Introduction - Who Needs Treats?
All living beings on Earth cherish moments of happiness. Whether it's a sudden ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, a playful surprise from a loved one, or the unexpected pleasure of a delicious treat, these moments bring joy to our lives. Our pet friends are no different! They love spending time with us, but they are more drawn to tasty treats above everything else.
What if you could pamper your beloved pet with healthier options that are just as delightful and without them knowing? Well, you can!
For all pets including Cats, Dogs, Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters.
List Of Contents
I Stopped Giving My Pets Treats - And They Love It Alternatives
- Health Implications of Unhealthy Treats
- How to Avoid Buying Unhealthy Food And Treats
- In Conclusion
- New Poll: How often do you read the ingredients of your pet treats?
- References
I Stopped Giving My Pets Treats - And They Love It
I used to give my cats treats, but not any more. "NO MORE TREATS!" Never-ever-EVER… and they and I LOVE it.
It all started when I noticed my seven-year-old cat, Pepper, looking seriously unwell. Worried and anxious, I rushed him to the vet. After examining Pepper, the vet gave me the heartbreaking news: he was seriously ill, and it was advisable (cruel to be kind) to stop giving him kibble treats to prolong his life. This was a wake-up call, prompting me to reconsider the role of treats in my pets' diet. It made me realise that indulging our pets with treats, often seen as a symbol of love and affection, could sometimes do more harm than good, especially if given in excess or containing unhealthy ingredients.
What could I do now!? I can't deny one of my cats and then give treats to the others. Even if I secretly gave the others their treats, Pepper would smell it on their breath!. So, I had to think of an alternative, and fast, and came up with a solution I hoped would work better than treats! I went online and bought three varieties of high-quality and nutritious dried cat food that my cats had never had before. I filled their little treat packets with this new food and called them with my identifiable 'treats whistle sound'. They all came running towards me and eagerly lapped them up. Phew!
I've since found out that cats have about 500 taste buds, compared to humans with thousands! This difference could explain why it was so easy to transition my cats to a new food. With fewer taste buds, their sense of taste might not be as strong a factor in their food preferences. Also, dogs have between 1,000 and 2,000, rabbits have around 17,000, horses have between 10,000 and 25,000, and humans have between 4,000 and 9,000.
The new healthier treats I now give them are nutritious food brands with flavours my cats had never had, each with different shades of colour, shapes, smells, and tastes — fulfilling all their senses. Although this new dried food is usually for meals, I never used it for their meals. Just for treats, and I never put these treats in their food bowl to eat.
Trick or treat? Only tricks with this sneaky swap!
I've never met a cat who couldn't be tempted by this sneaky switcheroo. However, if your furry friend proves unfazed, there's an easy solution. Simply chop up a new healthy treat or two and mix them with their usual store-bought kibble. Rub them together to get the scents mingling, then offer the combined treat. Gradually increase the healthy kibble ratio while decreasing the store-bought kind, slowly transitioning them to a better diet
In addition to giving their treats directly to wolf down, I'd hide them around the house for them to hunt for, and place them in cardboard boxes, empty tins, or egg cartons to mimic their natural hunting instincts. Mentally stimulating them is great for their cognitive health.
I then started to treat them with high quality 'wet food' they've never eaten as a 'treat' instead of 'dried kibbles' which was a healthier choice, and to enhance their diet and enjoyment.
Gradually introducing new healthy treats alongside their regular food also made me feel guilty for eating human treats (sweets/junk), especially in front of them, which inspired me to eat healthier alternative treats, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids.
How often should you give your pets treats? As far as I was concerned, they could have had these new healthy treats all day long without me worrying about their health. However, I gave them their treats once a day at different times, so they didn’t get used to expecting treats at a specific time. I then rotated the bag varieties, so that every three days, they had something different to taste and look forward to without worrying about the health implications of unhealthy kibbles.
Also, our pets (hopefully) won’t know any better! And, in the long run, it's a healthier, cheaper, and ‘purrfect’, ‘pawsome’ choice for all pets.
Health Implications of Unhealthy Treats
Throwing your pet your leftover scraps is also not a good alternative to a managed diet. Unlike humans, who have a choice in their dietary needs, our pets rely on us to provide them with a balanced diet containing the essential vitamins, minerals, and protein they need to thrive. Leftover scraps often lack these crucial nutrients and can lead to nutritional deficiencies in the long run. Even pet foods and kibble treats can be just as bad.
For example, one well-known packet of cat kibbles contained... {cereals * derivatives of vegetable origin, * oils and fats, * meat and animal derivatives (including Chicken 4%!) * vegetable protein extracts * minerals}.
