Most people make the distinction between human food to pet food. They believe that we need to eat vegetables, meat and grains and pets should only eat kibble or canned food. Rather, the truth is that food is simply food. There isn’t such a thing as people food.
Think about it, even commercial pet food started its life as chicken, potato, corn, etc. At the beginning, pet food WAS real food. This means that you CAN give pets “human” food; You just need to know what to give and how.
I’m not here to convince you to make the switch to human food completely; Of course it would be great if you do 🙂
This article simply emphasizes the importance of combining some human food into your pets diet.
Why adding human food to pets diet?
Everybody believes that commercial pet food is complete, balanced and contains everything pets need. Truth is, things aren’t that simple. Its true that commercial pet food undergoes testing so manufacturers can declare its complete and balanced. But, recipes can change and relying on just one recipe for life can cause some nutritional deficiencies. Variety is important.
Adding human food to pets diet will provide crucial nutrients in their whole natural form. Rather the synthetic ones in the commercial food. Pets bodies process and absorbs complete nutrients in an optimal way; Unlike their synthetic version.
Also, commercial pet food is highly processed. Some say its one of the most processed foods on the planet. it contains a wide range of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic ingredients which doesn’t contribute to optimal health.
Lastly, kibble is DRY food; And the body needs fluids in order to survive. Hence, adding any human food will enter some needed fluids to the diet. These fluids support all bodily systems, mainly the kidneys and urinary tract.
What can you add?
I can say, in general, that ingredients that are heathy for us, are healthy for our pets. Meaning, vegetables and fresh fruits, whole grains, fresh low fat mea, fish, etc. Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with fluids and loaded with nutrients and fiber.
For example, a slice of melon or a handful of frozen berries would make a wonderful snack on a warm day.
Lean meat such as chicken breast or fish fillet provides high quality protein with excellent digestibility.
whole grains provides fiber and many nutrients. So, these needs to be limited, especially for diabetic digs. Cats don’t need any grains in their diets.
What to avoid?
Fatty foods contribute to increased calorie intake but also raise the risk for Pancreatitis. It’s best to avoid giving pieces of fat larger than 1cmX1cm for every 10 kg of the pets body weight.
Also, avoid feeding spicy foods or those with high levels of salt. Pets diet aren’t equipped to handle seasoned foods such as black pepper, paprika, BBQ, etc. Spices may cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps.
You can read the entire list of poisonous foods for dogs right here.
How much to human food to add?
You need to remember that if you are feeding commercial food, that its currently balanced and should provide for daily nutritional requirements. So, everything you give extra is only an addition. This addition, above adding nutrients, also adds calories. Extra calories, which aren’t used by sport and play, accumulates in the pets body in the form of fat.
As you don’t want to cause weight gain and risk obesity; Its important that you don’t feed extra food over 10% of the daily feeding quantity. If you do feed over, make sure that you reduce the same quantity from the commercial food. And, that the natural food you provide is balanced and contains protein, fats, nutritious carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits.
This chart will provide you with some guidelines as to the maximum amount of natural food you may give per day; This is if you only feed it s a snack. If you want to offer a complete meal, to replace a commercial one you are currently feeding, please contact me and I will explain further.
(Calculated by 10% of the daily caloric intake)
Pets body weight       amount to add
2.5 kg                 4.5 grams
5 kg                   8 grams
10 kg                  14 grams
20 kg                  26 grams
30 kg                 32 grams
40 kg                 40 grams
How to feed natural food?
If your pet had never eaten natural food, I recommend adding it gradually. For example, start by offering some cooked chicken or cooked plain rice. This is in order to get the pets digestive tract accustomed. Your pet may experience a bit of diarrhea or a sensitive stomach for a day or two; But don’t let this deter you as most times it stops rapidly.
You need to remember a simple rule – If food goes in looks the same on the way out, it didn’t get digested. For example, seeing a piece of carrot in the stool.
You can feed fruits fresh, as do some vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes. Grains and vegetables such as sweet potato or carrots needs to be fully cooked. I also recommend mashing them or putting them in a food processor.
In order to avoid your pet begging during meal time, its best to offer the food after you had done eating or at a different time completely.
To sum things up, giving your pet real natural food is important. Each time you reduce your pets exposure to commercial food, you are minimizing the risk for illness.
But remember, your pet isn’t a garbage disposal! Don’t feed anything that you wouldn’t eat yourself. If that chicken thigh smells a bit off, don’t give it to your dog.
You can feed natural food as a snack or as a complete meal, just do it correctly. Feed just ingredients which are safe for your pet, measure your quantities and a combination of ingredients that will provide a range of nutrients.
And remember, I’m here to answer any question and guide you.