What to look for when choosing pet food

The choice of pet food is critical to their health. The wrong purchase can, at best, cost us an upset stomach, and at worst, the emergence of an allergy that may cause allergies, which will require specialist treatment. Before you buy food for your dog or cat, it is worth getting acquainted with the composition and choosing only those products that guarantee very good quality.

Dry food or wet food for your dog?

Feeding your pet is about more than just throwing leftovers off the table. There are foods available on the market that should be included in your pet’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Celery? The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Of Celery

0 Can dogs eat celery? When cut into small, digestible pieces dogs can eat it in small amounts. Just make sure the leaves are removed. Too much can have a negative effect on their digestive system, for instance causing them to urinate too much.

The Virtues of Celery

Feeding your dog celery in small dosages can be beneficial as an addition to its general diet. It’s good for heart health, low in calories, plus it is full of vitamins and minerals. For the best results, buy organic celery and make sure it is fresh.

It is a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, K, riboflavin as well as pantothenic acid. It contains various minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. Vitamins A and C create a potent antioxidants combo to keep your dog feeling fresh and healthy. The combo of vitamin C and pantothenic acid helps to alleviate skin conditions. The calcium together with the phosphorus is perfect for healthy bones and teeth. And the magnesium is a vital mineral to assist with muscle and nerve function.

Boosting Heart Health with Celery

Can dogs eat celery to improve their health? As an occasional snack it can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Besides the low calorie count, it also contains no cholesterol and it is fat free. Furthermore it is high in fiber and has a high water content. All of these factors together make it a powerful heart health snack.

Several studies have shown that it has the ability to lower blood pressure. Phthalide, a phytochemical found in celery, helps to relax the tissues of the artery walls. This effectively increases blood flow and as a result it reduces blood pressure.

Great Cancer Fighter

Apigenin is another special compound found in celery with amazing healing powers. It can be found in a few different types of vegetables and fruits, but the quantity is especially high in celery. Research that was funded by America’s National Cancer Institute and the National Natural Science Foundation of China discovered that it can considerably inhibit the growth of cancer cell.

Specifically for dogs, the studies showing inhibition in pancreatic cancer cell growth is especially important. Pancreatitis is a disease that often plagues dogs. Read this article to be aware of the symptoms and treatments.

A Great Treat or Even a Toy

Chop the celery up into small bite size pieces, without the roughage, and you have a nutritious snack or training treat. It can also be an unconventional chewy toy. Clean a stalk and give it to your dog for some entertainment as well as a teeth cleaning session. Plus, it will help with bad breath. Just make sure the stalk is big enough to not become a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Eat Celery

Feeding Your Dog Celery: How to Do It Properly

If you are keen to introduce celery into your dog’s general diet, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. Can dogs eat celery? Yes, they can, but it needs to be kept as only an occasional treat.

Step One – Buy Organic and Fresh Celery

Freshly bought organic celery will offer your dog access to more nutrients than frozen or prepacked celery. Oftentimes commercial celery is covered in pesticides and you don’t want to expose your dog to harmful chemicals.

Step Two – Introduce It Gradually into Your Dog’s Diet

Moderation is key. If you want to give your dog celery as a daily treat, make sure that it is not more than 10% of its diet. First check with your veterinarian before you start incorporating it into your dog’s diet. Each dog’s digestive system is unique, your veterinarian will be able to confirm whether feeding your dog celery will be beneficial for it.

Your dog’s stomach is sensitive to foreign, new foods. Dogs are mostly carnivores, so their digestion system is geared more towards processing meats than fruits and vegetables. Given in small amounts certain fruits and vegetables can be beneficial to your dog’s diet. But you need to slowly introduce celery into your dog’s regular diet. Read this article for a complete list of fruit and vegetables suitable for dogs.

Also, your dog might not like the taste of celery. Do not force feed your dog. You need to closely observe your dog after feeding it celery for the first time. The dog might have a negative reaction to the celery such as vomiting or stomach cramps. Your dog’s digestive system should be able to deal with the unwanted foreign substance on its own within 24 hours. Do not induce vomiting, this can be dangerous. Make sure the dog remains hydrated during this period of tummy upset. If the symptoms persist for longer than 24 hours, you should visit your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Celery? The Drawbacks

In moderation celery can be a lovely nutritional snack addition to your dog’s diet. But there are a few factors to keep in mind when feeding your dog celery. Celery tends to be very stringy. To chew up a piece properly, your dog might have to bite into it a few times. If you know your dog tends to gobble up its food without chewing much, you need to cut up the celery into tiny pieces to avoid it becoming a choking hazard.

If you rather prefer staying on the safe side, consider putting the celery sticks through the blender before feeding it to your dog. The celery puree can be mixed into your dog’s kibble to serve as a nutrition boost. Again, stick to only doing this in moderation and only incorporate celery into your dog’s diet after consulting with your veterinarian.

