Dogs
By Julia Williams
Just as parents often have to say no to their children when they want things that aren’t good for them, so too do responsible pet owners. Children and pets are not always able to discern danger or consequences, and it’s our job to keep them healthy and safe. I don’t especially like saying no to my cats when they want something I know they shouldn’t have (such as more food or treats when they’ve already had plenty) but as a responsible pet owner I know I need to. Knowing it is one thing; actually doing it can require nerves of steel and an unwavering conviction that I am right, and the cats are wrong. Anyone who has a “foodie” pet knows exactly what I mean.
Our pets beg with insistent meows and loud barks. They look at us with pleading eyes that make us think they will just keel over unless they get more food or treats. They try to “guilt” us into caving in, because they want what they want, and have no thought other than getting it. Pets live in the moment; there is no rationalization we can give them for saying no. We just have to, because we know what’s best for them, and because we love them.
Therein lies the problem many pet owners face when it comes to rationing treats. We sometimes equate giving them the treats with love. It’s hard not to, because most pets love their treats like nobody’s business. There’s a lot of satisfied purring and excited prancing when my cats get their FELIDAE TidNips™ treats. It’s quite clear they relish these treats and would scarf down entire bagfuls at a time if I let them. How can you say no to that kind of enthusiasm? It’s quite difficult, and I admit that sometimes I falter. I try to rationalize with thoughts like, “Oh gosh, it makes them so happy!” or “Giving them treats lets them know I love them.”
But as a responsible pet owner, sometimes no is the only acceptable answer. Rather than overfeeding my cats under the guise of “love” and wanting to make them happy, saying no to them actually means “I love you, therefore I am denying your request.” When they beg for more treats or more food, and I know they’ve had enough for today, then saying no means I love them enough to do what's right for them to be healthy.
I don’t mean to suggest that giving your pet treats is wrong. Far from it! Premium quality treats like those made by CANIDAE Natural Pet Foods can certainly be part of a healthy pet’s diet. The key is moderation, and factoring in the calories to guard against overfeeding and weight gain. A fat pet is not healthy or happy! Unfortunately, our pets will continue to beg for treats long after we know they’ve had enough. They therefore require us, their responsible pet parents, to put down the treats and walk away.
Oh sure, they will probably follow you out of the kitchen with a demeanor that clearly says, “Hey! Where are you going? I want more treats!” To which you can pat them gently on the head and tell them “I love you. You’ll get more treats tomorrow.” They may not understand this kind of tough love, but their bodies will thank you. And tomorrow, you can do the whole “treat dance” over again!
"Begging Cat" photo by Odd Bod
Read more articles by Julia Williams
- “cats In Boxes” Photo Contest - Win Free Cat Food!
By Julia Williams Last week, CANIDAE announced an awesome photo contest for dog owners, with the winner receiving free food for a year and a chance to appear on one of their pet food cans or kibble bags. Now…that was all well and good, but what about...
- How To Choose A Healthy Pet Treat
By Julia Williams When I give my kitties their nightly snack of TidNips treats, I feel like the best Cat Mom in the world. It’s not because they love these treats (well, of course they do!) or that they all prance around the kitchen doing the feline...
- Do You Have A Finicky Pet Or A Foodie?
By Julia Williams When it comes to their attitude towards food, dogs and cats typically fall into one of two categories – foodie or finicky. A foodie pet will wolf down their food every day like they haven’t eaten anything in weeks, while a finicky...
- Are Treats The Cat’s Meow? Or A Dog’s Delight?
By Julia Williams Does your pet go bonkers for treats? When the treats come out, do they immediately transform into half-starved wild beasts that practically maul you to get at the goods? Does the sight of the treats make them act like their last meal...
- Nine Ways To Make Your Pet Happy
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Dogs
“Just Say No” to Your Pet, Because You Love Them
Just as parents often have to say no to their children when they want things that aren’t good for them, so too do responsible pet owners. Children and pets are not always able to discern danger or consequences, and it’s our job to keep them healthy and safe. I don’t especially like saying no to my cats when they want something I know they shouldn’t have (such as more food or treats when they’ve already had plenty) but as a responsible pet owner I know I need to. Knowing it is one thing; actually doing it can require nerves of steel and an unwavering conviction that I am right, and the cats are wrong. Anyone who has a “foodie” pet knows exactly what I mean.
Our pets beg with insistent meows and loud barks. They look at us with pleading eyes that make us think they will just keel over unless they get more food or treats. They try to “guilt” us into caving in, because they want what they want, and have no thought other than getting it. Pets live in the moment; there is no rationalization we can give them for saying no. We just have to, because we know what’s best for them, and because we love them.
Therein lies the problem many pet owners face when it comes to rationing treats. We sometimes equate giving them the treats with love. It’s hard not to, because most pets love their treats like nobody’s business. There’s a lot of satisfied purring and excited prancing when my cats get their FELIDAE TidNips™ treats. It’s quite clear they relish these treats and would scarf down entire bagfuls at a time if I let them. How can you say no to that kind of enthusiasm? It’s quite difficult, and I admit that sometimes I falter. I try to rationalize with thoughts like, “Oh gosh, it makes them so happy!” or “Giving them treats lets them know I love them.”
But as a responsible pet owner, sometimes no is the only acceptable answer. Rather than overfeeding my cats under the guise of “love” and wanting to make them happy, saying no to them actually means “I love you, therefore I am denying your request.” When they beg for more treats or more food, and I know they’ve had enough for today, then saying no means I love them enough to do what's right for them to be healthy.
I don’t mean to suggest that giving your pet treats is wrong. Far from it! Premium quality treats like those made by CANIDAE Natural Pet Foods can certainly be part of a healthy pet’s diet. The key is moderation, and factoring in the calories to guard against overfeeding and weight gain. A fat pet is not healthy or happy! Unfortunately, our pets will continue to beg for treats long after we know they’ve had enough. They therefore require us, their responsible pet parents, to put down the treats and walk away.
Oh sure, they will probably follow you out of the kitchen with a demeanor that clearly says, “Hey! Where are you going? I want more treats!” To which you can pat them gently on the head and tell them “I love you. You’ll get more treats tomorrow.” They may not understand this kind of tough love, but their bodies will thank you. And tomorrow, you can do the whole “treat dance” over again!
"Begging Cat" photo by Odd Bod
Read more articles by Julia Williams
- “cats In Boxes” Photo Contest - Win Free Cat Food!
By Julia Williams Last week, CANIDAE announced an awesome photo contest for dog owners, with the winner receiving free food for a year and a chance to appear on one of their pet food cans or kibble bags. Now…that was all well and good, but what about...
- How To Choose A Healthy Pet Treat
By Julia Williams When I give my kitties their nightly snack of TidNips treats, I feel like the best Cat Mom in the world. It’s not because they love these treats (well, of course they do!) or that they all prance around the kitchen doing the feline...
- Do You Have A Finicky Pet Or A Foodie?
By Julia Williams When it comes to their attitude towards food, dogs and cats typically fall into one of two categories – foodie or finicky. A foodie pet will wolf down their food every day like they haven’t eaten anything in weeks, while a finicky...
- Are Treats The Cat’s Meow? Or A Dog’s Delight?
By Julia Williams Does your pet go bonkers for treats? When the treats come out, do they immediately transform into half-starved wild beasts that practically maul you to get at the goods? Does the sight of the treats make them act like their last meal...
- Nine Ways To Make Your Pet Happy
By Julia Williams Many people adore their pets (really, how could you NOT adore them?) and some even treat them “like children.” As a self-described Cat Lady myself, I see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I live for my...