Feeding Table Scraps? Safety & Health Issues to Consider

Every responsible, loving pet owner has at one time or another fed their pet a few tidbits from the dinner table. 

In years gone by, that was really the only option for feeding pets – before commercially prepared pet foods, all pets were given human foods!  However, we now know that humans and pets require two different levels of nutrients in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Even though Fido enjoys a nice T-bone steak or maybe even some chicken and rice, in truth, these foods could be doing him more harm than good.

Dogs thrive on quality protein, but they don’t need – or tolerate – the associated fat that comes with them.  Too much fat in a dog’s diet can cause a serious condition called Pancreatitis.  Fried foods, cheese, milk, fatty meats are all culprits that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or worse. Lean chicken, lean ground beef, turkey, and even pork (minus the fat) are perfect choices for dogs.  

Bones are another safety issue.  Bone slivers will cause choking and possible internal ruptures if the slivers penetrate the stomach or intestine.  

Also watch the seasoning.  Dogs don’t need the salt or Mojo juice we tend to add to every meal! Commercial dog food is actually very bland for this reason – it’s not good for them.

To ensure a long, healthy life, please have your vet recommend a daily vitamin to ensure that he is getting the optimum level of nutrients for his size and breed.

---