Table Scraps
Introduction
DRBC hopes this guide helps you and your dog to a longer, happier, and healthier life. The information presented is meant to be a guide as you look for the proper nutritional program for your pet. The best program begins and remains with your veterinarian. Always include them in your discussion on diet or any other changes to your pets’ lifestyle. Be sure to make that discussion a part of your semiannual veterinary visits.
DRBC has developed a dietary approach aimed at sound health and long life. The building blocks of this program can be found by using the menu below.
In This Section:
Table Scraps: The Big Controversy
Introduction
Our years of the rescue here at DRBC have taught us that when it comes to feeding, two things are controversial: the brand of dog food used and the debate over table scraps. This sheet may have confused the issue by outlining a home-cooked diet, so let’s clear it up once and for all.
There is a golden rule to giving scraps here at DRBC:
There can be no spices, preservatives, grizzle, fat, or bone. Additionally, the food cannot be canned or have been frozen prior to cooking.
As shocking as this seems, it is a good, common-sense approach to scraps. There are a few exceptions, of course, and these should be discussed as well.
Table Scraps
It will not take your doxie long to start begging at the table. Doxies are bottomless pits when it comes to anything edible. They are the only breeds that can eat themselves to death.
The decision to give table scraps is a personal one. We recommend you don’t allow begging while eating. Instead, save a little bite from your plate. Wow, you must have a very bland diet! Dachshunds cannot have spices such as salt, pepper, onions, or garlic. Also, avoid dairy, gravy, or anything fried, and as we mentioned, no bones or grizzle.
One last thing, statements such as: ‘they like it’ or ‘it’s not hurting them’ is not fact-based. What should be said is more along the lines of ‘…hasn’t hurt them yet’. Please think before you indulge your pet from the table.
Safe Scraps
Here are some safe and healthy scraps they might love. They are low calorie, no fat, and have lots of vitamins.
- Carrots [cooked or raw, never canned]
- Tomatoes [fresh]
- Grapefruit [one-half section only]
- Strawberries [no green stem]
Dangerous Scraps
- Grapes, Raisins, Prunes, Plums, and Cherries – May carry a fungus that causes acute renal failure
- Onions, Garlic, or Peppers – These spices can lead to bleeding ulcers
- Bones, any bones – Can lead to GI blockages or perforations
Foods
The following foods can cause an upset in the digestive system, and remember, it is not OK to ‘try’ these out to see if your dog falls into this category; you will both suffer in the long run from the attempt.
- Lamb
- Pork
- Anything Fried
- Eggs
- Milk [includes ice cream and most dairy]
- Chocolate
NOTE: Nutrition is part of the overall wellness plan you should discuss with your veterinarian. The information contained in this website and on this page specifically represents that of the DRBC organization. All of our decisions on a diet are discussed with our veterinarians on a routine basis.