Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?

Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?

Article by Fragale Cue

The primary reason for not feeding your dog lots of scraps from the table is that food which is eaten by humans is not generally good for dogs. Dogs have different nutritional requirements from humans, and dog food is designed to provide those requirements. Seek the assistance of your vet with regard to the quantity of food you should give to your dog, and most importantly what food you should be giving him. Feeding your dog consistently at the same time each day, and in the same location of your home, will help to establish your dog’s eating pattern. You can vary his diet by giving him different types of food as there are a wide variety of foods designed specifically with canine digestion in mind.

One of the common ailments which the modern-day dog suffers from is obesity. Dogs which eat lots of table scraps tend to have weight problems. Suppose you have had a piece of steak for your meal and you wish to give your dog a morsel. You are unlikely to give him a prime piece of the meat; he is going to get the fatty piece. Common sense dictates that a diet high in fat is not good for your dog’s health or weight. An overweight dog will be at a higher risk of developing other health issues in the future.

Some foods should never be fed to dogs as they pose direct risks to your dog’s health. One such example of a food toxic to dogs is chocolate, since it contains a toxin which can harm your dog’s digestive system, and in sufficient quantities may even result in his death.

If your dog is to enjoy good health, then a balanced and varied diet which meets all the nutritional needs of a canine, is essential. A dog whose diet is mainly made up of table scraps is more susceptible to digestive disorders. Even if your dog only eats foods which are not known to be toxic to dogs, eating lots of table scraps and fatty foods can cause your dog to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and other unpleasant conditions.

While your dog will not come to any harm from eating the occasional scrap of chicken, if he is repeatedly given table scraps, he will probably come to prefer such scraps to his own food. Dog food is formulated specially for canine digestion and nutritional needs. Giving your dog a healthy diet of dog food as well as lots of table scraps will not benefit him in the long run.

Consider also the behavioral implications of giving your dog lots of scraps from the table. If you are to encourage the practice of eating scraps, you will be teaching your dog how to beg. Consider whether this is a lesson which you want him to learn.

If you start to feed your dog scraps from the table, even once, then he will begin the lesson in begging. If you progress to feeding him at every meal, then he will learn the lesson very quickly. He will learn that you want him to beg at the table, and that you will reward him with food when he does beg. In time, even if there are occasions when you do not want your dog to beg at the table, he will undoubtedly sit faithfully at your feet, licking his lips, awaiting his reward.

Even if you do not mind being pestered during your meal, consider the possible implications when you may choose to entertain guests. It is quite likely that your visitors may not be accustomed to a dog begging for food while they try to enjoy their meal.

Another factor to consider is that your dog may become a fussy eater. If your dog is given a choice between dry dog food and a gravy-covered, juicy piece of steak, then he will probably choose the steak. If you persist in giving your dog scraps of human food, he will soon start to develop a taste and preference for table scraps over dog food. Whilst some dogs will happily eat anything and everything put in front of them, you really ought to encourage your dog to eat his own dog food, which meets his nutritional and dietary needs.

A dog which is fed on human food will begin to reason that he has the right to eat any human food. You will no longer be able to leave any dish of food out on the kitchen counter without the fear that your dog may steal the contents. There is also an increased likelihood that your dog will root through the garbage for any scraps which might take his fancy. Clearly, this is not behavior which you would want to encourage in your dog, since there are other items in the garbage which could cause him harm, and spoiled food will undoubtedly upset his digestive system.

Giving your dog treats is a good way to encourage positive behavior and obedience. However, treats in the form of table scraps should be limited. Before you hand him anything from your plate you should think about whether it may be harmful to your dog, and consider also the manner in which you give him the treat.

You should never give your dog chicken bones, and any small bones such as those found in fish, should be removed entirely. Scraps which contain bones can result in damage to the digestive tract, not to mention potentially causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Resist the urge to feed your dog directly from the table. In order to discourage begging, ignore such behavior, and wait until the meal has concluded. Any leftover food which you intend to give to your dog should be eaten at his normal eating place, perhaps the kitchen, as opposed to your normal eating place of the dining room. Having this period of time between your meal and giving your dog the scraps will help to distance the connection between begging and your dog receiving a table scrap.

Keep in mind that whilst the occasional table scrap may not be harmful to your dog’s diet, it is most beneficial to feed him on dog food which contains ingredients to meet his nutritional needs. As the owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you care for your dog’s health and to encourage his good behavior.