How to Use Leftovers for Your Dogs

Food waste is an issue most of us must resolve. But you can use leftovers for your dogs if you are concerned about food going to waste. However, there are some things you need to know.

Understand What They Can’t Eat

Dogs cannot just eat anything. And many of the foods we enjoy as humans can make dogs very ill or even kill them. Some of the most commonly known poisons to dogs are chocolate, grapes, and alliums (onions, garlic, chives). But there are many blander foods that your dog can eat. For example, cooked and plain potatoes are ok for your dog. But sweet potato dog treats and other foods that have been made safe for your pets are also widely available online and in-store.

Don’t Give Them Too Much

A dog’s diet is just as complex as a human’s. And like humans, it doesn’t do your dog any good to feed them more than they need. This can lead to similar issues that people face, such as obesity and diabetes. First, these will be costly for you to manage. But they will also end your dog’s life prematurely and cause them to suffer. Dogs of certain sizes need different calorie intakes. So consult with your dog’s care provider about how much you need to feed them.

Herbs and Spices Leftovers for Your Dogs

There are herbs and spices with health benefits for you as a human. And research suggests that they can have the same benefits for dogs. But you must be careful when feeding herbs and spices to your dogs. For example, cinnamon is believed to fight certain cancers, and adding a small amount to your dog’s food or feeding them leftovers with cinnamon as an ingredient may have health benefits. But it helps to check which herbs and spices are poisonous for dogs.

Pay Attention to Nutrients

Giving your dog some relatively plain food from your leftovers can be beneficial for their health. But you should only really give them foods that are high in nutrients. For instance, a burger from your local takeout is too high in fat and too low in healthy nutrients for a dog. But some home-cooked lean turkey is perfectly fine. However, all dogs are different. So it helps to keep an eye on your dog after giving them food to see if they are sick to make a note of the intolerance.

Don’t Feed them Directly from the Table

It is fun to feed dogs from the table, and begging is cute, and around half of dog owners do this regularly or occasionally. But it is a bad habit that can be hard to break and can become embarrassing if you have guests. For the best results when feeding your dog some leftovers, always feed them away from the table and never while humans are eating. It also helps to make sure the dog has also eaten their standard dog food before you share what they consider treats.

Summary

Leftovers for your dogs are a great treat for them. Yet you must be careful since some things make them ill. But some herbs and spices are fine. And always feed them away from the table.