If you have a dog, you've probably heard many people say that you shouldn't give them table scraps. But what's the real story? Is it a good practice to give your dog table scraps, or should you avoid it at all costs?
Today I'm going to explain why, if done correctly, there's nothing wrong with giving your dog table scraps, and it can even be beneficial for them, and I'm going to give you strategies to do it safely.
How can giving table scraps to your dog be beneficial?
First, it's important to understand that dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning their ideal diet consists primarily of raw meat. Therefore, offering table scraps, especially pieces of meat, can be an excellent way to supplement their diet. This is especially true if your dog is fed kibble. Studies have shown, among other things, that for kibble-fed dogs, adding just 20% fresh food (mainly meat) to their daily diet has a positive impact on their health (by the way, if you'd like to learn more about the health benefits of raw feeding for your dog, check out my YouTube channel.
Strategy 1: Prioritize meat
If you want to feed your dog table scraps, prioritize giving him meat. It's the ideal food for dogs from a nutritional standpoint. You can give him raw or cooked meat, preferably lean. However, avoid giving him meat that contains spices. Important to remember if you give him meat: never give him cooked bones, as they can be dangerous for dogs.
Strategy 2: Limit the quantity
Don't give your dog too many table scraps. Limit this to about 10 to 20% of their total diet. This will help prevent an unbalanced diet or weight gain. If you do supplement their food with table scraps, slightly reduce the amount of food you give them daily.
Strategy 3: Avoid giving food at the table
To prevent your dog from becoming an annoying beggar during meals, don't give him table scraps while you're at the table. Instead, give them food before or after the meal, in a different place.
Strategy 4: Avoid toxic foods
It's crucial not to give your dog toxic foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, corn on the cob, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), spices, etc. (come see this video) For more information on foods not to give your dog, see [link to relevant page]. Also avoid processed meats and sausages, as they often contain preservatives. Some dogs are intolerant to dairy products, so if you give them to your dog, be sure to watch for signs of indigestion and make sure they tolerate them well.
In short, giving your dog table scraps isn't necessarily a bad thing. If done correctly by following these strategies, it can even improve their diet. Ultimately, your dog will certainly enjoy these little treats, and you can do it guilt-free.
Your dog's diet is important for their health and well-being, so make sure you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing what to feed them. Getting informed is the best first step toward making informed decisions, so thank you for taking the time to do so today!
Karine, agronomist
