We’ve all experienced the look our pets give when they know there’s something tasty leftover after dinner. How could you refuse them? I mean, that one small piece can’t be that bad, right? One seemingly harmless tasty table scrap could easily turn into an upset tummy, or worse.
There are some foods that are a big no-no for dogs and cats (hello, big vet bill), but there are others that your fur baby would love. We spoke with a Johannesburg veterinarian who spilt all the tea, from cheese tax to bones.
To give, or not to give?
That’s definitely not what your pets are thinking. If any food is put down in front of them, they’re most likely to scoff it down (except for the seldom picky eaters, and most cats). To set the facts straight, we spoke with Dr Micaela Pather, an Olivedale vet, who shares her expert tips.
Cooked veggies
Can dogs and cats eat cooked veggies, like carrots, peas, or green beans? Are there veggies which should never be given to them?
Miceala says, “Most veggies are safe, as they’re an excellent source of fibre. Other safe veggies include baby marrow, cucumber, pumpkin, and sweet potato.”
She goes on to state that veggies that should never be given to your pets include anything in the onion and garlic family, “because it can affect their blood and potentially cause haemolytic anaemia.” Garlic, being more potent than onions, can have a more severe effect. Others include leeks, chives, and spring onions.
The cheese tax debate
Are dairy products safe for pets? How much is too much cheese tax, for example?
“The majority of dairy products are safe for pets. Dogs can eat safe amounts of dairy, but you have to consider your individual pet’s tummy. So, if they have a sensitive tummy, I would avoid dairy or limit their intake. For example, I wouldn’t give a small dog a huge slice of cheese, but a pinch of grated cheese should be fine.”
She mentions that tiny cubes of cheese should be fine for larger dogs, but to keep the amounts moderate. Cats, however, are a different story. Micaela says, “The majority of cats are lactose intolerant, and the whole stereotype of cats drinking milk is, even though many enjoy it, not good for them. Small amounts of dairy can be safe, keeping in mind that you have to see how they react.” She recommends that a single piece of grated cheese would be fine with cats.
“If you like to hide tablets and other medications, especially antibiotics, in a piece of cheese, you should first speak with your vet, because some antibiotics react to dairy, disrupting their absorption. Ask your vet for other ideas on hiding tablets instead of dairy, like cheese.”
Fats, oils & fried foods
Can you feed your pets leftovers made with fats and oils, like butter or deep-fried foods? Or is that a big no-no?
“That is quite a big no-no, especially for dogs. Any excessive amounts of fats fed to your pets can cause a condition called pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It’s a good idea to avoid deep-fried foods or any meats with excessive amounts of fat or skin, because that can contribute to the development of pancreatitis.”
Micaela tells us that another big culprit of hidden fat is pet mince. “We’ve been seeing a lot of pets come into the clinic, and they have pancreatitis. Many of these pets are fed pet mince daily, which is actually extremely high in fat.”
She recommends feeding your pets skinless chicken breast fillets or extra-lean mince if you want to supplement your pet’s diet with some extra protein. However, speaking with your vet is the first prize.
Bones & meaty treats
Can pets consume any type of bone at all?
“I recommend that you do not feed any bones at all, whatsoever. Because that is the safest option. There is a long-standing stereotype that dogs like bones, and I think that actually comes from a time when people didn’t have the funds to feed their dogs a healthy diet and could afford to give them a bone”, she says.
“Dogs like chewing things in general; they are natural chewers, but bones, particularly cooked bones, should never be given to your pet. Cooked bones tend to shatter into super sharp shards and pointy bits. These bones tend to collect in their stomachs or intestines, causing blockages, severe constipation, and worst case scenario, your pet may need surgery to remove a bone obstruction.”
She mentions that if you still want to give your dog a bone to chew on while you’re out and about, it needs to be raw and quite large. Like those beef femurs that pet shops sell. However, keep in mind that bone marrow is high in fat, which can also contribute to pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, or a generally upset tummy. Keep bones moderate, or chat with your vet if you’re unsure.
