Healthy Pet Foods: You Are What You Eat

Opening a new bag of potato chips can sound like a symphony, and the anticipation of crunchy, salty goodness can be too much to bear… Junk food doesn’t just appeal to humans, though. Many pets are acutely aware of the precise moment that a tasty treat is about to be enjoyed – and the sport of begging and pleading for just one little nibble ensues.

It feels good to include your pet in your indulgence, and it seems to make them happy, too; but sharing table scraps or junk food with your animal companion has serious ramifications.

So, instead of sharing one more piece of cheese or one of your last coveted Girl Scout Cookies, the staff at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has teamed up to offer our ideas of healthy pet foods. We’re sure that these foods will satiate your pet’s appetite, and keep him or her healthy and happy for years to come.

But My Pet Likes It…

It can be tough to argue against the conviction that your pet really and truly likes tacos, doughnuts, or french fries – because he or she scarfs them down instantly and then waits for more. Liking human food and craving it are two different things, and it’s dangerous to confuse the two.

Giving your pet the option to try your food can change his or her overall preferences. Instead of opting for healthy pet foods or snacks, your pet may want whatever you’re having. The possibly high fat, salt, and sugar contents notwithstanding, indulging your pet’s preferences can ultimately starve him or her of necessary nutrition.

Nuts and Bolts

Your pet’s nutrition is a major facet that supports his or her overall wellness. From the time your pet is a puppy or kitten to the senior years, consuming healthy pet foods should be a top priority.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with pet food labels in order to correctly measure food portions, and gain an understanding of what important ingredients are. We are happy to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs and find the right food that supports lifestyle and obesity prevention.

What Are Healthy Pet Foods?

The health benefits attached to human snacks or table scraps are absolutely nil – and indulging could result in awful illness, such as pancreatitis. Plus, empty calories can lead to your pet gaining unnecessary weight.

You can still make your pet feel special by providing him or her with the following safe foods:

• Steamed or raw bite-sized carrot pieces
• Cooked sweet potato
• Unsweetened cooked oatmeal
• Xylitol-free peanut butter
• Sodium-free steamed green beans
• Banana or apple slices
• Strawberries or blueberries
• Plain canned pumpkin
• Unsweetened yogurt
• Cooked rice
• Fresh, hard boiled eggs

Remember These

Before we let you and your pet get your healthy snack on, please use extreme caution with regard to the following toxic ingredients:

• Raisins
• Xylitol
• Chocolate
• Onion and garlic
• Macadamia Nuts

If your pet has never tasted a chip, fry, or bite of pizza,  well done!

However, do not fret if the can of worms has been cracked wide open. Our veterinarians and staff are excited to help your pet enjoy healthy pet foods that can sustain his or her good health into the future.

Please contact us for additional tips and tricks, and enjoy your yummy snacks together!