Can Dogs Eat Table Scraps?
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It’s a classic scenario: you’re finishing dinner and spot your dog giving you that look. The one that says, “Just a little bite, please?” While it may feel like a harmless act of affection, regularly feeding your dog table scraps can lead to a host of health and behaviour issues. From digestive upset to long-term conditions like pancreatitis, your well-meaning gesture could have serious consequences.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about dogs and table scraps - what they can eat, what to avoid, and how to break the habit safely and effectively.
Table of contents
Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps? What Table Scraps Can Dogs Eat Safely? Why Does My Dog Only Eat Table Scraps? How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Table Scraps? Can Table Scraps Make a Dog Sick? Do Table Scraps Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs? Is Feeding Table Scraps Bad for Dog Behaviour? Should Puppies Eat Table Scraps? FAQs About Dogs and Table Scraps
Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps?
It depends - but mostly, no. While a small amount of plain, dog-safe food isn’t usually dangerous, most table scraps are simply not suitable for dogs. Human food tends to be rich in fat, salt, sugar and seasonings, all of which can irritate your dog’s digestive system or worse. Over time, feeding scraps can also encourage picky eating and unhealthy begging habits.
If you’re feeding a complete and balanced dog food like Years, your dog is already getting everything they need-no extras required.
What Table Scraps Can Dogs Eat Safely?
If you really can’t resist giving your dog a taste of what’s on your plate, stick to safe, plain, and unseasoned foods (this includes salt) in small amounts:
- Lean cooked meat – chicken, turkey, or beef (no bones, skin or sauces)
- Steamed veg – carrots, broccoli, peas, green beans
- Cooked rice or pasta – plain, in very small amounts
- Plain potatoes or sweet potatoes – no butter or salt
- Fruits – apple slices, banana, blueberries (no seeds or cores)
These options should only be offered as occasional treats and make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
Why Does My Dog Only Eat Table Scraps?
If your dog is turning down their food and holding out for human leftovers, they’ve likely learned that refusing meals leads to tastier options. It’s not fussiness-it’s smart behaviour. Over time, this can result in nutritional imbalances and behavioural issues, such as food guarding or begging during meals.
However, these benefits are best gained through a varied, balanced diet. Tomatoes should only be offered occasionally, not daily.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Table Scraps?
Breaking the habit takes consistency and patience. Here’s how:
- Establish regular mealtimes and remove the bowl after 20 minutes.
- Stop feeding from the table, even during holidays or family gatherings.
- Teach a firm “leave it” command and reward them for good behaviour.
- Ignore begging behaviour completely-no eye contact or attention.
- Provide high-reward, dog-safe treats to redirect interest.
- Feed a complete, tasty food like Years, so there’s no need to add extras.
Can Table Scraps Make a Dog Sick?
Yes - many table scraps can upset your dog’s stomach or even cause serious illness.
Here are common risks:
- Fatty foods (e.g. bacon, cheese, gravy) can trigger vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
- Toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, raisins, and chocolate can be life-threatening.
- Dairy can cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant dogs.
- High-salt foods can dehydrate your dog and strain their kidneys.
Even a single “treat” from your plate can cause harm, especially in small dogs or those with sensitive stomachs.
Do Table Scraps Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Absolutely - and it’s one of the most common (and dangerous) outcomes of feeding fatty scraps. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by a sudden intake of rich or greasy food.
Common culprits include:
- Fried or fatty meats
- Buttery dishes or creamy sauces
- Excess cheese or high-fat dairy
- Scraps soaked in oils or gravy
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, belly pain, and loss of appetite. If you notice these signs after a fatty meal, see a vet straight away-pancreatitis can become life-threatening quickly.
Is Feeding Table Scraps Bad for Dog Behaviour?
Yes - regularly offering table scraps can cause or worsen behavioural issues, including:
- Persistent begging
- Food guarding or aggression
- Ignoring their regular meals
- Obesity-related lethargy or irritability
Feeding from the table blurs the line between mealtime and treat time. It can make training more difficult and lead to a dog that’s constantly scrounging for more.
Should Puppies Eat Table Scraps?
No - puppies have very specific nutritional needs while they grow, and table scraps don’t offer the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and calories. Feeding human food can lead to nutrient imbalances and even stunt development. Stick to a puppy-formulated complete food, and avoid scraps altogether during this vital growth stage
Summary
Feeding your dog table scraps may seem harmless-or even loving-but it often leads to more harm than good. Scraps can contribute to digestive upset, encourage bad behaviour, and increase the risk of conditions like obesity and pancreatitis.
By sticking to a complete, properly balanced food like Years, you ensure your dog gets everything they need-without the hidden risks. And if you want to treat them? Choose healthy, dog-safe options instead.
Try a Years trial box today and discover a fresh way to feed your dog-one that supports their health, happiness, and longevity. Because healthier dogs mean more years together.
FAQs About Dogs and Table Scraps
Can dogs eat leftovers from dinner?
Only if the ingredients are dog-safe, plain and free from salt, onions, garlic, or sauces-and only in small amounts.
What human food is toxic to dogs?
Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are all toxic.
Are bones from meat safe for dogs?
Never give cooked bones-they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries. Raw bones can be safer, but only under veterinary guidance.
How much table food is too much for dogs?
Human food should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily intake - ideally less.
What’s a good alternative to table scraps?
Look for air-dried treats, single-protein chews, or freeze-dried training bites that are designed for canine digestion.
