More and more people are preparing food for their pets, since the pet food recall, not a good idea. It is almost impossible to get the right nutrients into your pets with home prepared foods. Dogs need 38 different nutrients and cats need 40. Most homemade diets will not be balanced and your pets will suffer the consequences. Most home made meals contain too much protein and not enough calories, vitamins and minerals. They cost more in terms of time and money, too.
If you prefer organic, you should know that USDA makes no claims this food is any more nutritious or safer than non-organic.Organic often retails at twice the price of non-organic food.
The type of pet food you choose should depend on your pet's size, breed and medical history. Canned food is moist. It is 75% water and has a higher level of protein than dry food, and lower calorie content. It may benefit pets with kidney problems. It is more expensive than dry food. Dry food has the lowest water content and highest calorie content. Dry particles help remove plaque and it keeps longer.
Most treats have little nutritional value and are high in fat and sugar. You should limit these. Choose treats that have carbohydrates listed first and limit to no more than 10% of intake
It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian what food he recommends for your pet. He best knows your pet's needs. Establish good eating habits. Feed your pet twice a day, and don't feed table scraps. Limit food rewards, and your pet should live a long and healthy life.
Here are some things you should never give your pets:
- Moldy foods
- Dough
- Grapes
- Fat
- Garlic
- Liver
- Garlic
- Cheese
- Caffeine
- Apple cores
- Bones
- Mushrooms
- Potato peels
- Chocolate
- Ham
- Avocado
- Onions
- Milk
- Tuna
- Raisins
- Alcohol
