The most common nutritional mistakes in the diet of dogs and cats – how to avoid them and ensure a healthy diet

The responsible owner of the dog or cat makes sure that his pet receives an appropriate diet on each of them. This means that dogs and cats receive all the necessary nutrients such as proteins, amino acids (e.g. taurine), vitamins (e.g. various vitamins such as vitamins A, B, K, D and E), minerals (e.g. calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and copper) and some fats must be supplied in sufficient quantities. All nutrients must be properly balanced as imbalances can cause disease in the animal. Proper nutrition of dogs and cats is not difficult, however, pet owners still make mistakes that over the years can cause serious damage to the health of their four-legged friends.

No fixed feeding times

Every body needs a regular rhythm: the body of dogs and cats also adapts to specific feeding times. If we give food to the pet throughout the day, without designated pores, we will completely disrupt our pet’s metabolism. The frequency of feeding depends on the age of the pet, the state of health and the sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract. Puppies and kittens should be fed four times a day until six months of age, and then three meals a day are enough until they reach adulthood. Adult dogs and cats should be fed two to three times a day at the same time each day. This reduces the strain on the digestive system and may reduce the risk of gastric torsion. This is especially important for large breeds of dogs.

Human food and sweets

What people like is usually not suitable for dogs and cats. Our pets need food tailored to their specific needs. Leftovers from human meals, especially spicy dishes, cause serious illnesses in dogs and cats. Anyone who does not resist a good-natured, begging look and gives their pet treats from their own plate or, worse, sweets, really does them no good. Human food is unhealthy for dogs and cats, and if we teach the pet that such behavior is allowed – over time it can become annoying and intrusive. To make your four-legged friend happy, Mr. Bandit prepared special snacks for dogs and cats. They taste delicious and are healthy.

Meat based diet

Neither dogs nor cats are pure carnivores: their wild ancestors also always ate plant-based foods – along with the contents of the prey’s stomach and intestines. A pure meat diet leads to severe nutritional deficiencies in both dogs and cats, which is why the ready, complete food contains not only meat, but also plant additives and nutrients such as fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the exactly right amounts.

Same menu for dogs and cats

Dogs and cats are fundamentally different – also in terms of nutrition. Under no circumstances should cats be fed with food for dogs and vice versa. Cats need a higher protein content and dogs need a higher carbohydrate content in their food. If both species of animals do not receive adequate food adapted to their needs, they will become ill.

Food straight from the fridge

Especially in the warm season it is important to store food for a four-legged friend so that it does not spoil. However, don’t feed it food taken out of the fridge: cold food can lead to diarrhea and stomach problems. Besides, it doesn’t taste good – flavors only develop when the meal is at room temperature.

Giving cow’s milk

The right drink for dogs and cats is fresh, not too cold water. Many animals do not tolerate regular milk well and can develop diarrhea from it. For cats who often like to drink milk, there is a specially formulated “milk for cats” that cats like and that meet their nutritional needs.

Unlimited food

The statement that animals know exactly how much food is good for them is only partially true. Some cats, and especially dogs, can never get enough, others can only be encouraged to eat selected delicacies. The quantities given on the packages of the food are an important indication, but the exact portions should be determined individually. If the animal leaves something, decrease the next meal accordingly. If, of course, it is still hungry, add a small amount.

Monotonous diet

The same dish every day is something that even a human gourmet can’t stand. Animals, like humans, love the variety of food, and the wide range of ready-made foods makes it easy to choose. Responsible pet owners should also consider the age of their four-legged friend: older pets have different nutritional requirements than young ones, and their digestive system may not work so well anymore – just like a human. The veterinarian offers special dietetic food for animals with weight problems or metabolic disorders.

If we notice a sudden loss of weight or a significant increase in weight in our pet, you should go to the veterinarian. Long-term, unexplained weight loss should not be compensated by larger amounts of food, but it should be consulted because it is often caused by diseases. In the opposite situation similarly, the recommended amount of food should not be simply reduced if the pet needs to lose weight, as we may not provide enough nutrients. In order to lose weight, it is better to go on a special diet. To keep your furry companion healthy, it’s also important to know which foods can be toxic or dangerous. Being aware of unsafe food products and making sure they are out of your pet’s reach can help prevent serious health problems. Dogs and cats need proper amount of exercise, but they definitely need to rest during and after a meal. We should organize their feeding place somewhere quiet. Walking, running, jumping after eating makes digestion difficult, vomiting can occur, and in dogs this can even lead to a life-threatening “stomach disorder”. A nap after eating is healthy, and a walk after it is just as enjoyable.