We all love our pet cats and always want to choose the best for them, including the kinds of snacks and treats they enjoy. Treats play a vital role in not only keeping your feline friend happy but also in training them. Many, today, are turning to healthier snacking options for their pets. However, we are often uncertain when it comes to the parameters that are to be considered before buying these snacks and treats. Keeping this in mind, we have put together a list that offers tips for buying healthy treats for cats: Limit the treats Offer your cat treats in moderation as treats lack essential vitamins and minerals. They can’t replace a nutritious meal, and in most cases, only add more calories to cats’ diets, leading them to gain weight but not really grow healthy. Steer clear of added sweeteners While it is common to find sugar or corn sugar in cat treats, few know that cats’ taste receptors can’t really recognize sugar. Added sweeteners are also a reason for diabetes in cats. Look for the AAFCO mark on the package Most packages don’t specify the nutrients or calories that the foods contain, leaving you questioning whether they are healthy enough for your pet.

It may be typical to look out for allergies in growing children, but when it comes to dogs, most new pet parents might forget that their four-legged companion can equally suffer from this health condition. Allergies in dogs are usually triggered by specific allergens found in the food they consume. But how do you identify if your dog is allergic to something? This article compiles some of the most common symptoms and triggers for food allergies in dogs. Itchy Skin If your dog is excessively scratching, biting or licking his skin, it’s a familiar tell-tale sign of an allergy. This may subsequently lead to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. An itchy rear end is also a symptom caused by a food allergy. Ear Infection Taking more than two to three trips to the vet for a recurrent ear infection is a sign of a food allergy. Yeast infection, ear mites, and swimmer’s ear remain ordinary causes of ear infection. However, if the disease persists, it may indicate an allergy most likely caused by food. Paw Biting If you notice your dog appears to lick or bite its paw frequently, the cause may lie in its nails. Discolorization of nails which may appear red, brown, or bronze rather than its usual white color indicates something is up.

A healthy diet can keep dogs fit and energetic. The food decisions we make for our dogs go a long way in keeping them in good health, making it vital that a diet is tailored specifically for your dog. The portion of food and nutrient proportion should be consistent too. Dog parents should take such proactive measures to make sure their dogs are eating well. This will boost their immunity and reduce lethargy. Read on for some food tips to keep your fur buddy healthy. Avoid unhealthy treats We love to give our dogs those yummy treats when they are being good. But, if these are rich in sugar, salt, or fat, they can lead to extra weight. This can cause health problems like obesity and diabetes. The treats can also harm their teeth. Plus, dogs can turn into fussy eaters if they get used to their taste. It is thus best to avoid creating such unhealthy habits for dogs. Follow a diet plan that is specific to your dog Like humans, dogs can react differently to common foods. For instance, they can be lactose intolerant too. On feeding them milk, if they react by vomiting or getting diarrhea, ask your vet for an alternative to it.

There is a tremendous lack of awareness among pet-owners when it comes to the foods that they should and should not be feeding their pets. While we consider our pets a part of our families, it is important to remember that they are not humans, which means the diet that suits us does not necessarily suit them. Here is a list of some food items that are toxic to pets: Chocolate While chocolate being harmful for pets is now more commonly known by people, it is still important to put it out there. All forms of chocolate are extremely toxic to animals and can severely affect their bodily processes. Chocolate contains a toxin known as theobromine, which, if ingested, can pose a great risk to the health of your pet. Caffeine Caffeine can have a similar effect as chocolate on pets. It is proven that pets are more sensitive to caffeine than humans. Make sure to keep all caffeinated foods and beverages out of their reach as they can cause anything from fever to coma and in some cases, even death. Grapes and alcohol While grapes aren’t particularly harmful to all pets, they have been known to cause stomach issues and sometimes, kidney failure in dogs.

Arthritis is a condition in which joints in the body swell and throb with immense pain. This pain can be managed not just by medication, but also by choosing the right foods. Foods that contain high levels of nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids have high anti-inflammatory properties. A balanced intake of such foods can reduce inflammation, soothe joints, and relieve pain caused to the bones. If you or somebody you know has arthritis, then refer to this list of foods to effectively manage arthritis: Walnuts Walnuts are a superfood that can combat arthritis pain by reducing inflammatory markers. They contain healthy fats and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. They have a high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which makes them essential for bone health. A daily intake of one or two walnuts can thus ease joint pain caused by arthritis. Salmon Having two servings of salmon in a week can decrease stiffness in your joints. Salmon is a good source of polyunsaturated fats and vitamin D. Many with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of vitamin D; hence, a regular intake of salmon can help in boosting Vitamin D levels. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can also reduce inflammation in the joints, thereby reducing arthritis pain.