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I try not to let my pup clean the plates too often as I don't want him getting the idea that "plate food" is "his" food. There is no 'ick' factor involved, just trying to keep future begging to a minimum. If he does get to clean any plates, they are put right next to his regular food bowl.

Overall, if we have something that is OK for him to eat, there's a good chance he'll get a tiny bit of it in his bowl at the end of dinner.

First of all, is that your dog? Because, oh my God, it's so cute!

Secondly, yes. We let our dogs lick plates, pots, or platters. However, we only do so after we've brought the plates to the dishwasher. They don't get every single plate, but if there's a platter still filled with brown bits and juice, they definitely get it. We try not to let them beg (although they still do sometimes!), so it's sort of a reward after the meal. That's why we don't give them the plates at the table, but wait until we're at the sink.


These things don't make it any less gross, or any more sanitary, but I feel confident in saying we won't stop letting them lick.

It's funny. One dog, the 10 year old, is a picky eater, and literally spits out the peas he finds in the pasta, but the 2 year old gladly eats every string bean and broccoli crown left!

My cats always try to get to our plates.
Two of my cats LOVE beans.
My boy Mies loves beans, tortillas, cornbread and eggs. Of course, we only give him a nibble of tortilla or beans.

They don't ever fully lick a plate(or rarely), as I cook a lot with garlic and onion and kitties can't eat it.

If youre going to wash them anyway its fine. Its better than having a stranger eat off your plates, dogs mouths have more natural enzymes than humans and have less bacteria in their mouths than humans. They did it on Mythbusters.

Unless a dog ate something gross... ie Coprophagia, then its win win situation.

My dog always 'cleans' the plates, and sometimes even the pots and pans. Like CDC, my dog always gets them in the kitchen away from the table. He will eat darn near anything. Saves me from scraping and rinsing or wasting anything.

No cooked bones and he's sensitive to beef - otherwise just about anything is fair game.

The dog, no. She occasionally gets treats from the table but she's never allowed to lick a plate clean. She's great for cleaning up spills on the kitchen floor, though.

The cats, on the other hand......they will get onto the counter/into the sink if we don't clean up quickly. It's actually a nice incentive to keep things neat.

For the sake of those of us who do think it's ick-- please just don't do this in front of company.

But by all means-- use, I mean indulge, your living vaccuums as you see fit.

My dog usually gets what might hit the ground during prep (raw fruits and veggies), but I won't let my dog do my dirty work. Partly because I worked with a vet long enough to know that there are too many "people foods" that can make a dog sick (well-meaning people who give their dogs pancreatitis--it happens more frequently than you might think). Plus, I'm really cautious about avoiding actions that might cause any bad habits, like expecting plates, begging, or digging through trash. That's just me, though. When friends ask me about it, I tell them to at least try to avoid giving their pets fats, bones (unless they're super hefty joint bones), and the usual--chocolate, onions, tomatoes, grapes, etc.

No. My dog gets the runs when she strays from her diet. It's not easy to pick that stuff up so I keep her off the "people" food. I'm not sure if vegetables are o.k. for dogs but I occasionally feed her green beans and pieces of asparagus which she loves.

I will also admit that I have not yet grown comfortable with allowing people to feed their dogs restaurant food at the restaurant (on the patio.) One example which sticks out in my mind is of a man who who was exchanging bites of meatloaf with his dog.

We give our dog left overs occasionally that are safe for him to eat, however never from our plates or while we are sitting at the table. If he does get something it gets taken into the kitchen first and then put in his bowl.

Not because it grosses me out but because I'm trying to keep his begging curtailed a bit. Its bad enough my fiancee pets him while we're eating dinner.

My dog eats only prepared food, no dog food. It's an actual tested diet for dogs that includes grains, dairy, meat and vegetables. I don't feel I need to give her any scraps from the table because essentially, she's eating the same thing, sort of. She eats better than I do, now that I really think about it!

I also think people need to be careful what scraps they feed their dogs because their systems can't and shouldn't handle everything our system does. Not everything is ok for dogs to eat.

Technically this is all fine and good since everything is cleaned and all and I have to admit I sometimes let my bird clean my plate but still there is this primal thought of "Eeew, remind me never to come to your place, yuck." Still better than cat hair in the food.

