Can cats be given avocados?

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When a cat eats seeds, it surprises the owner. To many, this phenomenon seems unusual, because plants, as a rule, are not to the liking of cats. Some owners whose pets especially like to chew seeds are afraid to give them this product, as they consider it dangerous for the animal. Seeds can indeed cause serious health problems in a cat, but only if they are given to her illiterately. When a person offers a cat to eat seeds, knowing how to properly include them in her diet, this is quite normal, and they will have a beneficial effect on the pet’s health.

On the Internet, if you wish, you can find a funny video called “Cat eats sunflower seeds.” The cat willingly eats the seeds there. Such videos are always very popular because they look very funny and cute.

Harm

All of the above does not mean that you should switch your pet exclusively to a fruit diet.
In large quantities, apples can cause harm to animals.

Firstly, coarse fiber, which is so abundant in an apple, can only be beneficial in small doses. An excess of fiber in the body will lead to the active elimination of toxins and waste. The animal will begin to lose weight, suffer from colitis, and indigestion. An excess of apples also leads to fermentation in the stomach and increased gas formation.

Secondly, a large dose of fruits and vegetables, in particular apples, can cause diarrhea in the animal, which can lead to dehydration. If you overfeed apples, you will not be able to do without the help of a veterinarian.

Allergy

Allergy to apples is a rare type of allergic manifestation. It does not happen in animals. If a dog begins to itch after eating a piece of fruit, this is a sign that the product was of poor quality.

Store-bought apples are dangerous to give to dogs: their skins may retain chemicals that were sprayed on them for preservation or growth. Also, sometimes fruits are coated with a special paraffin composition, which makes them more attractive in the eyes of buyers, but at the same time can provoke allergies.

Important: there is no food allergy to yellow and green apples. But red fruits can contain a strong allergen

Recipes for cats

Your cat will really like these dishes!

Meat with vegetables and grains

Required:

1 kg of meat;
500 gr. vegetables that your pet prefers;
2 tbsp. spoons of a mixture of 5 cereals.

Preparation:

It is necessary to boil the meat until cooked, then remove it and leave to cool.
Boil the vegetables in the resulting broth until half cooked.
Pour the broth over the flakes and let it brew.
When the grains are ready, place them and the vegetables in a blender and blend well.
Cut the meat into small, uniform pieces that are convenient for your cat to eat.
Mix the resulting mass from the blender and chopped meat, add 300 ml of broth
.

Our dish is ready! It can be immediately divided into small portions for your cat to eat and frozen in the freezer.

Lazy dumplings

Required:

1 glass of purified water;
2 eggs;
500 gr. wheat or corn flour;
300 gr. chicken liver.

Preparation:

Grind the raw liver in a blender or grind through a meat grinder.
Mix water, eggs, flour and the resulting liver mixture.
Mix the dough.
The consistency of the mixture should be very soft.
Roll out a long sausage and cut into small pieces that look like cherries.
Next, we place our pieces in boiling water, and as soon as they float to the surface, they can be removed.

It is better to cook for 1-2 servings

. The rest of the mixture can be placed in the refrigerator. Cool the resulting lazy dumplings and, while warm, serve to the cat.

Fruits that are not recommended for dogs

I will list fruits that are not recommended for dogs. But, if your dog accidentally eats a small tidbit of one of these treats, most likely nothing terrible will happen.

Grape

Many owners of four-legged animals claim that their pets eat grapes without any consequences or complications. Yes, that's probably true. But grapes (especially the Isabella variety) contain a substance called methanol, which is a strong poison.

In animals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract and kidney problems, even a few grapes eaten can cause severe poisoning and kidney failure.

Pomegranate

Fruits are very healthy for dogs. But fruits with seeds, and especially seeds from them, are under no circumstances allowed. And pomegranate just belongs to this number. In addition to intestinal obstruction, eating the seeds can cause poisoning. After all, the seeds contain cyanide, the use of which even in small quantities causes poisoning in the animal.

Avocado

Avocado contains a toxic substance called persin, which can cause the development of pancreatitis and disruption of the heart and respiratory tract. Therefore, just as in the case of grapes, it is better not to offer this fruit to a four-legged animal at all.

Citrus

As we know, citrus fruits (lemons, tangerines, oranges and grapefruits) contain a high content of vitamin C, which can cause irritation of the gastric mucosa. However, if your dog is in excellent health and is not prone to allergies, it is quite acceptable to offer your tail a few slices of these fruits (no more), especially in winter.

And in conclusion I would like to say. Offering your dog fruit is not only possible, but even necessary. However, this tasty treat can bring both benefit and harm to the animal’s body.

Therefore, it is important to know which fruits can be given and which ones it is better not to experiment with.

