6 tips in feeding your furry buddies

MANILA, Philippines - Pets always beg for snacks and owners are always willing to oblige, but a group of veterinarians say that some ways of giving treats are harmful to the furry companions.

"Treats should be given to pets in moderation and should not comprise more than 10 percent of a pet’s daily food intake, the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines and the Pet Food Institute said in a statement Friday.

When pets are not fed the right way, they may become obese or have dental and digestion problems. To avoid such risks, the experts gave the following pointers:

• Consult your veterinarian to have a thorough assessment of your pet's age, weight, size, teeth and gums.
• Review feeding instructions and nutrient content on the product label to ensure a balanced diet.
• Leftovers may endanger your pet's health due to ingredients that may be toxic to them, such as onions and garlic.
• Expect that when you start giving leftovers to your pets, they may beg at the table and become disruptive. They may even refuse to take pet food again.
• Feed snacks off the regular schedule to prevent their being full at the wrong time.
• Treats can be part of pets' balanced diet if given at the right time and in the right proportions.

- Camille Diola