Eating people food

J

jaydawg

Forums Novice
Katie is almost 5 months. My mother and I promised ourselves we would not feed her people food, as she had done with the previous 3 family shelties. However - my mom is 82 and can't interact with the puppy the way she would like (playing on the floor, etc.) so she has resorted to letting puppy get in her lap and feeding her tidbits of whatever. We are careful not to give her chocolate or other harmful foods. Is this really terrible? Should I put my foot down, or just watch Katie's weight and make sure she does not get overweight?
 
Watch what she is given and include it in her daily caloric intake. I know the feeling - I have it with my Dad feeding the dogs.
 
I think it is okay as long as it is not excessive. You may want to explain to your mom that just a tiny taste is more than enough for a dog. They don't know the difference between a tiny piece and a huge piece.
 
As long as you figure what they are getting from your mom into their daily food intake, and are watching that what are given isn't dangerous (chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, onion, for example) they should be fine.

If you'd rather them not get table food at all, buy a special dog treat that ONLY your mom gives them. You can put a small bag together for any place she sits so she always has a treat on hand. This may be a good compromise between her treating the dogs and not giving them table food.
 
I agree with the others... as long as you make sure the people food is safe for dogs, and you adjust the pup's other food and treats to compensate, it should be fine. And dogs really don't know the difference between a big piece and a small piece. Mine certainly doesn't.

I really like Silaria's suggestion of a special dog treat that only your mother gives. Of course, then you will still have to watch the calories and adjust the food to compensate, but at least you'd know the snacks were definitely dog-friendly. :)
 
Silaria said:
If you'd rather them not get table food at all, buy a special dog treat that ONLY your mom gives them. You can put a small bag together for any place she sits so she always has a treat on hand. This may be a good compromise between her treating the dogs and not giving them table food.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about this too. What about making a baggie every day with little pieces or boiled chicken, carrots, cheerios or whatever you want?

This way you know exactly what your mom is feeding your dog and you can regulate the amount as well.
 
I agree! Have treats that are good ready for her to give to the pup. I keep boiled chicken pieces handy. That way I can give Miss Sadie little bites and she doesn't have to watch us eat in front of her. They can make the most pitiful looks when you eat in front of them. Or we just feel they are pitiful looks :lol:
 
What everyone has said its perfect and very creative! I just had to add by saying how sweet and cute it is that Katie gets up on your 80 y/o mothers lap, how precious is that :winkgrin:
 
The only objection I would have, apart from what others have already raised (i.e. in what is being fed) is that you really don't want the dog in the habit of begging at the table.

My dogs don't do it at home, but somehow, they got into the habit while at the cottage each weekend. I'm going to blame my spouse! No meal can be completed without a snout either on your lap or poking at you!
 
There is a difference between people food and dog food?

If your mother is feeding her whole, healthy foods (meats, veggies, eggs) and not pizza, hot pockets, and beer, then it's all good. I personally don't want my dogs being fed from my plate, because they learn to beg, but if you can live with it, then fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top