Should you give your dogs your leftover food?
There are 2 main schools of thought when it comes to feeding dogs leftovers. Do, or Don’t! If you choose to feed your dogs human food, there are some considerations to keep in mind – whether the food could be toxic to your dogs, and what the extra calorie loading is so you can adjust their food accordingly.
There are certain human foods you can safely feed your dog but it’s a good idea to avoid them begging at the table. A lot of foods can contain artificial sweeteners or ingredients like onions, garlic, or nuts that can be toxic to dogs.
Foods to avoid
Chocolate is generally at the top of the list of foods to avoid. Chocolate contains theobromine which, like caffeine, is toxic to dogs. Lots of pets end up in the vets around Easter time when they have succumbed to temptation and eaten through a stack of eggs!
Fatty foods like bacon, are also best to be avoided as they linked with gastrointestinal upsets and pancreatitis. Apart from this, the size difference and specific nutritional needs of your dog mean that a piece of bacon for them can be like us eating 13 pieces – you’ll never hear your dog saying he’s had enough bacon though!
Other foods to avoid are uncooked eggs or fish; garlic and onions, which can cause fainting and an elevated heart rate; and cooked bones, which are more likely to splinter and cause mouth injuries. Bone splinters also have the potential to cause internal perforation or obstruction.
Foods that are OK to give,
The best foods to give are dog-specific treats. Alpha Spirit have developed a range of specific snacks and food for dogs which have a meat content over 85% (compared to many available dog treats which have a meat content as low as 4%), making them easily digestible and free from any additives.
Foods to add to the ‘yes’ list for your dog, if you’re feeding them table scraps, are fruits, vegetables and cooked meat.
Carrots and apples are really good options. Carrots can help to protect against cataracts and heart disease, and generally promote good eye health while sweet apples are good for a healthy gut. Dogs also seem to enjoy the crunch that comes from chewing on these.
Lean, cooked meats like chicken, turkey and beef are also high up the list. They add protein to their diet without adding to their fat intake.
Cooked fish like salmon and fresh tuna, are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Just make sure the fish is deboned, and limit it to once or twice a week.
A recommendation is to make sure you limit the table scraps. Feeding too many scraps can disrupt their nutritional needs and calorie intake. Stick to feeding table scraps as 10-15 percent of your dog’s overall diet, and view it as giving them a special treat — not supplementing a full meal.”