We have all done it. Our
cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen
table. The ears are perked and the tail is wagging. We know what our dog is
after. Just a tiny titbit from dinner would be delightful, right? What could it
hurt? It is just a bite or two after all.
Hold Fido's ears he won't want to hear this. A dog's diet really should not
contain table scraps. People food is just that...for people. A dog's nutritional
needs are not the same as a human's. Sure, we eat some of the same things, but
feeding your pet from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for your pet. A
dog's diet doesn't require all the added goodies we put into our meals.
People have problems with obesity. A dog can have this problem, as well. If your
dog's diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high
that your dog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Even a few pounds
over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's
life. Curb the begging and stick to your guns.
When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet
be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea.
Certain people foods can harm your dog and should never be a part of your dog's
diet. Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs,
even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog.
Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet.
A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dog's diet is not at its
best, your pet's outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. Benefits of
choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pet's health, as
well as, during those walks around the block.
There are a few occasions
when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess.
Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet. If you
simply must continue feeding Fido at the table, many vets recommend you give
your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding
times. Providing your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives
you the freedom to choose a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog's diet.
So, the next time your beloved pet starts eyeing your grub, redirect his or her
attention. Don't reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg. Instead, toss your
buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on. A couple of baby
carrots will keep Fido happy and leave you feeling good about your choices for
the nutritional value of your dog's diet. You will know that you are doing your
best to maintain a high-quality diet for your pet.
