Although it may be tempting to provide our cat companions with a treat that we love to indulge in, giving cats human food does more harm than good. It can lead to pet obesity, because cats don’t need to consume as much food as we do. You could make your cat ill if they have a food allergy and allergic response to the human food you have given them.
The best cat food is made from wholesome ingredients. A lot of cat owners recommend Iams cat foods. Here are five human foods that are toxic and unsafe for cats
1. Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are extremely toxic for cats. They can destroy a cat’s red blood cells because of the disulfide and thiosulphate compounds present in them. They can also cause damage and failure in their organs. If consumed a cat may become weak and develop symptoms of toxicity, like vomiting
2. Grapes and raisins
Though there is no current knowledge as to why, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in cats. They can make a cat very ill. Symptoms that may follow if these foods are consumed include: diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting
3. Raw eggs and raw meat and bones
Raw meat and eggs are known to cause salmonella poisoning if consumed, and that is still true for cats. It can also damage and affect the coat and skin of your cat companion if consumed. Bones should be avoided because they can damage a cat’s teeth and may cause them to choke if consumed
4. Chocolate
Though chocolate is known as a sweet treat, it is deadly for cats. The theobromine and caffeine that is present in this food is very toxic to cats and should be avoided. It can cause your cat to fall ill and develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and a high temperature. Though dark chocolate is known to be the worst kind for your cat to consume, all kinds of chocolate should be completely avoided
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is a very toxic chemical for cats and is present in cocoa products as well. Cats are very sensitive to this toxic chemical and it wouldn’t take very much for them to begin to feel ill, and develop signs of toxicity. Some of the symptoms of poisoning include seizures and tremors in cats
Though it may be tempting to give your cat a treat, please keep in mind that human food can be extremely toxic to your cat companion and should be avoided. It may feel as though you’re rewarding your cat, but in fact, you’re harming them instead.
Surveys reveal that although a large number of Americans are turning vegetarian or vegan every day and are embracing healthier lifestyles, modifying eating patterns and favor natural, organic food products for themselves and their children, the sale of vitamins and supplements have not diminished at all. Dietary supplements are in widespread use with close to 50% of Americans taking at least one supplement every day with the intention of becoming healthier. The top selling ones are vitamin D, vitamin Q10, calcium, multi-vitamins, folic acid, and probiotics. If you can’t meet the needs that your body requires from food alone, you may require vitamins and dietary supplements. Seek guidance and consultation from your doctor or dietitian before taking supplements, however.
Although a vast section of the American population chooses to have home cooked meals and include fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts in their everyday diet, there is still a large number of people for whom everything from the first coffee of the day till the sweet dessert at night is procured from retail store shelves, packaged neatly in boxes or cans with attractive designs. Irrespective of their basic differences, both these sets of people invest a large part of their income to buy essential food supplements like B and C vitamins, magnesium, zinc, calcium, protein powders and drinks, and joint supplements.
While living conditions and lifestyles are improving on one hand, so are the number of health deficiencies in humans. For example, spending more time indoors in air-conditioned environments, in front of the television, computers or other electronic gadgets and with very little or almost no exposure to the natural sun, vitamin D deficiency is on the rise. Though spending more time exercising or playing outdoors is the best way to increase the direct absorption of vitamin D from its provider, the sun, taking the daily advised quota of vitamin D through supplements is soaring.
There is a significant reduction in infant mortality and a tremendous increase in the life expectancy of people in the last decades because of advanced medical research and the easier access to therapeutic and healing facilities.However, along with this progress, the frequent sanitization of our environments in the name of clean living has led to the destruction of invaluable friendly bacteria that helps strengthen our immune system naturally. The increase in the demand for probiotic nutrient supplements has proven this clearly because maintaining a healthy gut and a strong digestive system to absorb the beneficial fiber and essential nutrients from the food we eat is a fundamental requirement.
Increase in literacy rates and the general awareness of people, easy access to books, magazines and information on the internet, and the interest generated by advertisements by pharmaceutical companies and medical associations alike, have boosted the production, availability, and consumption of vitamins and food supplements.
There’s just something about a classic pick up truck. As far as stature and power, the following trucks led the way as far as impressive styling, engine power, hauling and off road capabilities that, no doubt, inspired the design of many pickups on the road today.
Here’s our list of the six most tried and true pickup trucks in history:
When I was a kid, all the cool teens had a Ford Bronco, but those with a limited edition Baja Bronco were king of the road. Why? As far as off-roading capabilities, the Baja offered a powerful 302-cid V8 paired with a C4 automatic, plus drivers got a impressive boost due to the high cut rear wheel wells and flares, which left ample room for huge tires. The Baja screamed daring adventure roll cage and special enhancements made to offer heavy-duty suspension.
Ford longed to take their classic F150 off-road, but it took until 2009 for them to create the Raptor, a pick up that offered smooth driving and handling and four-wheeling on even the most extreme desert terrain. Not to mention, this truck could haul an 8000-pound trailer. No problem! Offered in a SuperCrew cab and SuperCab configuration, the Raptor also featured a 4WD system based on the standard F-150, plus urethane bump stops and internal-bypass Fox Racing shocks, which allowed for smooth-riding suspension over the roughest roads and highest jumps.
More of a conversion kit than a model truck, Napco (otherwise known as the Northwest Auto Parts Company) made up for the fact that 1950s pickups didn’t come in 4WD (opposed from Dodge). So Napco designed a 4WD offered a conversion kit that let Chevy, Fords, and GMC owners get the 4WD power they longed for. By the year 1957, pick up manufacturers finally caught on and began installing Napco Power-Pak 4WD conversions on their assembly line pick ups.
