Saturday25 January 2025
nbn.in.ua

Don't feed them: Experts explain the dangers of giving pets food from the festive table.

Not everything that is tasty for humans is beneficial for animals.
Не кормите: эксперты объяснили вред угощения животных пищей со стола во время праздников.

Not everything tasty for humans is beneficial for animals

During the New Year celebrations, a wide variety of foods are typically prepared, and we often find it hard to resist the urge to share some with our four-legged companions. However, experts advise overcoming this seemingly innocent desire.

This is reported by the Animal Protection Center.

As zoologists explain, pets can experience digestive issues after tasting food from the festive table. Rich foods are difficult to digest and can lead to vomiting or pancreatitis.

Moreover, certain foods—such as chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, nuts, mushrooms, and others—can be deadly for pets due to their toxicity.

At the same time, consuming human food can lead to weight gain in our furry friends; even a small amount of table scraps adds extra calories. For instance, a piece of cheese for a 9 kg dog is equivalent to a hamburger for a human.

Finally, hand-feeding encourages cats and dogs to beg and can create a habit of stealing food from the table. This is an undesirable behavior.

As a reminder, in the Obolon district, municipal workers have begun collaborating with specialists from the Animal Protection Center and veterinary services during the dismantling of kiosks. This initiative is taken to save hedgehogs that choose spots under kiosks for their winter hibernation and may perish if appropriate measures are not taken.