Feeding Your Dog Scraps - Good Or Bad?

Many people cannot resist feeding their dogs a little something from their own plate, especially when met with those adorable puppy eyes that seems to say "Mommy... I'd really love to try a little bit of yours please!" And so it is inevitable that a dog will sample some of the more human culinary delights.

The fact is, while many say that this is no good for dogs, canines do have strong stomachs - ask any dog who has rummaged through and found a tasty treat in the garbage! However, there are some foods that are better than others and some foods that are a definite no-no for dogs.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Atop the list is chocolate. While a small piece once won't kill him, if taken or found by mistake, it is not advised to ever give your dog chocolate. This is because the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to them in larger quantities and can have much the same effects as caffeine. Do not panic if your dog eats a small amount however. You will notice some symptoms if he has eaten too much, such as hyperactivity, increased urination, vomiting and diarrhea to name but a few.

Another food that is often fed with caution is pork. While some say it is fine to feed, others have found their dogs have sensitive stomachs when it comes to pork products. Mostly, a thoroughly cooked meat will be fine but pork has been rumored to cause liver or pancreas problems too in dogs, so feed with caution.

Many who eat meat off the bone, such as steak or chicken, will often save the bones for their dogs. This is fine and will not harm them in anyway concerning the contents of the food, but beware of small or sharp pieces as this can either choke or cut a dogs throat inside, causing them great pain. Give big and bulky bones and always remove smaller pieces. If your dog chews and small or sharp pieces off, throw them away.

It is also best not to feed him any dessert foods, because of the potential chocolate in them or the high fat content.

Other things that should not be fed to your dog include, but are not limited to:
Caffeine products, such as tea and coffee, Alcohol - none whatsoever. Onions and garlic Various nuts Gum Raisins/grapes Uncooked dough (since it can expand and cause pain or even rupture of the stomach.

Some other, mild acidity or less fatty scraps are okay to feed. Pastas, cheesy foods (in small amounts), most vegetables, and most if not all meats. If you are unsure, don't. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Feeding Your Dog Scraps - Good Or Bad?

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Homemade Dog Food - Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?

Many pet owners ask the question "Can I feed my pet table scraps?" They confuse a complete homemade dog food diet with table scraps. Although many holistic veterinarians generally favor table scraps they urge you to make sure they are nutritionally wholesome and they are plain. A dog's digestive tract is geared for simpler food than we eat.

dog food dispenser

So you can feed your dog table scraps but first try sharing a little of what you are having each day with your pet, along with the food you are already feeding them. This will give them a little variety and help you determine if you want to switch to a totally homemade diet. Always decrease the volume of commercial food you feed by the amount of table scraps you are adding to their diet. Once you determine if you want to switch over to a total homemade diet for your dog then you should learn as much as you can about proper nutritional levels.

Dog Food

But for now, if you want to start adding some natural food to your pet's diet these are a few things to be aware of:

5 Foods to Avoid:

1.) Onions are toxic to dogs. No onions whatsoever.

2.) Left over fat and remnants. No Bacon or bacon grease. There are high levels of nitrates in bacon and the high heat used to cook bacon creates many other harmful compounds.

3.) Stay away from rich foods like ham, sauces, and limit the cheese you feed your dog.

4.) No spicy, salty or fried foods. No spicy chili, pepperoni or luncheon meats.

5.) NO sweets, cookies or cakes. Definitely NO CHOCOLATE. Certain compounds in chocolate like theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing, weakness and seizures.

6 Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:

1.) Almost all vegetables are good, especially carrots and anything in the broccoli family, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens. Dogs like to chew on raw carrots and that helps to keep down the tartar on their teeth. Asparagus is also good and sometimes dogs will eat these like they are treats. You can add some potatoes to their diet and lentils and split peas are an excellent choice.

2.) Fruits are very healthy. Try different types and see which ones your pets like. AVOID GRAPES. Although grapes may not be toxic to all dogs there is no definitive information to enable us to tell which dogs will get sick and die after eating grapes.

Vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender then let them sit a day or two before feeding.

3.) Pasta is O.K. but WITHOUT the spices and tomato sauces.

4.) A little bit of good olive oil is O.K. It's actually good for your dog's skin.

5.) Low-fat, plain yogurt. You can give 1 tablespoon per twenty-five pounds of weight. You can feed it two to five times a week. Just like for us yogurt has beneficial bacteria known as acidophilis.

6.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein. You can add an egg or egg yolk twice week for each 25 pounds of weight. Dog's seem to like lightly scrambled eggs added to their meal.

Remember that all animals are individuals, with individual tastes and sensitivities. Make sure that what you are feeding your pet is not causing allergic reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before adding table scraps to your pets diet.

Homemade Dog Food - Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?

Dog Food