Should I feed my pet people food? – YES!
The powerful pet food industry promotes a discouraging view of dogs and cats being fed human food. TV commercials shamelessly show healthy dogs jumping through the air (apparently elated at getting the perfect kibble) and an entire aisle at the grocery store is devoted to sacks of food with beautiful pictures of steak, eggs and carrots… Yum! Unfortunately, the label doesn’t depict what’s really in the bag.
Some veterinary professionals are standing by their old lines. “Don’t feed people food,” they warn. “You’ll create a monster at the table!” or “You could poison your pet!” The FDA governs labeling laws while the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines the ingredients in your pet’s food. With the FDA protecting humans and AAFCO working to unify the feed industry, neither are really advocates for your pet.
Processed pet foods have been linked to multiple medical problems including allergies, kidney disorders, urinary issues and even gastric dilation volvulus. (Bloat)
Adding fresh and nutritious food to your pets’ diet helps them live longer, healthier lives. Even veterinary specialty diets can have fresh food added – check for which ingredients should be avoided.
Feeding a 100% homemade diet has gotten great results however requires additional supplements. Consult with a pet nutrition professional before making such a drastic change.
What you can do:
- Choose a quality pet food. Especially avoid meat meal (rendered animals), corn, BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin. Labeling laws allow pet food manufacturers to get creative so check the Internet for what others are saying about the food you have chosen. Most people are surprised to find that the biggest brand names can have the worst rated foods.
- Add some fresh food to your pets existing diet. Keep it easy. Prepare several days worth and have it in the refrigerator for use at feeding time. Dietary changes should be made gradually.
Some suggestions:
- A spoonful of fresh organic vegetables like chopped carrot and broccoli.
- Small amount of pumpkin (no sugar) or brown rice. (Good source of fiber)
- 1 or 2 spoonfuls of cooked chicken, turkey or low fat beef. Add a few drops of low sodium tamari sauce. No bones, no skin, no pepper. They’ll love it!
- Avoid overfeeding by decreasing the amount of kibble by the amount of supplemented fresh food.
Caution! – Toxic
Avoid Chocolate · Raisins · Grapes · Onions · Moldy foods · Macadamia nuts.
Avoid raw fish from the Pacific Northwest. It can transmit SPD. (Salmon Poisoning Disease.)
Provided by:
The Cheerful Vet