Is it okay to feed pets leftover meats, like from the braai or a roast?
“It depends on the type of meat. So, if it’s lean meat, it should be safe, but generally, it depends on what the meat has been spiced with. Touching back on feeding them garlic and onions, used in many marinades and rubs, even trace amounts aren’t great. Steer clear of that. A tiny amount as a treat shouldn’t cause an upset tummy, but again, this depends on the type of meat, the amount of fat, and the type of seasoning used.”
Grains & carbs
Are grains like rice, pasta, or bread okay to give as scraps?
Micaela tells us, “Rice is excellent. We often recommend plainly cooked rice and chicken breast for pets with upset tummies, because rice is easily digestible. Pasta and bread can be safely eaten, but it isn’t recommended. We need to remember that rice, pasta and bread are sources of carbohydrates and if your pets eat pellet food, they are meeting their daily requirements. So they don’t need excessive carbohydrates. Also, keep in mind that if your pet is struggling with excess weight, giving them carbs is not going to help their weight-loss journey. Steer clear of pastas and breads, but have rice on hand for when it’s needed.”
Spices, seasonings & sauces
What about table scraps with spices or condiments, like chilli, curries, and other seasonings?
“Again, this links with the braai snacks,” she goes on to say, “It depends on the type of spice. We usually recommend no added seasonings to their food, even with chicken and rice. Some people like to add turmeric to their dogs’ food, which can act as an anti-inflammatory in limited amounts. Chilli and curries usually contain onion and garlic, and other spices that could cause an upset tummy or worse.”
Better stay safe and avoid heavily seasoned foods, especially alternative sugars like xylitol. Micaela goes on to state that salt should be limited. Also, be wary of the salt content of foods. Pets enjoy the natural flavours of foods, so you don’t need to add any human condiments.
Human “superfoods” for pets
Are there any human ‘superfoods’ that can benefit pets too?
“Absolutely yes. Turmeric, blueberries, pumpkin, omega oils and sweet potato are great sources of vitamins and minerals for your pets, as they are for us. However, I would stay away from protein powders, especially in cats. You never want to overload your pets with extra proteins or other minerals, which can inadvertently harm their kidneys. Your pet food, especially if it’s a good brand, is designed to be well-balanced. It usually meets their daily requirements of protein, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals.”
If you’d still like to add some healthy goodies to their meal, you can add veggies and water. When it comes to supplements, she suggests discussing them with your vet first to see if it’s something your pet needs.
Signs of trouble
How can an owner tell if a table scrap has caused harm or discomfort? What signs should they look out for?
Micaela says the usual warning signs or symptoms of gastric distress include:
- Excessive drooling
- Flatulence
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive stretching (like going into the praying dog position)
- Tummy gurgles or rumbles
She mentions that, “If this occurs, I would take them to the vet, especially if they’ve been vomiting or have had diarrhoea for at least a day. If your pet shows any signs of gastric upset, I wouldn’t leave it for more than 48 hours because the longer you leave it, the higher the risk of dehydration, especially in small dogs, puppies, kittens, or cats. If your pet is vomiting excessively but not producing stool, it could be caused by a variety of things, but we usually look into a potential obstruction first, which is common.”
Behaviour & long-term risks
Is it better to avoid giving table scraps altogether, even if they’re considered safe? What are the risks of feeding pets from the table regularly?
Micaela is a strong believer in starting good habits early. Feeding them their required pet food and treating them with some table scraps here and there is fine, and can even become a way of bonding with your fur baby. However, if you choose to spoil them excessively by giving them more human foods than their own, they could develop unwanted behaviours.
She mentions that, “We struggle with this quite a lot, where pets refuse normal diets and medications because they’ve been enjoying more treats and human foods. It is very important, in terms of behaviour, to feed your pets their normal food first and add a few snacks here and there. If you feed your pets bad habits, those bad habits will come back to haunt you.”
She also reminds us “to think before giving your pets scraps. Ask yourself whether it’s healthy for them or if it might harm them.”
