I would think that most veterinary professionals would put forth a strict NO PEOPLE FOOD line. It was surprising to hear my own vet say that sharing food from the table is actually necessary once in a while.
This is not to say that your pet should be gulping down your dinner from your plate! But sharing food from the table is a way to reinforce the pack dynamics, and make your pet feel like a part of the family. You, the alpha in the family, shares with the lower members of the pack. Including the dog.
When we first adopted Becca, my parents’ dog, the vet advised us to take turns preparing her dinner. That way, she would see all of us (me, my parents, and my brother) as being higher in the pack because we are providing the food. Sharing the occasional bite from the family table has the same effect.
The vet gave us a list of people treats that are okay for your dog to share. Lots of veggies are perfectly fine for your puppy. Carrots and lettuce are good choices. My dogs happen to like their carrots cooked. They also like string beans. Then again, Miko used to like stir fried bok choi. You should NOT give your dog or cat onions – they can cause a form of anemia that can be lethal.
Apples are a great treat for dogs. A nice juicy piece of melon might be a nice summer treat! (Avoid grapes and raisins, in addition to being a choking hazard, it’s recently been found that they can lead to renal failure.)
Don’t feel like you have to share with your dog all the time. But once in a while, a little tidbit from the table reminds your pet that they are an important part of the family.