The Do's and Don'ts of feeding human food to pets

Premium pet foods proudly market themselves as "human grade" because they contain ingredients that people can - and do - eat. While a complete and balanced custom kibble will deliver what your dog or cat needs, it doesn't hurt to know which items in your pantry and fridge are safe for Spot to share, and which ones are potentially deadly. This will also help you to select the best possible food for your best friend, containing only ingredients you recognize as safe and healthy for pets.

Fish skins, especially salmon, mackerel, and sardines, contain beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, as do salmon and cod liver oil; all are fine to feed Spot, in moderation.

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peas, and carrots are excellent additions to a dog's diet; cats are tougher customers, as you know if you've ever tried to offer your kitty a non-meat treat!

A soft-boiled egg makes a warming, winter breakfast treat, and the shell is a fine source of calcium.

If you're having oatmeal and/or yogurt for breakfast, a loving spoonful of either makes a healthy, satisfying treat for Spot.

Cinnamon and turmeric have both been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation, in people as well as pets. Senior dogs especially apreciate when you spice things up with a dash of one or both over their kibble!

Here are some more human-food do's and dont's for pet lovers:

DON'T feed the skin or fat from a roast to pets. A scrap of meat is OK, but definitely don't let pets lick at the roasting pan - it's an easy way for them to get the painful condition pancreatitis.

DO feed fresh blueberries as treats, and look for blueberry as an ingredient of premium pet food.

DON'T feed pets anything salty or sugary, and be especially careful to avoid chips and other human snacks that contain onion and/or garlic powder, as both are detrimental to dog and cat health.

DO offer snacks of raw carrot or apple - it's a great, low-fat way to treat 'em right. Avoid the apple seeds, however, as they contain traces of arsenic.

DON'T let dogs and cats get anywhere near grapes, raisins, or chocolate (or any cereal, dessert, candy, or ice cream containing these ingredients), as all three are toxic to pets.

DO offer pots of wheatgrass to pets; they enjoy nibbling at it, and it's good for their digestion (and while you're at it, try a nourishing shot of wheatgrass juice yourself).

Rex & Sophia are the official Spokesdog and Spokescat for RedMoon Custom Pet Food. For custom pet food visit: www.redmoonpetfood.com or to learn more about custom pet foods visit: www.custompetfoods.com.