Why cats should not be given fish in large quantities

If you think that the animal’s stomach will easily digest what you put in its bowl by carefully removing the bones or mashing them - when boiling blue whiting or pollock - you are mistaken. Our pets digest this kind of food with great difficulty. And the body of a domesticated animal is not adapted to the composition of fish. Here's an example: the majority of seals fed by their owners to a diet of river and sea creatures develop urolithiasis (UCD).

The fact that a pet enthusiastically devours boiled or fried carp, silver carp or gudgeon does not mean that such food will be good for it. The consequences of monotonous and improper feeding are as follows:

Fish contains a large amount of salts. They affect the functioning of the kidneys - over time, an important organ fails, and you have to take the animal to the veterinarian to begin treatment. Neutered cats are most susceptible to the harmful effects of salt. And magnesium and phosphorus become the very building materials on which stones are formed.

Can feeding fish worsen a cat's health? Certainly. Let's start with the fact that together with it you can introduce worms into your pet's body, which will then have to be expelled by carrying out mandatory deworming. Another horror story for owners that continues to be relevant to this day is opisthorchiasis. This is the name for prolonged helminthiasis, during which the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder are damaged. That's why cats can't eat raw fish - even if they insist on asking for it.

If you feed your pet fish every day, be prepared for him to develop hypovitaminosis. The reason for its occurrence is the action of the enzyme thiaminase. It destroys vitamin B1, leads to impaired absorption of iron, and then to anemia. Due to prolonged feeding of natural and “natural” foods for cats, our four-legged friends suffer from a lack of vitamins E and K (necessary for normal blood clotting). As a result of disruption of the synthesis of the latter, any bleeding (even the slightest) can lead to a disappointing outcome.

Why can't cats be fed fish? After all, it contains iodine, which is so useful! Yes, but not in the quantities in which it enters the body of animals that consume this product every day

The consequence of the accumulation of an important element is the development of hyperthyroidism, and with it dysfunction of the thyroid gland, the occurrence of heart and vascular diseases

And finally, one more argument: fish protein is a strong allergen. If you haven't noticed any unpleasant symptoms yet, you're in luck. However, those who have already taken their animal to the clinic and were forced to follow the treatment rules by putting the cat on a strict diet will no longer want to feed their pet only fish.

Here are just a few possible scenarios that could happen in reality if you don’t stop feeding your animal natural products that are harmful to it. And here are additional arguments that lovers of nutrition as close to natural as possible forget about.

Which fruits are safe for dogs?

Important! A dog’s food intolerance to a particular product is an individual characteristic of a particular organism. There are general lists of products recommended for consumption.

But this does not mean that your four-legged dog will 100% not have an allergy or intolerance to one or another “allowed” product. Everything is individual. Only you yourself, through trial, can adjust the diet of your furry friend and determine the products that are right for him.

Apple

Apple is one of the fruits that practically does not cause allergies in our four-legged friends. This fruit is beneficial for both people and animals. Apples are rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium and magnesium. Apple is useful for preventing heart disease and normalizing intestinal function.

How often should you give them, at what age and in what quantities should you include this fruit in your tailed friend’s diet, read about Apples for dogs.

Pear

Pears, like apples, rarely cause allergies. If you begin to accustom your puppy to this fruit from childhood, the pear will become an excellent treat that no tailed gourmet will refuse.

Watermelon

Another fairly safe fruit for dogs, or rather a berry, is watermelon. This is a seasonal fruit that both people and our tailed tomboys look forward to. You can offer your dog watermelon in exactly the same form as we eat it: without the rind and without the seeds. Watermelon perfectly quenches thirst and helps remove cholesterol from the body.

The only side effect that may appear after eating watermelon is an unscheduled request from the watchdog to go pee. So, if you offer your dog watermelon, it is advisable to do it on a day off when you are at home.

Melon

Just like watermelon, melon is an excellent thirst quencher. The ancestors of dogs, wolves, often raided watermelon and melon fields for precisely this purpose. But excessive consumption of this fruit can cause digestive upset.

Banana

Many ponytails simply adore bananas. This exotic fruit is rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals. This fruit is often used as pet food. Banana is practically safe for dogs.

But fruits that are not quite ripe should be offered. Overripe fruit can cause a laxative effect. Offering your furry friend a banana 1-2 times a week will only benefit his body.

Rowan

Rowan fruits are a storehouse of useful substances. They contain many amino acids - the building material of all body systems. Rowan is rich in waste-removing pectins and dietary fiber, carotene and vitamins B and E. But the tiny red berries have a specific taste. Therefore, you need to accustom your dog to this berry from an early age.

Blueberry

Blueberries are a natural antioxidant. It is rich in vitamins A, B and C, as well as magnesium and calcium. This is a very healthy berry. But due to the fact that it has a pronounced aftertaste, dogs rarely prefer to eat it fresh.

