The answer is yes! Here is a list of some human foods that are yummy and generally good for your dog: [Editor’s Note: Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.]
If you have an overweight dog, substituting one of these healthy veggies or fruits for treats can be a great way to reduce his calories without you feeling like you are denying him. Let’s face it; we all like to give our dogs treats. Unfortunately, treats have calories that add up quickly. Fruit and veggies are a low-calorie alternative.
This list is meant to give you ideas about foods that you can safely share with your dog. It is neither exhaustive nor meant to be a substitute for a formulated diet. Dogs have very complex nutritional requirements. It is never advisable to give your dog “home cooked meals” without first consulting with your veterinarian. If you are interested in cooking meals for your dog, hopefully, I have given you some ideas that you can bring to your veterinarian to create a well balanced diet. Of course, if your dog has a medical condition, your veterinarian will want to consider that before adding anything to his diet. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Reviewed by: Elizabeth Schooley, DVM Reviewed on: Friday, January 22, 2021
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Posts by: Tori Houle, Lifestyle Contributor and Junior Editor New-Cat ChecklistsGetting a new kitten is so exciting! I know this because we just added two new critters to our family. Roger and Marla are brother and sister and boy are they a handful! I thought it’d be a great idea to share my experience, and hopefully help out other new kitten parents in the process. I hope you enjoy the video below and for more information of keeping your new kitten happy and healthy, click here >> Posts by: Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM Dr. Ernie Ward thinks pets can be great workout partners. For more from Dr. Ward, find him on Facebook or at www.drernieward.com. We’ve become a nation of cooped-up couch potatoes. 42% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (check out the alarming trend here). Over half our country’s dogs and cats were classified as too heavy by their veterinarians in a 2012 nationwide survey. Only 1.2% of Americans met the seven cardiovascular health habits recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) in a 2012 Journal of the American Medical Association study. The guidelines included healthy eating routines and walking for 30-minutes five times a week. While we were busy packing on the extra pounds, health officials witnessed a surge in weight-related diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more in both people and pets. The good news is this slide into sickness can be reversed with some very simple lifestyle changes. Here are five reasons why you and your pet are perfect workout buddies.
Many of the behavior cases I see dramatically improve after I prescribe daily open-air excursions. Dogs that are constantly cooped-up indoors need environmental stimulation to remain physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy – and so do you.
5. Man’s Best Motivation There’s something deeply rewarding about spending time outdoors with your dog (or even leash-trained cats). Maybe it’s rooted in our genes; maybe it’s our long history together. Whatever the reason, the connection between sweaty people and panting pets is profound. Your dog longingly looks at you and wants one thing – you. Sure, you can redirect that desire by giving your pooch a goodie, but what they really, really want is your interaction, your play, your time. I think one of the greatest reasons pets are our best workout buddies is the fact that it’s our responsibility as pet parents. Stop taking the easy way out – treats and couch time – and start lacing up those walking shoes. You’ll feel better and your pet will love you for spending quality time with them. Plus, your pet deserves it. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Reviewed by: Celeste Clements, DVM, DACVIM Reviewed on: Friday, January 22, 2021 |
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