No. I love my puppy but not to the point of sharing plates, utensils, pots or pans with her.

We do share dog-safe fruits and vegetables with her; she especially enjoys nectarines, apples, summer and winter squash. These treats are offered either as rewards or go in her bowl for a snack.

Of course, everything in moderation so as not to upset or overload her digestive system.

We definitely let our 2 dogs "clean" the plates, but try to limit the frequency to keep the begging in check.

We also tend not to do this in the company of guests - and the dogs are pretty good about staying in their beds when we eat.

While I'm sure my dog would love to, I can't do it. And not because of the "ick" factor, but because he has a VERY sensitive stomach. I try to limit his consumption of prepared "people" foods, but I will give him bits of banana, carrot and apple after I've finished snacking, or if there's any waste (like an apple core without the seeds/stem). And my husband loves to share a bit of cheese with him from time to time. Thankfully, these are "safe" foods for him and we won't suffer the consequences later!

I'll occasionally let my dogs eat bits that fall on the floor in the kitchen when I'm cooking, depending on the food, but never near the table and never, ever from our plates. There's the whole issue of human food being bad for dogs and I don't want my dogs to get in the habit of begging for food while I'm eating dinner. I love my dogs, but animals near my food is rather disgusting for the same reason dogs licking your face is disgusting. Despite the Mythbusters episode, you have seen where those mouths have been, haven't you?

We don't let our dogs clean the plates, but they do know how to eat off forks and spoons so they often get fork or spoonfed unfinished eats at the end of meals.

I also generally feed our dogs what we're having for dinner, as long as I know it's dog safe. I spoon some into their bowls on top of dry food and they eat when we eat.

I'm passionate about our dogs having a good diet. There is no "issue of human food being bad for dogs", commercial dog food was invented not too long ago, what do you think dogs ate before that?

I feed my dogs extremely high quality dog food, and make many meals and treats for them myself. For those dogs that have sensitive stomachs--try adding some sweet potatoes or pumpkin to their dog food, or make them treats, and always make sure they have fresh water available. I also make them veggie soup when they are sick.

Nothing but the best for my 2 little "girls" who bring me more joy and love than I could ever return.

My dogs are consummate beggars already! So, no plates for them; besides, I cook with onions on a regular basis, a doggie No-No.

However, food dropped on the floor of the kitchen is fair game. My dogs even know my exasperated *gasp* when I accidentally drop something! They've been known to come out of a dead sleep and race toward the kitchen looking for a fallen tidbit.

No food sharing with the dog. However, I don't have any issue with the cleanliness of doing it.

That's an adorable pic.

I don't give my cat the plate because I don't want her to be begging (well, demanding, since she's a cat). I'll give her a little cheese or yogurt now and then, but not from my plate or while I'm eating. She gets her own dish.

Yeah. It's not much, because everybody cleans their plate.

And, I have a bunch of pressed-glass dishes that are used for both cat food and human dessert (admittedly it has caused our cats some confusion, especially with ice cream). The cats don't put anything on the dishes that a little dish soap won't remove. It's not like you're eating from the dish at the same time that the cat does.

Actually, I want to thank you for this post. I didn't know that about dogs and onions! I went and looked it up and I think it's scary that I never knew. So, thanks for the heads up to the posters who put that information above.

(I do feed my animals off the same dishes I eat off of. I wash them between the feedings, so I don't worry! Besides, I know people who are way scarrier to share plates with than my pets.)

I wish I had a pet to clean my plates...(sniff)

I've never let my cat lick the plate clean - mostly because I like my food, and it's usually pretty clean when I'm done with it. But also because I tend to cook a lot with onion and garlic, which is not good for cats. I do give her little pieces of human food every once in awhile, if I know it's safe for her. And I can't resist giving her a little bit of deli meat when I make a sandwich - I try not to reward begging too much, but she's too cute then.

I don't think it is gross. My dog used to lick the plates (when he actually liked what we ate), until he had to start a diet for his allergies.

Huh, didn't know that about dogs and onions - I had a dog that once devoured an entire burrito at once, onions, foil wrapper and all! And here I'd been worried about the foil :)

Yeah. My cat cleans my plates. I'm one of those people who firmly believes that people germs are far worse than dog or cat germs.