Gooseberry

Gooseberries are useful for both people and animals. It practically does not cause allergies in dogs. But you should only eat berries grown without chemicals. Gooseberry fruits are recommended for metabolic disorders.

Currant

Currants are a very tasty and healthy berry that many dogs love and can happily eat straight from the bush.

Why do cats purr?

Modern science has figured out how cats purr. It is much more difficult to explain what it means when a cat purrs. There are many theories and they all have one reason or another. But most scientists and veterinarians agree that cats purr when everything is fine with them, when they want to show their affection or defenselessness.

It is believed that the habit of purring appears in cats almost from birth. Indeed, you can hear cats purring as early as two days of age. In this way, little kittens let you know that everything is fine with them, everything is in order. They can purr happily even when they are eating. Sound has a calming effect on them, which is why cats purr when playing with them.

Why do cats purr when they get older? It is believed that this is an important moment of communication between animals. For example, a dominant cat signals to its subordinate that it is in a good mood. The cat “tells” the cat that she feels sympathy for him. Sometimes I wonder why cats purr when they are attacked. In fact, there is nothing strange here; the cat is in this way trying to show the attacker that they do not pose a threat, are weak, defenseless and should not be touched. This works most often when cats attack each other.

It should be noted that while a cat is purring, it is impossible to listen to the heart and lungs. Therefore, veterinarians often turn on the water in the office during examinations. Perhaps the cat is disturbed by the sound of flowing water, it gets scared and stops purring. This pattern confirms the theory of why cats purr - they do it when they feel good and calm.

How to give correctly?

If you give your dog an apple for the first time, do not rush to make your pet happy with a large portion. Limit yourself to a small piece, observe whether your pet likes the taste, whether he likes it, and whether an allergic reaction occurs. Treat him to fruit after the dog has eaten his main portion of food.

Green and yellow fresh apples are suitable for dog food. If you have your own fruits, grown in your garden or at least in your area, you can give them with the peel. If purchased and imported, then it is better to remove the peel from the fruit first.

What it is better for a dog to protect itself from is apple seeds. They contain cyanide, a poisonous compound. And if your pet likes to eat hastily and literally swallows the offered pieces indiscriminately, it is better to cut the fruit into cubes so that your four-legged friend does not choke in a hurry.

Not all dogs eagerly and enthusiastically take the offered apples.

Small dogs need fruit a little more than larger dogs. The total share of vegetables and fruits in the diet of small breeds should be about 45%, and for large dogs - no more than 30%. In order not to make a mistake with the quantity and not harm your pet’s health, remember:

a dog weighing up to 10 kilograms is given no more than half an apple 2 times a week;
an average dog weighing 10 to 25 kilograms is given a whole apple three times a week;
Large dogs (over 26 kilograms in weight) can be offered 1 apple twice a week.

It is permissible to give apples to puppies in grated and cut form as complementary foods; you can start at the age of 2.5 months. You can offer your puppy an apple supplement in their diet once a day, every day or every other day (in reasonable quantities, of course). It can be easier to feed apples to pregnant dogs, even if before pregnancy the bitch did not have a great love for these fruits. Like people, a dog’s taste preferences change during pregnancy, the need for vitamins increases, and the dog happily satisfies it by eating apples, pears, and bananas.

In the past, wild apples were collected and given to guard dogs. There is a minus - they are more sour, and not every dog will agree to eat such fruits.

Food for sterilized cats and neutered cats

Sterilized cat suffering from obesity due to malnutrition

After sterilization, a cat loses interest in animals of the opposite sex and is replaced by a lost interest in food. Therefore, very often sterilized animals become obese.

, so try not to overfeed your pet.

If you decide to feed your pet homemade food yourself, then remember that the basis of the diet, just like with ordinary cats, should be meat food. Suitable meat products include beef, chicken, chicken hearts, livers or gizzards.

In this case, it is better to give up fish completely.

In addition, sterilized cats should be given cereals, vegetables and various fermented milk products. But it is better to avoid fish completely, since fish contains phosphorus and magnesium, which are harmful to sterilized animals.

Thus, the diet of sterilized and unsterilized cats is similar

. The only difference will be the fish. Veterinarians advise buying special vitamins for sterilized pets. They contain all the necessary microelements for such animals.

In what form can the treat be offered?

You can give apples to dogs in almost any form - baked, fresh, and some dogs even really like soaked apples. Dried apples are often included in vitamin mixtures and animal feed. And if the dog persistently refuses to eat a fresh apple, try offering him dried fruit - there is a chance that this is what the picky person will like.

You should not give dogs apple jam, sweet apple compote, or apple jam. All dishes that, in addition to fruit, contain a large amount of sugar, are not beneficial for the dog, but destructive. But if you make compote from apples without sugar, then you can offer the dog a small portion - as a change.