Make sure your dog does not have unlimited access to celery. The dog might really like the taste and overindulge. This can cause stomach upset and excessive urination that could lead to dehydration.

Conclusion: Feeding Your Dog Celery

Can dogs eat celery? Research shows that celery can be a very good addition to your dog’s diet in general. The following are a few more benefits to convince you that feeding your dog celery is a good idea.

• The nutrients in the celery fiber aid bowel movements.
• The pthalides will lower cholesterol by helping to increase bile acid secretion.
• The vitamin C improves the immune system.
• Juice from celery can help with joint pain as well as ease the pain of arthritis.
• Celery can help to increase urine production to flush out toxins.
• You can cook the celery and it won’t lose any nutrients.

Have you tried feeding your dog celery? Did it love the taste or just pulled up its nose in disgust? Any other fruit or vegetables that your dog is especially fond of?

Can Dogs Eat Pickles? We Find Out!

Can dogs eat pickles? Dogs are mostly omnivores, so they will eat almost anything you feed them. But not all human foods are safe for a dog’s digestive system. Pickles are one of those foods that are on the risky list. Cucumbers are safe, but as soon as they are dunked in sodium-rich solutions to create pickles, they become harmful.

My Dog Ate a Pickle. Now What?

Can dogs eat pickles? Your dog won’t die from eating a pickle, but you should not be feeding it pickles as a regular snack. A dog’s digestive system is much more sensitive to certain human foods, and pickles are on the no-go list.

A pickle is created by dunking a small cucumber in vinegar, brine or other acidic solutions. The cucumbers are left to soak in the solution until the fermentation process kicks in. Another method is to sour the cucumbers by using a lacto-fermentation process.

The Biggest Danger: Too Much Salt

Dog food has been formulated to contain the exact amount of daily sodium intake your dog needs. As soon as you start giving your dog excessive amounts of salty snacks, it can lead to sodium ion poisoning. This will cause your dog to thirst excessively, which in turn will lead to excessive urination.

Symptoms include depression, diarrhea, vomiting, high temperature, tremors and seizures. In severe cases, it can cause death. Your dog won’t be at risk if it accidentally consumes a few pickles once off, but regularly including pickles as a snack in your dog’s diet is very dangerous.

Another problem of your dog regularly consuming too much salt, is that it will cause high blood pressure, which can eventually trigger a stroke or heart attack. Read this article to recognize symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs.

What about Cooked Pickles?

Do not give your dog pickles mixed with onions. Onions are on the extremely dangerous human food list. It can cause Heinz body anemia. This happens when a part of the red blood cells ruptures after the cell walls thin out. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dark colored urine and breathing problems. You need to take your dog to the vet immediately if any of these symptoms are noticed.

What about Sweet Pickles?

Some pickles do not undergo the intense souring process, such as Dill pickles. But it’s still not recommended as a snack. Rather feed your dog raw cucumbers, which can help with an upset stomach.

Can Dogs Drink Pickle Juice?

An urban legend arose that says you should give a dehydrated dog pickle juice because it’s full of electrolytes. This is a terrible idea because of the left-over ingredients contained in the juice. High salt content, vinegar and spices make a potent combination not suitable for your dog’s digestive system. Read this article to find out what to do when your dog is dehydrated.

Are Pickles Safe For Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Pickles

The pickle itself is not the problem, the ingredients in the fermentation solution is what puts them on the no-go list. Most of the time the following ingredients are used to create pickles: salt and sugar, vinegar, herbs, spices and vegetable oil.

Excessive salt or sugar in your dog’s diet can affect its blood pressure, making it spike dangerously high. Your dog’s blood sugar levels are also very sensitive, what might seem like a small amount of sugar to you, can be dangerous for your dog.

Vinegar is made up of water, acetic acid and other chemicals as well as flavorings. Some dogs have shown an allergic reaction to vinegar. It can also cause an upset stomach. When a dog ingests too much vinegar it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as gassiness.

Many herbs and spices are too rich for your dog’s sensitive digestive system. It’s better to steer clear of exposing your dog to seasoning. Excessive amounts can cause an upset stomach, or even vomiting and diarrhea.

Vegetable oil is not harmful in small doses, but it can cause diarrhea if your dog ingest too much of it. It’s best to avoid adding foreign foods and substances to your dog’s daily diet. Also, you need to check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Although your dog can be classified as an omnivore, the ratio of proteins and other dietary elements must be carefully balanced to make sure your dog receives the correct daily intake of nutrients. Adding strange elements, such as pickles, to your dog’s daily diet can severely throw off this delicate balance.

From the abovementioned list you can see that a pickle recipe includes foreign elements not suitable for your dog’s digestive system. Can dogs eat pickles? You won’t have to rush to the vet with your dog after accidental ingestion. But it is not advisable to regularly feed your dog pickles.

