At American Animal Hospital, we want to make sure that your pet’s needs are being met in every aspect. Just like you, nutrition is of the utmost importance. Our veterinarians will discuss with you what type of food is most beneficial for your dog or cat. As pets get older, their nutritional requirements change from when they were growing furball. Obesity is a large problem these days as 53.8% of dogs are considered overweight. When diets aren’t well balanced, not only can it lead to obesity, but it can lead to GI issues as well as skin ailments as well.
Of course, along with getting your car on the right diet is making sure you know what not to feed them on a daily basis! We know it’s hard to say no when your sweet kitty jumps on the table and looks at what you’re eating with those big eyes! We still recommend keeping your cat away from these foods:
Tuna
A cat fed a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can become malnourished, because the tuna doesn’t provide all the nutrients a cat needs. Additionally, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.
Dairy Products
Most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot process dairy foods. Give your cat too much milk, and she may have an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Grapes
Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, which will sometimes reveal itself early on in the forms of vomiting and hyperactivity.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Onions, garlic, and chives can all cause stomach upset in cats. And, regardless of the form of onion (powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated), it can break down your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Alcohol
Alcohol has the same effect on a cat’s liver and brain that it has on humans. Just three teaspoons of whiskey could kill a 5-pound cat.
Caffeine
In large enough quantities, caffeine can be fatal for a cat, and there is no antidote. You’ll notice restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors if your cat has been poisoned by caffeine.
Chocolate
All kinds of chocolate, but especially dark, contain theobromine, which is toxic to cats.
Candy
The artificial sweetener xylitol can be found in candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. In cats, it can cause a decrease in blood sugar and liver failure.
Raw Meat
Raw meats, including fish, can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning in cats (and can also be dangerous for the humans in the house).
Have questions? We’re here to answer all of them! Our exceptional customer team would be happy to discuss this further should have questions! Call us today.
