Feeding Pets Leftovers: The Do’s and Don’ts

We love a good feed in Aotearoa whether it’s a roast, a sneaky sausage sizzle, or a hearty stew. And let’s be real… the moment you sit down to eat, your pets suddenly become professional beggars. But here’s the thing: not every scrap is safe for your furry (or feathery) mates. So, should you be sharing your leftovers? Let’s break it down.

The Foods You Should Never Share

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s cover the big red flags. Some “treats” can make pets seriously sick — even in tiny amounts. Keep these off the menu, no matter how hard those puppy-dog eyes work on you:

• Chocolate, coffee, or alcohol
• Onions, garlic, leeks (and anything cooked with them)
• Grapes, raisins, sultanas
• Cooked bones that can splinter
• Rich, fatty foods or mouldy leftovers
• Dairy (some pets are lactose-intolerant)

If your pet does a cheeky fridge raid and eats something dodgy, call your vet right away. Better safe than sorry.

What’s Okay in Small Tastes

Not all table scraps are trouble! Some plain, simple foods can be safe as the occasional nibble:

• Cooked chicken (skin and seasoning removed)
• Steamed pumpkin or kūmara
• Carrot sticks and green beans
• Small apple pieces (no seeds!)
• A boiled egg here and there

Remember: these are extras, not full meals. For everyday nutrition, stick with complete and balanced options like dog food or cat food from trusted brands.

What About Birds, Bunnies, and Friends?

Got a cockatiel eyeing your toast? Or a bunny sniffing around your leftovers? Sorry pals, scraps aren’t a good idea here. Birds and small pets have very specific diets and the wrong food can be harmful.

Instead, treat them right with:

• Bird seed mixes and cuttlebones for calcium
• Rabbit pellets and fresh leafy greens
• finitely skip avocado, chocolate, and salty snacks — those are a hard no.

Smarter Treating (That Doesn’t Involve Your Plate)

Instead of playing food roulette with human leftovers, why not spoil your pets with goodies made for them?

• Natural dog treats for chewing and training
• Cat treats for rewarding good behaviour
• Interactive toys that keep pets entertained without the calories
• Pet health supplements for shiny coats, happy joints, and healthy tummies

And let’s be honest, a game of fetch, a cuddle session, or a new toy can mean way more to your pet than half a chip from your plate.

Top Feeding Tips for Kiwi Kitchens

If you really can’t resist giving your pet a tiny taste of leftovers, keep these golden rules in mind:

• Skip sauces, bones, and spices
• Think tiny — especially for small breeds
• Introduce new foods slowly
• Don’t let scraps replace their real meals
• Store both leftovers and pet food in airtight containers to keep things fresh

The Final Scoop

A little bite of pumpkin or chicken now and then? Fine. Half your lasagne? Big mistake. Pets do best on food made just for them, with the occasional safe snack as a bonus. When in doubt, skip the scraps and grab something from our treats range instead.

Check out the full selection of cat food, dog food, and pet treats at Pets Warehouse NZ — and make mealtimes both safe and delicious. Plus, our AutoDeliver makes sure you never run out of the good stuff.