But Aren’t Pickles Vegetables?

The problem with pickling a vegetable, is that the process destroys a lot of the nutrients. Cucumbers contain vitamin C, B1 and K. They are high in fiber and are a great source of molybdenum, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, biotin, magnesium as well as copper. Cucumbers also contain a special mineral called silica that is great for nail-health.

Please Note: when feeding your dog vegetables, make sure you do not add any seasoning. Serve all safe vegetables plain.

Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

Feel free to occasionally feed your dog a slice of cucumber as an alternative healthy snack, rather than a pickle. There are a few vegetables that you can safely feed your dog. But as always, first consult with your vet before regularly including any foreign foods into your dog’s daily diet.

• Carrots are a great low-calorie snack. They are high in beta-carotene that creates vitamin A and also a good source of fiber. Give your dog a carrot as a natural toothbrush to keep its teeth in tiptop shape.
• Broccoli is safe, but should only be given in small quantities as an occasional snack. It’s low in fat and high in fiber. It is also a good source of vitamin C. But if your dog has a sensitive digestive system, rather stay clear of it, it contain isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.
• Celery contains vitamins A, B, and C plus other nutrients that promote heart health and can also help fight against cancer. If your dog is struggling with bad breath, give it a bit of celery for minty freshness.
• Green Beans are low in calories and a great source of fiber, as well as important vitamins and minerals. You can serve them raw, steamed, chopped or canned.
• Potatoes must be served cooked because a raw potato can cause an upset stomach. It’s a great source of iron.

Read this article for a complete list of fruits and vegetables that are dog-friendly.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

Can dogs eat pickles? Your dog will not be poisoned immediately when it accidentally eats one or two pickles. But if you regularly include pickles in your dog’s diet, you will be exposing it to severe health risks. Rather pick a safer vegetable as an occasional treat.

Does your dog like vegetables? What its favorite healthy snack?

Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones? The Wrong Kind of Bone Can Kill Your Dog

Can dogs eat rib bones? With their wolf ancestral roots, dogs love chewing bones. But not all bones are good for your dog. Cooked rib bones are on the unsafe list. In general rib bones are not ideal for your dog. Smaller breeds could chew on raw rib bones, but larger breeds can crunch them too easily. Knowing the safe type from the dangerous can potentially save your dog’s life. Or at least save you unnecessary vet bills.

Some believe that you shouldn’t feed your dog any type of bone, but as long as you follow the safety guidelines of which type of bones to feed your dog, you can occasionally give your dog a juicy bone to chew on.

Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones? The Dangers of Cooked Bones

Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones?

Cooked bones are the most dangerous type of bone to give your dog. A dog’s jaw is much stronger than a human jaw. You won’t be able to crack through a rib bone with your most vicious bite, but for your dog it’s ridiculously easy to do.

Choking Hazard and Internal Injuries

Once you’ve cooked a bone, it becomes extremely brittle. One big doggy bite and the rib bone will start to splinter. By the time your dog is ready to swallow the bone, sharp shards and chunks would have been created.

Firstly this could cause your dog to choke when attempting to swallow the pieces, easily becoming lodged in its throat. Bones can also cause damage to your dog’s mouth and tongue. But the more dangerous element of these shards, is when the pieces of bones hit your dog’s intestines, literally poking holes into your dog’s insides. This will cause excruciating pain as well as internal bleeding. Additionally it can cause Peritonitis, a tricky bacterial infection.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is caused when a dog’s diet consists of too much fat. Especially pork rib bones have very high fat content. Plus, when you cook meat, you add various spices that are also harmful. Symptoms of Pancreatitis include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting and appetite loss. It can be fatal if not treated, so if you suspect that your dog is suffering from this condition, you need to visit the vet immediately.

Intestine Blockages

Can dogs eat rib bones? Your dog might be able to break a rib bone into small chunks, but the chances of even small pieces becoming stuck in its intestines, are quite high. The problem is that the rib bone pieces might be too big to move through your dog’s gut and it will then cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

These kinds of obstructions are very dangerous and can be fatal if not treated quickly. A blockage can start to cut off circulation to the surrounding tissue area and the areas will start to die. If your dog starts vomiting or suffering from diarrhea for a prolonged period after eating rib bones, you need immediately take it to the vet. These blockages can’t be dealt with at home on your own. Another problem caused by the blockage occurs in the descending colon. This means your dog will have difficulty defecating and could also start vomiting. Again, this problems needs to be dealt with by a vet.

Which Bones Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Can dogs eat rib bones? Because they usually fall under the cooked bones category, it’s not advisable to give your dog rib bones. A healthy alternative, is raw bones. But these should only be added into your dog’s diet occasionally, and only after you’ve double checked with your vet.

