In many Asian households, dogs are commonly given table food—usually rice with leftovers from family meals. While this practice may seem practical or even affectionate, it can compromise your dog’s health over time.

Providing proper nutrition is one of the most meaningful ways we show care for our pets. Maxime believes that every meal is a chance to show our love,  with meals thoughtfully chosen to meet the unique needs of each companion. By recognizing the risks of feeding table food and understanding the benefits of a balanced diet, we can make better choices for the well-being of our furry family members.

1. Why Table Food Is Not Enough

Meals that are flavorful and satisfying for us, such as spaghetti, hamburger, or even fried chicken, often contain excessive amounts of salt, oil, or seasoning that are not suitable for dogs. Additionally, certain foods are also toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, and anything containing alcohol, xylitol, or MSG. These items can upset a dog’s digestion and potentially lead to serious health issues.

2. The Impact on Digestion and Appearance

A diet consisting solely of leftovers may not provide consistent nutrition, resulting in frequent stomach upsets, loose stool, excessive gas, or even a dull coat.

Dog food, such as Maxime, is formulated to meet these nutritional needs. With prebiotics for healthy digestion and high-quality proteins for strength and vitality, Maxime helps ensure your pet feels and looks their best each day.

3. Unhealthy Habits and Weight Gain

Feeding table scraps can also encourage begging behavior, making mealtimes more difficult to manage. Even small, frequent bites can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

Veterinary experts recommend that no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories should come from treats or human food. A complete and balanced diet remains the most reliable way to protect their health.

4. The Value of Complete Nutrition

Although some people believe dog food costs more than home-cooked meals, the long-term expenses of poor nutrition—frequent illnesses or veterinary bills—are far greater.

With Maxime, every kibble is crafted to deliver precise nutrition. Ingredients such as omega-3 and 6, prebiotics, and antioxidants support overall health, while Yucca Schidigera helps reduce stool odor. This ensures your dog receives consistent nourishment every day.

5. Choosing What’s Best Is an Act of Love

Feeding a pet involves more than just providing food; it is about ensuring they thrive. With options tailored to every life stage, Maxime offers both variety and assurance. Selecting the right formula for your dog is one of the clearest ways to express love and responsibility.

Making the Transition

Transitioning your dog from table food to dog food takes patience. A gradual 7-day transition is recommended to help your dog’s digestive system to adjust comfortably. Guidance on this process is available on every Maxime bag. It’s important to monitor your dog’s response during this to ensure a smooth and healthy change.

Your dog deserves more than leftovers. Make the switch to better nutrition so you and your pet can #LiveTheBestLifeTogether. Discover Aboitiz Foods’ premium pet food brand, Maxime, by visiting their website at www.maxime.asia/ph 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is it harmful to feed your pet table food?
   Table food often contains ingredients that are too salty, oily, or seasoned for dogs. Some foods can even be toxic, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and foods with xylitol. Over time, this can compromise your dog’s health.
2. What foods are toxic or unsafe for dogs?
   Dogs should avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, alcohol, xylitol, and foods with MSG. Even small amounts can upset their digestion or cause serious health problems.
3. What benefits does a complete and balanced dog food like Maxime provide over human meals?
   Maxime is formulated with prebiotics, high-quality proteins, omega-3 and 6, antioxidants, and added nutrients to support digestion, strength, and overall health — ensuring your dog receives consistent, precise nutrition every day.
4. How does table food affect my dog’s digestion and coat?
   A diet based on leftovers lacks consistent nutrition, which can cause stomach upsets, loose stools, excessive gas, and a dull or unhealthy coat.
5. Can feeding table table food lead to weight gain or other health issues?
   Yes. Frequent bites of human food can increase calorie intake, leading to weight gain and raising the risk of conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.
6. Is dog food really more expensive than table food meals in the long run?
   While dog food may seem costlier upfront, it prevents the long-term costs of poor nutrition, including frequent illnesses and veterinary bills, making it the smarter choice for your pet’s health.
7. Is it necessary to transition my dog from table food to dog food?
   Yes, a gradual 7-day transition is recommended so that your pet’s digestive system adjusts comfortably. Start by mixing small amounts of dog food with their usual meals, slowly increasing the dog food portion while reducing table food.