I confess, I allow my dog to do this. However, I've seen him try it when company comes over, and I feign being appalled. I'm a horrible person...

Never! between the foods that aren't safe for pet consumption (the onions and garlic that have been mentioned a few times, grapes and raisins, chocolate, avocado, macadamia nuts) and the risk of pancreatitis from any foods that are high in fat it's not worth it. My dog gets the occasional bite of banana or apple in addition to a really high quality pet food. I don't find a dog licking plates gross, just potentially dangerous to the dog.

I admit it! My dogs make a great pre-rinse cycle. But I would never do it in front of guests (assuming I want them to come back, anyway).

I hate when dogs beg for "people" food, so I have never let my dog have any. It's worked so far! We can eat food with her sitting right by us and she is oblivious. I also don't want to risk tummy (aka poop) issues by mixing up her diet!

Personally, I'm not a indoor pet person, so that taints my view a bit. However, I think if you want to do it when nobody is home but your family, as long as you wash everything in hot soapy water, more power to you! Now, if guests are over, no matter whether or not they have pets ('cause nobody knows what each individual pet owner thinks about such things) I think it is extremely rude. I have a friend whose husband always does it when I'm over, and sometimes I'll still be eating my meal and I have to watch the dog slop his tongue all over the plate and listen to the very loud slobbing, snorting and chomping. I honestly lose my appetite at that point and have to refrain from gagging. Whew!

No, never from our plate or from our forks, spoons

they get our leftovers in their own bowl, usually next day, so that they never (well, almost never) beg for food while we are sitting at the table.

I work with bacteria, know all the specifics behind the oral microbiology of dogs and humans - still find it icky and if I am in someone's house and they feed their dogs from the plates, I feel a small shiver up my spine.

Hey, what can I say? I am being honest here... sorry! :-)

wow! never realized what an issue this could be!
personally, i don't give my kitties(or other 's pets) people food. but it doesn't bother me when others give their pets people food.

Telling folks that the dog-germs are fewer in number than people-germs (even if true)- does nothing to lessen the repulsion once it's kicked in.

Guess I'd be another person who has been silently repulsed when I've seen this at a friend's home.

An example that leaves out the beloved pet... I had an old friend who used her largest kitchen food-prep bowls interchangeably as a bucket when washing her apt's kitchen floor.

Once her roomies realized, assuring people she washed the bowls afterward did nothing to make anyone feel good about eating at her place. The standard of cleanliness was hard to erase.

in my world, dogs should not be allowed to eat "people" food while other people are sitting and dining, around the table or otherwise. i feel like it encourages begging, which is annoying and not fun for guests who do not love pets.

aside - a friend of our family had an older Brittany who was allowed to be fed, from a fork (!) and a plate by an honored guest of the evening. Limey (the dog) was perfectly behaved, and would sit and in front of a guest and eat turkey (or whatever cooked dog food was prepared) like a gentleman. no begging, drooling, or ambushing ...

it was lovely!

I'm bad...I let my dog lick the plates. It's gotten so bad, that if I don't let my dog lick the plate, he gets mad and starts barking at me. It's hard to say no to such a cute face.

Most of the time no, because my dog has a sensitive stomach (labrador retriever).

Emma, I did want to say your dog is as cute as can be and how can you refuse such a sweet face.
What an expression!!!!

There is no way I'd let my dog clean my plate. Sugar, dairy, corn...so much of what we eat isn't tolerated well by dog tummies.

My dog is on a grain-free food...the closest I can get a dog's ancestral diet without feeding him raw, which I can't commit to.

Does my dog get a little fresh turkey or a nibble of cheese now and then? Sure. But there is no begging and no expectation on his side that my dinnertime means he is getting food.

yes, my dog is the "pre-wash" cycle. It means less food in the sink when I'm doing dishes.

It never even occurred to me that people might find this repulsive. It doesn't bother me at all. I guess I owe my brother an apology for letting my dog lick my plate while I was at his place for dinner.

I admit that my dog is completely spoiled. I just can't say no to her, I feel too guilty. I try not to look at her when she begs, because as soon as I see that cute pleading face, I cave. I never give her any of the foods that are harmful to dogs though.