Raw bones can offer your dog much needed nutrients from the bone marrow and the bone itself. It’s also good exercise for your dog’s jaw muscles and provides great mental stimulation. But it should only be an occasional treat, not a daily diet addition.

Edible bones are hollow, non-weight bearing bones such as chicken wings or turkey necks. These don’t contain marrow and you can easily crush them in a meat grinder. You should not feed these to your dog, because they can easily splinter. Rather add the grinded bones into your dog’s food as an occasional supplement – they are rich in trace minerals, phosphorus and calcium.

Recreational bones are big chunky ones such as a beef femur or hip bone with marrow. Although they don’t really add any nutritional value to your dog’s diet, they do have some other great health benefits. Firstly, it will keep your dog entertained, a fun mental and physical challenge. It will also provide your dog with a great dental clean up, breaking down the tartar formed on its teeth and preventing gum disease.

Do’s And Don’ts of Recreational Raw Bones

The most important thing to remember when feeding your dog bones: stay away from cooked bones. The bones need to be raw – not even boiled, baked or steamed. And you need to keep a close eye on your dog while it is enjoying the chewy treat.

Make sure to remove the bone before it is chewed down to the brittle part where it will start to splinter more easily. Also, if you notice any excessive blood on the bone or your dog’s mouth, immediately remove the bone. It’s crucial to remove the bone before it becomes the size that your dog can swallow it. It’s best to give your dog a fresh bone in a space you can easily clean up, like in its crate or on a towel. The bone will become very greasy and gooey before your dog is finished with it.

Tip: if you have more than one dog, make sure you separate them when feeding bones. Dog can become very territorial when busy with a juicy chewing treat.

Make sure you check with your vet before feeding your dog raw bones. If your dog has a predisposition towards pancreatitis, you need to stay away from feeding it bones because of the rich marrow. You could create a “low fat” version, thaw the bone and scoop out the marrow.

Giving bones to bigger dogs are tricky. Their jaw strength give them the capacity to easily crush a bone and attempt to swallow it whole. Try to find a big knuckle bone that matches the size of your dog’s head. This way the dog can’t open its jaw wide enough to crunch down on the bone. Knuckle bones or soup bones can be bought at your local butcher or found in your local supermarket.

The best time to give your dog a bone, is after a meal. A hungry dog will not just leisurely chew on the treat, it will try to gobble it down in one go. Stay clear of leg bones, the cut bones will splinter more easily.

Can dogs eat rib bones? Not as a recreational bone, no. These bones fall into the category of bones that splinter too easily.

A Healthy Alternative to Feeding Raw Bones

If you feel uncomfortable with giving your dog raw bones due to health concerns, a great alternative is an edible dental bone. These are completely digestible. The high-quality chewing treat will give your dog the same great mental and dental benefits as a raw bone.

But stay away from low quality chewing bones. These are usually not completely digestible and often contain harmful ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, gelatin as well as cancer-causing additives and preservatives. Check on the packaging that it says 100% natural ingredients. Also make sure it does not contain soy, corn, gluten, extra fat or sugar and animal byproducts.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones?

Rib bones are not ideal for dogs. Unless you have a very small dog and you give it raw rib bones, you should refrain from feeding your dog rib bones. And don’t feed your dog any kind of cooked bones. But dogs do need the regular jaw exercise and dental cleaning sessions, luckily there are healthy alternatives to provide this stimulation.

What’s your experience with offering your dog a chewy treat? Ever experience any bad consequences from the wrong type of bone?

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp And Is It Healthy For Them?

0 Can dogs eat shrimp? The short answer is yes. But there are some technical details that you need to be aware of. And as with all things in life, you should only be giving your dog shrimp in moderation. It can be a nice treat for your dog and beneficial to its diet.

Is It Okay for Dogs To Eat Shrimp?

The most important thing to be aware of, is that the shrimp has to be cooked properly. Raw shrimp contains dangerous bacteria that can cause shellfish toxicity. Your grocer might try to convince you that the shrimp is safe for sushi use, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog to consume.

Also, keep the amount of shrimp per feeding small. It’s only really an exotic treat for your dog, there are other much better protein sources such as salmon or tuna. But it is low in calories and dogs can digest shrimp quite easily. Shrimp is high in minerals that can help to strengthen bones and teeth, plus speed up a dog’s metabolism. Minerals found in shrimp include calcium, iron and phosphorous.

Another potential danger to be aware of, is that shrimp contains high cholesterol levels. If your dog is already struggling with its weight, rather stay clear of shrimp. It can also negatively affect your dog’s cardiovascular system.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp

Can dogs eat shrimp and how healthy is it for them? Although shrimp is not a great source of proteins, it has other useful traits such as being high in antioxidants, including copper and selenium.

