Can dogs eat human foods?

Are table foods bad for dogs?

When no one's looking during dinner, have you been known to slip Fido a forkful of fettucine? You're not alone--many owners offer their pets table food. And although some human foods are simply not appropriate for dogs, certain table scraps are fine--in moderation.

Good table scraps for dogs

The idea is to select easily digestible foods such as cooked rice,
boneless and skinless chicken or turkey, small bits of string cheese and well-cooked hamburger. Dogs love their fruits and veggies, too, so feel free to up their vitamin count with traditional canine favorites like carrots, apples and green beans.

Bad human food for dogs and cats

Be careful when it comes to fatty meats and spicy foods. These can result in an upset stomach, so it's best to avoid them. Never offer your dog bones, as they can cause digestive digestive problems and damage the teeth and mouth. Absolute no-nos include onions, coffee, tea, chocolate and grapes or raisins, which can be toxic to dogs. And should your pet have a bout of vomiting or diarrhea after you've given her a snack during supper, try to determine which food had caused the problem and eliminate it.

As a rule of thumb, table food and other treats should make up no more than five to ten percent of your animal companion's daily intake. Should you overdo it, you may find Rover refusing his regular food, thereby failing to meet his nutritional requirements. Did you know that an average adult dogs need at least 50 percent carbohydrates.

The best way to ensure that your pet receives proper nutrition is by offering a balanced, premium-quality canned food or dry kibble. No matter what brand or variety you go with, please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and take into account any special feeding requirements your pet may have. Young dogs, for example, need the nutrientsfound in puppy food. Special veterinary-prescribed formulas are also available for pets with kidney, urinary and heart problems.