Feeding your pet is extremely important to ensure their health and well-being. However, many owners end up giving their pets human food, which can lead to a series of problems.
For both cats and dogs, eating inappropriate foods can pose serious health risks.
Human food: why can’t we offer it to pets?
Foods for human consumption often contain ingredients and seasonings that are not suitable for pets. Some of these components can be toxic and cause adverse reactions in animals.
Additionally, the nutritional composition of human food does not meet the specific needs of cats and dogs, which leads to nutritional deficiencies or more serious health conditions.
Dangers for cats
Cats have sensitive digestive systems and require a diet rich in animal proteins and certain specific nutrients, such as taurine. Human food, especially that which is high in carbohydrates and fats, can cause a number of problems, such as:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common when cats consume inappropriate foods.
- Toxicity: Foods such as onions, garlic, chocolate and coffee are highly toxic to cats and can lead to serious poisoning.
- Obesity: high-calorie and fatty foods contribute to excessive weight gain, increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart problems.
Dangers for dogs
Although dogs may have a slightly more varied diet, many human foods are still harmful to them. Some of the most common problems include:
- Toxicity: Certain foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts are extremely toxic to dogs.
- Digestive problems: Eating fatty or spicy foods can cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
- Nutritional Imbalances: Feeding dogs table scraps can result in an unbalanced diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies and long-term health problems.
Health Plan for pets on the APPEGADA app
To ensure that your pet receives the best care, it is essential to consider taking out a health insurance plan. The APPEGADA app offers several health insurance options for pets, including:
- Veterinary consultations: access to qualified professionals for regular monitoring and emergencies.
- Routine exams: preventive exams to monitor your pet’s health.
- Vaccines and medicines: coverage of essential vaccines and prescription medicines.
- Emergency care: assistance in emergency cases, providing peace of mind to guardians.
Using the APPEGADA app, guardians can choose the health plan that best suits their pet’s needs.
In addition to maintaining an adequate diet, with a health plan, it is possible to prevent and treat problems, ensuring a long and healthy life for your pets.