Plus a very special one, namely astaxanthin. This is a potent anti-inflammatory carotenoid. In animal studies it has been shown that this special antioxidant offers support to the nervous system as well as the musculoskeletal system. Research has furthermore shown that intake of astaxanthin decreased risk of diabetes and colon cancer. On average a single 4-ounce serving of shrimp can contain between 1 to 4 mg of astaxanthin.

Other vitamins and minerals contained in shrimp: vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, iodine, omega-3 fats, pantothenic acid, zinc, choline and protein.

Preparing Shrimp for Dogs

Keep your dog’s dietary needs and restrictions in consideration when preparing the shrimp. Stay clear of seasoning as excessive salt intake can be dangerous for dogs, causing their blood pressure to spike or leading to dehydration. Don’t fry the shrimp or cook it in butter, the fat can cause digestive upset and even inflammation of the pancreas. Do not add any garlic or onion powders.

Shrimp is not a dietary necessity for your dog. It can be a nice snack from time to time, but only in moderation. Check with your veterinarian first before feeding your dog shrimp on a regular basis.

Peel and Devein the Shrimp

Remove the veins before cooking. Use a knife or scissor to cut along the shrimp’s back and carefully pull out all the veins. Unpeeled shrimp can be dangerous for your dog. Try peeling it only after it’s cooked to make sure the shrimp doesn’t lose any nutritional value and to make sure you remove all of the shell.

A trick for pulling off the shell in one piece: slip your fingers under the shell, at the end of the shrimp head and carefully pull the shell away.

Take note: Always feed freshly cooked shrimp to your dog. The cooked shrimp will only last for about a day or two when refrigerated.

Can A Dog Eat The Tail and Shell?

No, it’s not recommended. They can create a stomach blockage or potentially be a choking hazard. Your dog’s ancestors did not have access to shrimp, so a dog’s teeth and digestive system is not equipped to deal with the outside of shrimp. Cleaned shrimp is much easier for your dog to digest.

Also, make sure you buy high quality shrimp. If the shrimp has any rings or black spots on the shell, it means the flesh has begun to deteriorate and break down. Stay clear of gritty or yellow shells. This indicates that chemicals such as sodium bisulfate has been used on the shrimp. If the shrimp smells like ammonia, it is spoiled.

Shrimp isn’t poisonous to dogs when prepared correctly, but your dog might be allergic to it. And if not cooked properly, it can cause shellfish toxicity. Read this article to be aware of dog allergy symptoms.

Your Dog Has Eaten Raw or Too Much Shrimp: What Now?

Can dogs eat too much or raw shrimp? In excessive amounts or when not cooked properly, your dog’s body will reject the shrimp. Your dog will most likely experience stomach discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. The dog’s body will deal with the shrimp on its own. These symptoms should only last for about 24 hours. If they continue for longer, you will should consult your veterinarian.

You need to keep your dog hydrated while its body fights the foreign substance consumed. Make sure it has continues access to fresh water. Other than that, there’s not really anything else you can do to assist your dog. Read this article before you try inducing vomit in your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp – The Disadvantages

Shrimp contains lots of healthy vitamins and minerals, but there are a few drawbacks for your dog’s nutritional needs. As mentioned above, your dog’s ancestors did not have access to shrimp years ago, so their digestive system is not truly compatible with it.

One of the biggest drawbacks of shrimp, is the high cholesterol value. Four ounces of shrimp can contain up to 220 mg of cholesterol. So you need to keep it as an occasional treat, not a regular snack. The biggest health risk of shrimp is the potential shellfish toxicity it can cause, so you need to take extra precaution when preparing it. Make sure it is cooked properly before offering it to your dog. Introduce the shrimp gradually as a new treat to prevent stomach upset.

After feeding your dog shrimp for the first time, you need to keep a close eye on it. If it starts acting strange or showing allergy symptoms, immediately go to your veterinarian.Some dogs might love the taste, but others will just pull their noses up and refuse to try it.

Other Seafood That Are Safe for Dogs

Adding a little bit of seafood to your dog’s regular diet can be very beneficial. But emphasis on the “little bit”.

Salmon

A great extra source of protein. But it also needs to be cooked properly to deal with a parasite that causes Salmon Disease.

Tuna

Another great source of protein, but you need to keep in mind its high mercury and sodium content. Read this article to find out more about the health benefits.

Crab

Part of the shrimp family, but it contains a lot of iodine. Some dogs can be allergic to it and you don’t want to overdo it, the verdict is not quite out if it is truly safe for dog consumption.

Lobster, Clams, Oysters

Some more shellfish that can enhance your dog’s diet. But remember to not feed your dog the shells. The shells can cause puncture holes in your dog’s digestive system.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Feeding your dog shrimp can be a nice little healthy treat. Just make sure you follow the cooking instructions as described above. And remember to first test your dog’s reaction to the shrimp. It’s always best to first chat to your veterinarian to make sure a new addition to your dog’s diet will be beneficial.

Can Dogs Eat Tuna?

