Pet food: Is it wise to share human food with pets? Here's what expert vet says

Pet food: While some prefer homemade diets for pets, believing them to be fresher and less processed, prepared pet food often provides better nutrition (Image: Canva)

Making sure your pet receives proper nutrition daily is vital for their overall health and long life. According to the 2011 guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, nutrition is considered the fifth vital sign, alongside temperature, pulse, respiration, and pain assessment. These guidelines identify several risks linked to nutrition, such as feeding unconventional diets like raw, homemade, or vegetarian options.

A study in PubMed reveals that using home prepared recipes can result in nutritional deficiencies in pets. It emphasises the importance of educating pet owners about the risks of homemade diets. The study underscores the necessity for professionally prescribed diets and adequate training for professionals recommending homemade diets.

Experts warn against sharing human food with pets, emphasising that pets rely on their owners for proper nutrition. According to Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Senior veterinarian, MARS Petcare, showing love to your pet means feeding them the healthiest food tailored to their nutritional needs. “While a 65 kg adult human needs 2990 kcal/day, a pet of the same weight requires 2520 kcal/day but needs more concentrated nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamins, and iron,” he says.

Dr Kallahalli provides detailed insights into pets' nutritional needs:

Different nutritional needs: Pets come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique nutritional requirements. For instance, puppies require nearly twice the nutrients of adult dogs and have distinct needs compared to human babies. They need higher levels of easily digestible proteins, energy-dense food, and significantly more iron and calcium per calorie consumed.

Homemade food: While some prefer homemade diets for pets, believing them to be fresher and less processed, prepared pet food often provides better nutrition. Designed to be complete and balanced, commercial pet food meets specific life stage needs and ensures safety. Homemade diets may struggle to meet these requirements, particularly for cats and dogs with their unique dietary needs.

Differences in body functions: Dogs and humans differ significantly in their body functions. Puppies grow much faster than human babies, and their digestive systems are sensitive to sudden dietary changes. Their dental, gastrointestinal, skin, and coat needs vary, requiring specific nutritional considerations. Certain foods that are safe for humans, like chocolates and grapes, can be toxic to dogs.

Home-cooked vs. packaged food: Creating a balanced home-cooked diet for pets involves understanding their nutritional needs and meticulously planning meals. Manufactured pet food is regulated to provide optimal nutrition, ensuring palatability and digestibility while offering convenience.

Importance of accurate feeding: Providing pets with accurate and balanced nutrition is vital for their growth and  health. Whether it's supporting puppies' growth or maintaining adult dogs' health, proper nutrition is key to showing love and ensuring their well-being.

It is best to consult with a veterinarian for personalised advice regarding your pet's nutrition and dietary needs. The information provided here is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary consultation.