Many pet owners prefer to prepare homemade meals for their furry friends. However, it is important to remember that some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to pets. This article highlights some foods that should be avoided when feeding pets to avoid long-term illnesses. Before making any changes to the pet’s meal regime, consult a veterinarian. Additionally, keep a watchful eye for any side effects or allergic reactions the pet may have. Avocado This healthy superfood for humans is toxic for house pets. It contains a compound called persin, which can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. It can induce vomiting or even diarrhea. Apart from this, if ingested by mistake, the seed can get stuck in the stomach and intestines or the food pipe, worsening the condition of the pets. This particular type of food can be extremely harmful to birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats. In birds and rabbits, this food may cause cardiovascular problems, while horses and donkeys may experience swelling in the head and neck, which can lead to severe consequences. Chocolates It is a well-known fact that chocolate is extremely harmful to dogs and other animals. The culprit behind this sweet treat’s toxicity is theobromine, a compound found in both dark and milk chocolate. The most dangerous types of chocolate are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate, which contain high amounts of this compound. Ingesting chocolate can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues such as heart problems, seizures, tremors, and even death in some cases. Grapes It is important to keep grapes away from pets as they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts of raisins and grapes, whether seedless, dried, or peeled, can lead to frequent vomiting, weakness, sluggishness, and inactivity throughout the day. These are the symptoms that dogs exhibit after eating these fruits and the side effects caused by them.

Pets require specially curated foods during their growing stage. Formula foods created for specific breeds target their growth hormones. They are induced with great nutritional value to provide pups with high energy levels. As puppies exert maximum strength in their growing years, they need enough calories to support their energy levels. The formulated pet foods are readily available online and at retail stores. Here is a list of top-rated foods that are ideal for growing puppies: Royal Canin This pet food brand is popular among pet parents and vets alike. The brand is known for creating tailored nutrition for cats and dogs. Royal Canin has strategically crafted its formulas among pets depending on their size, age, breed, and whether it’s an indoor or an outdoor pet. They offer an extensive range of foods for growing puppies that ensure they get the right nutrition to support their growth and development. Royal Canin categorizes its food for puppies in different size variants, including X-small, Mini, Medium, Maxi, and Giant. Natural Balance This brand works with limited ingredients to ensure the best selection and nutrient-rich recipes. Their selective range of nutrients includes one source of animal protein, plant-based proteins, and selected carbohydrates to provide the pets with essential nutrients and growth hormones. Their single-source animal meat selection includes bison or duck, and omega-rich salmon. Natural Balance excels at providing a variety of wet and dry food recipes crafted with balanced nutrition and no added fillers. Their food is categorized into Life Stages – Adult, Puppy, and All Life Stages. Some of their popular recipes from their puppy range include Chicken & Brown Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, and Reserved Grain Free Duck & Potato. Nutro The brand’s philosophy is to use clean ingredients and craft recipes made with natural, recognizable non-GMO ingredients. The brand uses nutrient-rich foods; every single ingredient is selected to provide essential growth proteins and nutrients.

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica. This prescription kills Deer ticks and helps prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease. Such an option must be given to your pet once a month and has lasting effects for up to 35 days. It is suitable for dogs six months or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Other than the Deer tick, Simparica helps kill the lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and brown dog ticks. Bayer K9 Advantix II Bayer’s K9 Advantix II is a topical solution for dogs made from a combination of imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. The formula is effective in exterminating and preventing fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.

Taking proper care of pets is a big responsibility. It does not stop with simply giving them the best foods, toys, and creature comforts. You must also pay attention to the obvious signs that indicate your cat is sick or experiencing any discomfort that needs immediate attention. As a responsible pet parent, doing the right thing at the right time and promptly addressing the pet’s distress is important. Here are nine signs that you should never ignore: Changes in your pet’s appetite If your cat is suddenly eating more or has abruptly stopped eating, it is likely experiencing many digestive problems. Even pets have conditions like hyperthyroidism, intestinal parasites, or diabetes that trigger a sudden increase in food consumption. On the other hand, gastrointestinal diseases trigger nausea, food aversion, and fever, leading to a complete dip in consumption. Often, these changes are coupled with excessive water consumption due to the potential symptoms of these conditions that flare up. Changes in physical appearance Cats love to groom themselves; it is one of the most consistent habits among felines. However, if your cat has stopped doing things like licking their fur clean or tidying up in the litter box after doing their business, it could be due to underlying health issues. Excessive matting of the fur and appearing dirty are signs that the cat neglects its hygiene. There is also the case of overgrooming, which happens when cats lick away excess fur in a particular region. Topical skin or painful diseases trigger their self-soothing mechanism of licking to provide comfort. If you notice these abrupt changes in their appearance, it’s best to consult a veterinarian, as these are the first signs your cat is sick. Sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea If your cat feels nauseated or vomits several times throughout the day, it is a severe sign of internal discomfort caused by known disorders.

