When you are eating, does your dog or cat transform into the cutest, most adorable creature that also wants a bite? If you want to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy, don't give in to your pet's please-feed-me eyes, advises Jane Gray, deputy director of veterinary services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Hong Kong.
'We don't encourage or promote giving human food to your pet, unless under strict veterinary control,' Gray says. 'We recommend a good-quality commercial diet. There are so many out there in the market, there's no need to feed your pet human food.'
Whatever you pet's age may be, says Gray, a specific commercial-food diet can be found to remedy everything from kidney problems and allergies to skin and dental problems.
According to Gray, pet-food companies spend millions of dollars in research every year, to ensure that their product is beneficial for animals.
However, if you still choose to feed your pet some of your own food, then only give it as a treat or reward. 'You could give your cat a small piece of cheese, but not on a regular basis,' explains the veterinarian. 'Or give a piece of chicken as a treat without any bone or fat. But some dogs can't digest [chicken] well: it may upset their stomach.'
As the festive season is upon us, chocolate seems to be everywhere, but make sure it's out of your pet's reach. Gray says: 'Chocolate is OK for humans, but it's not OK for dogs. And your average dog loves chocolate, so you need to be careful, especially if you have some lying around at Christmas or Easter.