Composition and properties of seeds

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain a number of B vitamins, which ensure normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin A, which is included in the composition, improves vision, vitamin E strengthens the walls of blood vessels, vitamin D is responsible for the strength of bones, nails and teeth. In addition, the seeds contain a large amount of amino acids and polyunsaturated acids, which are a unique antioxidant and also have an excellent effect on the quality and appearance of cat fur.

The seeds contain many micro- and macroelements, such as:

calcium;
zinc;
iron;
iodine;
phosphorus;
sodium;
selenium;
silicon;
magnesium.

All components have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems and help the cat’s body function normally.

Can cats have apples?

Like any animal, a cat needs plant food, so if it is not in its diet, the pet can eat all the indoor plants in the house. For this reason, vegetables and fruits should still be offered to her in small quantities. Apples are one of the fruits that cats can eat. It is best to boil the fruit and turn it into puree, and then add a teaspoon to a meat dish or canned food purchased for your pet.

An apple should appear in a cat's diet no more than twice a week, since it contains fiber and if the cat eats more than a teaspoon of it per day, diarrhea is possible. It leads to dehydration of the animal, and this is an extremely dangerous condition, which, if measures are not taken in time, can lead to death.

In addition to apples, on days when the cat does not eat other plant foods, you can also boil potatoes, carrots and zucchini for your furry pet. Very sweet fruits, especially such exotic ones as persimmons, bananas and oranges, cannot be offered to the animal, since the cat does not produce enough enzymes to break down sugars in the gastric tract and foods with excess sugar can be harmful to it.

Vegetable diet

Homemade cat food should include some vegetables. Fiber promotes the proper functioning of the digestive organs, the removal of toxins and the maintenance of the intestines and stomach in tone. In addition, vegetables contain vitamins necessary for the health of your pet. However, an excess of vegetables in the diet leads to diseases of the digestive tract: gastritis, colitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers. Vegetables should be added to food 3-4 times a week, raw or stewed: carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, cauliflower. You should not offer your cat tomatoes, onions and garlic, eggplants (toxic to cats!), white cabbage and broccoli, or potatoes. If your cat greedily eats plant foods, try replacing vegetables with herbs (sprouted grains, cat grass). Occasionally, young leaves of dandelion, mint, and chamomile flowers can be added to the salad (only those freshly picked in the countryside; under no circumstances should you feed your cat herbs growing in the city).

Soaked, baked and others

Apples can be prepared in a variety of ways. But almost none of this should be given to your pet:

soaked apples are prohibited, as are all pickles and pickles;
baked - yes, if the skin, seeds and the apple were removed without sugar. But only if the dog asks for it, because there are fewer useful substances during heat treatment;
compote - can be used in small quantities as a pleasant variety if it was prepared without sugar;
jam - like any very sweet product, is prohibited;
juice – also not worth it, due to the strong concentration of sour;
baking with apples - depends on the situation. Of course, you shouldn’t treat your pet to charlotte with apples. But special dog cookies with an apple will be an excellent means of encouragement.

What kind of fish can you feed your cat and how often: what is best to give?

Does this mean that the animal is not allowed to do absolutely anything? You should not think that one of his many joys has been lost for your pet - you can give tender boiled meat, but only in small quantities. Below we provide recommendations from veterinarians regarding everything caught or purchased on the market:

River fish should not be given due to the high risk of injury to the pharynx and esophagus and helminthic infestation.

You can feed sea creatures by first heat-treating them - by boiling and separating the meat from the skeleton, finely chopping it and adding it to porridge or mashed vegetables. Don't forget to remove all the bones. The best option would be to buy fillet. Such a delicacy is permissible extremely rarely - no more than a small portion once a week.

If you are afraid that in this situation your pet will be deprived of useful fish oil, buy special supplements or vitamin complexes designed specifically for tailed fidgets - for example, Nutricoat or Brewers Yeast. With them, all the necessary substances will enter the animal’s body, helping to maintain vigor and excellent health.

So, we figured out what kind of fish can be given to cats - sea fish, thoroughly boiled, lean, boneless and, preferably, fresh. And the basic rule has been repeated more than once: you cannot indulge your pet’s wishes every day - switching to an incorrect and monotonous diet can end in failure. The list of unpleasant consequences of feeding a cat capelin, halibut or a piece of salmon includes the development of urolithiasis, hypovitaminosis, hyperthyroidism, infection with worms, injuries to the esophagus and internal bleeding due to damage to the intestines by sharp bones. Be attentive to the health of your animal and do not offer it potentially dangerous products.

What is the effect of the fruit?

