Healthy table foods for pets

 

Though some table foods are dangerous for pets, many people feel the only way to trust the food they give their pets is to make it themselves. However, a sudden switch from plain dog or cat food may upset your pet’s digestive system. Dogtime.com presents these tips for feeding your pets table foods, and details may be found on the dogtime website.

1. Go slow. Start by topping your dog’s usual fare with tidbits of plain (no butter or seasoning) meat at first, and gradually transition to more each night over the course of a week.
2. Use grains and veggies, too. Though meat is the mainstay of a good canine diet, dogs like and can handle a variety of foods.
3. Get the right balance. Look for recipes approved by a board-certified vet nutritionist, or get help from these online services:

www.BalanceIt.com
www.Petdiets.com

Both these sites charge a fee for recipes, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with health conditions have different nutritional needs.

4. Watch the fat. Too much can cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis.
5. Beware of bones. Cooked bones can cause choking or intestinal tearing.
6. Don’t feed your dog what you wouldn’t eat. Fat, gristle, and skin are just as bad for your pet as they are for you.
7. Steer clear of certain foods. A list of foods to avoid can be found in the article, as well as in a previous blog.

Read the complete article at:

http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/1251-giving-people-food-to-dogs