If you’re looking forward to enjoying some great food this holiday season, you might be thinking about treating your dog to some leftovers, too.
However, it might not always be a good idea to let your dog eat too much ‘human’ food on top of the dog food they already enjoy. Even foods that are healthy for our pups in moderation can contribute to obesity if they have too much, so it’s important to keep an eye on what your dog’s eating this festive season.
Fortunately, the pet nutrition experts at Green Pantry have been working with Dr. Suzanne Moyes from Burgess Pet Care and pet nutritionist Laura Ward to offer advice to help us when it comes to feeding leftovers, and keeping our dogs in good health more generally.
“Just like us, dogs can gain extra pounds if we’re not mindful of their diet and exercise, which can lead to serious issues like joint pain, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan,” they explain, and keeping track of the leftovers you feed your dog can really help.
“It can be hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes staring up at you during dinner, but sharing your leftovers isn’t as harmless as it seems,” they continue, with many human foods being too rich for dogs, containing lots of fat, salt, and seasonings.
It’s important that we don’t give our dogs foods containing toxic ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and chocolate – all often festive favorites! Rather, if you want to feed your dog leftovers, opt for scraps of fresh fruit and vegetables, as long as they’re ones that are canine-friendly.
“For dogs who are picky drinkers, this can be a great way to support their water intake,” they explain. “Just remember to not share large amounts as this could result in gastrointestinal upset.”
Meanwhile, lean meats such as chicken, turkey, fish, and lean beef can be good for your dog, as long as you ensure you aren’t overfeeding them. The experts advise saving a few small pieces of leftovers or adding them to your dog’s breakfast alongside their regular healthy dog food.
“This way, you’re ensuring they get a balanced diet without the risks that come with feeding them all of the table scraps,” they finish.
Remember, too, to keep track of how many treats you feed your dog. Particularly over the festive period, when they might get some treats as a gift or be given treats from not only you but well-meaning guests, your dog might enjoy more treats than usual. And, if you like training dogs with treats, this can make them add up, too.
For ways to make your dog feel included in the celebrations without overfeeding them, this article might be useful: 8 ways I’m involving my dog in Christmas festivities this year.
