Proper nutrition for pets is essential for their health, energy, and long life.
However, many owners, even the most careful ones, unknowingly make mistakes that can affect the well-being of their dogs or cats.
Five most common mistakes when feeding pets and tips on how to avoid them:
They eat leftovers from the table.
Although it's hard to ignore the look on a dog's face begging for a bite, most of the leftovers from our plate can do him more harm than good.
Salty, spicy or fatty foods can cause digestive upset, and some foods, such as onions, garlic, grapes or chocolate, are very toxic to them.
Stick to food formulated for dogs or cats. If you really want to reward your pet, choose safe options like pieces of cooked, unseasoned meat or specialty treats from the pet store.
Wrong ratio and quantity of food
One of the most common mistakes is overfeeding. Obesity in dogs and cats is becoming an increasingly common problem and is linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and joint disease.
Follow the recommended amounts on the food packaging, adjusted for your pet's weight, age and activity level. It is best to consult with a veterinarian who can assess your pet's ideal needs.
Monotonous or inadequate diet
Some owners find that it is enough to always offer their dog or cat the same food.
However, if the diet is not balanced, nutritional deficiencies can occur.
Check the label – a quality food should contain all the necessary nutrients. For variety, periodically change the type of protein (turkey, lamb, fish) within the same food line.
Ignoring special dietary needs
Younger, older, sterilized or sick pets have different needs. Giving everyone a standard diet can have negative consequences, reports Indeks.
Choose a food specifically tailored to your pet's age, health, and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can also recommend a special diet when necessary.
Excessive use of sweets
Treats are a great training tool, but it's easy to overdo it. Even healthy treats add calories that need to be counted towards your total daily intake.
Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake. Instead, you can use a portion of their daily dry food as a reward.
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