0 Can dogs eat tuna? The simple answer: Yes, you can feed your dog fish. But there are various hidden factors to be aware of. Fish bones can be very dangerous and when selecting canned tuna you have to make sure you pick one that has been packed in water and not oil.

There are a variety of fish-based dog foods on the market, so research does show that it’s safe to feed your dog tuna. Dogs can handle both cooked and raw tuna.

Is It Safe to Feed Your Dog Tuna?

Can dogs eat tuna? As always, the golden rule is to do things in moderation. In long-lived fish like tuna heavy metals accumulate over time and the percentage of some metals present in the fish, such as mercury, can raise health concerns.

Dogs are carnivores, so their digestive system is more geared towards processing meats, which is good news if you want to treat your dog with a bit of tuna. But it is not advisable to feed your dog raw fish. Fish can carry various parasites that are usually killed by cooking. Your dog might have a robust digestive system, but it’s better to not take the risk.

The Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna is a great protein alternative for dogs with a sensitive constitution. It is easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive upset. You will spot it in the ingredient list of many specialized foods. You could feed your dog salmon or mackerel as well, but tuna has just as many health benefits and is bit more affordable.

When buying canned tuna, check that there are no additional seasonings, especially not onions or garlic. These two ingredients are toxic to dogs. Also, canned tuna based in oil can cause unpleasant stomach upset in dogs. Look out for the water-based ones.

Tuna includes many minerals beneficial to dogs including phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and potassium. It also is a great vitamin source with B12, B6 and B3 as well as omega-3 fatty acids, promoting good heart health. It’s a great option for dogs with food allergies. Read this article to check if your dog is allergic to anything

Disadvantages of Tuna

Can dogs eat tuna?  Yes, but it’s best to keep tuna as a rare treat because of the high levels of sodium and mercury. The main health risk, is the high mercury content. Also note, a tuna steak usually contains more mercury than canned tuna. And canned white albacore contains more mercury than white canned or chunked light tuna.

Canned tuna contains a high level of sodium, which can cause pancreatitis when consumed in high quantities. The salt content can also make your dog excessively thirsty, it will then gulp down lots of water that can lead to a bloated stomach or in the worst case scenario a twisted stomach, which can be fatal if not treated.

How Much is Too Much?

Rather keep pure tuna as an occasional treat instead of working it into your dog’s daily feeding routine. When used in homemade dog food recipes, you will notice that the quantities will always be low in comparison to the other ingredients.

You could spoil your dog with a tuna treat once a week if it is not already present in its daily diet. There are various factors to keep in mind when feeding your dog tuna, such as its age and general health condition. If your dog is leaning towards the overweight side of the weight spectrum, rather steer clear of feeding it tuna.

The Best Way to Feed Tuna to Your Dog

Can Dogs Eat Tuna?

Keep it simple and as close to the tuna’s natural form as possible. When using canned tuna remember to buy the water-based one without additional seasonings. Drain the tuna before feeding it to your dog and don’t give it the leftover juice from the can.

There’s no need to season it or spice it up, you can give it to your dog bland, the dog won’t taste the difference. The tuna flakes can get stuck between your dog’s teeth, give it dry kibble or a biscuit to scrape off the lingering fish from the dog’s teeth.

It is best to first check with your veterinarian before incorporating tuna into your dog’s diet. Can dogs eat tuna? Yes, but some dogs don’t like the taste, so you have to first see how your dog responds to a little bit before incorporating tuna into your dog’s diet.

Warning: don’t ever feed your dog raw salmon. Dogs are the only known species that can catch salmon poisoning disease from consuming raw salmon. If untreated, a dog will most likely die within two weeks of digesting raw salmon.

Other Fish Safe for Dogs

Tuna is definitely the easiest fish to incorporate into your dog’s diet. You can conveniently grab an affordable tin of it at the supermarket. Some other fish types that you will find in fish-based dog foods: Ocean and Lake Whitefish, Flounder, Walleye, Herring, Salmon Pike and Arctic Char.

If you spot any of these in the supermarket and you feel like giving your dog a special treat you can bake, grill or steam these types of fish. Just remember to buy boneless fillets and don’t add any seasoning. Plus, steer clear of excessive greasing with oil sprays, butter or oil.

Homemade Dog Food: Tuna-based Recipes

Can dogs eat tuna? The conclusion is, most definitely, yes. The following are a few recipes that you can prepare at home to spoil your dog on special occasions or to enhance its general diet.

Tuna, Egg, and Greens

Ingredients:

½ cup of canned light tuna, water-based

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons of sprouts, Alfalfa or Clover

½ teaspoon of Nutritional Yeast

½ cup of cooked brown rice

Directions:

Chop the sprouts up finely. Mix the egg yolk, nutritional yeast and sprouts together and then add the tuna.  Add the mixture to the brown rice. This recipe is enough for one meal for a dog of between 20 to 25 pounds.