While GM and Ford enthusiasts may have issue with this truck, one can hardly match the ruggedness of the Dodge Ram of the early 90’s with it’s Cummins diesel engine. In fact, you can still witness the impact of this redesigned Ram on many GM and Ford trucks to this day, with it’s “big rig” styling.
Prior to the Ford F-150, the Highboy was king of the Ford pick up empire. A tough-as-nails truck renowned for it’s ultra-rugged driving capabilities on any terrain, the Highboy was named for its sky-high frame and 35-inch tall tires that was inches taller than any Jeep, Dodge, or GM on the market. After 1977, the Highboy was considered a “Lowboy” as it was constructed at least 2-inches lower, which is why the original pre-1977 model is now considered a collector’s item.
When a celebrity race car driver pairs up with an auto manufacturer, sometimes the results can be disappointing, which was sort of the case when Rod Hall collaborated with Chrysler to birth the Rod Hall Signature Edition Dodge pick up truck. Only 33 of these beauties were made, and despite the Dodge Ram 150 base design, bed-mount light bar and driving lights, and slick pre-runner front and rear bumpers, for some reason Dodge plopped in a whimpy 318-cid V8 with only 170 hp. Despite the fact, this truck continues to be a collector’s item among pick up truck buffs.
The pickup truck is synonymous with America. It’s tough. It works hard. And it has no problem getting dirty to get the job done. This is likely why the pickup truck continues to be among the best selling vehicle in North America. Regardless of if you’re part of team Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, you know that owning a truck offers a truly unique driving experience compared to any sedan, small compact, or even an SUV.
Here are our top reasons to super-size your driving experience to a pickup truck:
If it’s room you desire, ignore any desires to buy a sleek, compact car and turn to a pickup instead. Seriously, a recent Chevy Silverado offers ample legroom and cargo space for a comfortable daily commute or road trip because who wants a leg cramp to start the work day. Passengers can literally stretch their legs out in a roomy four full pickup truck with ample room for tools and everything you need.
Perhaps power and hauling capabilities are your biggest concern when thinking about pickup truck ownership. However, believe it or not safety is a huge benefit of pickup truck ownership. positive! Think about the safety features built in to most full-size trucks—you get a caged cab, vehicle stability, safety seatbelt systems, side impact protection, and even trailer sway control already built into your vehicle.
Sure, if you own a pickup truck you kind of open yourself up to helping every single person you know move house. However, when it comes to hauling your own stuff, you can’t go wrong with a pickup truck. Take a truck like the Chevy Silverado for example, you can suddenly haul up to 12,000 pounds no problem thanks to the impressive torque and horsepower. Suddenly your vehicle can easily transition from work truck to off road camping vehicle of your dreams.
If it’s a boost you want, a pickup is your best bet when it comes to the best visibility on the road. The height of a standard pickup truck cabin permits a view over most other vehicles on the highway. Is that a traffic jam 6 blocks ahead? Luckily, you’ll be able to see it and take a quick detour if you drive a pickup. Not to mention, the cab of a pick up offers the driver and all passengers all-round visibility, front, back and side thanks to huge rear and side-view mirrors.
Leading us into the next reason why trucks are such great vehicles.
Putting aside all jokes about overcompensating, there is little doubt that many individuals choose to drive a pickup for the sheer power it offers. While Ford, Chevy, and GM differ as far as horses under the hood, most current trucks offer between 350- to 440-horsepower (hp) if you consider a Ford F-250 or a Dodge Ram.
Pickup trucks represent the American dream. And while car buyers have vered from SUV to sports coupe over the past few years, pickup truck buffs tend to harken to the past when it comes to sticking with their love of the classic pickup truck. Many of the following classic trucks in good condition sell for a pretty steep price among collectors.
Here are four of the most coveted collectible pickup trucks:
Considered neither a car nor a truck, the Bronco was unique as far a broaching the needs of both a car and a truck driver, which explains it’s motto “the best of both worlds”. This cube shaped truck debuted for 1966 in rudimentary form for a mere $2400 (base model). However, it was the impressively wide (at 92-inches) wheelbase that offered serious off roading, smooth highway driving, and extreme towing capabilities in a single vehicle. Touted literally as a sports car with 4-wheel drive, the Bronco was mounted on coil springs and outfitted with a V8 engine that could literally take drivers from camping to off roading while offering the style and comfort of a family wagon. Today, this year range of Ford Bronco retails for $25k plus.
Behold the inaugural Ford F-series pickup. Think of it as the crown of America’s trucking obsession. Considering this Ford series has ranked in the best-selling for decades, many pickup truck owners are still firmly planted in the Ford camp thanks to this very vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to find a 1948 Ford F1 for sale, you can expect to pay upwards of $30K depending on condition and customizations.
Looking at this truck, there’s little wonder that it was originally designed in the early 1940’s for military purposes. However, the Dodge Power Wagon caught on in the mainstream market due to its ability to travel virtually anywhere. The impressive 4×4 capabilities of this truck was so good that it there were no revisions until it was discontinued in 1968. If you spot one, expect to pay $45k or more!
It was called the “Super” for good reason. This high-option, everyday use pickup truck boosted unique interior design with a/c, tach dash, power brakes and steering, headliners, and tilt columns. Plus, the exterior could be costoumize with special paint and trim. Find one and expect to pay up to $30k for a model in good condition with lots of options.
