We have all done it. Our cute little furry friend is practically smiling at us from under the kitchen table. Its ears are erect and it wags its tail. We know what our dog is looking for. A tiny bit of dinner would be delicious, wouldn't it? What can it do? It's just a bite or two after all.
Hold Fido's ears, he won't want to hear that. A dog's diet really shouldn't contain table scraps. Food for people is just that... for people. The nutritional needs of a dog are not the same as those of a human. Of course, we eat some of the same things, but feeding your pet from the table is one of your pet's biggest mistakes. A dog's diet doesn't require all the treats we add to our meals.
People have problems with obesity. A dog can also have this problem. If your dog's diet consists mostly of table scraps, chances are he's having trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Even a few extra pounds can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's life. Put a brake on begging and stand your ground.
When you have a naughty dog, it can be tempting to let him be the household garbage disposal, but that's really not a good idea. Some human foods can harm your dog and should never be part of his diet.
Grapes, for example, are known to cause dogs serious problems, even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Allowing large amounts of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet.
Poor nutrition manifests itself even in the yard. When your dog's diet is not optimal, your pet's outings will be greater in size, smell, and mess. The benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in his health, as well as on his walks around the neighborhood.
There may be times when a supplement or treat from the kitchen is acceptable, but never in excess. Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet. If you absolutely must continue to feed Fido at the table, many veterinarians recommend giving him ice cubes or carrot chunks to snack on between scheduled meal times.
By offering your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes, you are giving them the freedom to choose a healthy and nutritious snack for their diet.
So the next time your beloved pet starts staring at your food, redirect their attention. Don't grab your big steak or your chicken leg. Instead, toss your companion a cool, refreshing ice cube that he can fiddle with and nibble on.
A few baby carrots will make Fido happy and make you feel good about your choices when it comes to the nutritional value of your dog's diet. You will know that you are doing your best to maintain quality nutrition for your pet.