Table Scraps: Okay for your Dog?, Peoria, AZ – Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers

dog fed table scraps

It’s that time of year when the days grow short. Leaves fall and the temperature drops. We think of meals that include comfort foods, such as chili, stew and soup. The holiday season means parties and family gatherings that include turkey, ham and other foods high in fats and calories. While we delight in celebration, we often think of our dogs. They sit at our feet while we dine, waiting in anticipation for a morsel or two to drop to the floor. We even share our leftovers with them, without realizing we might be doing more harm than good.

Foods high in fat are in fact, a danger to our dogs. Feeding our dogs too much fat can cause serious health issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.  Certain foods, such as chocolate, and onions should not be fed to dogs. These foods are highly toxic and deadly if your dog happens to eat them. Other toxic foods include raisins, grapes, cooked bones and walnuts. To see a complete list, visit http://dogingtonpost.com/foods-should-never-feed-your-dog. According to their site the healthiest table foods for dogs include:

  • Steamed or Baked Potato
  • Plain Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Cooked Chicken or Turkey
  • Unseasoned Vegetables

 

Foods to avoid include:

  • French Fries
  • Potato Chips
  • Pizza

 

While it’s tempting to feed your dog from the table, it often leads to negative behavior, such as begging. Once your dog gets in the habit of begging it’s hard to break this behavior. You may also notice that your dog has begun to refuse his dog food. He has become dependent on table scraps and suddenly no longer cares for the food he should be eating. When these things happen it might be time to rethink how you feed your dog, or even, what you feed your dog.

While some owners rely on commercial dog food, others make dog food from scratch. Healthy recipes should include foods such as brown rice, olive oil, chicken, carrots, and peas. To find a recipe, simply type “dog food made from scratch,” into your search engine, the results are endless.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to feeding your dog, as long as your dog remains healthy. Keeping your dog healthy also means regular veterinary visits where you discuss what your dog eats.

For more information on keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe, keep reading our blog, at www.arrowheadscoopers.com.  Give us a call today at (602) 391-0160 to receive your free quote. Rates start at just $10.00 a week. See customer reviews and more at our website. Arrowhead is the leading pet waste removal service in the greater Glendale, and greater Peoria, Arizona area. Happy Tails!

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