Feeding From the Table? Let’s Talk Table Scraps and Calories
We hear it all the time:
“It’s just a little bit.”
“They look so sad.”
“Surely one chip won’t hurt?”
But when it comes to pets, table scraps are rarely as harmless as they seem. In fact, for many cats and dogs, a tiny human snack can be the calorie equivalent of an entire extra meal - or more.
Let’s break down why vets are cautious about table scraps, and what those leftovers really mean for your pet’s waistline and health.
🧠 Why Calories Matter More for Pets Than People
Pets are small. Their daily calorie needs are much lower than ours, so even small extras add up fast.
Approximate daily calorie needs:
Small dog (5 kg): ~300–350 kcal/day
Medium dog (15 kg): ~700–900 kcal/day
Large dog (30 kg): ~1,300–1,600 kcal/day
Average adult cat (4–5 kg): ~180–220 kcal/day
Now compare that to common table scraps…
🍟 Common Table Scraps: What They Really Mean
🧀 Cheese
1 small cube (20 g): ~80 kcal
That’s:
~25% of a small dog’s daily calories
~40% of a cat’s entire daily intake
🥓 Bacon
1 rasher: ~120 kcal
That’s:
⅓ of a small dog’s daily calories
More than half of a cat’s daily calories
Plus: extremely high fat → increased risk of pancreatitis, especially in dogs.
🍗 Cooked Chicken (with skin)
Small piece (30 g): ~70–90 kcal
Sounds healthy, but:
Fat + seasoning + bones = digestive upset risk
Easily tips daily calories over the edge
🍞 Bread
½ slice white bread: ~40 kcal
That’s:
~20% of a cat’s daily calories
Nutritionally empty for pets
🍟 Hot Chips / Fries
1 chip: ~15–25 kcal
Just 4–5 chips can equal:
10–15% of a small dog’s daily calories
High salt + fat = not pet-friendly
🧈 Butter or Cooking Fat
1 teaspoon: ~35 kcal
For a cat, that’s nearly 20% of daily calories in one lick.
🐱 Why Cats Are Especially at Risk
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need very specific nutrients in precise amounts. Table scraps can:
Unbalance their diet
Contribute to obesity very quickly
Increase risk of diabetes, arthritis and liver disease
A few “treats” a day can quietly undo a perfectly balanced cat food.
⚠️ It’s Not Just Calories
Table scraps also increase the risk of:
Obesity
Pancreatitis
Gastrointestinal upset
Food intolerances
Begging behaviour (which often escalates)
Some foods are also toxic to pets, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, cooked bones, alcohol and xylitol.
🦴 But They Love It… What Can I Do Instead?
You don’t have to say no to treats - just be smarter about them.
Vet-approved alternatives:
Use part of your pet’s daily food allowance as treats
Plain, cooked lean meat (no seasoning, no skin, tiny portions)
Vet-recommended treats designed for pets
Extra attention, play, or a walk (often just as rewarding!)
A good rule of thumb:
👉 Treats (including scraps) should make up less than 10% of daily calories
🐾 In Summary
That “little bite” off your plate?
Can equal ¼–½ of your pet’s daily calories
Adds up fast over days and weeks
Increases the risk of obesity and long-term health issues
Most vets don’t recommend table scraps - not because we’re mean, but because we see the consequences every day.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is getting too many extras, chat to your vet. A few small changes now can make a big difference to their long-term health.