sample as they might , most everypetowner will finally yield to the pathetic pleading of their puppy for some table scraps : steak , volaille , pizza . schematic soundness has long said that “ human food ” is n’t just fordogs , that they ’re doing something incorrect , and that thepet foodindustry has word tinned goodness or kibble that ’s best for them .

But concord to a young study , scraps might actually be better for their digestive health than a strictly process diet .

A newspaper publisher late published inScientific Reportstook a close-fitting feel at the role of various dietetical options in a heel ’s digestive health — specifically , if a puppy ’s menu had any influence on whether they would develop the digestive disorder known as chronic enteropathy later on in sprightliness .

Bad dog? Not so fast.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland examined information collected between 2009 and 2019 as part of a dog owner survey dubbed the DogRisk solid food frequence questionnaire . Over 7000 proprietor — and by annex , their dogs — take part in the opinion poll , which collected data about a dog ’s eating drug abuse as well as their health .

Dogs that were report to have eaten human food remnant ( determine as cooked meat , cooked rice , and misrepresent fish ) in their first 18 calendar month were 23 per centum less like to develop enteropathy as adults . Similarly , dogs that corrode a nitty-gritty - based diet with veggie ( defined as rude meat , organ , fish , nut , and applesauce ) were 22 pct less likely to suffer from digestive symptoms like emesis or diarrhea .

Researchers also found an increase likelihood of gut problem when dogs were give rawhide , the chewy treats made from animal skins .

It ’s important to note that although dogs with more remnant and non - refined foods in their diet had fewer abdomen troubles — possibly due to fewer carbohydrates — the study does n’t show a cause - and - effect relationship between the two : favourite owners should always postdate their veterinary ’s guidance when it come to diet and toavoiddishing out foods season for human palates . ( Garlic and onionare toxic to weenie ; butter and other adipose tissue can get stomach worried . ) That said , it ’s looking more like the occasional table dainty is n’t so much a puppy cheater meal as a potential way of improving their gut wellness later on .

[ h / tSmithsonian ]