Can Dogs Eat Table Scraps?

There are multiple significant risks associated with feeding human table scraps to dogs: 1. Toxic Ingredients: Many common human food ingredients are toxic to dogs, including: * Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks: Found in many savory dishes, these cause red blood cell damage. * Grapes and Raisins: Highly toxic, causing kidney failure. * Chocolate: Poisonous to dogs. * Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, extremely toxic. * Avocado: Contains persin, and the pit is a choking hazard. 2. High Fat Content: Human meals are often rich in fats (e.g., gravies, butter, fatty meats). A sudden intake of high-fat food can trigger a painful and life-threatening condition called pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. 3. Excessive Sodium: Most human foods are seasoned with salt. High sodium intake can lead to increased thirst, dehydration, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. 4. Cooked Bones: Cooked bones (from chicken, steak, ribs, etc.) are brittle and can splinter, posing choking hazards or causing severe internal damage. 5. Seasonings and Spices: Many spices and seasonings can irritate a dog's digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort. 6. Nutritional Imbalance: A diet based on human table scraps is not nutritionally balanced for dogs and can lead to deficiencies or excesses over time. 7. Choking Hazards: Small bones, fruit pits, and even large chunks of meat can be choking hazards. 8. Behavioral Issues: Feeding table scraps can encourage begging, lead to picky eating, and make it harder to manage your dog's weight.

It is safest and healthiest to avoid feeding your dog human table scraps. Stick to a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food and offer dog-specific treats or small amounts of plain, dog-safe fruits and vegetables. Always dispose of human food waste securely to prevent accidental ingestion.