Is It OK to Give My Dog Table Scraps?

It’s hard to resist those pleading eyes at the dinner table. Many dog owners have felt the tug of guilt as their furry friend stares longingly at their plate, hoping for a bite of whatever smells so delicious. But before you slip your dog a few scraps under the table, it’s worth understanding what’s safe, what’s not, and what habits you may be encouraging.

A Little Bland Food Is Usually Fine

The occasional plain piece of food—like unseasoned chicken, rice, or vegetables—generally won’t hurt your dog. In fact, many veterinarians recommend bland foods like boiled chicken and rice when a dog’s stomach is upset. These ingredients are gentle, easy to digest, and free of additives.

However, it’s important to emphasize that moderation is key. Dogs have very different nutritional needs than humans. While small amounts of plain food are usually harmless, too many table scraps—even of healthy foods—can throw off the balance of your dog’s diet. Over time, this can lead to weight gain or nutritional deficiencies.

Why Some Human Foods Can Be Harmful

Dogs aren’t built to process many of the ingredients and additives found in typical human meals. Common items that seem harmless to us can actually make your dog sick or even be toxic.

Some of the most problematic ingredients include:

• Sugar – Found in desserts, sauces, and many processed foods, sugar can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems in dogs.

• Salt – Dogs don’t need much sodium, and too much can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or even sodium poisoning in extreme cases.

• Onions and Garlic – These can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be dangerous.

• Fatty Foods – Things like bacon, fried foods, and rich gravies can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.

• Chocolate, Grapes, Raisins, and Xylitol – These are toxic to dogs and should never be given under any circumstance.

Even if your dog doesn’t show immediate symptoms after eating something off your plate, some ingredients can cause cumulative harm or trigger digestive upset later.

The Behavioral Side: How Table Scraps Can Encourage Begging

Even if your dog tolerates table food physically, there’s another problem to consider—behavior. Giving table scraps, especially directly from your plate or while you’re eating, reinforces begging behavior. Your dog learns that persistence pays off, and before long, mealtime becomes a battle of wills.

Begging can be cute at first, but it quickly becomes frustrating when your dog won’t leave you alone during dinner. It can also make guests uncomfortable or lead to your dog snatching food that might be unsafe.

To prevent this:

• Set clear boundaries – Don’t feed your dog directly from the table. If you want to share safe foods, put them in the dog’s bowl later.

• Be consistent – Everyone in the household should follow the same rules. Mixed messages confuse your dog and make training harder.

• Offer healthy treats instead – If your dog is used to getting something while you eat, give a safe dog treat or chew toy at mealtime to redirect attention.

Healthy Alternatives to Table Scraps

If you want to share a special snack with your dog, there are plenty of safe, dog-friendly options that can satisfy them without risking their health.

Here are a few examples:

• Lean proteins: Boiled chicken, turkey, or lean beef (without seasoning)

• Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, or peas

• Fruits: Blueberries, apple slices (without seeds), or watermelon chunks

These can be given as occasional treats or mixed into your dog’s food for variety. Just make sure to introduce new foods slowly to avoid stomach upset.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy

Feeding your dog table scraps may seem like a way to show love, but the best way to care for your pet is through balanced nutrition and consistency. A high-quality dog food designed for their age and activity level provides everything they need to stay healthy.

If your dog has food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods. They can recommend a safe diet and guide you on what to avoid.

The Bottom Line

While a small piece of plain food here and there won’t hurt most dogs, regularly feeding table scraps can lead to both health and behavioral issues. Many human foods are high in fat, salt, or sugar—things dogs’ bodies simply aren’t meant to handle. And once your dog learns that begging works, it’s hard to break the habit.

If you want to share your love through food, stick to healthy, dog-safe options and reward your pup in moderation. A well-fed, well-trained dog is a happy one—and your dinner will be a lot more peaceful, too.