Table Scraps and Dogs

Pampered

When you eat dinner is there a tongue rolling, drool dripping dog sitting next to you? Gazing at you with those soulful eyes. Patiently waiting for a small bit of whatever you are eating. Or do you have a dog that will bark at you? Absolutely telling you to give them a portion of your meal? Either one can be a nuisance. 

Once you’ve encouraged this trend there is no stopping it. You may as well fix them a plate of food so they can eat alongside you. This has already been done in our house. We have two dogs. Sally the 17-year-old will sit and bark at Gary and Ernie, our rescue will sit and not say a word. With that look on his face, (is it my turn yet?) Either way mealtime is interrupted and forever hurried because of the dogs. We love them like kids. Spoiled rotten kids. We have no problem admitting that.

We have tried various ways to ward off their behavior. Feeding them before we eat so they have full stomachs. This didn’t seem to deter them in the slightest. As soon as we sit down to eat there they are. Sitting like silent sentry guards at our sides. At first anyway. Sally will soon start barking; it is a given. 

Pet Parent Failures

Obviously, my husband and I fail at being strict dog parents. Giving in at mealtime always happens. We could place both of them in their kennels when we eat. It has crossed my mind. Unfortunately, then we would have to listen to Ernie, our rescue whine the entire time we are eating. I know with a certainty this will happen.

Not Good for Them

I’ve googled feeding dogs table scraps and there is absolutely nothing good about it. It can shorten their lifespan; processed foods are especially bad. Full of fat and preservatives. So, why do we do it? Good question, one I do not have an answer to. Table scraps can lead to obesity in dogs. They are not balanced and do not have all the nutrients dogs need.

Some human Foods Aren't All Bad

There is a list of foods dogs can eat in moderation along with their dog food. Peanut butter is one of them, along with carrots, cheese, plain yogurt, blueberries, chicken, salmon, and pumpkin. These are not substitutes for their dog food. They need their dog food every day in order to stay regular with their poop and potty breaks. 

Again, table scraps can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. In more serious cases pancreatitis can occur.

Dog Food Is a Must

The one thing Gary (and mostly me) make sure of is both dogs get a healthy dose of their dog food. Ernie has no teeth and Sally is 17, so they both get soft dog food. I’ve tried many different kinds and always return to the very first one we tried. It is Pedigree dog food and both dogs seem to enjoy it. Rolling Ernie’s into balls is something I do, otherwise he cannot get it off the plate. Since he has no teeth. They eat breakfast around 8:30 and they do not get fed again (with their dog food anyway) until 7 or 7:30 at night. Almost 12 hours apart. If I feed them too soon neither one will eat the food. Because they are not hungry. They are smaller dogs with smaller stomachs. Over feeding them is easy to do. 

We Do Some Things Right

Gary and I do not give them fat from meat. We do not give them ham, bacon, fatty pork steak or chops. The one meat they do eat with regularity is hamburger. Both dogs enjoy it and we do not give them too much. 

Hopefully we are not shortening their lives. 

‍

Perhaps I should listen to my own advice and not dish out table scraps. 

‍

It's too late over here, so we will deal with it and move on.

‍