Belief Systems-Food

As a veterinary professional, you were likely trained to recommend well-balanced commercial pet food options to your clients.  Commercial pet foods are great for many – they are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the animals to ensure their overall health.

Many times in the profession, you will be (or have been) faced with clients who are not utilizing commercial pet food.  And for the majority in the profession, this may be very shocking as you remember the enforced education behind commercial dog foods as ideal nutrition.

Although commercial pet foods have their rightful place in improving the lives of pets, what happens when you meet a client who exclaims, proudly and lovingly, after you ask the question about diet history, “I feed Biscuit whatever I don’t finish, he loves it!” or “Chicken! Tip eats chicken, nothing else, she doesn’t like nothing else” as the responses.

Veterinarians should consider the various reasons why some pet owners may choose to feed their pets human food.  The love is there, but factors such as economic constraints, cultural practices, or a lack of awareness about proper nutrition can influence these choices.

Without proper knowledge or awareness, one may deliver a snark look or reprimand toward the client, making clients feel ashamed or insulted about their choice.

Let’s explore influences that support human food sharing:

• The idea of “meal sharing” and “home cooking” are perceptions of well-being.  In some cultures, it is customary to share meals with pets, considering them as part of the family.  This practice fosters a sense of togetherness and bonding with their pet. The moment a client gives a treat to his/her dog, there is an instant feeling of love and endorphins given to both human and animal.
• Aside from cultural traditions or beliefs, in regions with limited resources, it may be more common to feed pets leftovers or locally available human foods as a practical way to provide sustenance for them.