![Table scraps for eating animals.](https://www.androscogginanimalhospital.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/iStock-1074674314-2000x1333.jpg)
One of the most meaningful ways people connect with others is through food. We break bread, dine together and share wonders of taste and tradition. Pets are familiar with our rituals and are rarely insensitive to the sights and smells of savory meats, glistening sauces and crispy buns. Their kindness and perseverance turn even the stingiest pet owners into pushovers. Giving table scraps to a pet may seem generous and fun at the time, but can actually have terrible consequences.
Generally
Generally speaking, it’s just not a good idea to feed your pet table scraps. Not only does this practice reinforce begging, but they could end up eating toxic foods. If you break the “no table scraps” rule once, they might interpret that all table food is free game to them. This can lead to very dangerous behavior that compromises their health and well-being.
Dangerous table foods
Feeding your pet table scraps can convey love and devotion, but you need to be very careful when deciding what to share. Please do not offer or allow your pet to eat the following foods from the table:
- Foods high in fat or salt. The risk of pancreatitis is very real. They might also experience painful and dehydrating vomiting and diarrhea.
- Packaged foods usually contain too much sugar for pets to metabolize them properly. Even if a dish is not intended for dessert, giving table scraps to your pet of a package can have serious health consequences.
- Xylitol, an alternative to sugar, is toxic and can be found in various baked goods and candies.
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions or garlic
- Chives or leeks
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
We know the look animals give their owners when they beg for food. Their power of persuasion is hard to resist, but before you give in to their pleas, consider the whole foods that support their health.
Vegetables can be very tasty for pets when lightly steamed. Carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes, accompanied by white meat in fully cooked bite-sized pieces, satisfy most cravings. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and also tastes delicious (make sure to remove all the bones). For a lighter taste, a few bites of pear, apple or berries go a long way in satisfying a pet’s hunger and curiosity.
Positive reinforcement
If you commit to not feeding your pet table scraps, ignore their bad behavior and reward only the things you want to see more of. For example, if your pet asks you for table scraps, ignore his attempts to get your attention. When they give up and go to bed, offer them a tasty treat (preferably from the healthy list above). Over time and repetition, they will understand that begging gets them nowhere, thereby reducing their exposure to something unhealthy or positively toxic.
Say no to pet table scraps
If you are ever in doubt about whether something could harm your pet, always exercise caution. Give them lots of attention and affection or distract them by playing, exercising, or snuggling. Try feeding your pet either right before you sit down to eat dinner or while you’re enjoying a meal together. If their bellies are full, they will be less likely to get into trouble over table scraps.
If we can help you further regarding your pet’s diet or behavioral health, please call us at (207) 729-4678. Our veterinarians And staff members we are always here for you Androscoggin Veterinary Hospital.