Pet food: rules for feeding pets. Our little brothers

This article was born under the influence of the ongoing discussions about the nutrition of dogs and cats, the best diet for them. Although, nevertheless, we must pay tribute, the vast majority of questions on this matter and the problem itself in connection with feeding pets are generated by the manufacturers of ready-made feeds themselves. But this is a separate topic for discussion.

AT recent times along with food for people, a lot of offers of pet food have appeared. Once upon a time, the problem of choice did not exist at all - what is better to feed pets, whether natural products or ready-made feeds - there were only natural products. Now, in a sense, humanity has made it easier for itself by inventing special foods - dry and jelly-like. Hence the questions - what is better to feed.

Modern veterinarians, of course, argue that you need to feed the animal either only natural food, or only purchased feed, moreover, the most expensive brands and preferably non-dry feed. Such feeding is expensive, to put it mildly, and not every owner of a cat or dog can afford to constantly feed his pet with such food, but sometimes, of course, you can pamper him. So how do you answer the question of the compatibility of feed with natural nutrition?

Both types of food have their advantages and disadvantages. Natural products are certainly good, but food with common table may be poor for the animal in vitamins. After all, the sausage and cookies that people eat will not benefit not only the owners, but also their little friends - there is simply nothing useful in these products. In addition, if the animal is thoroughbred, then it must be fed very competently in order to preserve its real health and beautiful view. And it is also impossible to feed an animal with one meat or meat with fish - they will receive less vitamins and minerals in the end. If you feed one dry food, cats, for example, develop kidney stones. Of course, ready-made jelly - the best option, but only expensive brands, and this is a little expensive.

Simultaneous feeding of prepared foods and natural products many practice. But at the same time, they do not know that this can only be practiced with healthy animals. If the animal is sick with something, veterinarians usually strongly recommend feeding only expensive food of a certain therapeutic orientation. And this is largely justified. Yes, and it is more convenient to use ready-made food than to calculate - what and how much the pet needs, it is already balanced and ready to eat.

But if you still decide to feed your " younger brother» natural food, you should remember the following. Food should always be freshly prepared. In addition to proteins, food must also contain carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. From vegetables and fruits, non-colored ones should be given - zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, melons, apples.

If before his illness the animal ate natural food, then it must be transferred to a special dietary food gradually, decreasing the natural food every day and increasing the portion of the prepared food.

Helpful Hints

Pets not only bring a special atmosphere to the family, but also help the children who care for them, learn responsibility. If you don't want to get a cat or dog, and if you don't have a lot of space in your apartment, then consider smaller pets.

There are many cute little animals in the world that can become your pets. But before you bring such an animal home, you should carefully study their character and habits. Not all of these creatures can be hugged and held close.

To choose pet for your child should also be based on how old your offspring is. Of course children can learn responsibility through care and communication with animals, however, experiments can end in failure for both the pet and your child.

That is why we offer you a list of ten furry and not very potential candidates for the role of a pet for your child. You just have to read the information provided and choose the pet that suits you the most.

Pets

hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are the cutest little animals that really need the least amount of attention from you. However, it should be borne in mind - if you rarely contact such a pet, then hedgehog can become quite aggressive bringing a lot of problems.

Hedgehogs are for you if you like independent animals. They are loners by nature, and usually lead an appropriate lifestyle. It is better to keep a hedgehog in a cage (as for rabbits), but do not forget - they are great at climbing, and why cover it with a lid so that the hedgehog does not slip away.

Hedgehogs mainly eat food for cats or dogs, however, it is necessary to periodically add eggs, insects, vegetables and fruits, and cooked meat to the diet. Besides, hedgehogs need to be bathed regularly keeping them clean.

You should also be aware that hedgehogs are very susceptible to various diseases(on at least, compared to many other animals), so be careful. Hedgehogs are great pets for older children. If hedgehogs are given more attention, they become quite obedient and sociable.

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs can hardly be called unusual pets. These cute creatures, who are often turned on for their very friendly and sociable character, are among the largest rodents.

Adult guinea pigs can reach a length of up to thirty centimeters. They are very sweet and love to interact with their owners and other guinea pigs. They live an average of five to ten years. These are the best animals to start teaching kids of all ages about care and responsibility.

Guinea pigs are much less temperamental than, for example, hamsters, and much less chance that they will bite you. However, they need constant care. The diet of pigs should consist of special granular feed, hay, as well as vegetables and fruits.

Pet stores sell portable cages for guinea pigs, in which you can add various accessories (houses) so that your pig has a place to hide. However, the installation of a wheel is not recommended for guinea pigs, as your pet can easily injure the paws and back.

