091522_SW_Taste The Town_DIGITAL EDITION

For most pet owners, animals become
part of the family. Pets spend
time with us, play with us and sleep
with us, but should they eat with us?
Dogs and cats have different digestive
tracks than humans, and though
some foods are perfectly fine for humans
to ingest, they may be damaging
to your pet. Even if a food is safe
to eat, some contain high amounts
of sugar, so you should only use
those as treats given in moderation,
not part of their daily meals.
Though these lists are for both cats
and dogs, keep in mind that cats
are mainly carnivorous while dogs
are omnivorous, so cats should only
be treated fruits and vegetables in
limited quantities. Also, these foods
are meant to be safe in their plain,
raw or cooked forms. Avoid canned
foods that contain excess sugar and
heavily seasoned foods.
Safe Foods for Dogs and Cats
• Apples are a good source of fiber
and vitamins A and C.
• Bananas are high in potassium,
vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper.
Treat in moderation due to sugar.
• Blueberries are rich in fiber, vitamins
A and C, and antioxidants that
reduce the risk of urinary tract infections
in cats.
• Bread in plain white or whole
grain varieties are safe, but don’t offer
any real nutritional value.
• Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin
C. Treat in very small quantities
as broccoli florets contain isothiocynates,
which can cause gastric irritation
in some dogs.
• Carrots are high in fiber and
beta-carotene, which produces vitamin
A.
• Cantaloupes contain vitamins A
and C, beta-cartene, folic acid, antioxidants
and dietary fiber.
• Celery contains vitamins A, B
and C, and it can help freshen breath.
• Cheese is safe to treat if your pet
is tolerant of lactose.
• Coconuts contain lauric acid,
which helps fight bacteria and viruses.
Coconuts can also help with
bad breath and skin conditions. It is
safe to eat in small amounts, but may
cause an upset stomach in larger
quantities.
HOW
• Corn is fine off the cob, as the
cob is a choking hazard.
• Cranberries are rich in vitamin
C, magnesium and dietary fiber.
• Cucumbers are a good source
of vitamins K, C and B1; potassium;
copper; magnesium and biotin.
• Eggs are a great source of protein
and can help with an upset stomach.
They should be cooked, as pets
can get salmonella from raw eggs.
• Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty
acids that help prevent dry skin and
are good for the coat.
• Green beans are full of important
vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Mangoes are a good source of
vitamins A, B6, C and E. Mangoes
also contain potassium, beta-carotene
and alpha-carotene. Treat
in moderation due to high sugar
content.
• Meats and fish such as beef, turkey,
chicken, tuna, salmon, etc., are
great sources of protein, and fish is a
good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Make sure meat is cooked and all
bones are removed.
• Oatmeal mixed with water is
high in dietary fiber and iron.
• Peaches contain fiber and vitamin
A. Treat without the pit, as that
contains cyanide. Treat to cats in minimal
amounts as it may cause gastrointestinal
symptoms in some cats.
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x September 15 — October 5, 2022 x 5
TO ...
Know Which Foods Are Safe for Your Pets
A Little Treat Goes a Tasty Way
by Lauren Salinero
Dogs and
cats enjoy
a variety of
human foods
when given
as treats in
moderation.
• Peanut butter contains protein,
vitamins B and E, and niacin. Check
ingredients for xylitol, a sugar substitute,
which is toxic. While peanut
butter is safe for cats, it holds no real
nutritional value for them and should
be treated sparingly.
• Peas are rich in fiber and vitamins
A and C.
• Pineapples are a good source
of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It also
contains bromelain, an enzyme that
helps absorb proteins. Treat without
the outside peal and crown.
• Popcorn contains riboflavin and
thiamine, which promote eye health
and digestion, and a small amount
of iron and protein. Treat plain, without
salt or butter, and only popped
kernels.
• Pumpkin that is cooked and
plain is good for your pet’s skin and
coat. Pumpkin also helps with digestion
and can help remedy diarrhea
and constipation.
• Raspberries contain antioxidants
and are high in fiber, manganese
and vitamin C. Raspberries
also contain anti-inflammatory properties,
making them good for senior
dogs. Treat in moderation as they
contain a small amount of xylitol.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6