We all love our furry best friends and want to take the best possible care of them. As a pet owner, you’re probably all too familiar with the following situation.
You’ve just warmed up your dinner and have gotten settled at the table when you suddenly feel a pair of eyes on you. Your cat or dog is watching you ever so intently, watching you pass the fork to your mouth and back down to the plate.
It’s normally at this time that we all cave and toss them a piece of whatever we’re eating, but is that always right?
Keep reading to find out what human foods are dangerous for your pet, and what you should be feeding them.
Ah, yes, chocolate. This is typically the very first food that comes to mind when people think about what not to feed their pets.
Chocolate is dangerous for pets because it contains cocoa, and cocoa contains theobromine. This compound is toxic to dogs and cats, no matter the amount.
The darker the chocolate, the higher amounts of theobromine it has. The extent of the poisoning also depends on:
- Type of chocolate
- Size of pet
- Amount of chocolate
While we may love onions in our food, these vegetables contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulfates. These two compounds can be extremely harmful to cats and dogs if ingested.
They can cause the red blood cells in their body to become very fragile and even burst. While your pet may immediately have symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, the long-lasting effects like anemia may take a few weeks to develop.
In recent years, avocado has become an increasingly popular health food on the market. If you plan to have them in your home, do your best to keep them far away from your pets.
Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can have various health problems in animals. While dogs are more resistant to the effects of persin, if ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis.
What Should I Feed My Pet?
With so many options and opinions in the market today, it may be overwhelming when considering what the best food is to feed your pet.
It’s helpful to keep in mind the age of your pet when buying food for them. Similarly to humans, your dog or cat goes through different stages in life. The food they eat as a kitten or puppy will not be the same food they will eat in their adult years.
Pet owners should also be wary of the nutritional value of the food they choose to feed their pets. Try and purchase products that offer complete and balanced nutrition.
Contact Pet Ponderosa Resorts & Spa
You’ll find out why we have chosen and recommend Life’s Abundance Pet Food for our four-legged friends, as well as the many benefits of this pet food brand.
Along with our Pet Food Menu, we also offer Doggy Daycare along with pet grooming, walking, transportation, boarding, and cleanup services.
What are you waiting for? Give us a call or come in and visit us today!