Hamsters

Hamsters are extremely popular as pets because of their cuteness. appearance, fluffy fur and relatively low maintenance costs. They usually easy to pick up, although some of their types small size can be quite restless, especially females.

More large species, such as the Syrian hamster, are more peaceful and better suited for your children, who will probably want to babysit them. In addition, large species of hamsters are not so gentle, rather obedient and, if I may say so, more well-mannered.

On the other hand, hamsters are also completely self-sufficient loners, so they need cage adaptations such as tunnels, passages and wheel to maintain health. In addition, they do not necessarily need partners.

However, the disadvantage is the short life span of hamsters - from two and a half to three years. It means that you have to be mentally prepared to your child's feelings about the death of a pet. By the way, hamsters are predominantly nocturnal, most of the day being in hibernation.

Our little brothers

Rats

Perhaps a rat is not the first thing that comes to your mind when your child suddenly expresses a desire to receive a pet as a gift. In vain. The rat is supreme sociable and intelligent animal that needs minimal maintenance.

In addition, they are very playful and love to mess around with all sorts of toys, balls, ropes, and can even have fun with a roll. toilet paper to your own delight. So rats are the perfect little pets?

It turns out that it is. In addition to friendliness, intelligence and sociability, they demonstrate great affection for their owners. In other words, be prepared for the fact that your children will also kindle a reciprocal relationship with them.

Rats have a wonderful memory for such small creatures. They are very unpretentious in food, although you can also buy the most suitable food in the respective stores. However, like hamsters, rats have a very short life cycle- from two to three years.

gerbils

Gerbils are collective animals that form colonies in their natural environment. That is why it is recommended to keep them in small groups - from two to four individuals. But don't be afraid - they are very inexpensive to maintain..

They prefer mixed food, very often making fairly large stocks of food (if the opportunity arises). They can be picked up and stroked, but you should do it very carefully, since gerbils are extremely gentle creatures, they can easily be harmed.

There are a very large number of species of gerbils, but at home they often contain the so-called Mongolian gerbil. These animals are big clean and practically do not smell. Unlike hamsters, gerbils are not nocturnal animals.

They are quite independent creatures, so they can entertain themselves during long period time. The life expectancy of gerbils is quite short - from three to four years, for which it is worth preparing mentally in advance.

ferrets

Ferrets are extremely active, terribly inquisitive and extremely agile animals. At the same time, they are very cute in appearance and have a fluffy fur coat, which is very pleasant to the touch. They live longer than many of their smaller counterparts.- from eight to ten years.

As soon as the ferret is released from the cage, it will immediately begin to rush around the house, studying every nook and cranny, so they should not be left unattended outside the cage. If the ferret is outside, someone must look after him, otherwise you will be tormented to look for him later.

They definitely need more attention than rats or hamsters, as they do not feel very comfortable if they are in a cage all day. It turns out a rather paradoxical situation - ferrets should not be left unattended outside the cage, but keeping them in a cage all day is undesirable even if you are not at home.

Ferrets willingly go on hands. They will not bite you, unless, of course, you accidentally harm them. These animals can play with you or your children all day long. They acquire their sweet special attraction somewhere closer to three years.

Chinchillas

Of all furry pets that are offered on this list, chinchillas are the most fluffy. Their fur is thick and silky. Thanks to this, chinchillas, probably, most pleasant to pick up, stroke.

On the other hand, the chinchilla doesn't really like being squeezed. Better give her the opportunity to run around your home. An adult chinchilla reaches a length of up to 30 centimeters or even more, moreover, females are larger than males.

Chinchillas practically do not publish bad smell. And even their discharge does not smell for several days. These cute animals live from 10 to 15 years. The color of the fur of these creatures varies from the most light colors to black as soot.

Chinchillas do not require much attention. They feed on special food, which can be freely purchased at pet stores. Male chinchillas are best kept in pairs. But the females of these animals are single, so they can be kept one at a time.

Pet for your child

Cancer hermit

The hermit crab is far from the most common pet on this list of recommended pets. However, they are very educated and very inexpensive to maintain so they are perfect for this role.

This is a very peaceful, calm animal, not at all like those pets that you want to pick up and stroke. The hermit crab is best observed from afar as it moves slowly in his aquarium, burrowing into the sand to hide its sophisticated muzzle there.

Most cats and dogs around the world are fed exclusively with commercial dry food or canned food. Since the 1940s, dry pet food has become so widespread in the world (and in Russia in the 90s) that most people consider feeding animals something else wrong. Here we look at the pros and cons of natural feeding.

