Does your dog use his ultimate canine weapons at dinner time? You know the ones we mean: the big puppy eyes, pleading bark and hopeful tail wag.
What about the sad doggy face that induces guilt and has you thinking just a little bit of the chicken off your plate wouldn’t hurt?
Those weapons are pretty powerful! But if you can resist a moment longer, we can give you good reasons why you should give him dog treats instead of table scraps.
Why you shouldn’t feed your dog table scraps:
You’re rewarding bad behavior
One or two times might not seem like much at first, but once your dog gets used to begging for (and getting) that extra goodie, it can become ingrained behavior. This can lead to barking or whining when he doesn’t get a scrap, not to mention begging from your guests.
They affect his diet and good nutrition
Table scraps don’t meet the needs of a good diet and your dog will miss the vitamins and minerals he needs to stay healthy. Quality dog treats meet his needs best and should be the first choice.
They might lead to a health disaster
Did you know table scraps are the leading cause of digestive tract disorders? Our rich, fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, colitis and diverticulitis. They can also cause gas, bad breath, loose stools and vomiting.
You’re creating a food thief
Once you’ve opened the door to table scraps, anything is game. Your dog might reach for food in the trash, on the table, on the counter or elsewhere. His search could lead him to harmful foods as well, like chocolate.
The next time you see those sad puppy eyes, resist! Give him a healthy dog treat instead. Read on for a reminder of why they’re a better choice.
- Dog treats are more nutritious and have fewer calories.
- Dental treats can help with tartar, plaque and bad breath.
- Soft treats make great rewards and promote good behavior in training.
- Special treats offer extra healthy additives, such as Glucosamine or Omega 3.
Remember, even healthy dog treats should be used in moderation.
