What to feed dog?

Why do so many people feel that table food is bad for dogs? If the owner prepares the food and there are no bones or anything to choke the dog, is that ok? Some dogs won't go near the prepackaged or canned dog foods. I had one dog who would have starved herself to death if I didn't give her table food. What do most people feed their dogs, especially since the tainted pet food problem a few months ago, and if you do feed your dog table food, what ingredients do you use to make it tasty?