Picture this: It’s New Year’s Eve, and your family has gathered — your uncle is preparing a appetizing adobo, your aunt is dishing out carbonara, and the aroma of red wine fills the air, either saved for later or because your dad couldn’t resist opening a bottle early. The lighting is soft, items are neatly arranged in the living room, and everyone has finally settled around the dining table.
Just as you reach for a piece of lechon kawali, you hear it! That all-too-familiar gentle whine or purr from beneath the table.Your dog or cat gazes up at you with those pleading eyes,silently requesting a taste.
This scenario is all too common for many pet owners: do you give in to their adorable pleas or do you say no? While sharing our holiday meals with our beloved pets can be tempting, this festive season can pose more challenges to their health than we realise. Rich foods, extra treats, and disrupted routines can quietly impact their well-being.
No need to worry! Here are expert-backed tips to keep your pets healthy and happy during the holiday season.
Maintain Diet Balance and Exercise; Avoid Overfeeding
Weight gain is one of the most prevalent health issues among pets, especially during holidays when routines change significantly and treats become more abundant.
“One of the most common errors pet owners make is overfeeding,” states Dr. Evelyn Austria, veterinarian and scientific communications manager at Royal Canin.
She points out that while overfeeding often stems from affection towards pets,many owners may not realize that animals have different caloric needs based on their lifestyle—just like humans do.
This habit often begins early in life. As a notable example, puppyhood and kittenhood are exciting times when many owners eagerly introduce various treats or even “people food” like leftovers. However young animals have delicate digestive systems that aren’t fully developed yet.
“Puppies and kittens still have sensitive stomachs; they aren’t fully matured yet,” she adds.
Avoid Sharing Leftovers
The abundance of food during holidays makes it tempting for pet owners to share leftovers with their furry friends. However many customary Filipino dishes served during important dinners could be harmful to animals. Dr.Austria advises pet parents to be particularly cautious about what they feed their pets during festive times as poor dietary choices can lead to serious health issues.
“Be mindful of what you’re feeding your pets during celebrations,” she cautions. “We don’t recommend giving them leftovers.”
Rich foods such as lechon kawali, along with other indulgent holiday dishes may cause digestive problems and also severe conditions like pancreatitis—a painful illness veterinarians frequently see spike around this time of year due to sudden exposure to oily or heavily seasoned foods which overwhelm an animal’s digestive system especially if they already have sensitive stomachs or pre-existing health conditions.
While it’s understandable for pet parents wanting their furry companions included in family meals experts emphasize that inclusion shouldn’t compromise their health rather opt for specially formulated treats designed just for them allowing our little friends safely partake without risks associated human food ensuring both families enjoy joyous festivities together!
The Importance Of Expert-Endorsed Pet Nutrition
Todays digital landscape leads numerous pet guardians seeking advice online including homemade diet recipes though not every source found online holds credibility thus possibly causing harm rather than good .Diet plans appearing wholesome might lack essential nutrients particularly if followed long-term without professional guidance .veterinary nutritionists from Royal canin explain effective nutrition isn’t solely reliant on individual ingredients but achieving optimal nutrient balance tailored according each stage life size activity level .Dr.Austria referenced study evaluating 200 homemade diets discovered only 5% were nutritionally complete indicating majority lacked necessary components leading potential long-term adverse effects on overall wellness.
As we approach these joyful occasions let us remember prioritizing our beloved companions’ needs remains one simplest yet meaningful ways show love through proper nourishment informed decisions guided by professionals ensuring safe enjoyable experiences throughout celebrations not just families but also cherished four-legged friends too.– Angel Baleña/Rappler.com
Ange Baleña serves as an intern at Rappler studying Creative Writing University Philippines Diliman.