Hold the Fries: Don’t Feed Table Scraps

One little french fry may seem pretty harmless when your dog gives you that pleading look that makes her seem like she’s starving. But one will probably lead to another. And another. Before long, an obese dog will be crowding you off the love seat.

A steady diet of table scraps can create a nutritional imbalance, and certain ingredients and spices in your favorite dishes can cause upset stomach in dogs. Other foods have toxic effects. And remember: There is room for only one alpha dog in your house, and that’s you. Allowing a dog to beg at the table undermines your status as pack leader, which may result in training and behavior challenges. Resist your begging buddy.

Your entire household must be committed to your dog’s feeding regimen. If there’s a weak link for a handout in your family, your dog will find it and exploit it, thus undoing the good you are trying to do. Keeping a dog trim takes a conscious effort from the whole team.