While I was growing up we used to feed our dogs table food, or "table scraps", as it was referred to back then. We never had any problems with our dogs getting sick from eating our leftovers, but now it is considered to be a dangerous practice among animal lovers.
Most human food that is given to pets is too fatty for their digestive system. Dogs can become quite ill if given a diet rich in meat, potatoes, and other table food. They may get severe stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhea from these foods. This could also lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which is fatal. There is also a tendency for dogs to overeat if given human food. This might be because they prefer the taste of our food to theirs or else it is due to the fact that dogs will usually eat as much food as you give them.
Other table food that we may consider to be a treat could be potentially fatal. Foods such as chocolate, which dogs love, or garlic, can be toxic if your dog eats even a small amount. Bones from chicken and turkey can also splinter and end up puncturing your dog's intestines. At the very least these foods can make your dog sick with diarrhea or vomiting.
It is best to feed your dog a dry food that is recommended by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on the breed, age, and health of your dog. Canned food should be given in moderation. It is very rich and may cause diarrhea. Another alternative is preparing food for your animals that is made with lamb, turkey, or chicken combined with vegetables and whole grains. There are many resources for information on preparing these homemade meals. Dogs have different taste buds than humans so you may have to experiment with ingredients to find food that is both healthy and tasty for your pet.
The most important factor is making sure that your animal is getting the proper nutrition that will ensure a long, healthy life. With the recent incidences of pet food contamination you will want to take extra time in choosing safe foods for your pets.
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