Here's a breakdown and how they can potentially impact your pet's health:
- Cereals: These are often 'fillers' in pet foods that provide little nutritional value and are difficult for some pets to digest, leading to digestive upset.
- Sugars: Although not explicitly listed, some cereals contain sugars like corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and diabetes.
- Oils and Fats: While essential for a healthy diet, consuming unhealthy fats like a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, as is found in today's Western diets, Can contribute to the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
- Meat and Animal Derivatives: The quality of meat by-products can be of a lower quality and contain more fillers. Look for pet food that specifies the type of meat (examples; chicken, beef, lamb) and ensure it's one of the first few ingredients.
- Vegetable Protein Extracts: While plant-based protein can be a good option, some pets may be sensitive to some plant proteins.
Other packs contained many unhealthy ingredients, including 'milk and milk derivatives' and 'preservatives.' Some artificial preservatives, such as BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene), have been linked to potential health concerns in animals, although the research is not conclusive.
As for milk and milk derivatives and dried cheese powder, many cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits, and other small mammals can be lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting milk products.
Additionally, aflatoxin, a harmful toxin produced by mould that can grow on grains like corn and wheat, may survive the standard drying and canning processes used in pet food production. Testing reveals that while higher-quality brands tend to have lower levels, nearly all pet food contains some detectable amount of this toxin.
A recent news report stated, 'Nearly half of all pet cats in Britain are obese,' and more than '55,000 of our feline friends are suffering from diabetes,' vets have warned.
Additionally, over 60% of veterinarians in the UK are deeply concerned about pet obesity, which can trigger health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease in our pets. Shockingly, 1 in 14 dogs are reported as 'overweight' by their vets every year.
Cancer is a significant concern, according to the Dog Cancer website. They highlighted that "high levels of acrylamide" have been identified in common dry dog foods, such as kibble. Research indicates that long-term exposure to acrylamide in pet foods is associated with an "increased risk of cancer development".
Obesity in rabbits is just as common an occurrence as obesity in dogs and cats. A third of rabbits in the UK are overweight due to a diet that is too rich in calories and lacks sufficient fibre. Lack of exercise also contributes significantly to this problem. Just like in dogs and cats, obesity in rabbits can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, arthritis, and a shortened lifespan.
Excess weight can also lead to 'insulin resistance', where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, potentially causing health issues like diabetes.
Dental disease is a widespread and often overlooked problem affecting nearly every dog, cat, rabbit, and horse. This common ailment arises due to improper diet, lack of dental care, and physical damage to teeth. Many pets fed a regular diet of processed food often endure the silent agony of various cruel and debilitating diseases.
Lastly, thinking back to past pets, I wonder how much longer I would have had with them if I had made healthier choices when they were babies.
Homemade and Healthy Options for Every Pet
How to Avoid Buying Unhealthy Food And Treats
To ensure your pets get the best nutrition, always read the ingredients on pet foods. If you come across any unfamiliar names, take the time to research them to know what you're feeding your pets and to avoid harmful additives and low-quality ingredients.
Avoid fillers like corn and soy, which can be difficult for pets to digest and offer little nutritional value. Steer clear of sugars, sweeteners and unhealthy fats that can lead to obesity and other health issues. Artificial additives, such as colours, flavours, and preservatives, should also be limited, as they can cause allergic reactions and long-term health problems. Check the sodium content: While some sodium is necessary, excessive amounts can be detrimental to your pet's health.
Focus on high-quality, natural ingredients to ensure your pet receives the best possible nutrition and avoid the pitfalls of low-quality food. Choose those made with fresh, high-quality ingredients approved by veterinarians or pet nutrition experts. Choose natural, wholesome ingredients that contribute to overall health. Ensuring your pet's diet consists of nutritious, recommended options will promote their well-being and longevity.
You're investing in their health and happiness, so don't settle for anything less because your pets deserve the best.
In Conclusion
As we've seen, unhealthy treats, pet foods and even human leftovers can negatively impact our beloved pets' health. By making informed choices about their diet and incorporating engaging activities into their routine, we can ensure they live long, happy, and healthy lives. Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
Instead of kibble treats, treat them with love through physical attention like hugs, behind-the-ear scratches, belly rubs, and interactive play sessions.
These activities prevent overfeeding while building a bond between you and your pet, promoting their overall well-being. After all, the wagging tails, happy chirps, and enthusiastic nibbles on healthy snacks are the best rewards.
Consult your veterinarian to help you choose the best food for their specific needs.
This article is dedicated to their memory, inspired by the love and dedication of three of my precious babies, Pepper, Bandit, and Tiger.
RIP
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