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Most owners consider their cats to be natural predators, preferring to eat meat or fish. The owners of pedigree animals more carefully approach the preparation of the diet of their pets, understanding the price of a possible fatal mistake of improper feeding. But often smaller friends themselves give clues as to what they would like to eat. Careful and caring owners just need to monitor the behavior of their pets, promptly and judiciously responding to their needs and wishes.
Raw potatoes
Many cats love to eat raw potatoes, but an inordinate amount can be a source of problems that adversely affect the life of the domestic predator. A large amount of starch clogs the stomach and contributes to bloating, in which the pet may need the help of veterinary clinic professionals due to an upset stomach or elevated fever due to disruption of the intestinal tract.
At the same time, peeled and peeled potatoes contain potassium, fiber and copper, which favorably affects the state of animal hair, muscle mass and the digestive system. All the microelements contained in the potato are relevant for cats of any age, because during the reproductive period they strengthen the muscular system, and at the age they improve the eyesight and scent of the animal.
On the basis of research scientists, many feed manufacturers specially add chopped potatoes to concentrated feed, wanting to diversify the diet of their potential consumers. Today, on the shelves of specialized stores, you can even find food for animals who are allergic to gluten. In such situations, the potato is processed by a special technique that removes starch, while retaining the other beneficial properties.
Cooked Potatoes
Veterinarians urge cat owners to remember that the best option is to include cooked potatoes in moderate amounts in the diet. The optimal rate is 1-2 spoons per week, while it is necessary to follow some simple rules:
- Young boiled or baked potatoes contain the minimum amount of starch, therefore, ideal for feeding the animal.
- Do not spice up the dish with salt or spices, because it is fraught with the development of urolithiasis in animals.
- Old potatoes must be peeled, soaked in water and cut into small pieces or crushed until smooth, and then mixed with canned meat.
- Greened tubers or having sprouts in any case should not be given to the animal, because they contain solanine, which is a poison for cats.
- You can not mix potatoes with balanced dry food, because it will disturb the nutritional balance of the animal, and in addition the additive will reduce the smell of feed pellets, making them not interesting for the predator who is used to relying on its scent.
Why does a cat ask for potatoes?
Many pets can themselves claim to be potatoes, but in this case the owners need to be extremely careful and attentive. Such impulses indicate a lack of certain trace elements in the body of the beast, and only the help of a professional employee of the veterinary clinic will help solve the problem.
If it is not possible to get a consultation, you should observe the behavior and condition of the animal after eating the forbidden food. Excess starch can cause flatulence, in this case it is worth reviewing the way your little friend’s food is being protected from health problems.
In rare cases when the use of potatoes is strictly prohibited, it can be replaced with cereals. They are included in most dry feeds, and fill the balance of fiber and other beneficial trace elements.
It is better not to improvise when preparing the diet of small kittens by accepting the help of professionals, because the consequences of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children can be disastrous and inhibit the full development and growth of the animal.
Video: 10 products that can not be fed cats
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