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Pet-Friendly

Foods In Your Indian Kitchen That Dogs, Cats and Birds Love

A pet lover's ears perk up when they hear that the Indian kitchen can significantly fill a pet food bowl with some nutritious foods that are commonly consumed by humans in their day-to-day lives. This list of pet-friendly foods certainly includes items suitable for both birds and furry animals (such as dogs and cats). One of these foods promotes dental health, while another supports gastrointestinal health; all of them are safe for pets to eat.

Green beans are a tasty, healthy treat for your canine when fed in moderation. They can be a great low-calorie treat choice for adult dogs and puppies. Always wash fresh green beans, remove any stems or strings, and cut them into small, bite-size pieces. Be creative and blend these pieces with some fruits and vegetables to make a little smoothie for your pup. Moreover, use these green beans as a food topper and simply sprinkle them onto your pet's food.

Fresh, juicy blueberries are safe and nutritious for birds to eat. Low in sugar and rich in moisture, blueberries help birds stay hydrated, particularly in summer and in settings where there is little or limited access to drinking water. If you have parrots at home, feed them these berries as a snack. If it's your parrot's first time eating blueberries, start by giving it one blueberry. You can gradually introduce more blueberries into its diet if you find that it enjoys eating them.

Good news for bird owners is that apples can be another go-to pet food for your parrots or other birds. Avian pets enjoy the crunchy texture and mild sweetness of apples, making them a popular enrichment food. But it is very important to discard the apple seeds because they contain compounds that can release cyanide when digested. Even a single seed can cause a major problem. So it is always best to serve fresh, washed apples cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

A study suggests that letting a dog chew on raw carrots promotes good dental health. Carrots provide vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that support eye health, digestion and skin. Wash them properly, chop them into bite-size pieces and then combine them with cooked rice or other dog-friendly foods, like sweet potatoes and peas. Always avoid adding potentially dangerous ingredients like butter, oil, seasonings or sugar.

Ground flaxseed is a fibre-rich supplement for your pet food bowl. Studies in dogs show that it helps improve gastrointestinal health, lipid profile and skin condition due to its high fibre content and lignans. It is important to note that you should always buy ground flaxseeds, because otherwise they will simply pass through the digestive system undigested. You should begin with just a pinch, around a quarter of a teaspoon for small dogs and up to a teaspoon for large dogs.

Furry paws padding across the floor might mean dinner curiosity. Feeding your cat scrambled eggs or boiled eggs with no salt or seasonings is completely fine, but there is a risk of adding too much fat to your cat's diet. Before giving your cat eggs, consult with your veterinarian. Scrambled or boiled eggs that contain egg yolks have increased fat content, which raises the calorie content and your cat's risk of obesity. Feeding only boiled or scrambled egg whites will reduce these risks. Egg whites contain almost no fat, making them a better source of protein for your cat.

Plain yoghurt is considered safe pet food for cats to eat occasionally. It is important that you go for yoghurt that is free of xylitol, unsweetened, unflavoured, and full-fat or low-fat with live cultures. Many cats suffer from lactose intolerance, although yoghurt has a lower amount of lactose than milk. It is advisable to begin with half a teaspoon and look out for any signs of vomiting or diarrhoea. It is recommended not to give treats exceeding 10% of total daily calorie intake.