Q:  Why is it bad to give my pet table scraps?  He/she really likes them.

A:  Your pet's diet should be less than 5% people food.  Dogs are used to a very bland diet.  Definite no-nos are:

a)  Real bones - not even the beef ones.  There is the possibility that any bone could splinter and perforate intestines, or even cause impaction; leading to surgery, hospitalization, or even death.  Some people may get away with feeding their dogs bones for years.  We call this "Russian Roulette."

b)  Foods high in fat - like chicken skins or steak trimmings.  Fat will upset the pancreas, potentially causing hospitalization or even death.  Once the pancreas has had a problem, it will usually have future episodes also.

c)  Spicy foods - same potential for pancreatitis.

d)  Definitely no BBQ!

e)  Pork products have been known to cause projectile vomiting, although pig ears are usually okay.

f)  Chocolate - can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially cardiac problems.

In summary, "if it tastes good, don't give it to him."  Fresh vegetables, air popped popcorn (although pets can potentially choke on this), and crackers are okay in moderation.