Avoid
Table Scraps in Your Dog's Diet
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
tidbit 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.
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