Holiday get-togethers are frequent during the colder months. A warm and cozy atmosphere is what we crave. These usually come with festivities and a lot of food. With the abundance of food, it’s easy to want to share with our furry friends hanging around the table. Our pets flash their sad looks and puppy-dog eyes, and our hearts melt! However, table scraps and “people-food” are not good for our furry family members. So don’t let your pets guilt you and your loved ones into tossing them some table scraps this holiday season! Here are some reasons why table scraps aren’t good for your pets.
Nutritional Imbalance and Digestive Issues
Human food is often very different from what your pet needs regarding nutrition. Feeding table scraps can lead to an unbalanced diet that lacks the essential nutrients your pet requires for their specific species and life stage. This can result in health issues over time. Additionally, table food is typically too fatty for a pet’s digestive system, resulting in stomach upsets and sometimes Pancreatitis in more severe cases. Over the years, humans have developed a tolerance for more decadent foods, but our pets do not have the same systems as we do, and they might also end up vomiting or having diarrhea.
Toxic Food Dangers
In addition to gastrointestinal issues, many common food items can even be highly toxic to our pets. Many food items include poisonous ingredients for our pets, such as xylitol (a sugar substitute commonly found in desserts). Here is a list of foods to never share with pets as they are highly toxic: onions or other alliums (i.e. Garlic, leeks, scallions), chocolate, grapes or raisins, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. Click here for a more extensive list.
Behavioral Issues and Bad Habits
Besides the health risks, behavioral issues often arise from feeding your pet table scraps. Pets that are frequently fed table scraps tend to become dependent upon them and may start refusing to eat their own food. Aside from that, feeding your pet table scraps can also cause them to develop undesirable behaviors, such as begging. If you want to reward good behavior, stick to tossing your pet a treat that is specifically made for them. Feeding pets table scraps reinforces the idea that human food is acceptable for them to eat. This can lead to further attempts to access human food, even when not offered.
Are you looking for a Dog Sitter in Northwest Philadelphia this Season? Top Tails is the answer!
These are only some reasons why table scraps aren’t good for your pets. The biggest reason should be their safety! In addition to healthy eating, it can be hard to ensure your pet is receiving the exercise and care they need during this busy season. But with TOP TAILS Pet Sitting, you can be sure that your furry friend is getting the best care and attention during the day during this festive season.
When you can’t be home to do it yourself, TOP TAILS ensures your pup gets the regular exercise and proper care they need! By hiring TOP TAILS for pet care in Philadelphia, you can rest assured that your dog, cat or small animal is in good hands while you’re away. You can always trust that our team members will provide your furry family members with the best care because they are trained and experienced in meeting your pets’ needs.
If you’re interested in trying out TOP TAILS Pet Sitting’s pet concierge, vacation, or dog walking services, visit our website now or call 215-908-0778 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Philadelphia pet care providers. We can answer any questions and show you what makes TOP TAILS the place for pet care Philadelphia residents trust!