A dog definitely will not get a balanced diet eating only table scraps. There is nothing wrong with giving a bit of carrot or a small piece of apple or a slice of hot dog as a reward for having done something you requested. But these are earned treats, not free handouts for whatever reason. They should not replace a bowl of good dog food.

Any of the leading quality dog foods on the market today can give your dog a balanced diet. Veggies and other table scraps will not harm your dog, but they are "people food"--a palatable diet, but nutritionally poor. Use table scraps judiciously.

Author(s): McLennan, Bardi
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: July 1996