By Tracy Frost
In today’s
world our pets have become a huge part of our family and we tend to spoil them
by giving them special snacks; but are we giving them the right ones? Many times those treats are actually harming
our pets. Even those we buy at the store
are high in fats and causes our pets to gain unwanted weight which can lead to
many physical problems and other health issues. Table scraps can be even worse.
Oily and fatty foods, which are often
found on our tables, can lead to severe dog/cat health problems such as
diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Even worse, there are several people
foods that are highly toxic to animals. Onions or any food prepared with them,
for instance, can be unsafe for dogs/cats and should never be given to them. Table foods also contain a higher amount of
sodium, which can be harmful to our old pets, or any animal that suffers from
some types of kidney, liver, or heart disease. The excess sodium can cause high
blood pressure or the accumulation of excessive body fluid. So here are some
easy natural and health alternative to try.
Dogs:
Brown rice: is an especially good food for dogs
with upset stomachs.
Red Peppers: are packed with vitamins and dogs
love their sweet taste.
Pumpkin: is rich in carotenoids,
beta-carotene, alpha carotene, fiber, zinc, iron, vitamin A, and
potassium. It can also help your dog
lose weight because it’s low in fat, but filling.
Apple slices:
are a great sweet treat, but also contains calcium, vitamin K, Vitamin C
and pectin.
Quinoa: is different type of grain that is
great for dogs that have grain sensitivities and, like brown rice, is great at
settling the stomach.
Carrots: you can feed these raw, as a
crunchy snack to help reduce tartar, or you can cook them and add to your dog’s
dinner.
Cauliflower/Broccoli: are great cancer-fighting
cruciferous vegetables that dogs love. (Just remember too much can cause your
dog to have gas).
Dehydrated Apricots: these are great for those dogs who
have a sweet tooth.
Cats:
Fish: Most cats love fish, and it can
provide some much needed nutrients for them.
Eggs: Eggs are great for cats because
they're rich in protein.
Meat: animal meat is one of the safest
human foods to give a cat.
Broccoli: If you notice your cat chomping on
house plants, try feeding it a small portion of steamed broccoli. This could
satisfy their desire for greens, and keep them away from potentially toxic
house plants. Veggies, like plants and grass, can also help your cat clear up
digestive troubles.
Melon: melon could be a good bite to feed
cats to stop them from chewing on house plants. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and
watermelon are fine for your cat to ingest in small quantities, as long as
seeds are removed. The fruits can help your feline with digestive issues.
Spinach: Once again, if your cat is craving
some green stuff, spinach can be a good way to go. Especially when you are trying to help your
pet relieve tummy troubles. Spinach should not be fed to cats with a history of
urinary or kidney problems, since the calcium oxalates in the leaf can form
crystals in the urinary tract.
Cheese: Cheese is a good source of protein for
felines, but since many cats are lactose intolerant, larger portions can cause
digestive issues. Try feeding your feline friend cottage cheese or low-lactose
cheeses before attempting anything richer.
Birds:
Broccoli: Vitamins A and C, plus B vitamins
and calcium. Good fiber, low fat.
Kale: Vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium
and beta-carotene. Found in most grocery stores. Clip raw pieces to cage bars
or wedge in toys.
Blueberries:
Vitamin C and antioxidants. Not as carbohydrate-rich as some fruits, but
feed sparingly.
Sweet Potatoes: Calcium, Vitamins A, B, C, and E –
serve small portions; they are high in starches and sugars.
Carrots: Beta-carotene, Vitamins B and C,
and folic acid. Slice in sticks so birds can hold like foot toys.
Almonds: Lower in fat than many nuts. Feed
only as an occasional treat – in shell for larger birds or in pieces for
smaller birds.
Papaya: Beta-carotene and fiber without the
fat. Serve dried pieces in moderation due to high carb count.
Red peppers: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber
– plus mostly water, so low in calories.
Peas: Vitamins A and C, calcium, and
potassium. Serve in pod for large birds.
Wheat grass:
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals – grow and serve in a pot to encourage
natural preening behaviors.
***
Dangers foods for Dogs and Cats: ***
CHOCOLATE
SUGARLESS
GUM
ALCOHOL
YEAST DOUGH
GRAPES AND
RAISINS
MACADAMIA
NUTS
ONIONS
GARLIC
(feline)
CAFFEINE
