BY REBEKAH OLSEN
The holidays are in full swing, and you’ll soon be working hard on a delicious meal. When that adorable begging face begins staring up at you, you may be inclined to share a few morsels with your live-in food critique, Fido.
But you’ve probably heard giving table scraps to dogs is not a good thing. Sharing directly from the table creates bad habits. Certain foods, such as the skin on turkey or corn on the cob, can cause a sour stomach.
However, there are “people foods” that are safe, and even healthy, to share with your canine companion! For example, green beans provide a source of vitamin K and C and sweet potatoes are full of fiber.
While your dog isn’t the most reliable taste-tester (they do eat poop, after all), you can share a few bites of your meal this holiday season by following these five safety tips.
Avoid Bad Table Manners
First and foremost, leftovers aren’t a replacement for a complete and well-balanced diet. Table scraps are a bonus treat (like when you indulge in pecan pie).
If your dog is a finicky eater, feed him before you eat so his palate doesn’t develop a taste for only “people food”.
Designate a place in your house where your dog can wait politely while you dine. This may be his crate, a separate room or his dog bed. (Our publisher, Heather Dowdy, has a floor mat in a kitchen and asks her pups to go lie on their "place" during meals. If they behave, they get a tasty bite at the end.)
Never feed scraps directly from the table or reward begging. This creates bad manners you’ll have a hard time breaking. Set aside a few morsels as you eat, clear the table and rinse off the leftovers first.
You can then place the scraps in his bowl or ask your dog to run through his favorite obedience cues to earn a few bites!
Tidbits You Should Keep to Yourself
Not all “people foods” are safe for your pup to nosh on. For example, too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. Members of the onion family, such as shallots, scallions and garlic, contain compounds that damage a dog’s red blood cells if he ingests too much.
Below is a list of some foods you should avoid sharing (this also includes if you used these foods as seasonings or marinades):
Alcohol
Caffeine
Chocolate
Cooked Bones
Grapes and Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
Mushrooms
Raw Eggs
Salt
Onions
Garlic
Corn on the Cob
Persimmons
Peaches
Plums
Fat Trimmings
Some Approved Leftovers
Certain fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats are great treats for your pup. But the morsels should be unseasoned, un-sauced and with no butter.
You can do this by setting aside a few scraps to be cooked separately from your own meal.
Keep in mind that every pet is different, while some dogs aren’t affected by a tiny amount of “people food”, other dogs with health problems may react differently. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain or itching.
Here are a few tasty options you can share with your dog:
Carrots
Broccoli
Cooked Squash
Zucchini
Cooked Potatoes
Green Beans
Peeled Apples
Melons
Berries
Rice
Plain Pasta
Chicken
Turkey
Yogurt
Sweet Potatoes
Bananas
Pumpkin
Cooked Salmon
The Size of the Bite Matters
Like any treat, bone or toy, you should supervise your dog when feeding her table scraps. Know your dog’s chewing habits. Does she tend to gobble food whole? Eat too quickly?
If your dog is eager to chew her bites, cut a small morsel that can safely pass through your dog’s esophagus and digestive system. If the morsel is too large it can become lodged in her throat or create an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Treat your dog like you would a small toddler, watch closely and only feed her small bites.
Moderation is Key
Like your pecan pie, table scraps should be fed in moderation. Any time you give your dog table scraps, you’re adding extra calories. If the foods you share contain sugars or are high in fats then you’re also putting your pet at risk for obesity.
Giving your pup the occasional small bite won’t pack on the pounds, but the risk for obesity is higher for small dogs. If you plan on sharing several pieces of chicken with your pup, you can reduce your dog’s regular food to offset the calories.
What’s your favorite “people food” to share with your pet? Share with us in the comments below!
