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While you’re enjoying a heaping plate of lasagna or steak and potatoes, it’s tempting to want to sneak your furry friend a bite to eat. But while those puppy eyes are hard to resist, giving in to your pet’s pleas will do more harm than good. The expert veterinarians from Animal Medical Center in Foley, AL, Dr. John Heilmeier and Dr. Kasey Singley are here to explain why.

animal clinicWhether you’re enjoying a slice of pizza or bowl of beef stew, think twice before giving your pet a bite. You may think that a bite or two is no big deal, but it definitely is for your pet, who will never forget you did this. By sneaking dogs a bite to eat, even rarely, you teach them to continue to seek more treats—even when dinner guests are over. Plus, your dog may begin rejecting the pet bowl in favor of your juicier, more flavorful table scraps. This can also cause your dog to gain weight that leads to health issues like diabetes

You may think that giving your dog a bite of fried chicken is okay, but it’s coated in oil and fat that your dog isn’t used to. Oils and fats are found on American plates everywhere and can be dangerous to your pet’s health, potentially leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. They also tack on plenty of empty calories. Other foods frequently found in human meals, such as onions, grapes, cooked bones, fruit pits, chocolate, walnuts, and raisins, are unsafe for dogs to eat. Keep them away from your pooch at all costs. If your pet accidentally consumes one of these foods, visit your veterinarian right away. 

If you feel like treating your pet while keeping him or her healthy, by all means—go ahead! Put together a meal containing pet-friendly foods like rice, eggs, carrots, cheese, peanut butter, roasted or grilled chicken, salmon, green beans, or bananas. Yum! 

To keep your pet eating healthily and living well, visit Foley’s top veterinarians. Schedule an appointment at Animal Medical Center today by calling (251) 955-5900 today. For more information about services, including pet adoption and boarding, visit the animal clinic’s website

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