It’s difficult not to give your dog a nibble from your dinner plate when the begging begins. However, did you realise that table food can be dangerous to dogs? What happens to a dog who eats table scraps?
Is it possible for dogs to eat human food?
Is it healthy for your dog to eat scraps? There are several reasons why feeding your dog from your plate is not a good idea.
It has the potential to cause digestive issues
The digestive system of a dog is not the same as that of a human. Human food is far too rich and fatty for a dog to digest correctly, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and even more serious illnesses such as pancreatitis. Many human diets are likewise high in salt, which is harmful to dogs.
What Happens To A Dog Who Eats Table Scraps
Ingredients that are poisonous to dogs are commonly found in human food. Dogs should avoid eating chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, almonds, onions, and garlic.
You could accidentally harm your pleading dog by feeding them a spoonful of restaurant leftovers if you don’t know exactly what’s in them. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to pets, are included in many processed meals.
It Might Make Him Gain Weight
Table scrap-fed dogs usually consume their normal meals as well. While you may believe that a few bites here and there won’t cause your dog to gain weight, you’d be amazed how little it takes.
One and a half hamburgers are the calorie equivalent of a single ounce of cheddar cheese for a 20-pound dog. Small bites can soon add up to weight gain, which can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Treats or other human foods should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
It Promotes Antisocial Behavior
Another issue with giving dogs table food is that it encourages them to beg. While you may find it amusing, your dinner companions may not. Your dog may also decide that because they’re fed at the table, it’s okay to eat a bite (or more) of food that’s on the table or kitchen counter.
When they’ve had enough human food, some dogs may start refusing to eat their own meal.
Giving your dog healthful, high-quality dog treats as part of their daily calorie requirements is the finest way to treat them. That isn’t to say that your dog can’t eat whatever you eat. In truth, dogs can eat a variety of human foods in moderation.
Here are some recommendations for feeding your dog human food:
Stick to single-ingredient indulgences like an unsalted egg, a dollop of natural, salt-free peanut butter, or a taste of fruit or unsalted veggies, rather than processed and prepared foods.
Consider the calories:
Before you hand over that snack from the table, think about how many calories it contains. Your veterinarian should be able to explain the necessary daily calorie intake for your dog so that you realise the impact a single table crumb can have on his or her health.
Educate yourself:
Find out which foods are hazardous to dogs so you can avoid allowing your dog to consume them.
Don’t let them eat from your plate or table:
Instead, as a reward for obedience or being a nice dog, give your dog a bite of healthy human food in the same manner you would any other canine treat. Also, when they’re begging, don’t give them a treat.
It’s also a good idea to put them in their regular dog food bowl so they know they can only eat from that bowl.
Selecting the Best Dog Food is Critical
Dogs have trouble controlling their appetite. Many dogs will eat until they become ill, so keeping track of their meals and calories is critical. Feeding a full and balanced dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level ensures that they receive all of the nutrients they require to stay healthy.
Regardless of those large puppy eyes, providing the correct dog food in the right proportions will keep them happy and energetic.
So, are dogs allowed to consume table food?
Dogs will eat – and enjoy — a wide variety of foods, but this does not indicate that they are healthy. You can help your dog stay healthy as an informed pet parent by limiting the foods you provide him.
While it may be difficult to say no to those large, beseeching eyes, keep in mind that it is for their own good: a happy dog is a healthy dog.
