Dear Under: Kids will go to great lengths to get rid of unwanted food. When my Dad was young he placed partially chewed meat pieces on a ledge under the large, wooden kitchen table. Much to my Grandmother’s horror, she found the petrified protein morsels years later. If my Dad had a dog then, his task would have been very easy.

Most dogs will eat anything, especially if it comes from their master. Most aren’t too discerning about taste, except when it comes to medication, they seem to sense it won’t taste good. But having kids offer up food a plenty from the table is like nirvana to Molly.

Dangerous Foods

The main reason you don’t want to feed the family dog at the table is that it promotes begging. The dog will sit there, usually with heavy breathing and lots of drool, staring you down until you comply. Once established, this behavior is a hard one to break, so it’s better not to encourage it in the first place. And the added calories your kids may be inadvertently feeding Molly could put on extra pounds (just like humans!) and before you know it, you have a fat, begging dog. It is not a pretty sight.

There are some foods that are highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities. Chocolate is number one on the do not eat list. The chemical in chocolate, theobromine, is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. So be sure around the traditional chocolate holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween to let the kids know not to share their treats with Molly.

Uncooked red meat and bones may contain harmful bacteria and parasites which may make your dog sick. Bones from read meat, pork, chicken and turkey may be dangerous because they can splinter and puncture your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, which might result in expensive surgery to repair. Also, the smaller bones can cause choking.

A few other food items to be aware of are grapes and raisins, when if eaten in large amounts can have damaging effects. In addition, onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs.

Safe Foods

If your kids want to feed the dog some of their own food, here are a few suggestions. Hit the salad bar. Most raw or cooked vegetables, with the exception of the onions and garlic, are okay for dogs. Small baby carrots are a healthy, crunchy treat the dogs will love. Just make sure to give them only two or three a day or it will upset their normal elimination schedule – if you know what I mean.

Rice and pasta are always a good choice since they are low in fat and calories. When you do feed Molly some human food as a treat make sure you do it in her bowl, at her regular feeding time away from the dinner table. To really break the habit of the begging dog and the sneaky kids, Molly should be put in her crate away from the family meal until the old behavior is broken.

 Try to stay clear of giving too much cooked red meat since it is high in fat and does not contain the proper balance of nutrients your dog requires. Dairy products in moderation, such as cottage cheese, low-fat yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs are fine as is most fresh and dried fruits. Apples, berries, bananas, and seedless watermelon work best.

It’s important to remember that your commercially prepared dog food is a balanced diet when it comes to calories, vitamins and minerals. When you feed “extras” to the dog it may upset that balance. That’s why you should keep treats and other foods to very small portions, if at all. Explain to the kids that some foods might make Molly sick. Tell them Molly is just as happy with lots of love, exercise, and training in place of the treat du jour at the dinner table. Bon Appetit.

 

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Director of Club Communications at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.