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Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
TABLE SCRAPS FOR DOGS, TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED
Depending on what you are eating and what type of table scraps for dogs your are giving will depend on whether or not your should feed them it. If you are eating a big steak and you cut off a piece of gristle then I personally wouldn’t feed my dog that, but I know some people that actually do.
The reason is your dog may not be able to digest the fat properly and it could cause digestive upset, gastrointestinal problems and even pancreatitis.
If you eat clean, unprocessed foods and you have a carrot or a grilled piece of chicken with no seasoning then maybe, it really isn’t for me to say as every dog is truly unique and different and what might work for one could not work for another.
WHAT TABLE SCRAPS FOR DOGS ARE ACCEPTABLE
- Fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, organic strawberries)
- Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cabbage, green beans)
- Bland boneless proteins (chicken, beef)
- Eggs
- Cottage Cheese
- Rice
Note: The list above is bland, no rinds, and can be cooked or raw depending on if your feed a raw diet to your dogs diet and if they can tolerate these foods. The above are just some examples.
The list is dependent on your dog and whether they have other diseases, allergens or intolerances. For example, my little lucky ducky furbaby eats, cheese, yogurt, salmon, oatmeal, peaches, plums, strawberries, pasta, ground beef, eggs and I could go on and on.
However, I feed her in moderation, and not everything every day. I feed her about the amount a 2-year-old might play with or eat. Unless it is part of her home-cooked diet.
She loves watermelon and she would eat the whole watermelon if I let her. But after a few pieces (1-inch cubes) that is it or she will have diarrhea.
WHAT TABLE SCRAPS FOR DOGS SHOULD YOU NOT FEED
- Fried foods
- Bones (T-bone, chicken bones, etc.)
- Grapes, raisins
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Fatty foods
Foods on this list are not exclusive as there could be other things that your dog cannot tolerate. You want to be careful feeding your dog processed or pre-packaged meats as this is a big no-no for me and since they contain tons of sodium, additives and seasonings.
Bone that have been cooked pose a serious risk as they could break or splinter off causing serious problems in the digestive tract. Bones swallowed whole could also cause intestinal obstruction and should not be fed.
Fried and fatty foods could cause diarrhea, inflammation or pancreatitis. They are also not good for your dog’s cholesterol.
TABLE SCRAPS FOR DOGS AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
There are several behavioral issues that could arise from feeding table scraps for dogs that you won’t be aware you created until it’s too late.
Dogs will be prone to begging. This means your dog may start whining or whimpering to get your attention.
They are saying, “hey, I am here, give me some of your food.”
They will start drooling uncontrollably creating a mess for you and your floor.
They may refuse to eat their own food because now they have decided that their “kibble” is sub-par and only want to eat the food that smells good and is on the table.
They may decide that everything you taught them in the way of table manners has gone in one ear and out the other and when you least expect it.
They can either jump up on the table and steal your food or they will wait until you walk away to grab that bottle of ketchup or that napkin you forgot in the kitchen and then they will take that yummy piece of chicken on your plate because “hey, she already gave me chicken from her plate last time.”
WAYS TO AVOID BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF SCRAPS FOR DOGS
First, I do not reward any scraps for dogs when they are whimpering. This is negative reinforcement and you are telling your furbaby that when I whine or bark, I get what I want.
Second, I do not give scraps for dogs from my own plate. They will make the association that the food on YOUR plate is for them. I always make two plates or I put the food in a separate bowl or their dog bowl and give it to them where I normally feed them.
As for the drooling we will just assume you are a very good cook and your food is amazing as this happens to me when my little girl sees me preparing her meals. Or I sometimes remove them from the vicinity and put them in another room or in their crate away from the enticing visuals and smells.
When I had a dog that refused to eat their dog food. Another solution to this dilemma I came up with besides home cooked food is meal toppers like
or yet another options you could consider is
which you just pour over the food and mix in like a gravy.
There are other meal toppers out there that are like a seasoning instead of a liquid, think of it like seasoning for your popcorn
these are actually human grade made with ingredients you can use yourself and come in different flavors like dehydrated beef or chicken, white cheddar cheese and roasted peanuts.
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog check out this directory for additional help. Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant Directory – CCPDT
Check out our other articles to find out what food you can, can’t and shouldn’t feed your furbaby such as;
