Do You Consistently Feed Your Dogs and Cats from Your Plate?
Before commercial pet food entered the market, many dogs and cats lived on the scraps left over from human meals. This trend regained popularity in 2007 after hundreds of pets died from consuming melamine-contaminated food manufactured in China. Today, more pet owners are opting to home-cook their pets' meals to ensure they know exactly what goes into their diets.
While home-cooking can be a viable option, it's essential to recognize that not all human foods are suitable for pets. Some foods can be toxic to animals. Therefore, before incorporating leftovers into your pet's diet, it's crucial to understand your pet's dietary needs and which foods are safe and unsafe for consumption.
20 Human Foods You Can Safely Feed Your Cat or Dog
Certain human foods are safe for both dogs and cats, including:
- Salmon
- Bread
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Yogurt
- Peanut butter
- Cottage cheese
- Carrots
- Cantaloupe
- Oatmeal
- Peas
- Bananas
- Cheese, especially hard cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Swiss
- Pumpkin
- Blueberries
- Apples
Human Foods You Should Never Feed Your Cat or Dog
Just as there are safe human foods for cats and dogs, there are also foods that you should never feed your pet, including:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Avocados
- Foods containing Xylitol
- Chewing gum
- Macadamia nuts
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Yeast dough
- High-sodium foods, including bacon
Tips for Successfully Transitioning to a Human Food Diet
If you're considering transitioning your pet to a diet of human foods, here are some essential tips to ensure a successful transition:
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Make the Change Gradually: A sudden switch from commercial pet food to human foods can upset your pet's digestive system. Start by adding small amounts of bland, unseasoned chicken, meat, or vegetables to your pet's regular kibble, gradually increasing the proportion of human food while decreasing the kibble.
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Diversify Your Pet's Diet: Incorporate a variety of grains, vegetables, and proteins into your pet's diet to ensure they receive a balanced, nutritionally rich diet.
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Keep Fat in Check: While fat is essential for your pet's health, excessive fat intake can lead to stomach upset. Avoid feeding your pet fatty meats, chicken skin, butter, and other high-fat foods in excess.
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If You Won't Eat It, Don't Feed It to Your Pet: Avoid feeding your pet scraps or leftovers that you wouldn't eat yourself, such as fat, gristle, or skin. These items can be harmful to your pet's health.
Before making any dietary changes for your pet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure all of their nutritional needs are met. With careful planning and attention to your pet's specific dietary requirements, you can provide them with a healthy and balanced diet that includes appropriate human foods.
