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| Sunday,13 November 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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A healthy, balanced meal for your pet Dr. D.A.U. Samankumara B.V.Sc. from the Kirindiwela Animal Clinic recently answered a few questions sent by reader Rohan Senadheera from Horana. Rohan had another question, which we consider common to many pet owners "What are the dos and don'ts in feeding pets?" Dr. Samankumara will today discuss Rohan's question, which will be useful to you as well. A long time ago, dogs were considered as wild animals. They were 'carnivorous' because they only ate meat. But as times changed, dogs became man's best friend. Their eating habits changed and now they belong to the 'omnivorous' category meaning they eat both meat and vegetables. The body and digestive system of dogs and cats are especially designed to eat meat. Unlike animals that masticate (chew) food, dogs and cats have a particular type of teeth especially designed for tearing flesh and crushing bones. They also have a powerful digestive system. Many dog owners complain that their pets swallow their food without chewing. Eating habits of dogs and cats are different from humans. They don't swallow food because they are greedy. This is a normal condition for these animals; they do not chew their food, but swallow it instead. Just like humans need a good diet to be healthy and strong, our pets too need a good meal. The growth of our pets mainly depend on the type of food they consume. Therefore, it is important that they are fed correctly. That is, by giving a well balanced diet.A balanced diet should consist of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, when preparing meals for pets, we should make sure that all of these are included in their diet. Water is most essential. It is the main component of all living tissues. Water is essential for good metabolism (digestive process), respiration (breathing), excretion (removal of waste from the body) and all forms of physical activities. Make sure you provide a clean bowl of water throughout the day and don't forget to replace it when required. Protein is the chief ingredient of your dog's diet. Although essential, make sure your pet does not get an excessive amount of carbohydrate, since it makes your pet fat and unhealthy. Deficiency of Vitamin B will result in a poor body growth, loss of appetite and intestinal disorders. Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins, particularly in growing puppies of larger breeds. This is also vital for bone formation. Female pets too will face critical conditions during pregnancy due to lack of Vitamin D.Lack of Vitamin E will result in sterile male dogs and cats. A good supplement of minerals is also essential for the growth of your pet. Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron and Iodine are some of the important minerals. Calcium and Phosphorus are vital for your pet's bone formulation and should be given in the ratio of 1.2 - 1 combined with Vitamin D. The quantity of the meal varies according to the type of food and the breed of the pet. A pet dog's stomach is adopted for concentrated food. Therefore, rather than giving your pet a low grade meal in bulk, a little of high concentrate food will be ideal. Await more information on feeding your pet through our next column. Till then, a happy week for you and your pet! - CNK ################## A car for the canines As if all the pampering some of our pet friends have been enjoying all this time wasn't enough, a leading car maker has introduced a car which is especially designed for pet dogs to travel in comfort and luxury. This dog-friendly concept vehicle, branded 'W.O.W.', was made by the Japanese car manufacturing company Honda Motors and was showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show held recently. The car features a dog cage between the front and rear with seats that can be converted into a crate-cum-onboard kennel. This provides space for four people and a medium-sized dog. There is a basket in the glove compartment which can accommodate a smaller dog. The car is equipped with air vents which bring fresh air inside so there wouldn't be any doggy smell in the interior. What's more, the inside of the vehicle has wooden flooring, providing a familiar and comforting environment to the canine occupant. Getting in and out of the car won't be a problem either; the low flat floor and sliding doors ensure easy entrance for everyone including man's best friend, children and elderly citizens. However, one thing the dogs won't get the opportunity of doing is the driving; they will have to be confined to the back seat, for the moment at least. |
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