PET FOOD INSTITUTE PRESS RELEASE
Manila, Philippines – As with many types of responsibilities, welcoming a pet to the family presents tasks that are equally challenging and fulfilling such as dealing with the dynamic behavior of pets. Although many factors contribute to the way cats and dogs interact, like people, a pet’s attitude towards its environment can be a reaction to the way that they are fed. Experts agree that improper feeding practices may contribute to unwanted pet behavior.
Paws off the table
One of the many common practices in Filipino households is mixing leftover people food from the table to create a balanced diet and feeding them to their pet cats and dogs. Apart from including ingredients that may be detrimental to the pet’s health, incorrect provision of food can lead to problematic pet conduct.
Whether it is a designated meal or a treat for positive reinforcement during training or play time, feeding pets with table scraps can progressively develop behaviors such as begging for food and stealing when the owner is not paying attention.
Pet owners should implement a strict feeding scheme wherein the pet can gradually but effectively learn to differentiate its feeding schedule and feeding place from its master. Some pet owners find it helpful to regularly eat meals prior to feeding their pet. It may also help to regularly teach the cat or dog to stay in its cage or outdoors while the family and guests are in the dining area to keep it from disrupting meal time.
Veterinarians and pet nutritionists do not recommend homemade meals for pets. Many of the contents found in basic people food are not sufficient to meet the complex nutritional needs of cats and dogs and some are even unsafe for their consumption. The increased intake level of certain food content such as fat and calcium can significantly affect the ability of the pet to achieve an optimum health status and stave off diseases. The risk of contracting bacterial contamination is also high in raw or incorrectly cooked pet food.
As opposed to homemade pet food, commercial pet foods are designed to match specific life stages of pets and are thoroughly tested to verify the right amount of nutritional content and balance.
Anger Management
Canine and feline companions can develop and display aggression with regard to food and many other aspects in its surroundings if not guided properly. Although there are several types of aggressive behavior, one of the most familiar examples is possessive aggression during feeding time.
To pets, food is a valuable resource that needs to be protected, which is why some bark or bite when not provided with enough space while they eat. For instance, children who are particularly fond of keeping a close proximity with their pets during meal time, as they love to share their snacks with them, may receive an aggressive response from the pet.
Aggression varies based on the item on-hand and pet owners must always take precautions to keep people safe from this type of reaction. The most practical way to control aggressive behavior is to become familiar with a pet’s triggers and avoid them. If the cat or dog is possessive of food or snacks, it would be ideal to ensure that they do not have any form of access to prevent the problem, not to mention undesired effects to its diet.
Just as people need to be in good health to behave and interact soundly, pets cope better when they are physically, mentally, and emotionally at their best. Several nutrients such as proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates collectively play a significant role in aiding optimal health, performance, and behavior. However, as pets have specific metabolism and activity levels appropriate to their age and breed, it is vital to consult with a veterinarian to understand the right nutrients that improve their overall wellness and attitude.
Pet food makers understand that beyond love and care, achieving the right level of nourishment promotes a harmonious relationship with a growing cat or dog. Commercial US pet foods incorporate all the necessary components to ensure that pets are getting the nutritional value they need to thrive. Pet food remains as one of the most highly regulated products in the United States and employs a strict set of labeling guidelines to guide pet owners through proper feeding and nutrition.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) is one with the industry in communicating the importance of overall wellness throughout the globe. In the Philippines, PFI has consistently has driven educational initiatives that focus on nutrition through its Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign. With the invaluable support of the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, the campaign has reached several communities in Metro Manila and is striving to expand the campaign countrywide.
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About the Pet Food Institute
PFI is the voice of the U.S. pet food industry and represents the companies that make 98% of U.S. pet food. PFI is the industry's public education and media relations resource, representative before the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food. PFI is dedicated to promoting the overall care and well-being of pets, and supporting initiatives to advance the quality nutrition for dogs and cats. For more information on PFI and proper pet nutrition, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.
About the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines
The Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) is the oldest and biggest multi- disciplinary Veterinary association in the country. Founded in 1972 by a small group of practitioners involved in the fields of small animal, equine, swine and industrial medicine practices, the VPAP has grown leaps and bounds ever since it's conception. The VPAP now cover a wider variety of disciplines namely swine, large animals, small ruminants, wildlife, research, laboratory animals and even the academe. As envisioned by its founding Fathers, the VPAP seeks to promote and enhance the practice of Veterinary Medicine in the Philippines; foster a stronger and more active fellowship and comradeship among government institutions in the eradication of animal diseases, and with the end in view of contributing to their health and general welfare of the people; standardize professional fees; and hold, own or lease properties of whatever nature and kind not prohibited by law as are necessary or incidental to the exercise of the purpose of the association. During the last decades, the VPAP has been active in pushing for laws that has benefited both man and animals such as the animal welfare act, and the revised Veterinary act. Also, numerous continuing professional education programs [CPE] have been organized to enable the practitioner to continuously update his professional skills.
Acknowledgement
Jinny Jacaria / Thea Geronimo
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