Why feed cats and dogs homemade food? There are several reasons why people feed their pets homemade food. So, some owners have pets with special dietary requirements, which, for health reasons, cannot eat commercial feeds due to allergies, etc., as well as due to the need to add special ingredients to food. Some people feed their pets homemade food because they want to be sure that it is of good quality and free from chemical preservatives. harmful additives and other ingredients found in some commercial pet foods. Finally, the third group of animals that are fed homemade diets are working dogs, which require a very high percentage of protein and fat, which commercial food is not able to provide.

Why do most people use commercial food? People use commercial diets because for most of us cooking at home is too labor intensive and most pets do just fine on commercial diets. Also, it's hard to keep up with new information regarding pet feeding. It is a fact that pets today live longer than they used to, thanks to improved nutrition, mainly commercial feed. These foods are also very convenient and readily available.

Three types of homemade diets. There are three different kind homemade diets. The first type is a carefully balanced diet, completely homemade. It contains sources of protein upper class, a balanced ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber and contains a complex of vitamins and minerals that meet the needs of animals. People who feed animals with such a diet really care about the health of their pets. This type of diet requires a large number time and material costs.

The second diet is the so-called mixed diet, which consists of commercial food supplemented with natural food. Often, waste from the human table is used as natural food. If these wastes make up more than 10% of the diet, then the balance in the diet can be disturbed.

The third type of homemade diet is completely food from the master's table, and unbalanced in proteins, fats and carbohydrates. This is a bad diet for your pet. Usually this is how they feed very fastidious animals in food. To please his pet, the owner specially prepares chicken breasts or other treats, forgetting that the animal will be deficient in carbohydrates and vitamins.

What you should pay attention to before preparing homemade food for a cat or dog:
1. Cooking homemade food takes a lot of time.
2. Homemade food can be more expensive than commercial food.
3. Multivitamins and useful minerals. It needs to be carefully balanced. Might need to add various additives, type fatty acids and antioxidants.
4. It should be noted that constantly appears new information about better nutrition for pets. Those people who feed their pets with homemade food must constantly keep abreast of new developments and research. What was considered normal 5 years ago may already be hopelessly outdated today.
5. If a homemade diet is not properly balanced, it can harm the animal's health.
6. Attention should also be paid to the proper storage of homemade food.
7. Please note that if you have accustomed your pet to homemade food, it will be very difficult for you to transfer it to dry food.
8. It should also be remembered that homemade diets are often too bland and do not provide chewing, which is not good for gums and teeth.

If you want to switch your pet to homemade food, you should do it very gradually, over three weeks, to prevent indigestion.

And remember that even the best diet in the world will not improve your pet's health if it is not provided with daily exercise.

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Distributed on the Internet and in the media. Today we will refute some of them.

Myth: It's ok to feed your dog table scraps.
Reality: Since the food is intended to be the only source of nutrition for healthy dog or cats, supplementing the pet's diet with leftovers or other human foods is not necessary and often causes health problems. Many leftover foods contain too much sugar, salt, fat, or other foods that are harmful to pets. Some foods, such as chocolate for dogs and onions for cats, can be very harmful to your pet's health. In addition, feeding scraps to pets encourages begging and other undesirable pet behaviors.

Myth: I can feed dog food my cat
Reality: Dogs and cats each have special dietary needs and should be fed appropriate pet food. Cats should not eat dog food because it does not provide all of the essential nutrients a healthy cat needs. As their names suggest, dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

Myth: Homemade pet food is better for my pet than store-bought food.
Reality: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not recommend homemade pet food, due in large part to the complex dietary needs of pets. Pets have different needs than humans; both dogs and cats have distinct needs from each other. This is why it is difficult for even the most well-trained pet owner to meet the nutritional requirements of their pet by feeding them homemade food. Many basic human foods, such as onions and chocolate, are not safe for pets, and there is a high chance bacterial infection from microorganisms such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can be introduced into raw materials or improper preparation of home-made products.

The balance of nutrients in cat and dog food is important for pet health. If an appropriate balance of nutrients is not achieved, certain health problems may appear, such as:

• Calcium imbalance - too much calcium can lead to growth problems, especially for puppies and kittens, and too little calcium can cause weak bones that are susceptible to breakage.
• Too high fat intake can lead to pancreatic problems.

