Can Dogs Eat Table Scraps? Fatty Foods and Risks

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Sharing food feels like love, but table scraps are one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet. The risk is not only toxic ingredients. Rich, fatty food can make dogs seriously ill, and a habit of scraps leads to weight gain and begging.

Why fatty foods are risky

A sudden high-fat meal can trigger pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas. It causes vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy and diarrhea. Severe cases need hospital treatment and can be fatal. Some dogs are more prone, including miniature schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers and overweight dogs. See our guides to pancreatitis in dogs and diet for dogs with pancreatitis.

Foods that cause trouble

• Fat trimmings, skin, drippings and gravy
• Bacon, sausages and fried food
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Cheese and cream sauces. See cheese for dogs
• Pizza, burgers and takeaway food
• Cooked bones. See why cooked bones are dangerous
• Holiday roasts. See turkey for dogs

Toxic ingredients in meals

Many table foods contain ingredients that are dangerous.

• Onions and garlic. See onions and garlic
• Grapes and raisins. See grapes and raisins
• Chocolate. See chocolate toxicity
• Xylitol. See xylitol
• Macadamia nuts. See macadamia nuts
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Salt in large amounts. See salt poisoning

The calorie problem

A small piece of cheese or a slice of ham can be a surprisingly large portion of a small dog's daily calories. Regular scraps add up, leading to obesity, which brings arthritis, diabetes and a shorter life. See dog obesity risks.

The diet balance problem

Scraps dilute a complete and balanced diet. Dogs filling up on table food may eat less of their proper food, and long-term imbalances can result.

Safer foods to share

In small amounts, and plain:

• Cooked lean chicken or turkey without skin or bones
• Carrots, green beans and cucumber. See carrots and green beans
• Plain rice. See rice for dogs
• Small pieces of apple without seeds. See apples
• Plain cooked eggs. See eggs for dogs

Keep to the ten percent treat allowance.

How to stop begging

1. Never feed from the table, since begging is reinforced.
2. Feed your dog before your own meal.
3. Teach a "go to your mat" cue, and reward calm behavior.
4. Use a puzzle toy during family meals.
5. Make sure everyone follows the same rules.

See our guide to healthy dog treats.

If your dog eats a rich meal

Watch for vomiting, abdominal pain, a hunched posture, diarrhea or loss of appetite over the next day or two. Contact your vet promptly if you see them, since pancreatitis needs treatment.

Holidays and parties

Keep an eye on guests, trash cans and low tables. Tell visitors not to feed scraps. Keep a safe treat on hand for your dog.

Using real food in training

If you enjoy sharing human food, use tiny pieces of plain cooked lean meat or vegetables as training rewards, and count them toward your dog's daily allowance. Keep them in a pouch away from the dinner table so they do not feel like scraps. This keeps the habit under your control, and your dog still gets the pleasure of a tasty bite.

When pancreatitis strikes

Signs often begin within one to three days after a fatty meal. A dog may hunch its back, refuse food, vomit repeatedly or have a painful belly. Treatment includes pain relief, fluids and anti-nausea medicine. Dogs that have had pancreatitis once are at higher risk of recurrence, so follow your vet's dietary advice carefully.

The takeaway

Skip the fatty scraps and stick to dog-safe treats. It protects your dog's health and keeps meal times calm.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.