Handy hints on what to feed your pets, and what NOT to
Recommended diets for pets may not always be what you have in mind but according to the Polokwane SPCA it is highly important.
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POLOKWANE – Here are some tips to help you look after and feed your pet a diet which will not only be beneficial to their health but also help them to be the best they can be.
Adult dogs:
• Feed adult dogs cubes and, if your dog is older than seven years, you must feed them food meant for senior dogs.
• If this seems too expensive, substitute half of the dog cubes with cooked rice, maize meal or potatoes and vegetables.
• Smaller dogs need to be fed once a day and larger dogs twice a day.
Things not to do:
• Do not feed your dogs bones as these might get stuck in their teeth, cause choking or damage their intestines.
• Do not feed dogs food that contains spices or fat.
• Do not spoil your dog with tidbits from the dinner table.
Puppies:
• Feed small breed puppies the small breed puppy food and feed large breed puppies the larger breed puppy food.
• Puppies that are between four and 12 weeks old must be fed three times a day.
• Puppies that are 12 weeks and older need to be fed two times a day.
• Small breed puppies are classed puppies until they are 12 months old whereas large breed dogs are classed puppies until they are 18 months old.
Things not to do:
• Do not give puppies milk as it can cause tummy upset and diarrhoea.
• Do not give puppies bread as it has very little nutritional value.
• Do not give puppies food containing spices or fat.
Cats:
• Do not give cats milk as it can cause tummy upsets and diarrhoea.
• Do not give cats fish as it is not part of their natural diet.
• Allow them to eat insects as they are carnivores.
• Feed cats cubes and pellets.
• Speak to a veterinarian as cat food is highly specialised with specific breeds needing specific food.
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