Most of us are guilty of sneaking a tasty table scrap to our pets during or after dinner. While there is not anything inherently wrong with giving your pet an occasional morsel left on your plate, there are some very good reasons to limit your handouts to treats made for dogs. Giving dogs a bit of leftover lean meat, non-buttered vegetables, and a little rice will not cause problems, but unfortunately, many people do not stop there.
Here's why you should skip the table scraps:
Begging Can Become a Problem
Once you reward begging behavior with table scraps or something off your plate, you can expect to see the same hopeful eyes looking up at you every meal from that day forward. That is fine if you do not mind, but if you have a dog that whines, the behavior may disrupt your dinner. If you do mind, you will have a hard time training your dog to stay out of the room now that he knows he just might get a handout. Also, some dinner guests do not appreciate a tongue-wagging dog at their elbow while they try to eat their meal.
Table Scraps Are Not Nutritionally Balanced
The more you fill your pet up with your food the less likely he is to eat his own. And since our nutritional needs are not the same as our dogs', your dog will get less of the vitamins and minerals he needs and probably more of those he does not need. Quality dog treats are developed with your dog's nutritional needs in mind.
Table Scraps Are the Quickest Route to Obesity
Many times scraps are nothing more than empty calories. And since you probably save that hunk of fat or sweet morsel you know your dog will like, he gets all the wrong food for a trim waistline. Overweight pets, besides not looking their best, have a higher risk of many health problems.
Table Scraps Are a Leading Cause of Digestive Disorders
The rich foods we eat can wreak havoc on your dog's digestive tract. A simple, consistent diet keeps their system functioning as it should. Throw in your very different foods and spices and do not be surprised if your dog has bad gas, bad breath, loose stools, or vomiting. Fatty table scraps can lead to more severe digestive issues, such as pancreatitis.
You Could Create a Finicky Eater
If your dog develops a taste for your food, he may stop eating his own. Many dogs have been unwittingly trained by their pet parents to become finicky eaters. Dogs learn quickly that if they refuse to eat their food and beg at the table long enough, they might get a tasty prize. Day after day of being rewarded with table scraps for begging effectively trains the dog not to eat dog food, but rather to hold out for the table scraps that are sure to follow.
You May Create a Thief
Pets that are used to eating human food are more likely to steal the leftovers you left unattended on the kitchen table. These dogs may also be more likely to bury their heads in the garbage to get discarded food, fat trimmings, or bones. This can be a dangerous behavior for dogs because bones, chocolate, and other food items can be dangerous to your dog.
There are Better Food Options for Your Dog
A dog treat gives you and your dog the same satisfaction as giving or receiving a table scrap. It promotes that special bond between you and your dog, it gives your pet a new, delicious taste to savor, and it makes both of you feel good.
Quality dog treats are usually more nutritious and tend to have far fewer calories than most table scraps. Liver products are great treats because they provide nutrients your dog is unlikely to obtain from any other food source.
There are other benefits, too, depending on the type of treat you buy. Biscuit-type treats are good for your dog's teeth as they help scrape off plaque and tartar that can cause dental problems. Rawhide satisfies a dog's urge to chew, relieves boredom, and is also good for teeth.
Treats also do not encourage bad behavior. In fact, it is usually the opposite. Treats can be used during training to reward good behavior, but be careful not to overdo it.
As with anything in life, treats should be used in moderation. Too many treats can add weight and affect your dog's meals. As a rule, treats should never account for more than 10% of your dog's food intake. Your dog's food is his sole source for the nutrition he needs, so do not fill your pet up on treats before meal time. Remember, no chocolate, no bones that splinter easily and no high-fat, greasy foods.
Article by: Marty Smith, DVM and Angela Walter, DVM