Much, of course, depends on the dog’s breed, age and state of health. There are those pampered four-legged allergy sufferers who cannot tolerate fruit at all. But most dogs living in our latitudes can easily eat apples, traditional for Russia. Moreover, this particular fruit should be considered optimal for introducing healthy vitamin supplements to puppies.

Apples contain pectin, essential vitamins, iron, manganese, potassium and magnesium; they are also light carbohydrates that are needed to ensure that your four-legged friend’s body has a normal supply of energy. The vitamin composition of apples improves immunity, fiber improves digestion. And even dogs with “capricious” digestion (for example, pugs and sharpeis) begin to go to the toilet “like clockwork,” and constipation disappears. The animal feels good, it is energetic and healthy.

Dogs usually like the taste of apples.

Can a cat eat butter?

The cat is a carnivore, so food of animal origin – chicken, beef – plays an important role in the diet. But in order for a cat’s nutrition to be completely balanced, other foods must be present in the food - cereals, dairy products, vegetables.

Vegetable and animal fats are a separate category of cat nutrition. The fat content of the food should be higher than dog food, but less than human food. Fats are quickly digested and well absorbed by the cat's body, especially in young cats. Kittens whose food contains the right amount of fat grow faster and become larger and healthier. The cat can be given vegetable oils - sunflower, flaxseed, olive, and animal fats - beef, fish oil, fermented milk fats.

How to give apples to your dog

If your dog is trying apples for the first time, then first give him only half of the fruit, and then after eating the main meal. Watch to see if a new product triggers diarrhea in your pet. As a rule, if everything is in order with the dog’s stomach, then this does not happen. Next time, that is, in a day or two, you can give the dog a whole apple. But this does not mean that you should simply offer the whole fruit. Cut it into pieces, remove the core, because the seeds contain dangerous substances.

The best option would be green apples, since red ones can provoke an allergic reaction in the animal. But if there are no other apples besides red ones, then they can be given to the dog after peeling them.

In any case, fruits must be washed, because today they are in most cases treated with dangerous chemicals for better preservation.

By the way, it is recommended to give dogs not only fresh fruits, but also baked ones - they are rich in pectin.

If you are the owner of a small dog whose weight does not exceed 10 kilograms (for example, dachshund, Jagderier, miniature poodle, chihuahua), then half a piece of fruit per day will be enough. Veterinarians advise representatives of larger breeds (weighing from 10 to 25 kg) to give one apple 2-3 times a week. Bobtails, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Briards and other dogs whose weight varies from 25 to 50 kilograms are allowed to eat 2 apples a day, twice a week. But even large dogs must definitely divide the product into pieces and remove the core.

If you have never given this fruit to your ward, and suddenly you notice that he will eat the core you threw away, then do not let him do this. It is apple seeds that can become a source of poisoning for an animal. Its signs are vomiting and heavy breathing.

Many dogs simply don't like fruit and don't show any interest in apples. In this case, look for an alternative among vegetables, which also contain many useful substances and fiber for your ward.

Classification

Cheese making is a fairly developed food industry; accordingly, today there are many varieties of cheeses.

Fermented milk

They are made from completely fat-free milk, to which lactic acid starters are added. Cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, and butter can be added as additional ingredients. And certain types of fermented milk cheeses contain spices, coffee, herbs, cocoa, chocolate or vanillin.

Your pet's menu can include products consisting of cottage cheese or milk, without foreign ingredients.

Serum

They are obtained from the liquid that remains after cheese making - whey, that is, secondary raw materials. Because of this, whey cheeses are inferior in composition to previous varieties; they have little fat - from 15 to 25% and a large amount of albumin.

The most popular whey cheeses are:

ricotta;
feta;
feta cheese;
Adyghe

The last product is better suited for cats than the others. It is of high quality, does not contain spices and herbs, as well as other components harmful to the health of cats, and is relatively inexpensive. It is rich in vitamins and microelements.

Mold

During the cooking process, raw materials are exposed to mold fungi. In most cases these are organisms from the genus Penicillium. Mold cheeses have medium fat content, the figure varies from 25 to 35%.

They are prepared without flavoring and aromatic additives, since the action of mold provides the pronounced taste of cheese products. These products are allowed to be given to cats. But the first time, a small piece is enough, since the animal may become allergic to the fungus.

Smoked

Suluguni and sausage cheeses are very popular in Russia. They acquire a pronounced smoked flavor during processing under high temperatures. Then the product is dehydrated, it is saturated with components with a bacteriostatic, preservative effect and polycyclic carcinogens.

Such cheeses have no place on a cat’s menu, as they contain a lot of salt and preservatives. And this negatively affects the general condition of pets, as well as the gastrointestinal tract and coat.

Rennet

Like other varieties, these cheeses are made from milk, which is affected by the rennet enzyme - rennin (chymosin). They have a high fat content - from 40 to 50%, so it is not advisable to feed them to a cat.

