Should puppies eat only dog food?

[jowak]

My two new golden retriever puppes are 6 mos. old. I have only fed them Iams dog food, but wondered if it is OK to give them any "people food" from time to time -- like treats?

[Dekka]

Your dog will be healthier for some good human food (Iams is really low quality) As long as you dont' feed the obvious (chocolate, grapes, rasins, onions) or things high in sugar or salt.

My guys get left over bits of meat and veggies frequently.

[bubbatd]

Veggies are good ! Start slowly !! Being a Golden lover , would love pictures !

[lizzybeth727]

I agree with Dekka, some "human" foods are very healthy for dogs. I regularly feed plain yogurt (good for digestive system and immune system, especially helpful for dogs who are prone to yeast infections and ear infections); raw veggies such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, etc.; and meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, fish, eggs, etc. Many people feed exclusively "human" food that they prepare themselves, which lowers the risk of food allergies and is usually more healthy (if you know what you're doing).

Foods that are harmful for dogs: chocolate, onions, grapes, rasins. You also want to stay away from foods with a lot of sugar (raw fruits are ok, but candy is not) or salt (one or two potato chips or french fries on a special occasion is ok, but really not healthy).

I think the reason why people get all bent up over feeding "people food" to dogs is because they think it will cause begging at the dinner table. But if you feed the food only in their bowl or as treats, they will not beg for it any more than they will beg for their regular food.

[PoodleMommy]

Armani gets some "people" food almost every day.

Whether he gets some of that nights veggies or a little bit of the meat I am cooking. He gets things (most of the time!) that have no seasoning or sauce of any kind.

I almost always mix it with his regular food, or just put it on a separate dish but where he normally eats, this way he is not expecting food from the table.

[bubbatd]

I've always wet the kibble and it seems so drab without something mixed in !

[lizzybeth727]

Originally Posted by bubbatd

I've always wet the kibble and it seems so drab without something mixed in !

Just be careful - a lot of dogs will "train" you to give them special stuff in their food bowls if you put down plain kibble and they will not eat it. I think it's very important for dogs to learn to eat plain kibble (water mixed in is ok), and not to give them special stuff every meal.

[bubbatd]

Oh I know Ollie would eat it plain !!! Mostly I just add extra fiber .

[Patiencez]

Just be careful - a lot of dogs will "train" you to give them special stuff in their food bowls

this just struck me funny because it is so true.
My Old guy use to love gravy train. most of the time he liked it dry
But On those days he wanted gravy he would bark until it had gravy.

I feed only meat an or veggies as far as people food. Mine did become bums at the table although I did put the leftovers in there bowl.

Now when I give them anything people it is after they have forgot I had Dinner.

[Doberdogs]

I feed my dogs healthy people food in their dog bowls frequently. And are liberal with healthy treats.
I don't reward begging though. You might like this site: Dog Food Reviews - 1 Star Dry Dog Food - Powered by ReviewPost

It rates dog foods. Iams is a 1. Out of 5.