We all love our pets and want to make sure that we do nothing out of stupidity to hurt them...yet thousands of pets are hospitalized every year for problems caused by their owners feeding them table scraps.
The extremely conservative point of view is to not feed our pets anything other than a diet prescribed by our veterinarian. As responsible pet owners we need to be aware that some cats and dogs simply cannot digest anything other than a prescribed diet. If your veterinarian suggests such a restricted diet, then just "say no" to table scraps. Why torment your pet allowing a table scrap now and then only to discontinue the practice when the pet gets sick?
The extremely liberal point of view is to feed our pets anything that we ourselves would eat. Now, that may be a very bad idea and here is why:
Alcohol - Ingesting alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature and can result in seizures and respiratory distress. And be aware that your pet's temperament can change, often to the negative. A friend had a St. Bernard that loved to drink beer! He would become aggressive towards children and other pets. Just say NO to alcohol!
Broths - Beef or chicken broth are a great source of nutrition, but be careful of the high salt content. I once had a dog that was fed his dry dog food in a bowl of beef broth every day and he lived to be 19 years of age!
Caffeine - Often found in diet pills, coffee, tea and energy drinks, caffeine can adversely affect the heart, stomach, intestines and nervous system.
Carrots - My West Highland Terriers love to chew carrots. But be careful not to give your pet a piece that due to it's size, is easily caught in their throat. I sit on the fence on this table scrap. If there is any chance of your pet choking on a piece of carrot (some dogs just "wolf down" their food) then don't feed them carrots. The risk is not worth the reward.
Chocolate - The chemical theobromine is found in cocoa and chocolate. Fed to our pets in small amounts, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In concentrated amounts theobromine can cause disruption of the central nervous system (epileptic seizures), stimulate cardiac activity (heart attacks) and increase blood pressure (internal bleeding). Caffeine is also found in chocolate and can adversely affect the heart, stomach, intestines and of course the nervous system.
Cooked bones - You never know what bone is going to splinter when chewed by your pet, resulting in sharp pieces of bone being ingested and getting stuck in your pet's intestine. Death from a punctured intestine is a very painful way to go. Do not feed cooked or raw animal bones, especially chicken or turkey bones. Follow your veterinarian's advice on allowing beef bones.
Corn on the cob - Never! The risk of intestinal obstruction causing a serious and sometimes fatal medical condition is just too high. Salt, commonly added to corn on the cob to enhance our flavor experience, is not good for your pet. Corn is known to cause allergic symptoms in humans, and may also cause intestinal distress in pets.
Cottage cheese and yogurt - A real healthy treat might be a spoonful of cottage cheese or yogurt. The yogurt, containing live bacteria cultures, may assist your pet's digestive processes. Exercise caution if your pet shows signs of lactose intolerance, upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea.
Fatty foods - Miniature Schnauzers and Shetland Sheep Dogs are especially prone to vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis after consuming fatty foods. Thanksgiving gravy is a common culprit. Don't pour gravy over your dog's food; use a low salt bullion broth instead.
Grapes and raisins - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises to never give your pet grapes or raisins. Mainly affecting dogs, various studies show differing amount of toxicity from ingesting grapes or raisins. Don't give your pet wine!
Green beans - My sister's veterinarian suggested adding green beans to the diet of her Welsh Corgi. He absolutely loves the taste and texture from green beans and consumes one-half of his daily fiber in the form of green beans. He has lost weight as a result!
Green tomatoes & potatoes - I can't imagine any pet wanting to consume these, but put them on your list of not to feed to your pets.
Junk food - No chips, fries, candy, jerky or Twinkies!
Macadamia nuts - Found in cookies and candies, these nuts can cause loss of muscle control when ingested in even small amounts.
Milk - Adult cats fed a wholesome and nutritious diet do not need milk. Some cats and dogs may be lactose intolerant, a condition where milk products upset the stomach and may cause cramps and gas. If you do feed your cat milk, opt for the milk higher in fat, which has less lactose. I permit my two West Highland Terriers to lick my breakfast bowl clean of cereal and milk, and they seem to get along just fine. Remember, everything in moderation is a good rule.
Onions and garlic - Be careful of the powdered version likely found in gravies and such, as it may cause mild stomach upsets or nausea.
Walnuts - Can be found in cookies often fed to dogs by well intentioned children.
Watermelon - I know that I can share "unsalted" watermelon with my two West Highland Terriers and that they appreciate the dietary supplement adding fiber to their diet. Just don't feed them so much as to cause intestinal distress or diarrhea.
Your pet depends on you to provide a healthy, safe and nutritious diet free from dangers that are discussed here. My advice is to always consult your veterinarian with your questions regarding pet diet and nutrition.
And remember, the very best pet health insurance is often the watchfulness of you, the pet owner.
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