broccoli, blueberries, pumpkin, banana, and many more are safe to share with your dog in moderation and are readily available in a variety of dog food.
While there are some veggies and fruits that your dog should not be eating, there are countless more that provide antioxidants, nutrients, and delicious energy, proving to be good for your dog. Try many and find your dog’s favourites .
What are your favourite pet-safe human foods to share with your dog? Let us know in the comments below!
Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron
Iron could harm your dogs organism more than you could imagine its very toxic for them. Their liver and kidneys could be damaged by taking some of the vitamins meant for humans. Just like it was the case with medicines meant for human, its basically the same thing here never try to help your pet on your own, consult a vet first.
Also Check: Is Iams Dog Food Any Good
Can Dogs Eat Candy Chewing Gum Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Not only do these items contain sugar, but they often contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in gum, candies, baked goods, and other sugar-substituted items. Although xylitol causes no apparent harm to humans, it is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and even death for your pup. Peanut butter is a common culprit. Always be sure to check the labels for xylitol.
How To Prepare Human Food For Dogs
When deciding to feed people food to your pup, make sure you introduce it in a fitting way. Dont feed them directly from the table, as this could be habit-forming and could lead to begging. Make sure not to give them any overly-fatty pieces of food, especially any that are over seasoned.
Rotating your dogs food is extremely helpful when treating your pup to some of your home cooked food. Its vital that you dont just feed them just meat or just a bunch of veggies. People love variety in their food just as much as dogs do so mix it up. Remember to introduce this gradually too. If you feed your dog nothing but table food, you run the risk of creating a food sensitivity in your pup. Always check with your vet before introducing any new meals or foods to your dogs diet for a professional opinion first.
Your dog will eat almost anything you give them. Their digestive systems arent as advanced as ours so you have to be especially careful when feeding them any table food. Whether youre feeding your pup leftovers, or just treating them to your meal, understanding their unique nutritional needs is a vital part of maintaining their health. Take the guesswork out of wondering what foods have proper nutrition by giving your dog AvoDerm Natural® Dog Food. With no wheat, no corn, and no artificial flavors you can be sure your dog is getting the most delicious and healthy meal possible.
Read Also: What Stores Carry Rachael Ray Dog Food