Is it safe to share food with a dog?

We all love sitting on the couch with something to snack on after a long day, but how many of us are guilty of sharing with our furry friends. Of course it's too easy to want to slip something over to your doe-eyed dog, but how can we be sure that what we’re sharing is safe. The important thing to keep in mind, though, is that, just like humans, your dog needs to have a balanced diet. This is either solely or majorly made up of dog food. These suggestions should ALWAYS be eaten in moderation. Always keep your dog in mind, because every dog’s system is different. What is okay for some dogs may not be okay for others.

If we eat what he eats then we’re eating everything he’s ever eaten. Your greatest risk is intestinal parasites. Dogs get infected with these nasty little creatures by licking their feet after walking through areas where other pets have defecated. You could swallow the microscopic eggs when it’s your turn with the Popsicle. Canine parasites inside the human body can find their way to the liver, lungs, and brain. Called visceral larval migrans, it’s something you don’t want. Popsicles are not part of the canine food pyramid. Kisses are great but keep your Popsicle to yourself.assistant If we eat what he eats then we’re eating everything he’s ever eaten. Your greatest risk is intestinal parasites. Dogs get infected with these nasty little creatures by licking their feet after walking through areas where other pets have defecated. You could swallow the microscopic eggs when it’s your turn with the Popsicle. Canine parasites inside the human body can find their way to the liver, lungs, and brain. Called visceral larval migrans, it’s something you don’t want. Popsicles are not part of the canine food pyramid. Kisses are great but keep your Popsicle to yourself.assistant If we eat what he eats then we’re eating everything he’s ever eaten. Your greatest risk is intestinal parasites. Dogs get infected with these nasty little creatures by licking their feet after walking through areas where other pets have defecated. You could swallow the microscopic eggs when it’s your turn with the Popsicle. Canine parasites inside the human body can find their way to the liver, lungs, and brain. Called visceral larval migrans, it’s something you don’t want. Popsicles are not part of the canine food pyramid. Kisses are great but keep your Popsicle to yourself.

The act of hand feeding itself is a reward because of the attention. Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as that. We know a lot about our calorie requirements, which nutrients we need, in what proportions and what vitamins and minerals are essential, but these are all different for our pets. If we feed a diet deficient in a specific nutrient this is likely to cause illness. For example, both cats and dogs need a protein called taurine in their diet, they cannot make it from other proteins as humans can. So, a human diet is likely to cause a taurine deficiency. Obesity is very common in our pets, this results in joint disease, osteoarthritis as they age and can lead to diabetes, and liver disease in cats. When we are investigating diets, it can be best to feed a low-calorie density food, so they feel full, especially if we are going to add in the odd treat. Our small furry pets, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats love the odd high-calorie treat from us, but their dietary requirements are so different that we must take care not to make treats more than 10-20% of their diets. We can work together to choose the right diet that will contribute to a long and healthy life.

It depends on what you're eating, but there are many human foods that are perfectly safe for your pup when given in moderation. While some foods are great when used as treats -- such as cheese, corn, cooked eggs, plain popcorn, carrots, strawberries, raspberries and apples -- others can be in place of full meals when needed. Chicken and rice can be a great dietary option if your dog has an upset stomach on the weekend, Vawter says. Green beans are excellent for weight loss, while fresh pumpkin or shredded wheat are often recommended for diarrhea or anal gland issues. Mangoes are also dog-safe in small moderations. In addition, unseasoned cooked turkey with no skin or bones and plain cooked sweet potatoes are also great options for your pup, she says. However, there are some human foods that are completely off-limits when it comes to our pets, including avocado, garlic, onion, grapes, chocolate, cooked bones, raisins and gum that contains xylitol. This is one of the reasons Vawter says it's always best to consult your veterinarian before adding in any new foods to your dog's diet to ensure it is safe for your pet's medical and dietary needs. So as long as the food you're giving your pup is fully cooked and doesn't contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, it should be perfectly safe when given in moderation.

While the food you are sharing with your dog may not technically be considered harmful to its health, it is slowly causing adverse side effects— physically, behaviorally, and socially. Dogs that are kept at an optimum weight are less likely to have joint, bone, ligament, or mobility issues, and are less likely to develop heart disease, breathing issues, decreased liver function, and many other health problems. Just like humans, maintaining a healthy weight helps ensure a dog’s overall health and longevity. Dogs that are not fed people food are less likely to eat toxic foods. Generally, the dogs I see at the veterinary office, or the dogs I pet-sit for, that eat only dog food tend to have better body condition scores and are at a more appropriate weight for their size, age, and/or breed. Overall, while it is not horrible if your dog eats the occasional “people food,” to avoid future problems, it’s best to keep Fido strictly on dog food. Dogs will begin to beg for food while we eat, cook, or snack. This can occur at all times, especially when they see YOU holding or eating food. Sharing food with your dog can also introduce the possibility of eating toxic foods, as well as an increase in daily calories.

But as you know, many human foods and ingredients are toxic to pets and can put our furry friends in danger. So how do you know what is safe to give to your pet when you want to give them a treat from your plate. There’s a lot of information regarding what’s safe and what’s not. Pay Attention to Portion SizesMost importantly, your pet should get most of their nutrition from their regular diet. Snacks should equate to no more than five percent of their daily caloric intake, so keep portion sizes small. Additionally, people food tends to be high in fat and sugar, and too much fat or sugar can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that can land your pet in the hospital. Also, be mindful that too much of a food your pet is not used to can lead to some digestive upset. Knowing what foods your pet can eat is only half the battle.