Pet Food

1. Pet Food – A Guide for Indian Dog Owners Indian Pet owners can now happily feed their pets commercial pet food brands such as Royal Canin, Pedigree, and other brands. It is almost impossible to resist the temptation to share a few bites of these delicious meals with their furry friends. Though these actions are purely out of love, Indian cuisine comes with a lot of ingredients and spices that cannot be categorized as pet friendly. However, the good news is that some of the dishes that are staples in Indian households can be a source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins & minerals for our beloved furry friends. In this article, we will explore the list of approved v/s disapproved food items for your dogs and discover how we can enhance the health benefits hidden in staple foods in Indian households. First things first! Even though a certain ingredient may be nourishing for us humans, it might not have the same effect for our pets. It is important to check with your veterinarian about which foods are safe for your pet. The type of pet you want to feed and the amount of food they should eat will depend on their breed, age, activity level, and environment. Your vet will help you to create a meal plan that is suitable for your dog. Is it possible to make a pet's meal from the combination of Roti/Chapati & milk? Can I give chapatti to my dog? This is the most frequently asked question. Indian culture has been providing roti and milk for centuries. We have all provided our pets with a bowl full of roti and milk at one time or another, whether we are feeding them or feeding them. According to a survey by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, a diet that only consists of roti and milk is not sufficient for

2. your dog's overall health. It is important to ensure that your dog's diet includes fruits, vegetables, and meat. You should not only rely on roti/chapati & dairy for their nutritional needs.Do not give milk to puppies younger than 6 months old. For adult dogs, you should dilute it with some water. How important is it to include eggs and meat in your pet's diet? Your pet should eat animal protein as a main component of their daily meals. Your dog's health is greatly improved by eating protein from meat and eggs. Meats like Fish, Chicken, and Mutton are common in a few households; however, it is crucial to ensure the meat is uncooked and does not have any seasoning or spices. As they can cause oral injuries, and may also cause intestinal obstructions, cooked bones should not be used. It is best to boil or scramble eggs. Raw eggs can contain an enzyme called Avidin that decreases vitamin B absorption and can cause skin and coat problems. It can be difficult for vegetarian households to introduce meat/egg to their pets' meals. However, it is essential for their pet's well-being. This is where the combination of commercial dog food brands, home-cooked meals, and grains can come in handy. Role Of Grains & Pulses Contrary to popular belief grains are not harmful for pets. Instead, they are a rich source vitamin B-complex and fibre as well as iron. Pet owners who believe that their pet should be fed only grains end up giving up essential nutrients that are vital for their dogs' health, growth, and function of their bodily enzymes. Your pet will enjoy a balanced, healthy meal of brown rice and boiled potatoes. Some dogs may be allergic to gluten like some humans. However, whole grains such as brown rice, wheat and barley are nutritious for healthy dogs. To test if your dog likes soya beans, you can give it small amounts. Optimal Utilization Of Vegetables Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients. They can be added to pet's food to give them variety in taste, texture and colour. Vegetables such as potatoes (be careful not to use green areas on potatoes), sweet potatoes and pumpkin, green beans and pumpkin, and peas, should be boiled and mashed - especially if they're in large quantities. You can include fresh and texturally crunch vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and broccoli in your pet's food. This can give your dog some relief from the monotony of regular food. These vegetables can be boiled or fresh. You can include tomatoes (that need to be ripe), in your pet's food, but extra care must be taken to make sure your dog doesn't eat the stems or leaves of tomatoes. They can cause more harm than good. Onion and Garlic should not be eaten by dogs. They contain a toxic ingredient called thiosulphate which can cause canine fatal hemolytic anemia. It is important that you resist the temptation to feed your pets their daily curries/dals.

3. Snack time: Fruits included Fruits are a great snack option, especially when you're trying to keep your dog happy between meals. Grapes, raisins, and currants can irreversibly harm your dog's kidneys so make sure you don't give them. Avoid giving your dogs apples. You can also include other fruits such as melons (water and musk, with rinds), berries (raspberries. strawberries. blackberries. blueberries.) in your pet's food. A bowlful of fresh seasonal fruits can be a great way to encourage your pet's appetite for these healthy foods. Dairy Products Like gluten, lactose intolerance can also affect pets. For the majority of pets, you can provide boiled/homogenized carton or pasteurized milk. Although milk isn't necessarily bad for adult dogs, it can be beneficial to provide.Moderation is key to milk. For your pet's enjoyment, you can add small amounts of cottage cheese or buttermilk from time-to-time. Below are some other foods that dogs should not be fed, in addition to the ones mentioned above.  Chocolates:Consuming large amounts of dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa beans can lead to hyperactivity, restlessness and increased urine production. Avoid giving chocolate to pets. Coffee/TeaCaffeine and tea, like chocolate, can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. It is also harmful to your dog's heart and nervous system. Avocado, Plum, Peaches:These fruits are not included in the toxic foods list for dogs. However, they contain a type cyanide compound which can poison your dog if it eats too many of the stems and seeds. This can cause dilated pupils and breathing difficulties, hyperventilation and shock, as well as apprehensiveness. Nutmeg:The most popular Indian spice is nutmeg. It's used to make sweets and mithai. Nutmeg can be accidentally consumed and cause seizures, tremors, problems with the central nervous system, and even death in certain canines.    Even foods that are nutritious for your pet, such as grains, fruits and vegetables, treats, and meats, can cause harm if given in large quantities. It is important to properly portion pets' meals and discuss their frequency with their vet. You should also keep in mind that allergic reactions can vary between dogs and dogs so make sure to watch your dog every time you give it a new food item. Stay tuned at Creature Companion for more updates.