Tuna Roll

Ingredients:

1 small can of tuna, water-based

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 celery stick

1 carrot, large if possible

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

4 tablespoon of cottage cheese

Directions:

Chop celery stick and carrot into small pieces. Mix all the ingredients together, adding the lemon juice last. Place the mixture in blender and blend until fine pulp. Mold and shape the mixture into a tuna roll and cut into small pieces when chilled. Add one piece of tuna roll to your dog’s kibble once a week.

Detox Tuna Recipe for Skin Health

Ingredients:

1 cup of light tuna

¼ cup of Cottage cheese
(alternative: 1 raw or boiled egg)

1/8 cup of sprouts, Clover or Alfalfa (a handful)

½ cup of lettuce

½ cup of cooked barley

½ teaspoon of ginger powder

1 teaspoon of Nutritional Yeast

1 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese

1 Omega 3 fish oil capsule (1 000mg)

1 Evening primrose oil capsule (500mg)

Directions:

Squeeze out the liquid of the Omega 3 fish oil capsule and mix with the evening primrose oil capsule. Add the tuna to the oil mixture. Finely chop the barley, lettuce and sprouts. Mix into tuna mixture. Sprinkle the Nutritional Yeast and Parmesan cheese unto the mixture. Feed ½ a cup per 10 to 15 pounds of body weight to your dog once a day instead of its regular food.

Please note: this mixture is not recommended if your dog is prone to food allergies.

Tuna Training Treats

Ingredients:

2 small cans of tuna, water-based

2 eggs

1 to 1 ½ cup of flour, preferably rice flour

Handful of Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Do not drain the tuna. Mash the tuna in a bowl to remove clumps. Place in blender to liquefy. Add a little bit of water if needed to liquefy completely. Pour the blended tuna into a bowl and add the flour. The consistency should be close to a cake mixture. Spread into a lightly greased or sprayed pan. Sprinkle lots of Parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. When ready the edges will pull away and the texture will be like putty. Cut into small squares, about the size of a penny. Can freeze the treats. Use as rewards when teaching your dog a new trick.

Tuna Fudge

Ingredients:

2 small cans of tuna, water-based

1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

2 lightly beaten eggs

¼ cup of parmesan cheese

Directions:

Do not drain the tuna. Mix all the ingredients together with an electric mixer or in a blender until well blended. Spread the mixture onto a lightly greased cake pan. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator or freeze. Give to your dog as little treats or mix a few squares into its kibble once a week.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Tuna?

In moderation tuna can be a healthy addition to your dog’s general diet. But before adding it, make sure you have checked with the vet if it’s safe to do so. Most dogs will be very pleased with the delicious treat per occasion.

Have you tried adding tuna to your dog’s diet? What reaction did you get?

Read more about other human foods that are pet friendly:
– sweet potatoes
– pineapple
– Brussel sprouts

How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Yorkies

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What is the best dog food for Yorkies? Yorkies are cute little fluff balls, but we need to be aware of what we can feed them and what we cannot. Because of their size and metabolism, they would for example not typically have a diet similar to what a Pit Bull might eat.

Yorkies are a small breed, so we need to figure out how much they need to eat and how often in order to support their metabolism (smaller dogs’ metabolism differs from larger dog breeds’ metabolism, and need feed accordingly).

The Best Dog Food For Yorkies When Health Is An Issue

When it comes to allergies, there’s lots to love about Yorkies. Not only are these dogs’ coats hypoallergenic, the breed itself has few issues with allergies. When allergy issues do occur, they tend to be triggered by factors such as the environment and food.

Working with your veterinarian, environmental allergies can be relatively easy to diagnose and treat.

Food allergies however, are another story. While an increasing number of dog owners are receiving a food allergy diagnosis, true food allergies are fairly rare in dogs. An increasing number of vets now think that both dogs and cats that are being diagnosed with food allergies may actually have food intolerances. Your poor suffering Yorkie won’t much care about the distinction.

Both conditions result in unpleasant symptoms for sufferers. In either case, vomiting and diarrhea commonly occur. Other symptoms that can indicate that a true food allergy is occurring include:

• Itching
• Skin issues
• Ear infections

But despite these additional clues, a definitive food allergy diagnosis is very difficult to come by. Food allergy testing can be done with blood and “scrape” (skin) testing. Scrape testing involves anesthesia, which can be both stressful and risky for small animals. It’s also not as effective as an elimination diet for allergy testing.

This type of testing is also recommended to verify food intolerances. What does an elimination diet involve? Your Yorkie will be placed on a diet that will have him/her consuming foods that it has never been eaten before. If there are no adverse reactions to this new (usually venison or duck combined with green peas) diet, it’s assumed that something in the previous one triggered the allergy or intolerance. Your veterinarian will want to keep your Yorkie on the elimination diet for a solid four to six weeks.

