Feeding pets in Indian households often involves tradition passed down over generations. While well-intentioned, many common practices—such as feeding milk to adult cats or boiled rice to dogs—lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, digestive distress, and obesity.
Myth 1: "Cow's Milk & Roti Are Healthy for Dogs and Cats"
The Truth: Most adult dogs and cats are lactose intolerant. Milk causes chronic diarrhea, gas, and poor nutrient absorption. Wheat rotis lack essential amino acids like taurine (vital for cats) and contain high carbs that contribute to diabetes and canine obesity.
Myth 2: "Plain Boiled Chicken and Rice Is a Complete Long-Term Diet"
The Truth: Boiled chicken and rice is great as a short-term bland diet for upset stomachs. However, as a long-term daily meal, it lacks critical calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids. Over time, puppies on chicken-rice diets suffer from weak bone density and joint deformities.
Myth 3: "Indian Table Scraps Are Safe"
Never Feed These Toxic Foods:
- Onions & Garlic: Contain thiosulfate, causing hemolytic anemia (destroys red blood cells).
- Indian Sweets (Sweets/Chocolate/Xylitol): Causes severe hypoglycemia, liver failure, and toxicity.
- Cooked Poultry Bones: Easily splinter and puncture stomach linings or cause intestinal blockages.
Formulating a Balanced Diet with Our Alipore Vets
The ideal solution for most pet parents in Kolkata is combining high-quality commercial dry kibble (such as Royal Canin, Farmina N&D, or Drools Focus) with vet-approved home toppers. Visit our pet store and pharmacy in Alipore to explore diet options suited to your pet's age, breed, and activity level.