“I wouldn't feed my dog or cat anything I wouldn't feed myself,” is what the great inspiration to all food writers M.F.K. Fisher
Our society transitioned from a time when companion animals were fed leftovers from the dinner table to the era when we were told these family members should be given nothing but specific foods designed by the animal feed industry for their species, health issues, age, and activity level.
Poppy's EZPZ bowl keeps her from chasing her food across the floor. She is what you would call an enthusiastic eater!
Our family has moved to the next stage of feeding dogs. We serve homemade food to our Westie Poppy and are learning what specific human foods are okay to share with her.
Before we offer her a taste of something we are eating, we check the safety of this food with a reputable online site. We also refrain from feeding her anything from the table or in the kitchen. This discourages begging. When we want to share a snack with her, we go to the area where she has her meals.
An Apple a Day...
This writing team likes to share an apple or another piece of fruit each afternoon. Whenever we have an apple, we know that Poppy would love a taste. Penny will occasionally take a piece of apple to Poppy’s dining area and feed it to her in little pieces, which the pup chews up with delight.
Our first Westie Sassy, had a weight problem and was a food hound. She loved almost all foods but rutabagas were her favorite snack.
Maggie Mae, our second dog, was a fussy eater. We sprinkled her food with tempting items like Parmesan cheese to encourage her interest in the food bowl. She did love cheese and would jump up and come running whenever that dairy scent was in the air.
While we know we can share an apple with Poppy, we also know we can't let her have grapes. Not only does this mean don't share, it also means don't leave within reach as one neighbor learned. Her dog spent a day under observation at the hospital after finding some unattended grapes.
What Not to Feed
You should start your research on what people food can be safe snacks for your dog or cat by learning what you should never feed them. The top seven items listed as dangerous to dogs and cats by multiple sources are chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins, fatty and fried foods, macadamia nuts, avocados, and anything containing the chemical sweetener Xylitol. That last item will remind you to read labels carefully before giving your dog or cat any commercial product. Peanut butter is a common treat and is often used to give dogs medications, but many brands contain Xylitol and could be deadly.
Of course, many items that are great as an occasional treat can upset an animal’s system if given (or stolen) in large quantities. A bit of cheese may make the medicine go down, but a hunk of cheese can make everything come out, one way or another.
Items that are great as an occasional treat can upset an animal’s system if given (or stolen) in large quantities.
Considered Safe
You could treat your dog or cat to tastes of simply cooked proteins such as chicken, broth, eggs, liver, red meat, or fish. Dairy products like bits of hard cheese, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are on the safe list for both dogs and cats.
Fruit and vegetables (without seeds) and in quantities appropriate the the size of the animal are apples, pears, blueberries, melons, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and squash. Green beans and carrots are commonly used to help dogs feel full when you are reducing their daily calories.
So share when you can, but be sure to check every item before you do and start with just a little in case it doesn’t settle well with your little pal.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2012-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino
(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
