Many argue that feeding a pet human food is perfectly good and has been the way they were fed since domestication. But veterinary surgeon Quentin Lawson spells out the real nutritional requirements of cats and dogs, concocting sensible animal menus. It is quite possible to cook a balanced diet for our pets, but it may not be an easy task.

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cat and dog owners, and one of their main concerns is deciding what to feed them.

More and more dogs tend to become obese and suffer from allergies and diabetes... Dogs are becoming less active and are being fed diets rich in meat

This has proven to be no easy task, considering that dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements from humans.

A nutritious and balanced diet is essential for the health of our pets.

It may prevent the occurrence of obesity, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, urinary stones and allergies among others, but, most importantly, our pets will live a long and happy life.

The first thing to take into consideration is whether your pets are carnivores or omnivores.

Humans are omnivores and need to eat food of both animal and plant origin.

Both dogs and cats are hunters, who kill their prey to eat meat.

However, hunting food does not necessarily mean a strict carnivorous diet.

In fact, dog and wolf behaviour, as well as various scientific studies, show that dogs are omnivores and need to feed on both meat and vegetable sources, albeit in different amounts to humans.

On the other hand, cats are more obligate carnivores.

They need to eat a higher percentage of protein of animal origin, and find it difficult to digest various foods of vegetable origin, such as wheat and rice. Notwithstanding this, cats will eagerly nibble certain grasses.

Many argue that feeding a dog human food is perfectly good and has been the way dogs have always been fed since domestication. After all, commercial pet foods have only been available on the market for a few decades.

But there are a few points to keep in mind:

The domestication of dogs was to the advantage of dogs and humans alike. Early humans found protection from dogs that barked when predators approached their camp.

On the other hand, dogs found shelter and a source of food. In fact, dogs would eat all the food discarded by humans, keeping away disease and vermin that would result from decaying food.

These dogs were eating from all parts of the prey that was captured by their human protégés.

And it is legitimate to presume that dogs got more offal and bones rather than valued muscle meat.

Dogs, like wolves, would eat all parts, including the stomach and intestinal content of the herbivorous prey.

Until they were being given the food humans did not want to eat, their diet was quite adequate.

They would not be overfed either... food was scarce and precious.

In recent years, however, modern lifestyles have brought about changes even to our furry friends living by our sides.

New medical conditions that before were seldom observed started appearing.

More and more dogs tend to become obese and suffer from conditions such as allergies and diabetes.

On a more positive note, the life expectancy of dogs has also noticeably increased.

But they are becoming less active and are being fed diets rich in meat.

Some dog owners, for example, only feed chicken breast to their dog. These are usually small breed dogs.

Home-cooked food for our pets

It is quite possible to cook a balanced diet for our pets although this may not be an easy task for most.

Owners would have to calculate the amount of energy the daily ration should provide (total amount of calories), depending on the species, breed, size, age, physical activity and particular situations such as pregnancy.

They would have to know the percentage of protein, carbo-hydrate and fats, and choose the raw ingredients accordingly.

Last but not least, they must also be sure the meal provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals the animal requires.

Anyone interested in taking this path may seek professional advice from a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.

However, this may be a demanding task and prove quite expensive too.

Commercial pet food

Over the past few decades, there has also been an increasing amount of commercially available pet foods on the market.

A dog or cat who is used to eating commercial pet food will accept a veterinary diet more willingly

These come in two formulations: wet food stored in cans, or other packaging; and dry food in which most of the water content has been removed. The only difference between the two is merely the water content. Dry food will weigh less and, therefore, may be the more economical choice. However, the pet owner must be careful to provide sufficient fresh water.

The choice of ingredients is carried out by veterinarians working in the food industry and some companies actually perform studies on cats and dogs to determine the palatability of the food and the benefits it has to the animal’s health.

The food company will provide a wide range of formulations to reflect the age, breed and lifestyle of the animal.

Great care should be taken in choosing the right food for your pet and a veterinarian may assist you in this.

If your furry companion eats a commercial pet food, it could also be considered an advantage as there may come a time when your veterinarian may prescribe a veterinary diet for your pet.

Such diets are produced by certain pet-food companies to assist cats and dogs with various health issues, such as kidney and heart disease.

A dog or cat who is used to eating commercial pet food will accept a veterinary diet more willingly.

Growing puppies

The puppy who wants to discover and taste everything is still a fragile baby. He needs long periods of rest and protection to help him grow up safely. His immune and digestive systems are still immature and his owner will want to ensure his safe, harmonious growth.

This is a crucial period for the puppy, which demands high levels of energy and affects his adult life. His diet during growth must meet his individual needs and still be perfectly balanced, with no excess or deficiency, along with ultra-high-quality nutrition and optimal safety.

Kitten nutrition

Kittens grow very quickly and go through two stages of growth before adulthood – babycat and kitten. They need a specific diet in each stage that meets all their basic needs to strengthen immune systems, promote proper neurosensory development and facilitate bone growth.

Although cats are carnivores, their diet may contain high-quality carbohydrates to provide energy for easier digestion and prevent stomach upset.

The babycat period is from zero to four months old and there are specific nutritional needs during this stage. Babycats enter a phase called weaning, where they gradually lose their ability to digest lactose and develop an intolerance to it. Babycats are susceptible to digestive issues. A kitten formula should contain all vitamins and minerals needed for skeletal development, as well as antioxidants capable of supporting natural defences and EPA and DHA for central nervous system development.

Kitten nutrition is designed for the first weeks of life, but cats’ needs change as they age. At four to five weeks, they can have solid food. After the second set of teeth arrive, nutrients essential to growth stay the same until a year old.

Some hints for feeding your pet

■ Measure the amount of food the animal should eat throughout the whole day in the morning, but divide this into two or, if possible, three meals. It is imperative not to give your pet all the food at once, and do not refill the food bowl whenever it empties in an unconditional manner.

■  Always feed pets before having your own meal and close the pet out of the room when having your meal.

■  In the case of dogs, it is imperative to feed them after a walk and any form of physical activity. Doing so, and feeding small portions of food, will prevent a condition called gastric torsion and volvulus in large dogs, whereby the heavy food-filled stomach rotates due to the dog exercising itself. The life of the dog may be otherwise put at risk.

■  It is also recommended to starve the pet a few hours before car transportation and visits to the vet – this prevents vomiting. Moreover, a veterinarian may need to give sedation or take blood samples from the animal which is better done on an empty stomach.

■  It is a good idea to feed your pet in another room rather than the kitchen and dining rooms.

■  Keep animal treats down to a minimum and do not feed scraps of food from the table. It is a good idea to keep an empty bowl in the centre of the table and place all scraps in it. After the meal, evaluate what your pet would have been given. You may be surprised at the quantity collected, which could explain why a dog or cat may be putting on weight even though it hardly eats its own food.

■ Human foods can also be toxic. Salt and spices must be avoided.

The following foods are proven to be poisonous and must never be fed to dogs:
■ Chocolate, coffee and caffeine
■ Macadamia nuts
■ Grapes and raisins
■ Onions, garlic and chives

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