Pet parents know the joy of sharing a mealtime or tasty treat (cheese tax, anyone?) with their beloved fur baby, but not everything in the kitchen is safe for your dog or cat.
Fear not, as this guide explores pet-safe ingredients, foods to avoid, and tasty, budget-friendly recipes you can enjoy together.
What’s safe for cats and dogs to eat?
It’s important to remember that, even though these foods are okay for your pet, only 5% of their diet can come from treats or leftovers. The rest has to come from their pet foods, designed to provide a balanced diet. Share these foods in moderation.
Avoid spicing or seasoning these foods, and check labels for harmful ingredient substitutes like xylitol.
- Cooked lean meats and eggs
- Veggies, such as carrots, celery, broccoli, cooked pumpkin, green beans, and cauliflower. To avoid choking hazards, chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- Fruits, such as apples, bananas, pineapple, melon, blueberries, strawberries and kiwi. Remember to chop into bite-sized pieces and remove the stem, core, and seeds.
- Peanut butter makes for a great snack on its own or as the base for another treat. Just make sure to check the label for xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
- Popcorn (popped without seasonings)
- Oatmeal (cooked without seasonings)
- Rice (cooked without seasonings)
- Cooked salmon and fish skins (no bones, as they can puncture parts of your pets’ digestive tract)
- Cheese (aka cheese tax) can be given in small cubes at a time
- Plain yoghurt in small amounts (great natural probiotic)
Harmful or toxic foods
Keep your pets far away from these foods:
- Xylitol (a common sugar substitute in peanut butters, baked goods and many products designed for diabetics)
- Chocolate (although super tasty for humans, it contains theobromine and caffeine, extremely toxic for pets, even in small amounts)
- Alcohol (severely toxic for pets, potentially causing liver and brain damage)
- Onions, garlic, and chives (containing a chemical called N-propyl disulfide these foods can cause your pet to become extremely anaemic)
Affordable treats you can both enjoy
Next time you’re feeling snackish, make a little board that both you and your pet can enjoy! Think pet-friendly charcuterie boards, or refreshing fruit salads. Not only are these affordable, but also super nutritious for both you and your pet.
Compiled by Annemieke van Nieuwkerk
First Published: Food & Home
