4 Important Pet Care Questions to Keeping Pets Healthy with the Right Food and Exercise
Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend or you’re the seasoned caretaker of a loyal companion, knowing what’s best for your pet isn’t always straightforward. With so much information about diets, exercise routines, and foods to avoid, it’s hard to know who to trust and which practices to follow. Here, I’ve dived deep into four of the most commonly asked pet care questions—each one essential to keeping your pets both happy and healthy.
What is the number one meat you should never feed your dog?
When it comes to feeding your dog, the choices can seem endless. Chicken, beef, turkey, pork—every pet store and commercial looks packed with options. But not all meat is created equal, and there’s one type of meat that stands out as a serious risk: processed meat.
You should never feed your dog processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, ham, or any fatty deli meats. Why? These meats are packed with sodium, preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, and fat that can spell disaster for canine health.
The primary danger of processed meats is their effect on the pancreas. Dogs fed high-fat foods are at high risk of developing pancreatitis, a painful and potentially lethal condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. In addition to severe abdominal pain and vomiting, pancreatitis can quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency.
But that’s not all. Processed meats often contain flavorings and additives, such as garlic or onion powder, that are outright toxic to dogs. These substances cause damage to red blood cells and can lead to anemia. The high salt content, meanwhile, creates the risk of salt poisoning, which can manifest as excessive thirst, dehydration, even kidney failure.
Another overlooked danger is the preservatives themselves. Chemicals like sodium nitrate, often used in processed meats, have links to increased cancer risk not just for people, but for our dogs, too.
Finally, beware of raw or undercooked meat. While giving dogs “ancestral diets” based on raw foods is trendy, raw meats can transmit Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria—dangerous bacteria that can cause disease in both dogs and humans who handle their food.
As a rule, the best meat to give your dog is unseasoned, thoroughly cooked, lean cuts like boiled chicken, turkey, or ground beef—with all skin and excess fat removed. Skip the bones too, especially cooked ones, which are brittle and can splinter, causing choking, blockages, or severe internal injuries to the digestive tract.
Key Takeaway:
Never give your dog processed, fatty, raw or undercooked meats—or any cooked bones. Choose lean, unseasoned cuts and cook them through.
How much exercise do healthy pets need?
Watching your dog sprint joyfully down the block or seeing your cat leap for a feathered toy is more than just cute—it’s essential for their health. Exercise keeps pets strong, at a healthy weight, and mentally sharp, just like it does for us.
Dogs:
Most healthy adult dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. This can take many forms:
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Brisk walks around the neighborhood
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Games of fetch or tug-of-war
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Running, hiking, or swimming
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Agility or obstacle course training
Certain breeds, like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers, are more energetic and may thrive with more than an hour of vigorous activity daily. Senior dogs or puppies will need gentler, shorter play sessions, maybe split into several 10–15 minute increments.
Think about exercise as the chance to explore and socialize—playing with other dogs, sniffing new places, and solving puzzles keeps their brain busy as much as their body.
Cats:
Indoor cats are notorious for packing on the pounds, especially as they get older. Play, not walks, is the best way to keep their bodies toned and their minds agile. Most adult cats benefit from 20–40 minutes of active play per day—think short, frequent bursts rather than one marathon play session.
Try:
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Wand toys and laser pointers to simulate hunting
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Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls
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Climbing and scratching posts for vertical activity
The crucial point is to adapt to your pet’s age, breed, and health status. If your pet has a medical condition or is recovering from surgery, always check with your veterinarian for personalized exercise recommendations.
Key Takeaway:
Healthy dogs need at least 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, and cats thrive on 20–40 minutes of interactive play. Adjust for age, breed, and health.
Why can't dogs eat beef?
You may have heard conflicting advice—some say beef is great for dogs, others warn about hidden dangers. Here’s the truth: dogs CAN eat beef, but only under certain conditions.
Plain, lean, cooked beef is a good source of protein for most dogs and is even a key ingredient in many commercial foods. Problems arise when beef is fatty, seasoned, processed, or raw.
The Risks:
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Food allergies: Some dogs are allergic or intolerant to beef, suffering from itchiness, digestive upset, or repeated ear infections.
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Fatty cuts: High-fat beef can trigger pancreatitis or lead to obesity.
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Processed beef: Meat products like lunch meats, hot dogs, and sausages are loaded with sodium and preservatives, making them dangerous for dogs.
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Raw beef: Raw meat carries pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli) that threaten your pet’s health.
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Seasonings and additives: Spices like garlic, onion, or peppers are toxic.
Safe Practice:
Feed your pet plain, cooked, unseasoned lean beef, rinsed of excess fat. Never offer cooked bones—they’re brittle and can splinter, causing injury. If your dog has a beef allergy, avoid it completely.
For owners considering homemade diets, always consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition and to avoid health risks.
Key Takeaway:
Dogs can eat plain, lean, cooked beef. Avoid fatty, processed, seasoned, or raw beef, and skip cooked bones entirely.
What fruit is not good for dogs?
Some fruits are healthy treats for dogs, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, pears, and watermelon are popular.
But several fruits are highly toxic and should NEVER be given to dogs:
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Grapes and raisins: Even a single grape or raisin can cause sudden kidney failure—and is potentially fatal.
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Avocado: Contains persin, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems.
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Cherries: The pits, stems, and leaves all contain cyanide; accidental ingestion can cause respiratory failure.
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Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid oils that upset stomachs and could depress the central nervous system.
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Currants: Like grapes and raisins, dangerous for kidney health.
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Fruit pits and seeds: Not only choking hazards, but some contain toxins harmful to dogs.
When offering any fruit, always remove pits, seeds, and peels, serve in moderation, and watch for signs of allergy or stomach upset. Introduce fruits gradually and always research before sharing something new.
Key Takeaway:
Avoid grapes, raisins, avocado, cherries, citrus fruits, and currants. Stick with safe fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries—prepared properly.
Making informed decisions about what your dog or cat eats and how much exercise they get is the cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. By dodging harmful processed meats, knowing the right amount of activity, choosing safe meats, and steering clear of dangerous fruits, you create the best foundation for a long, happy life with your pet.
Every dog and cat is unique, so talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s individual needs—including allergies, activity level, and nutritional requirements. Your vet can help you tailor meals and exercise routines that promote health, happiness, and a strong bond between you and your companion.
In the end, the best pet care is built on love and knowledge. Spend time with your furry friends, enjoy their company, and always keep learning what’s safest and healthiest for them. Their joyful purrs and wagging tails will thank you for it!
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