Here’s how to make sure your pet eats right
Food is an important factor in ensuring the health and well-being of dogs and cats. For this reason it is necessary that guardians take certain precautions to ensure that the animals are fed properly and that all their nutritional needs are met.
However, we know that this is a topic that can generate doubts and even fears among tutors. For this reason we spoke to Dr. Alexandre Pasternak, veterinarian and member of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Dermatology, to clarify some questions. Watch!
1. Is homemade food more beneficial?
Homemade pet food may be an option, but a fair one. “There are specific times to indicate homemade foods for dogs and cats. An example is the elimination diet for trophoallergic dermatitis (allergy food),” comments Dr. Alexandre Pasternak.
A little care when preparing this type of food is important. “The pro of this homemade food is the possibility of using unpublished proteins. The cons are the fact that it is not a balanced food (requires supplementation), as well as spoiling easily and requiring time and skill to prepare,” explains Dr. Alexander Pasternak.
2. Is natural food a good option?
Concern for the environment and the conditions in which animals are raised leads many people to become vegetarians. Therefore, some tutors want to extend this lifestyle to their pet. For this reason, the natural food has been inserted into the daily life of cats and dogs. However, using “green food,” as it’s called, can have its downside.
“My concept of green food is not the best,” says Dr. Alexandre Pasternak, “I believe that dogs and cats should have their particularities respected and, therefore, need proteins of animal origin in their diet. For this reason, I consider the use of feed with a vegetarian appeal a mistake. , the condition and race of yours pet“, emphasizes the vet.
3. Can dogs and cats eat the same food?
When you have more than one species of pet in the house, it is very important to know how to separate the food for each one. It is very common for dogs to be interested in feline food, as it has a greater variety of flavours. However, care is needed! Cat food has more fats in its composition, which can disrupt the digestive system of dogs.
Dogs that eat cat food tend to gain weight quickly and can become obese, which increases their chances of developing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. “Ideally, dogs should only have access to food at feeding time and for a maximum of 15 minutes. Cats, on the other hand, should have food available at all times; ideally, the cats be served in high places, on shelves, for example, somewhere the dog can’t reach,” explains Dr. Alexandre Pasternak.
These two types of Pets they also have special needs. “Because they are different species, they require different levels of nutrients. The cat is a strict carnivore and, therefore, their ration requires more protein, while dogs are omnivores and require a more diverse diet, containing proteins and carbohydrates in their food “, completes the vet.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