Among the varieties of rennet cheeses, only hard and soft ones can be given to pets. But pickled varieties are too salty with spices in their composition, for this reason they are absolutely not suitable for furry pets.

Should you offer apples to puppies and pregnant dogs?

Definitely worth it. And that's why.

As for pregnant women, an apple must be present in the diet. It is an essential source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Compared to other fruits, the apple contains a moderate amount of fiber. But it is apple fiber that stimulates intestinal motility, which improves stool and prevents the development of tumors.

Apples can be introduced into the diet of puppies from the age of two months. Just like human babies, puppies should be offered apples in pureed form. The sooner you start accustoming your little dog to various fruits and vegetables, the fewer problems with food whims you will have in an adult dog.

Salt and its role in metabolism

When analyzing the situation, it is worth turning to the natural living conditions of cats. The life of urban wild cats should not be taken into account; for the most part, they eat very poorly. Few people know, but due to fundamentally poor nutrition, street cats rarely live to be 5–6 years old, but that’s not the point now.

Let's think about what the ancestors of our pets ate? Meat, internal organs of animals, vegetation including roots. Can a wild cat catch a fish? Most likely yes, but eating it every day is clearly not. Is milk available to a wild cat? Definitely not. Can a feral cat get sausage, pickles, pickled or otherwise seasoned foods? Also no.

Salt is called white death (sugar, too, by the way), but this cliché is very exaggerated. The complete absence of salt in the diet is also no less deadly. Sugar (in the form of a quick carbohydrate, not a treat), like salt, plays an important role in metabolism. However, the main nuance of this understanding is that both salt and sugar are present in a cat’s natural diet and this amount is sufficient. Meat contains a very small amount of salt and carbohydrates, but the cat’s body is adapted to precisely the same doses of these substances. Excessively salty food will lead to leaching of minerals (the cat will drink more), metabolic disorders and health problems.

Every guide to feeding cats includes a ban on table treats. Any rule presupposes a balanced approach, that is, if you treat your pet from your plate, this is not fatal, but if you do this regularly, expect problems.

Wild and domestic cats cannot be compared for a number of reasons. The first of these is genetics. Not a single wild cat was deliberately bred, and purebred pets were selected and selected. A wild cat does not eat food from the store; it hunts organic game. Our pets receive processed, chilled or frozen foods, the natural composition of which is not completely preserved. The only exception is cats hunting mice, but even here everything is not so simple. Hunting within the city can lead not to enriching the body with salt, but to poisoning, viral or fungal disease.

Sodium chloride (salt) is a metabolic element without which cells cannot eat

Taking this fact into account, it is not entirely clear why cats should not eat salty foods. Cell walls allow salt and nutrients to pass through to displace potassium as waste products.

This is a complex, subtle and at the same time obvious mechanism. There is no salt, there is nothing to “squeeze” potassium out of the cells, we get intoxication and massive death of living tissues. Accidentally or intentionally, this fact is hushed up by modern experts and cat food manufacturers. All these subtleties are described in already yellowed reference books.

Another important role of salt in the body is digestion of food. That’s right, this is not a mistake, sodium chloride (and in significant quantities) is part of the gastric juice. The consequences of a lack of salt are obvious - incomplete absorption of food, metabolic disorders and (again) the development of a variety of ailments.

How to properly prepare apples

From all of the above, it becomes clear why it is so important to know how to properly offer apples to your dog. Of course, super special preparation is not required here, but still, there are some points. Especially if you are offering fruit for the first time, or if it is a small puppy:

The first tasting should be minimal. A small slice of apple is enough.
The first time you should offer your dog an apple no earlier than an hour after the main feeding. If your introduction to the fruit goes well, then you can give apples along with meat and other vegetables.
It is necessary to wash the apple thoroughly. If the fruit is red, peel it. Green or yellow apples do not need to be peeled. If the dog is not allergic to red varieties of apples, subsequently they also do not need to be peeled. But it's better to do it the first time.
Remove the core and seeds from the apple.
Cut the apple into small pieces and offer it to your dog. If the watchdog does not show interest, you can grate an apple and add it to already familiar vegetables.

How to give?

In order for apples to benefit your pet, they need to be properly prepared. A treat plucked from a branch will do nothing but harm.

The first time you need to offer a tiny piece - half an apple for a large dog and a slice for a small one. It should be given after eating the main meal. If the animal does not become ill, then the dose is allowed to be increased in subsequent times.

Important: it is preferable to give green apples, since red ones can cause allergies.

The fruit needs to be prepared:

wash thoroughly (especially if the apple is purchased);
to peel. You can skip this point if the apple is green, but you must cut off the red skin;
cut out the core, seeds and stalk. These parts contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs;
cut into small pieces so that the animal does not choke.

