Everyone likes a little treat every now and then - and especially now that Christmas is coming. But although it's tempting to give your pet scraps from the table, many popular yuletide treats can actually be dangerous for her health. Whilst just one leftover slice of turkey may not seem excessive, for a pet this could actually be equivalent to a human eating seven slices!
Treat or not to treat?
Some pets are very good at begging for food and acting like they've not been fed for days! But all they often want is just your attention, not a portion of your festive dish. So try to groom and play with her instead of sharing your meal. Feeding your pet table scraps not only encourages bad habits - and having your pet on the table, especially when you've got visitors can be very off-putting, but feeding human foods in general can have an adverse effect on your pet's health. So don't be afraid to ask well-meaning guests not to feed from the table or to give your pet the wrong kind of treats.
Tasty Tips
Some table scraps are even toxic to pets
Allowing your pet eat too much rich food or some human treats can upset her digestive system. For example, onions, garlic and certain root vegetables contain substances that can be toxic for pets and may cause a form of anaemia. And remember, it's not just the raw form of these vegetables you should avoid feeding your pet, because the gravy or sauces that cover a meal may also contain these ingredients.
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that is poisonous for pets. It is in the same class of drugs as caffeine and can have an effect on the nervous system, blood pressure and digestion. In addition, grapes and raisins have been found to be toxic to pets, so again should be avoided.
Although milk is not toxic to cats in general, many cats are lactose-intolerant so can suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upsets as a result of drinking it.
The right nutrition in the right amount
Although we are often guilty of over-indulging on rich foods throughout the festive period, our pets should not follow. Overfeeding your pet or treating her with unhealthy snacks over Christmas will make her pile on extra pounds which can result in developing an increased risk of a serious health condition like diabetes, arthritis or heart problems.
Plus, with so many people around the house, Christmas can actually be quite stressful for pets. To minimize disruption, stick to her routines as well her precisely balanced nutrition like Hill's™ Science Plan™ . A Hill's Science Plan kibble is just as much of a treat, and much better for her. You can also reward your pet by varying the food you feed, combining wet and dry food and changing the flavour from time to time. However, do keep to the recommended daily amounts. The Hill's Science Plan range has delicious tasting varieties that are specifically tailored to the individual needs of your pet. And if she doesn't love it, then we'll give you your money back - guaranteed!
So, if any of your family members or friends will be tempted to get your pet a small festive treat, show them this chart below that shows some of the frequent pet treats in human equivalents! For example, for a 5kg pet, a cup of milk is equivalent in calories to a human adult eating 4½ burgers or 5 chocolate bars and 30g of cheddar cheese equates to 3½ burgers or 4 chocolate bars!
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Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan HAIRBALL & PERFECT COAT Adult cat food with Chicken is specially formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential Omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Adult cat food with egg & insect protein is a complete pet food for adult cat 1–6 years old. It's formulated for cats with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Kitten Food
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for kittens, with omega-3s for healthy eye & brain development and high-quality protein to support muscle growth. With balanced minerals to promote strong bones & teeth.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.