Myth: Feed production is not regulated in any way.
Reality: In many countries, feed production is regulated by various organizations. In the United States, pet food is the most regulated of all foods, with the exception of infant formula. Pet food is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the state regulates through laws and regulations developed by the Association of American officials feed quality controllers from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the US Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA). It's layered regulation and the industry's commitment to scientific research can ensure that pet food continues to be safe and nutritious for pet dogs and cats.

Myth: I don't have to follow the nutritional guidelines on the pet food package.
Reality: Pet food recommendations are developed specifically for a particular product, taking into account the life stage, breed, age and activity level of the pet. Feeding more or less, only based on experience with other feeds, cannot provide proper nutrition for your pet.
Pets, like some people, can eat too much if given the chance. Nutritional intake rates for pet food are designed to prevent a dog or cat from eating too much food. Overweight can lead to health problems. Typically, the recommended nutritional allowance is in a range based on the size of the pet. It's important to know ideal condition bodies for your pet. If you notice that the animal is gaining weight, then the amount of feed should be reduced. If the animal becomes too thin, then an increase in food intake is usually advisable.

Myth: Some of the ingredients in my pet food are empty fillers.
Reality: Every ingredient used in pet food is there for its own reason of need. Decades of research go into creating pet foods that meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. Some ingredients serve multiple functions (they can provide nutrients as well as create a pleasant "mouthfeel"). Animal food manufacturers do not add anything extra.

Myth: Pet food companies "separate" ingredients to hide them real amount in the product
Reality: Some people incorrectly believe that pet food manufacturers separate ingredients to create the illusion that some ingredients are in higher concentrations than others. Pet food manufacturers are required to carefully label their products according to strict government regulations. Just as in the case of human food, the description of the pet food should make it clear which ingredients are included in the product. Every ingredient in pet food is there for a reason and serves a specific purpose.

Myth: Calcium carbonate is dangerous for dogs.
Reality: Calcium carbonate is a common component of animal feed, which is an important source of calcium and is absolutely safe. Calcium carbonate was identified as an ingredient by AAFCO in 1945 and has been used safely for many years.

Adapted from Pet Food Institute

Which is better, dry food or homemade food? Why can't you feed your pet "human" food? How to feed a very small puppy or kitten? You will find answers to these questions here. In addition, you will find out what consequences can have malnutrition- this will help you avoid mistakes and troubles, as well as give your pets good health and excellent health.

Types of feeding

The owner of a dog or cat should adhere to one of two pet diets: feeding prepared food or homemade food. Which method is right for you - decide for yourself, and we will give some recommendations for each type of nutrition.

Ready feed

Animals fed commercially prepared rations are provided with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers strive to ensure that your pet's diet is balanced and healthy. As a result, dogs and cats fed this way are less likely to develop intestinal disorders, less likely weight gain, dental problems, diseases of internal organs.

With this type of feeding, several rules should be followed:

1. Follow the amount of food indicated on the package.
2. Please check the date of manufacture before purchasing.
3. Try to avoid economy class feeds, as well as bulk feeds.
4. Make sure your pet has free access to clean water.

Cooking our own food

If you decide to cook food for your pet yourself, then remember that his digestive system is different from yours, and therefore it is harmful to feed your pet with "human" food. The diet of a carnivore (dog or cat) should not be varied, although many pet owners think otherwise. As a rule, the ingredients of such a diet should not be cooked, mainly include raw meat (and / or offal), dairy products, and moderate amount vegetables.

When compiling such a diet, the owner of the animal is simply obliged to calculate the weekly diet, according to the needs of the dog or cat, balance it, introduce additional vitamin and mineral supplements. The main advantage of this mode is that you will know exactly what your pet eats, and the main disadvantage is the difficulty of compiling balanced diet corresponding to the physiology of the animal.

What not to do:

1. To mix different types nutrition. In factory feeds, the ratio of nutrients is clearly calibrated. By giving your pet additional “goodies”, you will inevitably break this balance, which can lead to illness.
2. Giving foods like: pork, fish and seafood, sweets, canned food, smoked meats, milk, potatoes.
3. Feed the animal leftovers from the table. In addition to digestive problems, your pet may develop bad habit beg.
4. Overfeed.

How to feed a kitten or puppy?

The answer is simple - there are special diets for animals from the first day of life. If you decide to pick up such an animal, or there is no way to carry out maternal feeding then you can use them. Puppies and kittens from the age of one month are already practically able to eat the diet characteristic of adult animals. You should definitely not feed newborn kittens and puppies with cow or goat milk, this will lead to problems with digestive system and will not allow your pet to grow into a full-fledged, healthy cat or dog.