Why you should avoid feeding your pet table scraps

While it’s best not to feed your dog table scraps, many pet parents know this can be easier said than done. But there are several reasons why it’s imperative to resist those puppy dog eyes at mealtime:

1. Some foods can be toxic

Ingredients in human food, such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic, can be dangerous for dogs to eat. For instance, chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthines which, when ingested by pets, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). And while the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure, according to the ASPCA.

2. Digestive issues can occur

A dog’s digestive system is different from a human’s. Typical human food is often too rich and fatty for a dog to properly digest. To that end, eating it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and even more severe conditions like pancreatitis for our four-legged friends. Many human foods also contain an unhealthy amount of sodium for dogs. According to the ASPCA, large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Additionally, that extra food also means extra calories, which can lead to weight gain for your pet.

3. It encourages unwanted behavior

Once you reward begging behavior with something off your plate, you can expect your pet to become a regular around the table at mealtime. This can be an annoyance to dinner guests who do not appreciate a dog hovering around them while they eat. Curb that behavior by instructing your pet to leave the table area until meals are finished.

All Creatures Great & Small : 1225 Warren Avenue : Downers Grove, IL 60515 : 630.852.0910 : https://www.downersgrovevet.com/