Pets are wonderful creatures to share our lives with, and
they need just as much care as humans. All pets need to be fed
properly, though we always have the question of what that might
be. There are individuals who give their pet’s human food, while
others strictly give pet food. We will concentrate on dogs,
cats, and rabbits for proper feeding.
Rabbits
How many times have you heard that rabbits like their
vegetables? This is true. Most rabbits need a steady diet of
rabbit food that includes lettuce and carrots. Most of the time
we raise our rabbits on pellets, however, this may not be
fibrous enough and can cause obesity. A steady diet of hay,
vegetables, and pellets will lead to a healthy rabbit.
Dogs
Is it wise to feed your dog human food? Most dogs are related to
the wolf family a very carnivorous bunch, which means they need
to have meat in their diet. This does not mean human food is the
correct food for them. It is best to find a dog food product
where the first ingredient is meat. Make sure it is real meat
and not some processed substitute. Feeding your dog human food
is a bad idea because it can be too greasy for them and block
their arteries. Dogs have very sensitive digestive tracks so
they are susceptible to diarrhea and upset stomachs if you
change their food. It is best to find a dog food you prefer and
that is healthy for them. You also want to keep them on the same
food. Changing food can cause problems. If you feel you need to
change food, you should slowly integrate the new food with the
old until you have fully replaced the old. This should take two
weeks or a little more. Dogs when full grown should be fed once
a day at the same time.
Cats
Cats are great hunters if you let them explore the outdoor
world. They will often find mice, birds, and other animals to
gain protein. Like a dog, your cat needs a consistent diet. You
should find a cat food that has the proper amounts of protein.
Cats can also have a very sensitive digestive system. Finding
the right food may be difficult and take a few tries. If they
have a smelly litter box, you will need to change their food.
This is a sure sign they are not receiving a proper diet. When
you change their food you will want to integrate it slowly over
two weeks. Cats also need the vitamins from milk, though our
processed milk can be too rich for them, they do sell milk for
cats in the pet stores. Another idea is occasionally giving them
a small piece of cheese to help with their dietary needs,
however you should try and find pet food that fits all of their
needs. Grass is also available for indoor cats and may be a
needed to get rid of hairballs. Cats eat grass when they have an
upset stomach. The grass will allow the cats to rid themselves
of the problem and can help them cough up hairballs.
Picking the right food for your pet will often mean not feeding
them human food, but checking the ingredients of pet food found
in the stores. You want to keep you pet just as healthy as you
would want to keep yourself. Proper nutrition for any animal is
important to having your pet around for many years. Some types
of pets are more susceptible to disease, like dogs with heart
problems, but they can be monitored through proper care.