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While you probably consider your dog an essential part of your human family, they are not the same as people, and their digestive systems are very different. When you choose a dog food with all the nutrients they need, you do not need to give in and share your table scraps with them. Let’s take a look at a few crucial reasons why you should never give table scraps to your dog.
Impulse Control
Sometimes you may think that a small piece of table scrap is all right. When your dog learns it’s ok to eat these types of food, they won’t hesitate the next time you leave a whole plate of food unattended. A dog’s ability to control his impulses is extremely important, especially in the event of a foreign body incident. It is a very clear message that you are indicating to your dog that what is mine is yours when you throw food at them or allow them to lick your plate. Your chances of beating them to the punch will be slimmer next time you drop an onion or chocolate, both of which can be toxic to dogs.
Allergies
The possibility of a pet’s allergy to table scraps is always there. Many pre-made, packaged foods have weird seasoning and unknown ingredients. With the possibility of an allergic reaction, it’s not worth taking the chance of making your dog sick. Some of the most common signs of an allergic reaction to food include itchy skin and paws, hot spots on their skin, ear infections, and repetitive sneezing. If you notice that your dog is scratching themselves or licking their paws more than normal, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction to their food.
Added Calories
It is not healthy for a pet to be overweight. The likelihood of a pet becoming overweight or obese increases when it receives kibble and food scraps. In addition to diabetes, obesity can lead to heart disease, pancreatitis, or several other illnesses. Keeping your pet healthy means eating right and exercising. Being mindful on behalf of your dog and limiting their table scraps and other treats can help them manage their weight.
Pancreatitis
Dogs are more likely than cats to suffer from pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This condition may cause symptoms such as dehydration, hunching backs, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, and a feeling of malaise. If you take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment, you could spend upwards of $2,000 to $4,000 to get him back to normal. It’s best to avoid fatty foods such as fried foods, oil, dairy products, meat trimmings, and nuts if you want your dog to lose weight.
You may feel like you want to share everything with your dog to make them happier. However, table scraps that could be unhealthy for them are not the solution. Give your dog your time, energy, and lots of love, and they will live a happy life.
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