Why You Shouldn't Feed Pets Table Scraps
Myth or Reality: Can You Feed Your Pet Home Food Without Harming Their Health?
According to a study by Gradus Research and Royal Canin, nearly half (47%) of Ukrainian dog owners and a third (32%) of cat owners still rely on a self-composed home diet for their four-legged friends. Another 25% simply share food "from the table" with their animals. However, experts warn: what is tasty and healthy for humans can pose a serious threat to the health of pets.
So, why is food "from the table" not the best solution for the health, longevity, and well-being of your pet? A veterinarian answers:
Dangerous Ingredients Can Harm Your Pet's Health
It would seem, what could be more natural than food from our table? Veterinarians and nutritionists warn: human dishes may contain ingredients that harm the health of four-legged animals. Sugar, salt, spices, and fats, which are usually present in our food, can disrupt the functioning of the animal's digestive and cardiovascular systems. In addition, uncontrolled consumption of such food often leads to obesity - a problem that is becoming increasingly common among pets.
It Is Difficult to Ensure the Correct Balance of Nutrients
Can you independently create a balanced diet for your pet? Theoretically, yes, but this requires in-depth knowledge of the animal's needs and consultation with a nutritionist. Appropriate diets are compiled taking into account the age, breed, activity level, and other physiological characteristics of the pet. It is much easier and safer to choose a high-quality, complete feed that already contains all the necessary nutrients in the required quantity and ratio. Consult your veterinarian about choosing a feed and portion size - so you will be sure that your pet receives everything it needs.
Formation of Harmful Behavioral Habits
In addition to the direct threat to health, feeding "from the table" also negatively affects the behavior of the animal. Even a seemingly innocent piece from the table can form undesirable habits. When you share your food with your pet, it begins to perceive your entire diet as its own, which can lead to dangerous consequences. For example, if chocolate, which is toxic to animals, falls on the floor, a pet accustomed to food "from the table" will eat it without hesitation.
Risk of Poisoning with Products Familiar to Humans
And this is not the only danger that lurks for your pet in the kitchen. Products familiar to us - from morning coffee and tea to healthy avocados, raisins, and onions - can cause serious poisoning. Even such seemingly safe things as chewing gum (due to the xylitol content), yeast dough, or fruit pits can cause serious harm to the health of a four-legged friend.
"You should not experiment with the health of your pet using feeding 'from the table.' This is not a manifestation of care, but rather a risk to health. Each type of animal has its own unique needs for nutrients, and providing them with ordinary human food without the appropriate knowledge or advice from a nutritionist specialist can be an extremely difficult task. Instead, professionally developed, balanced feeds, which are the result of many years of research and the work of animal nutrition experts, provide the animal with the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities," says Oleksandr Aishpur, a veterinary doctor and Royal Canin's scientific communications expert.
