The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Table Food to Pets (And What to Do Instead)

Look, I get it. It’s hard to resist those big, pleading eyes staring up at you from under the dinner table. Whether it’s a dog hoping for a bite of steak or a cat eyeing your chicken, many pet owners have shared a scrap or two without thinking twice. But while it might seem like a harmless treat—or a way to show a little extra love—feeding pets table food can actually do more harm than good.

Here’s why it’s a habit worth breaking.

1. Their Bodies Aren’t Built for Our Food

Pets have very different nutritional needs than we do. The food we eat, even when it’s healthy by human standards, doesn’t always sit well with cats or dogs. A lot of it is too salty, too fatty, or just plain too rich for their systems. Over time, feeding your pet human food can lead to serious nutritional imbalances, which may cause problems with their bones, organs, or metabolism. Not only that, but Pancreatitis is a real and likely threat to your pet that can be caused from human food.

2. Some Foods Are Flat-Out Dangerous

It’s not just about nutrition—some human foods are downright toxic to pets. Here are a few of the worst offenders:

• Chocolate – Toxic to both dogs and cats. Even small amounts can be harmful.

• Onions and garlic – Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

• Grapes and raisins – Linked to sudden kidney failure in dogs.

• Xylitol – A sugar substitute found in gum, candy, and baked goods. It can cause seizures, liver failure, or death in dogs.

• Alcohol and caffeine – Even tiny amounts can be dangerous.

These ingredients can show up in a lot of everyday meals and snacks—sometimes without you realizing it.

3. Weight Gain Is a Real Risk

Even small bites from the table can add up. Most pets don’t need many extra calories, so a few scraps here and there can lead to weight gain over time. And with weight gain comes a long list of health problems: joint pain, heart disease, diabetes, and a shortened lifespan. It’s not just about looks—extra pounds can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life.

4. Bad Habits Start Quickly

Once a pet learns that begging works, good luck un-teaching it. Feeding from the table can encourage all kinds of behaviors you don’t want, like whining, jumping up during meals, or becoming food-aggressive. Some pets even start refusing their regular food because they’re holding out for tastier table scraps.

5. Upset Stomachs and Worse

Cats and dogs have sensitive stomachs. Foods that seem innocent—like cheese, meat with seasoning, or leftover pasta—can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even a condition called pancreatitis, which is painful and potentially life-threatening. Fatty foods are especially risky and should always be avoided.

6. Bones and Leftovers Can Be Dangerous

Giving a dog a bone might seem natural, but cooked bones (especially chicken or pork) can splinter and cause choking, or even tear up your pet’s digestive tract. Leftover skewers, corn cobs, or stringy meat can cause blockages that require emergency surgery.

So, What Can You Give Them?

If you want to treat your pet, there are plenty of safe options. Look for:

• Store-bought treats made for pets

• Plain, cooked meat (with no seasoning or bones)

• Pet-safe fruits and veggies like carrots, apples (no seeds), or green beans

When in doubt, ask your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

We all want to make our pets happy. But the best way to love them is to protect their health—even when it means saying no to those puppy-dog eyes. Table food might feel like a treat, but it’s often more dangerous than it’s worth.

Stick to food made for pets, and save the human meals for the humans.