Those who have cats/dogs that beg for food while you're eating: Are you nice to them and give them food?

Yes, my parents don't let them but the dog (maltese named pookie) always seems to be under the table when we are eating. Occasionally i slip a piece of food under when no ones looking. I mean its so sad when he begs and puts her front paws on my leg (my leg only) She know no one else with give her food so she counts on me.

Yes, I sometimes give my dog food I'm eating. My cats usually thumb their noses at it. But be careful what you give your pets. Some people food isn't good for them. Ham for instance has too much salt and might make them sick. Processed food that we eat might not be good for them. Julia has a good answer!

They say you are not supposed to feed an animal when it begs at the table..i am a sucker and give my cats basically whatever they want and wherever they want it as long as it is safe for them.

Sometimes i offer them what they are begging for and they dont even want it then they walk away and leave me alone...lol.

Just to add animals need the cat and dog food for vitamins and minerals that are essential to them,,for eyes and bones that people food doesn't have.

I have to agree and DISagree with you.

"People food" should be only a TREAT and NOT the main part of their diets. A well-balanced, commercially available cat/dog food is essential for a HEALTHY animal. Just because a cat/dog begs for the food is it GOOD for them to have!

Me... kittyslave23... I know my place.

Human food isn't really good for animals. They can't have to much of some things. give it to them one in a while and don't let them beg. Then they get use to it and will do it more and more and expect you to do that thing every time they beg. Trust me. My cat now sits in his "eating spot" and sits there until I give him can food EVERY morning.

I don't encourage begging. Not only is it not healthy for her to be eating processed and seasoned food meant for humans and could give her stomach upset, but if she begged at someone else's plate, she might get slapped away. To me, neither of those are being nice.

@ BunnuvaSitch - I accidentally gave you a thumbs down when I meant to give you a thumbs up. Sorry, my touchpad was being touchy : (

I'm nice to my cats by teaching them they are not allowed near enough to the dining table while I'm eating that they could beg. I'm nice to my cats by not rewarding them for undesirable behavior. I'm also nice to my cats by spending a lot of time standing around in pet stores reading cat food labels to find them higher quality foods that give them superior health, energy level, and coat condition. Furthermore I am nice to my cats by occasionally giving them fresh cooked (unseasoned) meats such as turkey and beef, putting the treats in their dishes.

nope. thats rude behavior and not tolerated at my table.

My pets get thier own food and treats and I don't beg them for some of theirs.

Besides, human food gives dogs the worst breath and is not good for them at all.

Of course cat and dog food isn';t the same quality as human food. Its not for humans.

Many human foods are deadly to a pet. Do you happen to know which ones or do you just allow your pet to randomly eat any good quality human food regardless if its dangerous for them or not??

I don't reward my dogs for begging. They get the scraps in their crate bowls if they went the entire meal without begging. If they do beg, they don't get the treats.

Our cats are the same way, if they behave and are quiet, they'll get tasty tidbits. Otherwise, it's like giving a child candy everytime s/he throws a hissy fit. They learn that acting badly gets them what they want.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements than humans do, hence "dog food" and "cat food".

No, I do not encourage begging from any of my pets. I only give treats when my animals are behaving, not sticking their noses in my plate.

I'm curious as to why you associate "people food" with being "nice"??