Feeding your pet table scraps can be okay, as long as they are the right kinds. Here is a simple guide for what foods to avoid sharing with your pet.
People connect in a meaningful way with each other through food. We share conversations, our thoughts in taste and tradition, and our pets are aware of our routines as well. The smells of our food entice them to be persistent and giving table scraps to our pet might feel satisfying at the time, but our generosity can cost their bellies.
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet
It’s never ideal to feed table scraps to your pet. This practice only encourages more begging, and it can harm their bodies. Once you break the “no table scraps” rule, your pet may interpret this as a definite yes and lead to an unsafe pattern that comprises their health.
Feeding your pet table scraps may demonstrate love on your part, so be extra safe when choosing what foods to share and avoid feeding them the following foods:
- High-fat or high sodium foods
- Packaged foods containing too much sugar
- Xylitol (a poisonous sugar alternative) is mostly in different baked goods and candy
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions or garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
Instead, you may provide your pet nutritious food like lightly-steamed vegetables (carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes) with fully-cooked chicken to satisfy your pet’s cravings.
Reward Only Good Behavior
If you choose to not feed your pet table scraps, ignore your pet’s begging and only reward good behavior. For example, only practice positive reinforcement and offer them a treat when they give up from begging for table scraps. With time and repetition, your pet will understand that begging will not work, minimizing their exposure to unhealthy foods and encouraging pet wellness.
When in Doubt, Say No to Pet Table Scraps
Always be precautious when you are uncertain whether something can harm your pet. Give your pet lots of attention and affection, such as walking or snuggling with them. Feed your pet before dinner or during so you can enjoy a meal together. They most likely won’t beg for table scraps if their belly is complete.
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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