THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED DIET IN MAINTAINING THE HEALTH OF DOGS AND CATS – A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

A cat is a typical carnivore. In turn, in addition to meat, the dog’s menu also includes herbs, berries, grasses, fruits and vegetables. Nutrients such as fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements are also distributed differently in cat food than in dog food. However, there is something that applies to both animals, namely the food should be individually adapted to the pet, nutritious and easily digestible. The meat content should be high and the processed meat should consist of easily digestible muscle meat and a small amount of offal. The natural diet of cats living in the wild consists mainly of the meat of caught mice or small birds. If a cat catches the prey, it eats it whole, that is, along with the contents of the stomach and automatically receives a portion of “vegetables”. Many dogs love fallen fruits and are eager to eat soft apples, pears, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and even watermelons. If cats live in the same household as dogs and watch a much less picky dog eat fruits and vegetables, they will often be tempted to eat them as well. Both cats and dogs like to eat grass, which only serves as a digestive aid or a means of cleansing the digestive tract. For this reason, domestic cats should always have access to grass. At home, it can be sown in bowls or pots and placed within reach of the cat as soon as it reaches a height of 10–15 cm. During walks with the dog, when it eagerly nibbles the grass, we should let it do it.

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF CATS

The natural diet of cats contains a maximum of five percent of plant ingredients – this is because the stomach contents of mice make up a maximum of five percent of its total weight. The cat – with the exception of the berry pickers, who are the real exceptions – does not look for fruits or even vegetables, let alone cereals. Their only natural source of plant food is the stomach contents of a prey. The cat has never eaten grain during its development, so it should not be in cat food – at least not in large quantities.

Cats are basically complete carnivores, but being a carnivore doesn’t mean eating only meat. A healthy and natural diet of a cat includes all nutrients. Without fiber, a cat would suffer from digestive problems, and an inadequate diet would sooner or later lead to a variety of health problems. So your furry friend needs from 5% to a maximum 10% of vegetables or other sources of fiber in it’s diet.

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF DOGS

In the case of dogs, the situation is slightly different. As it has already been mentioned, they love to eat fruits and often also vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and even radishes. It is not dependent on only meat diet but it can also eat up to 30% of fruits and vegetables.

WHAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE OK FOR DOGS AND CATS?

1. Carrot

When pet owners give their pets vegetables, it’s usually carrots. On the one hand, this is due to the ease of their preparation, and on the other hand, due to their taste, which is enjoyed not only by most dogs, but also by many cats. Some dogs also like to eat raw carrots. For cats, steamed carrots are more likely to be noticed. Carotene improves eye health and eyesight in dogs and cats – just like in humans. As a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene also helps fight dangerous free radicals before they cause oxidative damage in the body.

2. Zucchini and other types of pumpkins

Like carrots, zucchini and pumpkin also have a taste that most dogs like. Many cats are also fond of finely blended zucchini or a mixture of pumpkin and minced meat. Both can be served raw or steamed. Like carrots, pumpkins provide a lot of beta-carotene. In turn, pumpkin seeds – given to dogs finely ground in small quantities can have an extremely positive effect on the weakening of the bladder.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and is not recommended for dogs and cats as it has a bloating effect. This may apply to raw ingestion. However, lightly steamed and then blended, it is perfectly tolerated by most dogs, as well as many cats. Of course, if it is given in small portions. In addition, they contain substances that inhibit the enzymes involved in the development of arthritis, which is why broccoli should be a fixed part of the menu of dogs and cats suffering from joint problems.

4. Sesame, sunflower seeds and nuts

Sesame, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or nuts mentioned above. Can be added to dog and cat food in small amounts and finely ground (sesame can also be given in primary form as fiber). They provide valuable fatty acids, vitamin E and, of course, important fiber.

5. Fruits

Bananas are usually eaten with pleasure, even by some cats. Dogs often love: apples, pears, strawberries, bananas, blueberries and watermelon. Vegetables are much richer in fiber and minerals, while containing less sugar. Instead, fruit should be offered as a snack between meals. If your dog or cat eats the fruit, there is nothing wrong with it, if it does not want the fruit, it is also fine and will not cause any symptoms of deficiency.

There are very few fruits and vegetables that dogs and cats should definitely not eat. Raw bean sprouts are dangerous. Do not put raw potatoes, green tomatoes or raw eggplants in the bowl. Do not give grapes and raisins to dogs, as they can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts in some dogs.

CHOCOLATE AND SWEETS – NOT FOR DOGS AND CATS!

Cocoa, and therefore chocolate in any form, is not suitable for dogs and cats – even in small quantities. Dogs love the sweet taste, if they taste it once, they ask for a sweet bite every time they smell it nearby. Also problematic are sweets that lie nearby or are not properly hidden and are easily accessible to the animal.

It often happens that dogs and cats receiving only natural and healthy food, which contains high-quality meat and all the necessary nutrients, instinctively do not even touch anything unhealthy or potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is better to regularly give your dog and cat fruits, vegetables, or the best quality delicacies instead of those with questionable composition and make sure that family members and friends also stick to this rule.