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We all know at least one family that feeds their dog from the table--anything and everything that is left on the plates. This practice, however, may not meet your dog's unique nutritional needs, and therefore could lead to health problems.



In researching this topic, I found many different opinions. In some areas, both opinions seem to be on solid ground; you should get your veterinarian's opinion, when in doubt. For now, I'll share some of the commonly agreed upon, safe and nutritious foods that we can share with our pups--occasionally. That's the key word. Likewise, I'll toss in a few safety issues that you should know about.


It is generally agreed that low fat cuts of fully cooked meats can be shared in small nibbles--a bite or two--with your dog. Try to avoid fatty foods that may upset their digestive system, or add weight to their smaller frames. Just like with humans, being overweight can add risk to health, so consider this when sharing "snacks" with Fido.


Most vegetables, both cooked and raw, are safe for dogs. Important also is that these are low in fat and high in fiber. Most popular are broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, peas, and beans. Onions and garlic can cause anemia, and are not recommended.


Not far from my home is a training facility for Canine Companions (assistant dogs for the disabled). Because it is local, many people in my area volunteer there, or act as puppy trainers by fostering a young trainee. I have heard from these volunteers that a frequent afternoon snack that gives the pups an energy boost, is a raw carrot. These are working dogs, of course, so they burn more calories than our typical house pets, as they spend countless hours training and practicing their skills.


I have begun using an occasional carrot snack with Oliver and Tanner, much to their delight. Xena, perhaps because she was not introduced to this food at a younger age, has not had an interest. The two younger ones, however, become quite eager when they see the juice-carrot bag come out of the the refrigerator.


I am careful to choose appropriate sizes for my two pups (one 9 pounds and the other 58 pounds), and I do peel and trim off the stem area, to prevent choking. This is a big favorite at my house, as an occasional snack, and particularly good on those days when we have a lot of physical activity planned. Then I know the extra sugar that carrots contain will be metabolized easily.


Fruits certainly have their varying safety issues, according to different authorities. Of most importance, you should know that grapes and raisins can be quite toxic to your dog, when eaten in large enough portions.



Apples and watermelon appear to be the most common healthy choices, but bananas are recommended, as well. Tanner and Oliver do enjoy apples, but I am careful to peel them to avoid a choking hazard.


Raw meats and bones, while seemingly a natural part of our dogs' ancestors' diets, can have bacteria, cysts and other unhealthy dangers. Unless you work with your vet and a conscientious, reputable butcher, raw meat diets are not often approved by veterinarians. There are exceptions, of course; I would advise you to be extremely careful to check out your source.


Rice and pasta, added to your pets food, can often add bulk when stools are loose, helping to bring things back to normal.


Lowfat cheeses are enjoyed by most dogs and can be given occasionally in VERY small amounts.


Chocolate is a big No No for all dogs. A chemical present in chocolate is quite toxic, when ingested in large enough quantities. Keep all chocolate out of reach of your dogs.


Even cooked bones often involve a choking or splintering hazard and should be avoided for your dog's safety, unless very large and well-cooked. Be sure to remove the bone when your dog begins to EAT the bone; it should be offered only as a "chew toy".


For more detailed information, check out this chart at Drs. Foster and Smith, which includes many more foods that may be found around your home. Also, this article at the American Kennel Club site is quite informational.


Sources: Dog Age, Drs. Foster and Smith

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Wow. When we heard about this dog treat recipe, we couldn’t wait to try! Apparently, Brewer’s yeast is a natural flea remedy and while you should always talk with your vet about fleas and use an appropriate flea prevention method, we wanted to test out this yummy treat recipe and see if our pooch loved it and if it maybe kept some fleas at bay. We’ll see soon enough

Flea-B-Gone Biscuits
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and salt together. Add oil. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock to the flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes or other fun dog treat shapes. Then, place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer to harden and cool. Remove from oven and let cool fully. Store in an airtight container.

PetSmart has extended a voluntary recall on beef hoof treats to include a total of 14 products, all manufactured by Pet Carousel, Inc. in Sanger, Calif.

The FDA issued a warning about the treats last week. PetSmart, in addition to adding to the list of products under the voluntary recall, has expanded the date range for purchasing affected products to a three month period — Sept. 1, 2009 to November 6, 2009.

PetSmart announced it was voluntarily recalling two Dentley’s beef hoof products on November 3, 2009, after learning they may have been contaminated with Salmonella during the manufacturing process (Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hooves and Dentley’s Choobles 10-Pack Beef Hooves).

Twelve additional products have since been added to the voluntary recall, according to a press release. Keep reading for the full list.

The list of recalled products includes the following items: DENTLEY’S BULK CATTLE HOOF, DENTLEY’S CHOOBLES 10-PACK BEEF HOOVES, CHOO-HOOVES STUFFED WITH CHEESE-BACON, CHOO-HOOVES STUFFED WITH PEANUT BUTTER, FLOSSY CHEWS CHOO-HOOVE ROPER TWO-HOOVES, FLOSSY CHEWS ROPER BONE BUDDY. FLOSSY CHEWS BEEF BONES WITH ROPE TOY, FLOSSY CHEWS WHITE BONE ROPE, KNUCKLE STEAKS 2-PACK, CHOO-HOOVES DOG CHEWS 3-PACK, 3-PACK SMOKED HOOVES, 5-LB COW HOOVES, 5-LB. SMOKIES – HOOVES, 60-PIECES SMOKED HOOVES.

Customers who purchased the recalled products should discontinue use immediately and return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange.