A home cooked meal is a great way to ensure that the pets are well fed with proper nutrition. Moreover, there are many pet food brands available that are a convenient option if cooking at home is not possible. However, one should always be aware of the ingredients that are safe and unsafe for the pet to consume. Here are some toxic foods that should not be part of the pet’s meal plan. Chocolate While delicious, chocolate is a toxic food for pets, which is usually a known fact for many. But it is important to know why it is not okay to feed dogs or cats chocolate and it needs a visit to the emergency room if ingested. The problem is the theobromine component in chocolate. It is found in both milk and dark chocolate, so both the varieties are a big no for pets. Moreover, the unsweetened baking chocolate is the most toxic as it contains the highest amount of theobromine. Eating this can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and other serious issues like seizures, tremors, and heart problems in pets. It can even be fatal in some cases if the right treatment is not administered quickly. Grapes An otherwise sweet and snackable fruit, grapes are toxic to most pets.

Besides helping cats stay clean, litter boxes maintain a hygienic home environment. So much so that often, when a cat urinates outside its litter box, it could indicate a health condition. So, cat parents should consult a veterinarian to rule out such issues. However, this change could also mean the cat is not comfortable using the box. In such cases, here are some litter box mistakes one may want to avoid: 1. Not considering the cat’s preferences A cat is typically uncomfortable in a litter box if it is not to its liking. While animals cannot express their tastes and preferences, a trial-and-error method can help cat parents identify what their feline friends like or detest in their litter boxes. For example, some cats may not be comfortable with specific textures, while others may steer clear of certain fragrances. These aspects should be carefully observed until one discovers exactly what their cat likes in its litter. 2. Placing the box in noisy spots Just like humans, cats prefer quiet, peaceful surroundings. Placing the litter box in a noisy environment can make the cat leave the box often. So, one should find a quiet place for the litter. This spot should be away from the kitchen as the noise emitted by cookers, blenders, and other appliances could bother cats.

Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog. Read on to find out! Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs. Verify nutritional requirements When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that’s not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets.

Buying cat food seems easy until you’re faced with tons of brands and different options to choose from. The question then is, what should you choose? Better yet, how do you choose? To make this process simpler, here are four pointers that will help you pick the right cat food for your beloved pet. Understand your cat’s nutritional needs Before you even get to the part of buying the cat food, you need to understand your cat’s nutritional needs. These needs can vary from cat to cat. Once you’ve understood this, you can narrow down your choices for the kind and brand of food you want to buy. Typically, cats need proteins, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and tons of water. Make sure the kind of food that you are choosing fulfills these essential requirements. Read the label When you have to pick the right foods for your cat, you need to start by reading the label. The label of any cat food will provide you with all the nutritional information that you need. You can first start by looking for the source of protein. Ensure that they mention the source of the protein such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef rather than simply mentioning ‘meat’.

Certain foods that are safe and healthy for humans can be severely toxic for dogs. Understanding what these foods are can not only help one manage what they feed their dog better but also create a more dog-friendly home. Here’s a list of eight foods that one should keep away from a dog. Avocado The leaves and fruits of the avocado plant are harmful to dogs. This is because avocados contain persin, a chemical that is completely safe for humans but very toxic for dogs. If eaten, even a small quantity can cause difficulty in breathing and fluid accumulation in their organs, which can lead to death. Chocolate All types of chocolates are harmful to dogs, but dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the worst of the lot. They contain an element called theobromine which can cause severe problems like diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs. Always keep chocolates out of a dog’s reach to prevent this from happening. Cooked fat and bones Although it may seem perfectly normal to give a dog a bone, don’t do it. Dogs find it difficult to digest cooked bones. Moreover, it may also splinter or act as a choking hazard to them.

Cats are fussy eaters, and that’s why brands make sure that their foods meet feline standards. But some foods that we humans consume also happen to be safe for cats and can be fed to them in moderation. These foods take minimal time to prepare, and it is better to serve something wholesomely made in your kitchen rather than relying solely on packaged cat food. Here are a few choices to consider: Eggs Eggs pack nutrients that are beneficial for humans as well as safe to feed cats. In fact, eggs are a staple food ingredient found in different types of cat food, both wet and dry recipes. But ensure that you don’t feed them raw eggs as this increases the risk of salmonella. Lightly seasoned boiled or scrambled eggs are fine as long as given in moderate amounts. Vegetables and fruits Quite an assortment of vegetables and fruits that we eat are safe for cats. Cooked spinach is a popular nutritious option to consider as the veggie is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin is an excellent choice low in calories and high in fiber. Cats can also safely munch on some banana slices, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pears, watermelon, and some cantaloupe.

Just like humans, good nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being and longevity of canines. Though some foods that you eat can harm your four-legged companions, many others are completely safe. In fact, some even contain an array of nutrients beneficial for your dog’s overall health. In this article, we’ve listed common human foods that are safe for dogs. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving these foods to your dog. Human foods that dogs can eat safely and easily Fish Fish is not only safe but extremely nutritious for dogs. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve and maintain their immune system, coat, and skin. Remember, you must only give well-cooked fish to your dog, as undercooked or uncooked ones may contain harmful parasites. Carrots Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which plays a role in maintaining a dog’s immune system, fur, and skin. Their low-calorie content also makes a great snack. Besides, chewing on raw carrots helps remove plaque from your furry friend’s teeth. Peanut butter It’s not just humans who love this snack; dogs love peanut butter too. Peanut butter is a good protein source and it is also packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and niacin.

Your dog’s coat is one of the first things anyone notices about them. It is also said to be an indicator of their health, both inside and out. Digestive problems, heartworms, flea and tick infestations, and even stress can cause their coat to lose texture. So, if you want your dog to have healthy, shiny, and enviably glossy fur, you must take certain precautions. Here are three easy ways to obtain that dream coat. Proper nutrition A healthy coat comes from a healthy body, which, in turn, comes from healthy food. So, give your dog the right amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. In most cases, a dull coat results from unbalanced meals that fail to meet the body’s nutritional needs. It is recommended to choose whole foods-based meals to benefit your pet in the long run. Regular grooming Regular grooming activities like brushing helps stimulate blood circulation to the coat, making it shiny. It also helps get rid of dead skin and damaged fur. Try brushing both ways, as doing so is said to add shine to the coat. Another common practice is regular bathing. An oatmeal bath will take care of any itching if they have a flea and tick infestation.

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more. Aloe vera Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression. Sago palm Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure.

Cats make excellent pets. But, they can also be fussy when it comes to food. The argument between the two of you might even hold the potential of turning hostile if the four-legged creature does not get its way. However, that cannot be motivation enough to let your kitty steal food off your plate. That said, there are some foods that you can treat without worrying about the safety aspect of it all. Meat Meat is one of the tastiest and safest human foods cats can enjoy. Since cats need proteins in abundant quantities, meat is a great addition to their home-cooked meals. Beef or poultry does not matter much as long as it is not loaded with sodium. Excess salt in your feline’s food can lead to toxicity and needs to be avoided. Cheese If there is something we have all learned from binging cartoons is that cats love cheese. It is one of the human foods that are also safe for them. Cheese can be used as a treat or snack as it is rich in calcium and protein. However, abstain from growing lenient about the amount of cheese your cat nibbles on, as excessive dairy can cause complications like diarrhea.