Tips For Giving Your Pet Treats

Does your furry friend perk up whenever you open—or even go near—the cupboard or container their snacks are stored in? Do Fido and Fluffy somehow manage to get extra adorable when they’re angling for something yummy? Snacks are both enjoyable and beneficial for our four-legged pals. However, there are some things to consider when forking over those goodies. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinarians, a local vet goes over some do’s and don’ts of giving Fido and Fluffy their treats.

Choose Safe Snacks

First and foremost: only offer your pet things that are safe for them. In general, cats and dogs can both have cooked, boneless meat, fish, or poultry. There are a few caveats. For instance, you should limit processed and fatty meats, such as ham and bacon. Organ meat should also be offered sparingly.

Portion It Out

Obesity is a huge problem (literally) among our four-legged friends. More than half of pet dogs and cats are overweight or obese. While Fido and Fluffy may look cute if they’re a bit chubby, those extra pounds carry some very serious health risks. It’s probably safe to say that treats definitely play a role here. Even giving your dog or cat just ten calories too much each day can translate into a weight gain of a pound a year. A hundred extra calories packs on an extra pound each month. That’s a lot for these guys! Keep treats to the recommended serving size, which is usually about five percent of a pet’s daily caloric intake.

Make Fido Work

Fido is an expert-level beggar. That isn’t much of a surprise: he’s had thousands of years to work on that adorable sad expression that works so well on us. Make him perform for his reward!

As for Fluffy, well, while some people may be able to train their cats to do tricks, it’s usually the kitty training the human. Don’t let your feline pal meowpulate you into overfeeding her! 

Avoid Table Scraps

Many of the things we enjoy eating just aren’t safe for our furry friends. That list of unsafe foods includes garlic, onions, and scallions; grapes and raisins; meat on the bone; chocolate; avocado; nuts; and anything that contains xylitol, which is sometimes labeled as birch sugar. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about your pet’s diet, health, or care? Contact us here at Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA veterinary hospital!