
You are enjoying a meal around the dinner table and your pooch’s face is resting on your lap staring up at you with “the look.” You know how happy it would make your dog to slip him some cheese or a piece of meat, but is it a good idea to give in? That all depends on what you’re eating.
If you are all too familiar with your dog’s mealtime guilt trips and have given into his begging with table scraps, here are a few things you’ll want to know.
Dog Anatomy is Different
One of the most important differences between us and our furry friends is how our digestive systems work. Food is in our stomachs for a shorter period of time, our intestines are longer, and our gastric acid is less acidic. The way we chew and break down foods from beginning to end is also different. With all this in mind, foods we eat without issues do affect dogs differently.
These Table Scraps Are a Definite No-No
Onions and garlic are known to cause anemia in dogs.
Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small doses.
Alcohol can be absorbed through a dog’s skin and can be highly toxic. It’s a good idea to keep all traces of alcohol away from your pooch.
Chocolate is considered toxic to dogs. You should only be alarmed if they have too much chocolate, but it is a good idea to avoid it completely.
Artificial sweeteners can be lethal. You especially want to avoid xylitol. Just a little bit of this sweetener can kill a dog.
Bones have sharp edges that can injure your dog. This seems counterintuitive because dogs are known to love bones. However, the smaller bones from your meals can cause serious problems.
Poultry skin has added fat that your dog probably doesn’t need.
These Table Scraps are Probably OK
Scrambled or boiled eggs are safe. Just make sure they don’t include garlic, onions, or a lot of added salt.
Beef, pork, fish, or turkey are all OK to feed your dog in moderation. Just make sure you are only offering the lean, skinless parts of the meat.
Raw vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, and celery can have antioxidants that are good for your dog.
Peanut butter is surprisingly good for your dog, but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t include a dangerous sweetener like xylitol.
Healthier Food Alternatives
While chicken bones can be harmful for your pooch, a healthy alternative is chicken bone broth. This pawPairings® product has a good blend that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your dog’s meals. It is a great source of protein, can help ease your pooch’s digestion and boost his immune system.
You may also consider switching to a dog food, such as pawTree’s Real Trout, Sweet Peas & Lentils Recipe that includes all of the rich nutrition in the approved table scraps, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables!
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About the Author

Kristi Diaz MD
Kristi is a retired anesthesiologist who loves helping people take good care of their pets.
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