PUDGY POOCHES and FAT CATS Are you killing your pet with kindness?
How can you resist those adoring eyes your dog gives you when you’re eating something that smells yummy to him? Surely one piece of pizza wouldn’t hurt or a small piece of that delicious cake you’re eating?
It’s hard to resist giving our pets a naughty little treat sometimes and from time to time that’s ok but when your pet becomes overweight and even obese, just like us, it creates the same problems we develop, especially if they are eating a high-fat diet.
Being overfed puts stress on your pet’s vital organs and joints and can potentially cause heart problems, pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease, liver and renal issues, joint problems and generally shortens their lifespan.
More and more veterinary clinics are seeing smaller dogs waddle into their clinics not only with an increase in serious health issues but are also seriously overweight. There can be several reasons; overfed, a high-fat diet, or lack of exercise. Or all three.
So, what should you feed your pet and how often? To have a proper answer to this question you would need to consult your vet about your dog or cat’s health and what diet they should be on. How much a pet should eat, depends on a lot of things including how much exercise they get, their breed, size and any health issues that might require special dietary requirements, especially if it is a mature animal. Overweight cats especially have an increased risk of urinary tract and renal problems.
There are two streams of thought on what types of food to give pets. One is a good quality dry kibble only diet, while others suggest combining a blend of dry food perhaps for breakfast and a cooked meal in the evening. Dogs can quite happily eat fresh cooked vegetables mixed with a little bit of lean cooked meat and if you like to give your pet cooked chicken, ensure it’s boneless and skinless. A piece of cooked fish mixed with vegetables is another great source of protein from time to time but mind the fish bones! Canned Tuna or sardines are ok but only in brine. Boiled pumpkin is especially good for older dogs who have problems pooping and is a great way to keep them smiling. Just boil it up and mix it with some other vegetables, or a small piece of lean meat. Dogs love it! Once again, it's important for any pet to have a nutritionally balanced diet.
Just a REMINDER never give your pet any of the following, no matter how much they beg you:
NO chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes or raisins, liver, macadamia nuts and never give cat food to a dog. NO raw meat, chicken or fish for risk of salmonella. NO milk to either dogs or cats as they are lactose intolerant.
Our pets don’t often have a choice of what they are given to eat so if in doubt ask your vet.
By Jacquie Kennedy Learn about the GOLDEN HEARTS Senior Pet Support Program Visit: www.awlqld.com.au/golden-hearts Animal Welfare League QLD