When pet cats and dogs see delicious food, they try to hold back and act pitiful or cute to beg for it. At this time, pet owners must not be soft-hearted and must ensure cats and dogs have a scientific diet. Some foods can cause great harm to cats and dogs, which requires attention.

Kerry Blue Terrier

　　Some foods, when fed in excess, may cause health problems. For example, frequently feeding raw eggs to pet cats and dogs may cause a deficiency in vitamin H. The enzyme contained in the egg white destroys vitamin H, and a deficiency in vitamin H can cause symptoms such as dermatitis, hair loss, and poor development.

　　If feeding milk, it should be in small amounts only, and milk should never replace water. Some adult cats and dogs cannot digest large amounts of milk. Milk contains lactose, which requires the small intestine to secrete lactase enzyme to break it down. If the small intestine does not secrete enough enzyme, pet cats and dogs may experience diarrhea from digesting a large amount of milk.

　　We may often mix meat or meat by-products into cat or dog food to feed pet cats and dogs, but meat alone is not a balanced diet. Although meat is a source of specific nutrients, it must be combined with other nutrients to provide complete nutrition. High-quality food can provide pets with the balanced nutrition they need.

　　Speaking of minerals, some owners believe that they should add calcium or other minerals for pregnant and nursing female pets, growing puppies, and foals. Indeed, more minerals are needed during these periods, but they must be obtained by eating more nutritionally balanced food. If the proportion of minerals exceeds other nutrients, it may cause bone developmental deformities and other problems.

　　Some owners feed baby food to kittens to entice them to eat or use it as treats. Recent studies show that specific baby foods contain onion powder, which is toxic to kittens. If kittens begin to lose their appetite, it might be a symptom of illness and they should be taken to a veterinarian. Commercially sold cat treats can be said to be kittens’ best friends and reward for their good behavior.

　　Never let pet cats and dogs eat chocolate containing caffeine, as caffeine is toxic to pet cats and dogs.