Whether dog or cat - our pets are our best friends and equivalent family members. It is all the more difficult to resist when you look at us with your big, sad eyes when we sit at the dining table or open the fridge door. It only seems fair to give them something from our meal, right?
Before you give your fluffy friend of your plate, you should consider and know a few things. Feeding table remains and other food can have serious consequences: "human meals" can not only affect the health of our pets or lead to undesirable behavior, in some cases human foods can even be life -threatening for your animal.
As animal parents, it is our task and responsibility to ensure that our furry friends get the best possible diet to stay happy and healthy.
In this article we will consider the reasons why feeding table remains and other dishes for dogs and cats is misunderstood and what your pet needs instead. We will also take a look at some useful tips and methods that your pet can keep from it at the table.
That's why table feeding is so dangerous
It may be tempting to give our pet a bit of our meal, but feeding table remains can actually have bad consequences. If we feed our pets exclusively with "human meals", there is basically the risk that nutrition is unbalanced and there is a lack of important nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
Certain foods that we like to eat frequently and that are not a problem for us are also for dogs and cats poisonous: Chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins and Avocados are just a few examples of foods that are at stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhea or to our beloved companions life -threatening poisoning and can lead critical conditions. Other foods such as bones can lead to the gastrointestinal tract of our pets and constipation occurs.
In addition, human meals often contain large quantities Salt, spices and Caloriesthat can be harmful to our pets. Above all, the high salt concentrations in pizza, fries and Co. are dangerous and can To dehydration, high blood pressure and even too Kidney problems and -fail lead. Often our foods are also difficult to digest or simply unknown to our pets: vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain are not uncommon!
The food and the products we like to eat are also often too rich in calories For dogs and cats and contain many fats and sugar. If we feed our pets with high -calorie foods, it can happen that they become overweight and below in health problems such as Diabetes, arthritis or Cardiovascular diseases Suffer.
Incidentally, if you suspect that your pet has eaten human food that could be poisonous for your darling, you should immediately ask a veterinarian for advice so that he or she can take appropriate measures or take treatment.
Behavioral problems
The feeding of food residues from the table (or from a piece of cheese directly from the fridge) can lead to undesirable and problematic behavior of dog and cat in the long run. It may be that your pet becomes more intrusive or even aggressive and even tries to steal the food directly from the table. In addition, it will be difficult for you and your guests to relax during meals or during activities in the kitchen and enjoy your own food.
The stress level also increases for our animals if you are in constant expectations of your meal in constant expectations and is unclear when the next bites can be obtained.
Your pet really needs that
As a committed animal owner, we should strive to have one of our fluffy friends balanced nutrition To offer and make sure that you receive all the necessary nutrients. It should always be sufficient fresh water are available because liquid is essential for digestion, temperature regulation and organ functions.
Dogs and cats need a diet that is specially tailored to your needs so that you can lead a healthy life. Ingredients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals should be contained in sufficient and appropriate quantities.
The ingredients of animal feed have the following meaning:
- Proteins are of great importance, for example, for muscle and tissue function as well as for the immune system.
- carbohydrates are an important source of energy for pets. However, dogs and cats need lower amounts of carbohydrates compared to humans and it is important that they come from high -quality sources.
- Fat are required for the absorption of fat -soluble vitamins and energy supply.
- Fiber Promote digestion and support the intestinal health of our pets.
- Vitamins and minerals Fulfill different functions in the body of dog and cat and promote health and well -being. A balanced diet should contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals and be tailored to the needs of the corresponding animal species.
Advantages of a balanced diet
First of all, a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of certain diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and kidney problems. A reasonable diet can also help to strengthen our pets' immune system and thus make them healthier and more resistant to diseases.
If we feed our pets according to your needs, we support you in one healthy and good digestion. Animal feed that contains sufficient fiber and liquid can also help prevent blockages or other digestive problems.
The dangers for our pets that can arise from overweight should not be underestimated. Unfortunately, many cats and dogs are too "thick" and instead need a balanced and adapted feeding to a Healthy body weight to have and not suffer from serious complications such as joint complaints or diabetes.
How do I choose the right food for my dog or cat?
As a responsible pet owner, it is important that we choose the right food for our pets so that they are fed and can stay healthy. But with the almost unmanageable selection of animal feed, it is easy to lose track.
Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right feed:
- Read the list of ingredients: In the ingredients on the packaging, information about the exact composition of the animal feed is obtained. It is important that high-quality ingredients are used and that if possible are not contained in a preservation or dye.
- Know needs: When choosing the right feed, it is important how old, how big and how actively your pet is. For example, puppies and kittens need more calories and nutrients than a elderly companion. The level of activity and the size are also important when choosing and measuring the feed ration.
- Portion size: Often it can happen that we feed too much or too little, as we feed according to the sense of sense. The packaging of animal feed usually includes a feeding recommendation with information on the recommended amount of feed.
- gather information: Your veterinarian or an expert person in the animal shop can answer your questions about feeding and will be happy to give you recommendations which food is best suited for your pet. If your pet suffers from a disease, your veterinary specialist can also recommend special diets so that your pet is optimally cared for.
Tears for animals - instead of cheese from the fridge
When it comes to giving your pet a reward, there are many Healthy alternatives to table food or food from the fridge.
Displacements and rewards that were specially developed for animals are a good choice if you want to reward your pet without taking unhealthy food or too many calories. Itiko offers a large selection of healthy alternatives that were specially developed for dogs and cats. Itiko-snacks contain high-quality ingredients and the nutrients your pet needs. The snacks are also free of artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives. The delicacies of Itiko are tailored to the needs of animals and contain ingredients that are intended to support your animal, for example, in keeping the joints or teeth healthy.
So you can change the behavior of your pet
Explaining to a pet that there will be nothing more off the table in the future can be a big challenge - but it's worth it. It can take some time and need a lot of patience and consistency, but the efforts will pay off and your pet will be happy and healthy without begging at the table.
The first measures catch (unfortunately) on our own at. Once you have made it clear how harmful the feeding of table remains can be, there is no longer any advantage that should convince you the opposite. So avoid giving food from your pet, even if your darling beg and dissatisfied about this change (and that will definitely be the case for a while). consequence Is the keyword here! Also check yourself in which situations you give your pet human food and whether there are "weak points". Unfortunately, such weak points are often other, close people who do not adhere to your new approach. It is important that everyone involved who is in contact with your pet is in a boat and support you in your endeavor. If someone does not stick to your plans, explain the disadvantages of table feeding and, if in doubt, consider whether you want to put your animal into the care of someone who does not support you in keeping your pet healthy or whether there are alternatives.
Fixed feeding times Can help your pet know when it gets something and is not in a permanent expectation of getting a "treat" at any time. You can also in one separate room Feed so that your animal is clear where the food is (and where not). Specific Forage toys Can help your pet to concentrate on the food and to be busy with it for longer. If your pet is busy, for example if you eat something yourself, it will be less likely to beg for your food.
If nothing helps at first, it can also make sense at the beginning to refer your pet from the room in which you want to consume your food (or bring to another room for the time required). So it learns that your own meal is not an invitation to an open buffet.
Use animal training
Animal trainers and animal trainers can support you and be very helpful in changing the behavior of your pet. You can give you tips and advice on how you can change your favorite's behavior and teach him lovingly not to beg for food.
Animal trainers often use animal trainers positive reinforcementto change the behavior of animals. For example, you can recommend giving your dog or cat a reward if he/she stays on his/her place or goes out of the room while you sit at the table or go to the fridge. If your pet learns that it has shown a desired behavior, it would like to receive a reward for this and will show the corresponding behavior more often in the future.
Sometimes it is also recommended, undesirable behavior to to ignore. For example, if your pet begging it may be that an animal trainer recommends not to react to the attempts at the bed so that the behavior of your animal does not lead to a sense of achievement and at some point it ends to show this behavior.
You can also train your pet out of the room or in his place to send when it beg at the table or shows undesirable behavior. It is always good to make your pet an alternative offer instead of just signaling what it shouldn't do. Instead, show him what you want from your pet so that your coexistence is harmonious and pleasant.
It is important to note that the above -mentioned recommendations for behavioral training are examples that should only take place after consultation with an animal trainer or with your veterinary staff. Each animal reacts differently to certain educational measures and the goal is that your pet feels comfortable and your relationship of trust will be strengthened and your relationship continues to improve.
With the right food, a well -considered feeding technology and the support of expert people, you can ensure that your pet stays calm and relaxed during the meal and you optimally support your darling and its health.