Food is an important factor in ensuring the health and well-being of dogs and cats. For this reason, it is necessary for tutors to take some precautions to ensure that pets are fed correctly and have all their nutritional needs met.
However, we know that this is a subject that can generate doubts and even fears in tutors. For that reason, we spoke with Dr. Alexandre Pasternak, veterinarian and member of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Dermatology, to clarify some questions. Check out!
1. Is homemade food more advantageous?
Homemade pet food can be an option, but just right. “There are specific moments for recommending homemade food for dogs and cats. An example is the elimination diet for trophoallergic dermatitis (allergy food)”, comments Dr. Alexander Pasternak.
Some care during the preparation of this type of food is important. “The advantage of this homemade food is the possibility of using new proteins. The cons are the fact that it is not a balanced food (requiring supplementation), in addition to spoiling easily and demanding time and skill to prepare”, explains Dr. Alexander Pasternak.
2. Is natural food a good option?
Concern for the environment and the conditions in which animals are raised leads many people to become vegetarians. Therefore, some tutors want to extend this lifestyle to their pet. For that reason, the natural food has been inserted in the daily lives of dogs and cats. However, the use of “green food”, as it is called, can have its downside.
“My concept of green food is not the best,” says Dr. Alexandre Pasternak, “I believe that dogs and cats must have their particularities respected and, therefore, need protein of animal origin in their diet. For this reason, I consider the use of rations with a vegetarian appeal to be a mistake. The best food is the super premium commercial food indicated for the age, condition and breed of your pet”, emphasizes the veterinarian.
3. Can dogs and cats eat the same food?
When you have more than one species of animal at home, it is very important to know how to separate the food for each one. It is very common for dogs to be interested in feline food, as it has a greater variety of flavors. However, care is needed! Food made for cats has more fat in its composition, which can disrupt the digestive system of dogs.
Dogs that eat cat food tend to gain weight quickly and can become obese, which increases the chances of having diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. “Ideally, dogs should have access to food only at the time of feeding and for a maximum of 15 minutes. Cats, on the other hand, must have food available at all times; ideally, the food of the cats be served in high places, on shelves, for example, somewhere that the dog cannot reach”, explains Dr. Alexander Pasternak.
These two types of Pets also have particular needs. “Because they are different species, they require different levels of nutrients. Cats are strict carnivores and, therefore, their diet requires more protein, while dogs are omnivores and require a more diversified diet, containing proteins and carbohydrates in their diet”, adds the veterinarian.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.