Pets have a special place in our lives. They accompany us every day, both in our joys and in our sorrows. It is therefore important to protect them well.
Food is part of the care, because, depending on the age of an animal, the calorific needs are not the same ...
So we asked 5 questions to a veterinarian regarding cat and dog food.
Can cow milk be given to a kitten under 6 months old?
You should know that a kitten is weaned around the age of 2 months. Weaned, this means that his stomach can support food other than breast milk. So you can start offering him small kibbles, specially designed for kittens.
When it is weaned, it no longer needs milk. He then drinks water. If you really want to give milk to a kitten, choose milk intended for cats and not cow's milk.
This can cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Growing up, the kitten loses its ability to digest milk. In supermarkets or at your veterinarian, you can find kitten milk.
My Yorshire is old and I just found two teeth on the ground, should I change its diet?
Indeed, the Yorshire is a dog of small stature whose weakness is generally located in the dentition. As he gets older, he loses his teeth and kibble may become impossible to eat. He risks losing weight and this can be dangerous for his health.
Before changing your diet, especially if it has always been dry, so dry food, to eat, consult a veterinarian. You would risk jostling his body too suddenly by going to the pâté.
Better to proceed gradually or even pass over kibble sold in a professional store.
Can I give the rest of the table to my dog?
It is not recommended to give cooked food to your dog. And this, for several reasons: the calorific proportion is disproportionate for a dog. The dog is an animal which is able to assimilate household food, but it is very complicated to respect the balanced rations for him.
It is best to avoid giving them leftovers, as well as bones, which can cause choking. In addition, a dog accustomed to eating at your table will be very reluctant to spend a day with kibble, even if necessary for its survival.
Veterinarians recommend respecting the types of food for each member of your family. In the same way that it is not possible to give a piece of steak to a newborn baby, your dog needs his own food for his well-being.
How many treats can you give to a cat or dog per day?
Treats are candy for them, as they are for us. Do you eat a few chocolate tiles when you feel like it? Pets also appreciate. It pleases them, but it is also a great way for teachers to practice positive education.
Another advantage: for reluctant animals, they make it possible to give medicines. In addition, some treats are specially designed for oral hygiene!
How much should you give? The veterinarian believes that it is necessary to be reasonable to preserve the health of the dog or the cat. It's up to you to judge.
How can I prevent my dog or cat from becoming obese?
Obesity is an increasingly common problem in animals. It develops for two reasons:
an insufficiently balanced and unregulated diet
lack of physical exercise
In any case, it can be remedied because you can act on both factors. Review, with your veterinarian, all of your pet's food and change it, in quality and quantity, to match your pet's food needs.
Note that therapeutic food products can be purchased in the clinic following consultation with the veterinarian. The animal prevention package of your dog's health insurance intervenes to reimburse this expense.
Then impose physical activity on them. He must walk, run a little for a given time. This will prevent him from becoming obese, but also from developing other diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.