When it comes to feeding pets, cat parents may need to exercise even more caution than dog parents. That is because cats require more proteins and minerals. Further, they are “true” or obligate carnivores, meaning they need nutrients found in animal flesh to survive and maintain optimal health. The best way to ensure your pet gets nutritious meals is to choose foods recommended by veterinarians. Here are a few popular options: Smalls Human-Grade Fresh cat food Smalls is a fresh cat food manufacturer that is known for its Human-Grade Fresh product line. Approved by vets, this product line features recipes made with human-grade ingredients and high-quality, fresh animal protein sources, and it comes in two textures, making it ideal for even the fussiest eaters. The brand lets you choose the protein source for your feline from options like Bird (Chicken), Other Bird (Turkey and Chicken Liver), and Cow. Regardless of the formula you pick, you can rest assured knowing that Smalls’ ingredients are USDA-certified, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced with no bisphenol A (BPA), preservatives, fillers, or unknown ingredients. Blue Buffalo Basics grain-free cat food Looking for a formula with only a few ingredients for your sensitive feline? Check out skin and stomach care grain-free cat food—a limited-ingredient recipe from Blue Buffalo. It contains only one animal protein source (whitefish) along with potatoes and pumpkin to support gentle digestion, making it suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs. The formula has an excellent balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin and contains healthy levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and C to help strengthen your cat’s immune system. This cat food is free from cheap fillers and artificial flavors or preservatives. Tiki Cat Luau wet food If you are looking for high-quality, tasty wet food for your cat, the Tiki Cat Luau Variety Pack grain-free canned food is a great option.

With heightened stress and emotional strain becoming increasingly common today, the role of emotional support animals in promoting mental well-being has gained significant recognition. These remarkable companions offer many benefits, including offering comfort and support to those facing emotional and psychological challenges or dealing with a disorder. If one is planning to get an emotional support animal, here are a few benefits and things to consider before making a decision: What are emotional support animals? ESAs differ slightly from pets in that they are prescribed by mental health professionals to provide comfort and assistance to those with diagnosed mental health conditions. ESAs have legal recognition and protections under certain laws and are chosen for their ability to offer emotional support, while pets are primarily chosen as companions based on personal preferences. Some popular ESAs are alpacas, dogs, cats, birds, llamas, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, and pigs, with dogs being the most common ESAs. To find an emotional support animal, one can start by consulting with a mental health professional or therapist. They can offer guidance regarding the process and determine if one qualifies for getting an ESA. ESAs versus service animals ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. They are also protected under the Fair Housing Act. Service animals, on the other hand, are trained to perform specific tasks or work directly related to a person’s disability. They have broader legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Does a pet qualify as an ESA? While many pets offer emotional support to their owners, they may automatically qualify as ESAs without the proper documentation and recommendation from a mental health professional. Any breed or animal can be considered an ESA if it meets the legal guidelines. Benefits of having ESAs Introducing purpose and responsibility: An emotional support animal can be beneficial for those struggling with mental health.

Black Friday brings with it a lot of deals and discounts where you can buy loads of things for yourself and your family and friends. However, did you know that on this day you can get great deals on dog foods too? Some of the most nutritious and delicious dog foods will be offered at cheaper rates. So, you can use these sales to stock up on the best food items for your furry friend. Inception Dry Dog Food Inception’s dry dog food is made with 70% animal protein. It has oats and millets that allow your furry friend to stay happy and active all the time. The taste is amazing, and it is free from many kinds of allergy-causing ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy. If your dog is sensitive to some food items, do not worry; this dry dog food is easy to digest. On Black Friday, it might be available at a discounted rate of around $34. Royal Canin Large Adult dry dog food For every large breed pet above the age of five, the Royal Canin size health nutrition dry dog food is the best choice. It has antioxidants that fight the signs of aging and provides long life and vitality to your furry best friend. It has vitamins and minerals that can boost the strength of bones and joints. On Black Friday, you can expect to save around $6 as it could be priced at about $75. Wag Grain-inclusive Dry Dog Food This dry dog food is a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Your dog’s regular intake of this food will result in strong teeth and bones. It also has antioxidants to support the immune system and nutrients that can boost brain function. This pet food might be available on Black Friday at a price of only around $23, which is approximately 12% lower than the actual rate.

Pet owners are extremely protective of their fur babies. They want to ensure that their pets get the best of care and, most importantly, food. Most often, one gets tempted to share the food from the plates with them. But, not all the food we consume is safe for our pet cats. This makes it important to stay informed on the food items that are safe or harmful for cats. Read on to learn more. Whole grain and whole grain foods You can also share whole grain products like brown side, oatmeal, and more with your cat in moderate quantities. Whole grains are nutritionally dense and contain iron, fiber, vitamins, and tons of minerals that can boost your cat’s health. The fiber content can help improve digestive health, while vitamins and minerals can help make their coat healthy and shiny. Cheese Cats across the globe share an intense love for all things dairy. Not only will they enjoy a bowl of fresh milk, but they also love other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and even butter. When they are born, cats rely on their mother’s milk to survive for the first two to three months. But, as they grow, cats, much like many humans, tend to develop an intolerance for lactose, a protein that is found in milk and milk products. So, if your cat can digest milk and other dairy products without an upset tummy, you could consider giving them small amounts of cheese and even milk. They are rich in calcium and have a high level of protein. Cheese also makes for a great way to provide your pet cat with oral treatments. Poultry Cats are carnivorous animals and enjoy foods such as chicken, beef, and other animal products. As a matter of fact, meat is their natural choice of food for cats.

