Fresh & Budget Friendly Choices for Your Pet
At Pet Grocer, we believe that keeping your pets healthy can be simple and cost effective. One of the best ways to enhance your dog or cat's diet is by incorporating fresh, wholesome foods that you may already have at home.
Regardless of what you feed to your pet daily, a bit of fresh food can have a big impact on their body.
Why Add Fresh?
- According to the data from the world's largest citizen science microbiome project, consuming 30 to 40 different plants a week yields the most optimal microbiome giving your pet a healthier gut!
- Several studies have found that just a 10% increase in fresh unprocessed foods to your pet's bowl can reduce inflammatory markers associated with several diseases, including IBD, allergies, and cancer. Fresh foods can also help improve your dog’s health throughout their bodies.
- Science has shown that even a 20% increase in fresh, wholesome fruit, veggies, and meats fed to a young dog can lead to them having less risk of allergic skin disease later in life.
Healthy, Pet-Safe Table Scraps
Incorporating fresh foods into your pet's diet can be both easy and economical. The old adage of 'never feed table scraps to your pet' was most likely invented by a marketing company, not a nutritionist! Here are some nutritious options you can share with your furry friends:
1. Veggies: Many vegetables are great for pets and can be a tasty addition to their meals. Safe options include:
- Dark leafy greens: Besides being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron and potassium, leafy greens are also a good source of fiber.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, carrots can be served raw or cooked.
- Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber, green beans are a crunchy treat many pets love.
- Pumpkin & Squash: Great for digestion, plain cooked squashes can be added to their meals for a fiber and nutrient rich addition.
- Mushrooms: Plain, cooked mushrooms can be a healthy addition. Mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, white, and oyster mushrooms can easily be found at the grocery store. A recent peer-reviewed study shows dogs fed shiitake mushrooms were super charged with increased anti-oxidative activity. This means it lowers the risk oxidative stress which has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, and other inflammatory conditions. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight cooked. **Unless you are an expert forager, stay away from mushrooms found in the wild as some can be toxic.
- Lightly steaming and pureeing veggies helps break down the cellular wall and can make it much easier for your pets to digest.
2. Meats: Lean meats are an excellent source of protein for both dogs and cats. Consider:
- Chicken: Cooked chicken (without bones or seasoning) is a versatile option that pets love. Try roasting a chicken with pet-safe ingredients and shredding some to offer to your pet with their meal or as a treat.
- Turkey: Similar to chicken, turkey is lean and nutritious. Just make sure it’s had pet safe preparation.
- Beef: Ground beef or small chunks of cooked beef can add protein and flavour to your pet’s meals. When making burgers for yourself, prepare an extra patty or slider without any seasoning or additives for your pet.
- Any Meat can be a great rotational addition. Don't stop at the old standards. Feel free to shake things up and offer a rotation that could include pork, lamb, venison, bison, game birds....any meat goes!
3. Fish & Shellfish: Boost their bowl with these delicious proteins packed with healthy Omegas and flavour. Often a great addition for picky dogs that need a bit of incentive.
4. Fruits & Berries: Many fruits and berries are safe for pets and can be a sweet, nutritious treat. Safe options include:
- Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, blueberries make a great low-calorie treat. If you can find wild blueberries the nutrition is even better!
- Strawberries: High in fiber and vitamin C, strawberries as a treat are a great choice.
- Apples: Remove the seeds and core, and offer apple slices as a crunchy treat.
- Bananas: High in potassium, bananas can be given as an occasional treat. Keep in mind that pets with histamine intolerance will want to avoid banana.
4. Homemade Broths: Broths are a fantastic way to add moisture and flavour to your pet's diet. You can make your own by simmering meat and bones (avoid adding salt or onions). Bone broth, in particular, is rich in nutrients and can help support joint health.
Important Foods to Avoid
While adding fresh foods to your pet's diet can be beneficial, it's crucial to avoid certain foods that can be harmful. Here are some common foods to steer clear of:
- Salt: prepared foods can have lots of salt in them. Offering whole fresh foods will allow you to know exactly what your pet is getting. Avoid adding salt to their fresh additions.
- Onions: These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell damage.
- Raisins & Grapes: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.
- Chocolate: Toxic to pets, chocolate can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting to seizures.
- Avocado Skin & Pit: Contains persin, which can be toxic to pets. The meat of the avocado is fine to feed!
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous, leading to intoxication, metabolic acidosis, and other health issues.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic and can cause liver failure and hypoglycaemia. You may find it in sugar free foods like candy, mouthwash, toothpaste, gum, and peanut butter. It may also be called Birch Sugar.
Tips for Fresh Feeding
1. Start Slow: Especially if this is your pet's first go at eating whole, fresh foods. Introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
2. Observe Reactions: Monitor your pet for any adverse reactions when trying new foods. If you notice any signs of allergies or digestive issues, discontinue the new food and consult your vet.
3. Hit the Sale Rack: You know that rack at your grocery story with over ripe fruit & veg that they want to clear out at a big discount? It is the perfect place to snag economical fresh additions for your pet.
4. Left Overs: If you prepare your meals with pet friendly ingredients, your left overs or trimmings can be a great, cost effective way to top up their bowl with a bit of fresh food.
Feeding fresh, wholesome foods can significantly boost your pet’s health without straining your budget. By offering safe table scraps and fresh treats, you’re not only providing variety but also enriching their diet with natural nutrients.
At Pet Grocer, we’re here to support you in making healthy choices for your pets. If you have any questions or need more advice on fresh feeding, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable staff.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954204/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225675&type=printable