Now you can offer the apple to your pet. If he does not show interest, you should grate the fruit and mix it with something else: porridge, cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables already familiar to the dog. It is acceptable to mix with honey to enhance the taste (but only if the dog is not allergic to bee products).

The only thing that an apple does not go well with is fermented milk products: a dog’s stomach cannot withstand such an amount of acid and indigestion will occur.

How often and how much?

Despite all the usefulness of fruits and vegetables, they should not occupy more than 30% of the diet for large dogs and 50% for small dogs.

You cannot give an apple every day and uncontrollably; be guided by its size and weight:

small (up to 10 kg) animals can be given 0.5 fruits per day a couple of times a week;
For medium-sized breeds (from 10 to 25 kg), 1 apple two to three times a week is enough;
large ones (from 25 to 50) are allowed 2 apples a day, twice a week;
giant ones (50 or more) can be given a couple of apples three times a week.

Important: even for large dogs, the apple must be cut and peeled

For puppies

As early as two months, puppies can be given a cover of vegetables and fruits, and apples will be indispensable in this situation. They will not provoke allergies in the baby, will improve digestion and provide the necessary vitamins and microelements.

In addition, at a young age, it is easier to teach a puppy to eat different foods. This is a guarantee that the grown dog will not be capricious, refusing an apple, which, as we found out, is useful for him.

Important: from three months until the dog is fully mature, puppies should receive fruits and vegetables daily.

At first, the fruit and vegetable share in the diet can be up to 50 percent; accordingly, you can offer a slice of apple to the puppy every day. Gradually, fruits in the diet are inferior to meat and protein products; Apples don't start coming every day.

Pregnant and lactating

An apple must be present in the diet of a pregnant and lactating bitch. Even if the dog previously refused to eat it, offer it again, mixing it with porridge. Pregnant bitches may change taste preferences, so it will be easier to convince the animal.

During pregnancy, it is best to give raw green apples - they will help cleanse your teeth.

But, if the dog is naturally fed, it is important to take into account that during pregnancy the percentage of meat products should increase (up to 65-70%), and products with carbohydrates and fiber should decrease. Therefore, you should not abuse apples

For a nursing bitch, apples are important as a source of vitamins for her and her puppies.

Different breeds

Apples should be included in the diet of any dog, from a toy terrier to an alabai. Portion size is calculated based on the weight of the animal, not its breed.

Is fish a natural food for cats?

To please the pet, the owner is ready to feed it even what a cat cannot be fed in principle: “Let him eat. She loves fish! My cat is smart and won’t eat anything that’s harmful.” The “fashion” for feeding cats fish arose for a simple reason - in most countries, fish is cheaper than meat. In nature, cats do not eat fish or seafood at all. Fish contains too many minerals and protein for a cat to regularly consume it without harm to its health. An excess of fish in the diet leads to urolithiasis and vitamin K deficiency.

You can feed your cat fish, but not more than 1-2 times a week. The fish must be sea fish, without bones and entrails, and must be boiled (5 minutes in boiling water). It is not recommended to feed your cat fish that live in fresh water - the risk of infection with helminths is too high.

Combination with other foods

According to veterinarians, vegetables and fruits should make up about 15% of a dog's total diet. For greater health benefits, you can puree apples and fresh carrots. It is also possible to prepare mixtures with pears or bananas. The latter should be slightly unripe.

In this form, it will be especially useful for puppies to eat apples. From fruit treats they will receive the nutrients necessary for their development.

Apricots and apples should not be combined. Both fruits are extremely high in fiber. Therefore, combining them can lead to diarrhea.

Eating pomegranate can lead to consequences in the form of gastritis. This is due to the high content of organic acids in this fruit.

What to do if your dog becomes ill

First of all, it is necessary to find out the cause of the malaise.

Allergy

In case of an allergy, the following symptoms may appear: the dog itches, redness and rashes appear on the skin (usually in the ears and paws). The eyes may become red and watery.

In this case, you should immediately exclude the fruit from the diet and give the dog an antihistamine (for example Suprastin or Allervet).

Food poisoning

If the fruits turn out to be of poor quality (excess nitrates), or you did not wash and peel the apples properly, food poisoning may occur. Symptoms of poisoning: gastrointestinal upset (loose stools, vomiting).

In this case, you should also exclude the fruit from the diet and give the animal any absorbent (a means for quickly removing toxins and other harmful substances). It can be Activated carbon, Smecta or Enterosgel

In case of food poisoning, it is important to ensure that your dog drinks fresh water. Diarrhea and vomiting severely dehydrate the body

If the dog does not drink water, it should be forced to drink. It is advisable to “put” your pet on a special lean diet for a couple of days after poisoning, excluding all vegetables and fruits. This can be boiled meat with the addition of rice water.

Binge eating

Overeating fruit is accompanied by the same symptoms as poisoning: bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea. First aid is the same as in the case of food poisoning.

Can a cat have olive oil, or can oil not spoil a cat?

Can cats have olive oil? This “gastronomic” question does not arise very rarely among cat lovers. Knowing the benefits of this product for humans, loving owners logically assume that olive oil will help diversify a cat’s diet and make it more complete.

However, not everything that is due to Jupiter is due to the bull, that is, the cat. Any vegetable oil, including olive oil, is a foreign product for cats as natural predators. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, it is of no benefit to animals.

When can a fruit be harmful?

The answer to this question is quite simple and obvious - if there are too many apples. Your four-legged pet will not last long on a fruit diet. He needs a balanced diet, in which fruits are not the basis of the diet, but only a pleasant addition to it.

If you give your dog too many apples, then fiber, which is beneficial for the intestines in moderate quantities, can lead in large quantities to diarrhea, leaching of useful substances from the intestines, hypovitaminosis, digestive disorders, and pathological decrease in the animal’s body weight. Fermentation occurs in the intestines and flatulence increases.

Allergies to apples usually do not occur in dogs, but breeds with a high allergic status may show signs of an inadequate immune response - the dog begins to itch, and digestive problems arise. Experts tend to believe that the reason lies not in the fruit itself, but in the chemicals that are often used to treat the peel if it is not the season, or if the apples are imported. Does this mean that you can’t give your dog apples in winter? No, that doesn't mean it. You just need to peel the peel and give the fruit without it.

Do cats like cheese?

An analysis of our editorial mail shows that some cats find cheese quite attractive and willingly taste it. But not all! Why is this happening? Sometimes furry pets simply imitate their owners: they eat, why not try? Some cheeses contain additives that are attractive to cats' sense of smell.

Does your cat not like cheese? It's okay, moreover, you're just lucky! Caught your pet licking a bowl of cream cheese? There will be no tragedy, but make sure that this does not become a habit. Cheese is not a food that cats need.

Why is that? First of all, cats are meat eaters. Secondly, the cheese is made from natural milk and cream. It contains a lot of fats that are not good for your pet. A cheese diet means almost guaranteed heart problems and inevitable obesity (especially for indoor cats).

Which fruits should you limit?

Here is a list of fruits and berries that can be offered to a dog, but in very limited quantities. If after eating these fruits the animal does not have a disorder, then it is quite possible to include them in the menu. But, only in small quantities.

Persimmon

In limited quantities, persimmons are very beneficial for digestion. This fruit is a natural antioxidant. Persimmon is high in iodine and has a calming effect. Our Jack loves to eat this sweet fruit. Persimmons should be given to your dog without peel or seeds.

Plum

Many dogs enjoy eating plums. If you offer your pet this berry, be sure to remove the seeds. Well, the most important thing is that the plum should not be overripe. Overripe fruits contain alkoids that cause fermentation. This is fraught with gastrointestinal upset and poisoning.

Strawberries and wild strawberries

Strawberries and strawberries are rich in vitamins A, B and E. In addition, strawberries are high in vitamin C. The berries contain a large amount of manganese, which nourishes the intervertebral discs and, in combination with calcium and phosphorus, helps strengthen bones.

However, you should not offer your pet strawberries and wild strawberries in large quantities. The high content of red pigments (anthocyanins) in berries can cause an allergic reaction.

Raspberries

Like strawberries, raspberries are rich in vitamin C and have strong anti-inflammatory effects. But, like strawberries, raspberries are an allergen. Therefore, the consumption of this tasty and juicy berry should be limited.

Peach and Apricot

This is a great treat for your pet. Remove the pit, cut into slices, and your little one will definitely be satisfied. In large quantities, peaches and apricots can make you weak, especially for dogs that are not used to such treats.

Papaya

Papaya is a very healthy exotic fruit. Papaya contains a lot of enzyme that helps break down tough meat fibers. And this improves digestion and normalizes intestinal function.

Papaya fruits contain an alkaloid (carpaine), which has an anthelmintic effect, but at the same time can be dangerous in large quantities.

In addition, papaya is a fairly sweet fruit. Therefore, it is prohibited to offer it to dogs.

Kiwi

Kiwi is rich in vitamin C. But it is not recommended to give it often. For medium-sized dogs, no more than one slice per week is allowed.

Cherries and sweet cherries

Cherry fruits cannot be called a champion in the content of one or another useful element. All vitamins and minerals are distributed more or less evenly in the berry. Offering a few berries to your pet as a treat will do no harm.

Before giving your dog cherries, be sure to remove the pits. Cherry pits release hydrocyanic acid, which has a toxic effect on the body.

Cherries are not recommended for dogs prone to allergies, as well as animals with gastrointestinal diseases.