| The debate over feeding your beloved pet | | | | If you do decide to feed your pet from |
| from your dinner plate has been around | | | | the dinner table, make sure that it is a |
| for years. I think is all boils down to | | | | treat, and like all treats it should not |
| the question, "What type of table food, | | | | comprise more than 10% of your dog's |
| and how much is ok?" Most veterinarians | | | | total diet. |
| I have talked to agree that it's ok to | | | | Lastly, it is important to keep in mind |
| give your pet a very small portion of | | | | that feeding your pet from the table can |
| table food as long as they; A.) are low | | | | cause undesirable behavior such as |
| in fat, B.) are low in sugar, C.) are | | | | begging - which includes whining and |
| not bones. | | | | barking, and can encourage steeling of |
| Bones; (such as ribs and steak bones) | | | | food from the table unattended. I once |
| tend to become dry and brittle when | | | | had a Saint Bernard that ate our entire |
| cooked, which can cause them to | | | | Sunday Dinner roast in a matter of a few |
| splinter. Chicken, and other fowl | | | | seconds when my back was turned. |
| bones, are hollow - which make them | | | | I often warn people with small children |
| great for flight - but can cause them to | | | | to never let their kids feed the dog |
| splinter if eaten. | | | | from their hand. Once this practice is |
| Never give you pet candy, spicy food, or | | | | started it can be very difficult for |
| fat trimmed off your steak - if so, you | | | | your dog to understand the difference |
| are just asking for trouble, and your | | | | from food that your child is offering, |
| pet will pay the price. Instead, offer | | | | from your child's lunch of a peanut |
| him small bits of vegetables, lean | | | | butter sandwich. |
| chicken, or other lean meats. | | | | |