Dog licking a plate before it heads into the wash ... fine.

Pack of yappy dogs vying for the best position to lick food from plates after they're loaded into the dishwasher ... odd.

Dog and owner trading bites of meatloaf at table ... horrid.

No people food for dogs (except the occasional peanut butter on a Kong toy)! We feed our pup a high-quality dog food, that he loves. There are too many unsafe foods, and its too easy for dogs to become overweight. Once you start giving them people food, it is a slippery slope. My boyfriend's parents feed their 2 labs EVERYTHING from their plates, and it's disgusting. Even as a guest, if I don't finish what's on my plate, they take it for the dogs (which are usually panting right by the dining room table throughout the meal).
When I was younger, we had a family dog that we had to give away because we were moving out of state. The lady we gave him to 'loved' him so much that she fed him all sorts of people food. Two years after we gave him up, he died because he was overfed people food.

My rule with the pup is that I don't eat his food, and he doesn't eat my food.

That said, he's allowed to pick up whatever's on the floor (chocolate, grapes, etc. excepted), and every once in a while a nibble of turkey or a tater tot mysteriously and independently leaps from the plate to the floor.

Sometimes, I let my dog lick off my plate, also any mixing dish with egg, mashed potato, etc. I also give her a ziploc bag with small slices of gruyere or other treat & let her figure out how to get the stuff out. My husband & I don't always agree on whether this is appropriate.

Of course, my dog's "dog food" is only made with "organic, human-grade" ingredients but she was also a stray, eating roadkill & garbage before we found each other, so whatever I feed her is an improvement.

First of all, I couldn't say no those sweet eyes. What a perfect player. I have cats and they don't like most people food. Except for my male who thinks he's the Lion King and will lick any breakfast eggs left over. Recently he has learned that whenever I get up from the puter with my breakfast at the desk he will abscond a piece of egg or anything worth his effort.

Every now and then they get a little dish of eggs or milk, ice cream, sardines, salmon, steamed fish, chicken left overs. Cats are finicky and that is a blessing.

However, I'm a sucker for dogs and they know it.

I usually give my little pugster scraps of food while I'm making dinner, like carrots, kale, chicpeas, apples and other healthy bits. We usually don't feed her at the table (our food tends to be very spicy and garlicky), but we'll usually mix in some leftover rice into her food for the next couple of days. She also absolutely loves licking the peanut butter jar clean when we've attempted to scrape out the last serving!

"what do you think dogs ate before that?"

They ate meat mostly - dogs are basically wolves - they are carnivores - they are not meant to eat much of the food that humans eat

Violetsrose - Dogs are omnivores and scavengers, after all the breeding and domesticating probably more akin to coyotes than wolves... And what the person meant by "what do you think dogs ate before that?" was that until about 60 years ago and the invention of commercial dog food, domestic dogs ate human food leftovers, and people thought it was very silly to buy special separate food for your pet. Still, in many countries pets or working dogs eat human food leftovers and the pet food industry would be inconceivable for people who barely have access to food for themselves.

That being said, I feed my dog high-quality holistic dog food, but she gets to lick plates (excepting chocolate, raisins, sweets, etc) but I compensate by giving her less kibble so she doesn't get overweight.

I don't let them, but that doesn't mean they don't do it! If I leave my oatmeal on the table for a second, somehow when I come back the bowl is eerily, spotlessly clean. The cat just stares at me innocently.

ange-lune:

Just because dogs WILL eat everything doesn't mean they SHOULD eat everything

See:
http://www.rawfed.com/myths/omnivores.html

It seems that pet-owners have no problem sharing dishes and eating utensils with their pets. As someone who doesn't own a pet, I find it totally disgusting, just as disgusting as finding pet hair in my food. Am I going to say something rude if I'm eating at someone's house and this happens? Probably not, but I may not be able to hide the totally creeped-out look.

I always let my dog clean the plate. I have a chihuahua and I want to live.

I never would let my "babies" lick the plates! I don't even give them table scraps. If they need to take their heartworm pills I might stick the pill in a mozzarella cheese stick -a small piece, or a piece of hot dog.