Many pet owners tend to share their own food with their pets. After all, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes watching you while you cook or eat. However, humans and dogs metabolize food differently, and so, what is safe and healthy for you can be dangerous for your four-legged companion. So, here are a few safe and delicious human foods that even dogs can enjoy: Peanut butter Not just us, even dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. Fortunately, it is safe for dogs and contains nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins B and E, protein, and niacin. However, it is high in fat and calorie content, so overindulgence can lead to health issues. Also, plain peanut butter that does not contain added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, should be offered to dogs. Chicken Cooked chicken, without bones and spices, can be a perfect meal for canines. It is one of the best sources of protein, making it one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. Cooked chicken bones should never be given to your pets as these bones can splinter and lead to choking. Carrots Carrots can be your go-to choice for veggies that can be shared with dogs. Chewing on bite-sized pieces of carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth. As the vegetable is rich in vitamin A, it can boost your dog’s immune system as well as improve the appearance of their skin and coat. You can feed your dog raw or cooked carrots in bite-sized or chopped portions to avoid choking. Salmon As long as it’s cooked and boneless, salmon is safe and even healthy for dogs. As a fatty fish, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can reduce inflammation and help maintain canine skin and fur.

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them. This fruit is a rich source of potassium, vitamins C, A, and B6. During the summers, in particular, a few watermelons act as quite the body coolant and are also low in calories. But before you serve them pieces of watermelon as snacks, pick out all the seeds, as they can cause digestive problems and even result in choking. Chicken Chicken is one of the healthiest food for dogs and puppies as it is high in protein. It is also one of the food items that dogs love to eat the most. Although, keep in mind to serve your pet plain chicken without any seasoning or condiments and much fat.

Black Friday is not just the time to shop for furniture, electronics, clothes, or gifts for friends and family. You can also save a lot of money on food for your pet cat. Black Friday brings the best deals and discounts on cat foods from various top brands, and you must take full advantage of that. Make this sale extravaganza useful by ensuring your cat gets the best nutrition and taste at a pocket-friendly expenditure. Purina Pro Plan The Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is one of the top cat foods that can be perfect for pets with food allergies and intolerances. It is a kibble that safely and strategically neutralizes Fel D 1 with a key protein from eggs. Fel D 1 is a cat allergen found in their saliva. If you wish to safeguard your little furry friend from allergies, then Amazon, on Black Friday, is giving you the Purina Pro Plan at a great discount. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Nutro Wholesome Essentials is a kibble that can nourish your cat with the nutrients it needs while also being full of flavor and easy to digest. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of all sorts of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. It is a healthy and tasty meal, and you can expect this item to be available on Amazon on Black Friday at quite a good discount. Tiki Cat Tiki Cat is a brand of canned cat food that is grain-free. Felines can have this option as a full meal or even in small amounts as a snack. It is delicious and nutritious enough to keep your cat healthy. This Black Friday, you might be able to get it for $16.56 instead of $18.48. Wellness Wellness has three ranges for cats, Core, Core Digestive Health, and Complete Health.

Pet owners know the constant battle against ticks and fleas. These tiny pests pose a persistent threat to the well-being of dogs, causing discomfort and various health issues. While numerous commercial products can solve this problem, not all may be suitable for one’s pet. Instead, one can use kitchen ingredients to manage ticks and fleas and bring comfort to one’s furry friend. These home remedies are not only safe and natural but also highly effective. How do ticks and fleas affect dogs? Tick and flea bites cause itching and trigger a cycle of incessant scratching in dogs. This, in turn, gives rise to a range of problems. The allergic reactions triggered by flea saliva can manifest as skin redness, swelling, lesions, and welts. Moreover, if the dog ingests these fleas, it can lead to tapeworm infections. Ticks and fleas lay eggs in hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks in floorboards. This makes their eradication more challenging. Beyond the direct impact on the dog’s health, the relentless scratching also causes hair fall, leaving dogs with patchy coats, and dead skin accumulates. Effective and timely remedies can break the cycle of discomfort, allergic reactions, and potential health risks associated with these troublesome pests. Kitchen ingredients that help with ticks and fleas on dogs Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a versatile household item that has proven effective in repelling ticks and fleas. Its acidic nature creates an environment on the dog’s skin that these pests find inhospitable. Apple cider vinegar also maintains the dog’s pH levels. Mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and applying it to the dog’s coat can be an excellent preventive measure. One can also add a pinch of sea salt for added relief. It’s important to avoid the dog’s eyes while spraying the liquid.