Our dogs love nothing more than when they get a sneaky bite of our food from the dinner table. However, a lot of people say that you shouldn’t be sharing this food with your pet. The problem is – how can we resist those puppy dog eyes staring back up at u? Well, good news – there is some human food that our pets could actually benefit from. Can cats and dogs eat human food? Let’s find out.
Dr Anne Fraser says that cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are carnivores. What does this mean? Obligate carnivores mean that cats aren’t able to digest plant matter very well and that only a certain amount of their important nutrients needed in their diet are absorbed from animal flesh. What about dogs? Dogs are carnivores through and through. This means that they can digest meat and other foods well and actually thrive on this varied diet.
Dr Anne Fraser says that cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are carnivores. What does this mean? Obligate carnivores mean that cats aren’t able to digest plant matter very well and that only a certain amount of their important nutrients needed in their diet are absorbed from animal flesh. What about dogs? Dogs are carnivores through and through. This means that they can digest meat and other foods well and actually thrive on this varied diet.
She says, “Balancing your pet’s diet is an intricate science that most people do not have time for.” Dr Fraser explains that this is why most people feed pet food to their animals because it has the correct nutrients needed. It is also important to know that what is bad for you is also bad for your pet. This extends to things found in food like artificial colorants, sweeteners, preservatives and flavor enhancers like MSG.
Here is a list of potential foods that you would have in your home to feed your pet. We will list the pros and cons of giving this to your pet and then it’s all up to your discretion as a pet owner.
Cow and Goat’s Milk:
Pro: It provides a good source of calcium which benefits young and frail animals
Con: Your pet could have a lactose intolerance and this could result in them experiencing diarrhoea.
Eggs:
Pro: Eggs are very rich in the highest quality of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Con: If you feed your pet egg whites they can actually block their absorption of vitamin A.
Fish:
Pro: Fish is a very good source of protein for you pet and it also has essential fatty acids.
Con: You need to be very careful about the bones that are found in fish as these could result in a very big vet bill if swallowed. Fish is also high in salt content. Your pet must never be fed raw fish as it blocks their absorption of vitamin B1.
Red Meat (including liver):
Pro: Red meat is a very good source of protein for your pet
Con: You still need to monitor the meat for any sharp bones as well as be careful of the fat and salt content. It is also not recommended to feed raw meat to pets unless you have purchased it from a good butcher. This is because meat may contain parasites.
Chicken:
Pro: Chicken is actually an excellent source of protein. This type of meat is very digestible and tasty for your pets. Vets often recommend this meat when your pet is sick.
Con: Just be careful of any sharp bones so rather feed your pet some chicken breast.
Rice and Grains (including pasta)
Pro: This type of food doesn’t have many allergens which makes it a very good way to improve your pet’s appetite if they have been sick. It is often suggested to mix chicken and rice for your pet when they have been ill.
Con: Beware of starch as it can lead to tooth decay so make sure to brush your pet’s teeth!
Vegetables and Nuts:
Pro: Did you know that pumpkin actually absorbs flavour and is a great filler for dogs who are on a diet? Peanuts are actually also safe for your pets to eat but you just need to monitor the kilojoules. Also be aware of any sugar or xylitol that is found in peanut butter as this is a no no.
Con: Not all nuts are safe for your pet to eat. Please check with your vet what is ok to feed your pet. Some legumes, vegetables and fruits may cause gas in your pet so monitor what they respond well to.
Sugar:
Pro: Glucose provides your pet with an instant source of energy. If you need to get them excited and happy, this is not a bad way to do it.
Con: You must brush your pet’s teeth if they have any sugar as tooth decay could occur.
Oil and Butter:
Pro: These ingredients are good sources of fat-soluble vitamins. They also contain essential fatty acids that will benefit your pet by having them in their diet.
Con: don’t give them too much as it can upset their digestive system and cause other problems like pancreatitis and obesity.
Now you have a list of what you can give your pet and what you should be careful if you are feeding them those items. But, there are also certain things that you pet should never eat.They are:
- Chocolate
- Onion
- Macadamia Nuts
- Grapes
- Alcohol
- Garlic
- Avocado
- Xylitol
It is so important to look after your pet’s diet as this is a big contributor to their overall health. If you are unsure of anything, please consult your vet and ask them what they recommend for your pet.
