The Best (and Worst) Foods for Dogs and Cats

A healthy diet goes a long way towards ensuring that your furry family members have a long and happy life. It is completely natural for us to want to give our pets human leftovers or treats, especially when they look at us pleadingly with their big, cute eyes, but although you may think you’re doing a good deed, it may not always be the best option for your furry friends. ​One of the most common questions pet owners face includes “Is that safe for my dog/cat to eat?” Each dog or cat breed is different; what’s good for one might not suit another. Food quantity also varies by breed.

Dogs

​Dogs are considered omnivores, meaning they require both meat and plant-based/vegetarian foods to get their nutrients.

Some important tips to remember when feeding your dog include the following:

• Like all living things, they need a balanced diet.
• Adult dogs should be fed two main meals a day.
• Puppies should be fed three to four times a day to support their higher metabolism.
• If you feed your dog meat, ensure that it is only left out for a few hours, as it can be exposed to bacteria.
• Dogs need a mixture of wet and dry food.
• They need constant access to fresh water.
• Each dog requires a different amount of food, depending on their breed, size and weight.

What Are the Best and Worst Foods for Your Dog to Eat?

Good Proteins and Meats

• Beef
• Pork
• Cooked chicken
• Fish
• Lamb
• Kangaroo meat
• Cooked eggs
• Cottage cheese and hard cheeses (only in small quantities and as an occasional treat).

Bad Meats and Proteins for Your Dog

• Ham, sausage, and other processed meats: Their high salt and fat content are unhealthy and can cause a multitude of health problems.
• Raw fish: Bacteria and parasites are found in raw fish.
• Raw chicken eggs and meat: Raw chicken and other meats pose a higher risk of E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause serious illness and even death.
• Cooked bones: Cooked bones (especially rib bones) can be risky for dogs to eat as they pose a choking risk. Cooked bones are softer than raw bones and can splinter or break easily.

Best Vegetable and Plant-Based Foods for Your Dog

• Zucchini
• Broccoli
• Plain green beans
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato
• Corn (cooked and off the cob)
• Brussel sprouts
• Peas

 

Bad Vegetable and Plant-Based Foods for Your Dog

 

• Wild mushrooms: Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. If you’re going to feed your dogs mushrooms, they need to be store-bought.
• Unripe tomatoes and potatoes: Unripe green tomatoes and potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can cause sickness and kidney damage in dogs.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb leaves are very toxic and can damage a dog’s nervous system and kidneys.
• Onions, leeks, garlic and chives: These belong to the allium family and are dangerous to dogs, causing damage to their red blood cells.

Good Fruits for Your Dog

• ​Bananas
• Seedless and rindless watermelon
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Apples without the seeds (the seeds can be toxic)
• Mango (without the pit)
• Rockmelon
• Kiwifruit (without the skin)
• Raspberries
• Pears

Bad Fruits for Your Dog

• Grapes, sultanas and raisins: These fruits are highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness, including kidney failure.
• Avocado: Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause issues with your dog’s stomach.
• Cherries: Cherry plants can contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs.

Dogs and Dairy Products

Some dogs develop lactose intolerance but may tolerate small amounts of cheese or yoghurt.

The Best Dairy for Your Dogs to Eat

• Lactose-free milk
• Plain yoghurt
• Cottage cheese
• Mozzarella
• String cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese

Bad Dairy Foods for Your Dogs to Eat

• Blue cheeses
• Brie
• Feta
• Goat cheese

Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Dogs

Some signs of lactose intolerance in dogs to be aware of include:

• Diarrhoea (loose stools)
• Excessive gas
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

Cats

Cats are true or obligate carnivores, meaning they survive on a meat-based diet, relying heavily on prey and the nutrients their bodies hold. This is why cats require a high-protein and high-fat diet. Cats cannot survive on a vegetable diet alone.

Some important tips to remember when feeding your cat include:

• Cats require 4-5 small meals scattered throughout the day, as this is how they eat in the wild.
• Cats can be fussy eaters, so change their food every several months or so
• If you want to give your cat raw meat, make sure it is always a human-grade/premium raw meat.
• Cats tend to overeat, making obesity a common health issue.
• Cats need both dry and wet food – wet food provides extra hydration, while dry food benefits dental health.
• Cats have a low thirst drive, so it’s important to ensure they always have access to fresh water and wet food to aid hydration.

What Are the Best and Worst Foods for Cats?

Good Proteins and Meats for Your Cat

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Salmon or tuna
• Beef
• Kangaroo meat
• Liver or organ meat
• Cooked eggs

Bad Proteins and Meats for Your Cat

• Processed meats (ham, sausage, and salami): Processed meats contain high levels of sodium, which can cause various health problems for your cat.
• Fatty offcuts: Excess fat from meat cuts can result in pancreatitis in cats.
• Cooked meat with onion or garlic powder: Found in cooked human meat, but it is toxic to cats and can cause anaemia.
• Raw eggs: Raw eggs contain E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, which can make cats sick.

Best Vegetable and Plant-Based Food for Cats

• Pumpkin
• Green beans
• Cooked carrots
• Boiled zucchini
• Peas
• Steamed broccoli
• Cucumber
• Spinach (limited amounts)

Bad Vegetable and Plant-Based Food for Cats

• Onion, garlic, chives and leeks: Damage the red blood cells and result in anemia.
• Raw potatoes and tomatoes: Both contain solanine, which is poisonous to cats.
• Wild mushrooms: Can be poisonous.
• Corn: Can be an allergen.
• Rhubarb: Can be toxic to cats.
• Raw beans and legumes: They contain lectins, which can cause inflammation.

Good Fruits for Your Cat to Eat

• Bananas
• Watermelon (seedless and rindless)
• Blueberries
• Rockmelon
• Strawberries

Bad Fruits for Your Cat to Eat

• Citrus fruits (oranges, limes and lemons): Citrus fruits contain psoralen and essential oils, which can be harmful to your cat.
• Grapes and raisins: These are incredibly toxic to cats and can cause serious illness and even death.
• Avocado: Avocados contain a toxin called persin. They are also high in fat.

Cats and Dairy Products

Most cats are lactose intolerant, and you should avoid giving them dairy products. They fail to break down lactose (due to a missing enzyme), and consuming dairy products can result in them having diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting. Kittens can drink and digest milk properly, but as they get older, they lose the ability to do so. Kittens should only drink their mother’s milk or a specially formulated Kitten Milk Replacer. Do not give your kitten cow or goat’s milk. Taking care of your pet’s diet is just one part of ensuring their well-being. Unexpected accidents or illnesses can still happen, often leading to high veterinary costs. To help prepare for these situations, Potiki offers flexible pet insurance plans to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website for a quick quote or to review our different coverage options.

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