There is much debate and personal opinions on whether or not it is OK to feed your dogs people food, scraps, or table food. Whatever name you want to give it, it is still the same; it is the food that people eat. For some it is a feeling of love and/or a bonding time. Maybe it is the feeling of guilt that fills our heart because our canine companions have to eat the same kibble day after day so we feel the need to treat them with our own food. Regardless of how you feel about it, it all boils down to the fact that it is OK to feed them people food. You should, however, be aware of some of the following things if you are in favor of feeding your dog people food:
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Unwanted behavior
Feeding your dog people food may cause some negative and unwanted behaviors. Such as; refusing to eat their own kibble, begging, and whining at the table or whenever food is near them. To help keep these negative behaviors at bay when feeding them people food, only give the food to them when they are sitting or lying down quietly and patiently nearby or in an entirely different room. Do not feed them or reward any bad behavior such as being pushy, whining, begging, or barking.
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Extra Calories
Keep in my mind that you are feeding your dog extra calories in addition to the calories that they already receive from their kibble. Moderation is key when feeding people food. Feed your dog less of their own food when you factor in the extra calories that they will receive from your food.
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Too fatty
Some people food can be too fatty for our canine’s digestive system which can result in severe upset stomachs. Fatty foods cause weight gain due to the extra calories; which can lead to obesity. Small dogs have a higher risk of obesity when you feed them people food, as it takes very few extra calories to cause weight gain. Oily and fatty food can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis. Some high fat foods to avoid include bacon, sausage, gravy covered meat, beef trimmings, and chicken skin.
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Carbs
Be careful with feeding your dog too many carbohydrates as this is an excellent source of highly digestible energy.
If you do decide to feed your dog people food; one of the most important things to know and remember, is what foods to watch out for. The following foods can be toxic to your dog:
- Avocado
- Chives
- Chocolate
- Citrus
- Coffee/Caffeine
- Cooked Bones
- Fruit pits
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions
- Raisins
- Salt and Salty foods
- Walnuts
- Xylitol
There are some foods that you can feed your dog that would be healthier for them. The following list is not a full list of all foods but a sample of some. Such foods would include:
- Bananas
- Cooked Chicken/Turkey
- Cooked eggs
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter (watch for Xylitol)
- Plain rice
- Pumpkin
- Salmon
- Seedless Watermelon
- Sliced apples
- Steamed and Unseasoned vegetables
- Steamed/Baked potato
- Yogurt (watch for Xylitol)
There is no right or wrong answer to whether or not it is OK to feed your dog people food. The only answer is your own choice and belief about the matter. So, feel free to feed your dog from your plate but be responsible about it and beware of the dangerous and toxic foods.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you feed your dog from your own plate?
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