One of the scenes that is most repeated in homes where pets and people live together. It is the inevitable temptation to share “human” food with dogs and cats.
According to the criteria of
Although this action may seem harmless, it is important to consider that even small modifications to the diet can pose risks to the health and well-being of the animals.
Among the most common are vomiting, diarrhea, poor skin quality, dental fractures, choking on bones, obesity, diabetes, and even poisoning or poisoning.
However, it’s not all bad news. There are some foods that dogs and cats can consume without putting their health at risk, including some fruits and vegetables.
“Both fruits and vegetables can become part of the regular diet of dogs and cats; it all comes down to following a balanced diet. Definitely, the key is knowing which ones are the most appropriate and, also, taking into account the amount and the frequency of administration,” explains Ximena Giraldo, pet nutrition specialist.
pet food
Share
Benefits of fruits and vegetables
Source of essential nutrients: Although concentrated foods on the market are designed to offer all the nutrients that dogs and cats need, fruits and vegetables can provide additional benefits to pets’ diet.
Vitamins A, C y E are present in vegetables green leavescarrots, citrus fruits, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli and nuts such as sunflower seeds. Potassium is also found in bananas and watermelon, iron in spinach, lycopene in tomatoes and paprika, and beta-carotene in carrots and pumpkin.
“These ingredients help strengthen the immune system, the health of the senses such as sight, smell and hearing, the quality of the skin and hair, as well as the function of the nervous system, bones and muscles”says Ximena Giraldo.
Share
They improve digestion: Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber that helps improve and regulate intestinal transit, avoiding problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
“Ingredients such as pumpkin, apple (without seeds or core), carrot, papaya (without seeds) or blueberries, are rich in fiber and pets also love them,” adds Giraldo.
Hydration: “Some pets do not consume the amount of water they need daily; therefore, it is important to offer them foods rich in water,” says the specialist.
These foods include watermelon (seedless), pineapple, strawberries, cucumber and lettuce.
“It is essential to remember that these fruits or vegetables do not replace the regular consumption of water that pets need,” adds Giraldo.
Maintaining ideal weight: Administered in appropriate amounts and frequencies, fruits and vegetables are a low source of calories and fat.
“Despite being low in calories or fat, some foods can cause weight gain, dental cavities or diabetes,” warns Ximena Giraldo. The most recommended fruits and vegetables are broccoli, carrots, apples and spinach.
Nervous system health: “Fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, pumpkin and carrot are rich in vitamin E, iron, magnesium, folic acid, flavonoids and antioxidants, which protect nerve cells, improve the transmission of electrical impulses and stop deterioration cognitive,” explains the nutrition specialist.
Share
How to include fruits and vegetables in your diet?
This process can be challenging, especially for cat guardians who tend to be more selective with their diet; however, it is not impossible.
According to the specialist’s recommendations, the main thing is to consult with the veterinarian before making any changes to the pet’s diet. It is also important to remember that this is about supplementing pet nutrition, without completely replacing traditional food.
Additionally, you can follow these recommendations:
- Introduce fruits and vegetables gradually and in small portions to check if they are appetizing and safe for the pet.
- Offer them as a reward for good behavior or performing tricks, so that the animal associates it with something positive.
- Ingredients such as pumpkin or carrots are easier to digest when they are cooked in water, without salt or seasonings.
- Avoid grapes, onion, garlic, avocado and apple seeds, among others, which can be toxic.
- Control portions to avoid excess calories, digestion problems or cases of vomiting or diarrhea.
- If you notice any change in your pet’s health, immediately stop feeding the fruit or vegetable that is suspected of causing the problem and go to the veterinarian.
GABRIEL GARCÍA – FOR TIME
VETERINARY DOCTOR
Ah, there it is—the classic housemate dilemma: the battle of wills between humans and their furry friends over the delectable morsels from the human table. It’s the age-old tale of “Just one little bite, Fido! Surely you can handle a bit of my gourmet lasagna?” Spoiler alert: most pets cannot handle your thrilling yet questionable culinary creations, especially if they involve garlic or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Those are poison, not a season!
Let’s face it; sharing food with pets is about as “harmless” as handing a toddler a paintbrush and inviting them to redecorate your living room. It’s going to go one of two ways—utter chaos or an art critic’s nightmare.
Now, we’re told by the sage, Ximena Giraldo, an expert in pet nutrition, that small dietary changes can lead to all sorts of unfortunate, less-than-dignified outcomes for our beloved pets: vomiting, diarrhea, dental disasters—goodness, it’s like a variety show of misery! And isn’t it fantastic how we’ve created a gourmet menu for our pets? “Today, Fluffy, we’re having ‘au jus’ of unknown origin!”
Picture this: your poor dog with a confused expression, like “I just wanted kibble, not a trip to the vet.” But it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, Ximena comes to save the day with a cornucopia of fruits and veggies that can actually be included in our furry friends’ diets. Yes, folks, there are options that won’t send Fido flying into a fit of gastrointestinal chaos. Apples, pumpkins, and blueberries—oh my! It sounds like a health food store exploded in your living room.
Moreover, these delightful additions can positively impact our pets’ health, with benefits including improved digestion and immune function. Can you believe it? Not only can you coax a wag from Rover, but you might just feel like a pet nutritionist at the same time. Who knew that broccoli would be the glamour food on the consider-trying list for dogs? Forget the trendy superfoods like quinoa or kale; we need to step our game up with “Canine Cuisine à la Green!”
Let’s also give a tip of the hat to hydration—because, after all, who doesn’t love a little ‘watermelon’ experience? Just be careful! We’re not tossing back margaritas with them at Tiki bar; these fruits are meant to accompany regular water, not replace it completely. Although, if your dog starts barking in a Hawaiian shirt, we might need to have a conversation.
Now, if you’re planning to stage an intervention regarding your pet’s snacking habits, remember yesterday’s lasagna is not today’s dog treat. Introducing these foods should be less “kick the door down” and more “casual suggestion.” Slow and steady wins the race, my friends! And if agility training involves dodging a vet visit due to food-related ailments, it might be time to reassess that tempting leftover you had in mind.
In conclusion, consider adopting a more intellectual approach to your pet’s diet: balance, moderation, and a little creativity can work wonders. Yes, I’m talking about crafting gourmet dog treats worthy of a Michelin star, or at least a woof of approval. Just remember to skip the onion, garlic, and anything else toxic. They may not want to skip the trash on trash night, but we definitely don’t want poison on the menu!
Cheers to healthy snacking with our furry companions! Now, if only we could train them to cook. That’ll be our next project.
