We’ve all been there. Those irresistible puppy eyes, a sweet furry head planted in your lap, the longing gaze from across the room. All dog owners know the look. Begging. Though it breaks your heart every time, you resolutely turn away from your adorable pup and refill their dry kibble, knowing that you have their best interests in mind.
After all, good pet owners don’t give dogs table scraps. Right?
Not so fast.
Contrary to what you’ve heard, some table scraps are actually beneficial for your pooch and could even replace unhealthy, potentially harmful treats.
Let’s dig into the truth behind table scraps and take a look at the 5 best human foods to feed your dog.
Table scraps: The better kind of treat
According to recent studies, over 55% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. This obesity epidemic is directly related to an increase in cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and early death in pets — and it’s entirely preventable.
Overfeeding and feeding the wrong kind of food are widely considered the primary contributors to this dangerous canine weight gain. Unfortunately, many commercial treats are loaded with unhealthy ingredients that only exacerbate the problem, including:
- Synthetic preservatives
- Sugar
- Sodium
- Corn, soy, and wheat fillers
- Oils
According to experts, hand-feeding treats helps with bonding, training, and reinforcing good behavior. But how can you find quality, healthy treats that don’t contribute to obesity?
Table scraps, when prepared with your pup in mind, could be the solution.
Giving your dog human food instead of dog treats is an excellent way to incorporate essential nutrients into their diet, cut out empty calories, and help your dog stay fit and trim.
Not all people food is safe for your pooch, though. Here are the best table scraps for your dog and toxic foods to avoid.
5 best table scraps to give your dog
These five foods aren’t only safe to give your dog but can help improve skin and coat health, soothe digestive problems, and even aid in weight loss. Replace empty-calorie treats with these nutritious foods for a healthier, happier pet.
A note on table scraps: When we cook, we love to add flavor and dimension to our food. Butter, oil, seasonings, and sauces enhance and elevate many dishes. These additions can prove harmful for dogs, turning healthy table scraps into hazards.
Excessive fat consumption from oil or butter could contribute to pancreatitis, while some seasonings like garlic are toxic to dogs. When giving your dog any human food, ensure that it is cooked without these additives.
- Cooked eggs
Cooked, unseasoned eggs are one of the healthiest human foods to feed your dog. They are loaded with beneficial nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, selenium, and riboflavin — which all contribute to a healthy skin and coat.
Dogs love scrambled, fried, or boiled eggs for a nutritious treat. Like humans, dogs can contract Salmonella from eating raw eggs, so cook them thoroughly before offering them to your pup.
- Meat and fish
Chicken, turkey, beef, and fish cooked to a safe internal temperature are all delicious, healthy treats for dogs. Chicken, in particular, is recognized as one of the best types of meat to give your dog. It is a high-protein, low-fat food rich in selenium, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12.
Most fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it an excellent contribution to a balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health and can help keep your dog’s fur sleek and shiny. The best types of fish to give your pup include tuna, salmon, whitefish, cod, and whiting.
Before giving any meat or fish to your dog, ensure that it doesn’t contain any bones. Small bones, especially fish and chicken bones, can break off and become a choking hazard.
Remember, dogs are not carnivores — they need nutrition from other sources to stay healthy, not just meat. Any meat you give your dog should be as a treat or as part of a well-balanced diet.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a heart-healthy food for humans and canines. It is an excellent source of B vitamins, linoleic acid, and minerals like iron and zinc. Plain, cooked oatmeal is also rich in soluble fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestive system, keep them feeling full for longer, and prevent overeating.
Common oatmeal toppings such as raisins are toxic for dogs, so only give plain oatmeal cooked in water. They’ll love the taste and will look forward to this special treat.
- Vegetables
Dogs, like people, benefit from a diet full of whole foods like vegetables. In fact, vegetables are some of the easiest and healthiest table scraps to give to your dog.
Carrots are low-calorie and high in fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and potassium. They also take a while for dogs to chew, making them an excellent alternative to rawhide bones or other chew toys. Some experts even recommend giving puppies frozen carrots to relieve pain from teething. Give dogs cooked or raw carrots, but cut them into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
Beets can improve skin and coat health and even aid in digestion, making them another stand-out veggie to give your dog. Green beans are an excellent treat if your dog is on a weight-loss regime, as they are rich in beneficial nutrients and low in calories.
Other healthy vegetables for dogs:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Corn
- Peas
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Kale
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Pumpkin
While apples and bananas are safe in moderation, pumpkin is the healthiest fruit to give your dog. It is often considered a canine superfood and is especially beneficial for digestive problems, including diarrhea and constipation.
Pumpkin contains essential minerals, vitamins like iron, potassium, vitamins A, E, and C, beta-carotene, and prebiotics to strengthen gut health. Always choose canned or fresh pumpkin without any added ingredients.
What to NEVER feed your dog
The foods on this list, like oils and butter, aren’t just unhealthy for your dog; they’re downright deadly. If your pooch accidentally eats any of the following, monitor their symptoms closely, call your veterinarian, and take them in immediately if you notice any symptoms or a behavior change.
Onions and garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This can damage and destroy your dog’s red blood cells, contributing to oxidative damage and anemia. Avoid giving them raw or cooked alliums in any form, including powdered.
Chocolate
Though this should be obvious to most dog owners, it’s still important to mention. Chocolate, especially pure, dark chocolate, is toxic to pets, even in small quantities. It can cause seizures, vomiting, racing heart rate, and heart failure in extreme cases.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes in any form, including raisins and jelly, are just as harmful to dogs as chocolate. Even a small number of grapes could cause kidney failure and death if left untreated.
Artificial sweeteners
Many processed human foods contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It has been linked to liver failure and can cause an excess release of insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Always check ingredients! Xylitol hides in many places, including chewing gum, bread, peanut butter, and candy.
Other toxic food:
- Cherries
Avocados - Macadamia nuts
- Raw meat or eggs
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
Things to keep in mind when giving your dog table scraps
Every calorie counts: Don’t give table scraps in excess. Every piece of food you give to your dog contributes to their daily caloric intake and should be carefully monitored. Mindless feeding is one of the quickest roads to pet obesity. Experts suggest that treats, including dog-safe table food, should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily diet.
Avoid table feeding: Feeding your dog from your plate creates bad habits. Once they know that the table is a source of food, they might start pushing boundaries, including jumping on the table, and scratching or barking. Instead, save table scraps to give them before or after the meal as a reward for obedience or in their regular food bowl.
Watch for allergic reactions: Even if certain foods are considered safe, your dog might have an allergy or sensitivity. Pay attention to symptoms like digestive upset such as diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog experiences an adverse reaction, avoid giving them that food in the future.
Giving your dog table scraps isn’t always bad!
As we’ve seen, giving your dog table scraps isn’t always bad. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it, and just because a food is healthy for you (i.e., avocadoes) doesn’t mean it is beneficial for your dog, too.
But remember, not all commercial dog products are safe, either! Though treats may say “great flavor” or “real bacon taste” on the package, they might not be good for your pup in the long run. Do your research and always read labels to know exactly what you’re feeding your dog.
Loving your dog means staying informed and giving them the best food to help them stay healthy, active, and happy for years to come…including table scraps.
