There is a common saying that pets should not eat “people
food.” The myth is that feeding pets people food will
not only give them diarrhea, but it will also turn them into
beggars at dinner time. Depending on what kind of pet food
you feed them and where, loose stools and begging can be avoided.
There
are
some
simple guidelines to follow when it comes to sharing the fridge
and pantry with your pooch.
First, digestive problems can occur
for a couple of reasons. One, when we say it’s ok to
feed “people food”,
we are not talking about potato chips, chocolate cake, soda-pop,
and deep fried onion rings – foods that are sure to give
your pets a tummy ache. We are talking about “real” human
grade food that has not had the wholesomeness and nutrition
processed right out if it. Fresh grains, fruits, vegetables,
nuts, herbs
and meat make for great homemade pet food. The diarrhea caused
by wholesome, natural pet food is most
likely your pet’s
body going through a detox process as a result of the healthy
pet
food flushing toxins from the body. This
process should be short lived. Although not a problem for
most pets,
you
should also stay away from citrus fruits, grapes/raisins, onions
and spicy foods when it comes to sharing your grocieries with
your pets. Remember, the your pet’s digestive system
will need to “wake up” if you are shifting from
a bland over-processed diet to a raw pet
food full of fresh
flavors and complex nutrients. Once those adjustments occur,
it will
be
smooth sailing. Oh, and begging at the dinner table should
not occur anymore than usual, unless of course you are feeding
your pet these
new healthy food items directly from your own plate at dinnertime.
The best way to feed people food is at a designated feeding
time in your pet's own dish. If you do this consistently and
avoid feeding directly from your plate -- your dog shouldn't
bother you at dinner time for anything more than a pat on the
head.
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Sojourner Farms. All rights reserved.