I know it’s hard, but the diet must be strictly adhered to in order to see results. This means picking up the dishes of any other pets to keep the Yorkie from snacking. Any treats during this time should be vet approved hypoallergenic ones.

After the elimination diet period ends, what is the best dog food for Yorkies going forward? Assuming that the elimination diet has confirmed a food problem, you’ll have three choices:

• Keep the Yorkie on a special vet prescribed diet
• Purchase only foods that don’t contain ingredients of the previous diet
• Prepare special meals from scratch

Of these choices, the first is probably the best in terms of convenience and safety. Be warned that a more limited diet can lead to food boredom. You may have to change hypoallergenic food brands more frequently. And it’s possible for pets to develop allergies to hypoallergenic foods. You should expect to work closely with your vet when working with foods for either allergy or intolerance problems.

Like other small breeds, Yorkies can also be prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and urinary tract disease. The best dog food for Yorkies in order to avoid these issues includes proteins, complex carbohydrates, and simple sugars among its ingredients. And rather than have your Yorkie wolf down one or two larger meals during the day, try feeding smaller amounts throughout the day.

The Best Dog Food For Yorkies In Terms Of Nutrition

The Best Dog Food For Yorkies

There are a number of “nutritional” pet foods on the market these days. And the concept of such food remains fairly controversial. Many veterinarians feel that multiple generations of pets must be observed before it can be determined if a manufactured and controlled diet benefits health and increases longevity.

While considering what’s the best dog food for Yorkies, consider this. Even many “all natural” and “special diet” foods contain many dyes and fillers. These and other ingredients such as soy are now believed to be the causes of many food allergies.

Because of this, some pet food experts are now suggesting that you allow nature to be your food guide. Admittedly, it would be a disaster if your little Yorkie took to the woods and attempted to “live off the land”. But your pup’s distant ancestors ate mainly meat, and your Yorkie is genetically hardwired to most benefit from a high protein diet.

But not all of your dog’s nutritional needs will be met by a specific meat, or even by meats alone. If you’ve decided that the best dog food for Yorkies is what you prepare, take a look at the dog “food pyramid” below to see what needs to be included.

Meat

This should comprise more than 50 percent of any dog’s diet. These meats should consist of red meat, poultry (with skins removed), organs (like the heart and liver), and fish. Any meat given should not include fatty portions. If including “meaty” bones here, beware choking and cutting hazards.

Eggs

Highly nutritious and safe to eat every day. Our little Yorkie pals should eat only half an egg or less on a daily basis.

Dairy

Avoid cow’s milk. Most dogs can tolerate goat’s milk. Plain yogurt is an even better option. And while fatty cheeses should be avoided, ricotta and cottage cheese are good choices.

Fruits

Dogs love fruits such as apples, berries, melons, and bananas. They can be served raw. Do not give your pups either grapes or raisins, as such food causes renal (kidney) failure in dogs.

Vegetables

While vegetables are not an essential part of a dog’s diet, they’re a good source of fiber. For digestive purposes, vegetables should be cooked.

Grains

Never make grains more than 50 percent of a dog’s diet. “Good” grains include oatmeal and barley. Dogs like cooked rice, and it’s a great way to settle an upset stomach. But rice has no nutritional value for dogs and should be served very sparingly.

So have you decided that the best dog food for Yorkies is an “au naturel” one?

If so, the daily doggie menu would look like:

• Two to three ounces of meat
• One half or less of a hard boiled egg
• One ounce of a fruit or vegetable
• One half ounce or less of a dairy product

When you looked at this this menu, you may have had the same initial reaction that I did: “I don’t eat this well on a regular basis!” And aside from the fact that the constant nutrient calculating, shopping, and preparation may not fit into humans’ busy lifestyles, there are other reasons why this “cave dog” diet might not be the best dog food for Yorkies.

One drawback is that many preparers leave important daily nutrients out of these meals. This means that they try to compensate with supplements, leading to other problems. And some dogs have medical issues that make closely mandated prescription diets a must. So while a natural diet is doable for those who can do it properly, it certainly isn’t the only way to feed your Yorkie nutritiously.

Start by regarding the basic needs of smaller dogs. Remember that they need to consume more calories per pound than larger breeds. This is especially important for puppies. Consider the effect that food products you’re feeding to your Yorkie may have on its skin and hair health. You may not be showing this dog, but you still don’t want to subject yourself or your pet to a dull matted coat and itchy, flaking skin.

Yorkies are fortunate not to suffer from some of the aging problems of other breeds. But this is a breed that is prone to urinary tract issues, a common condition in many aging dogs. Be sure to consult with your vet before changing foods for this and other medical reasons. Otherwise, the best dog food for Yorkies in good health is one with a high protein content and few carbohydrates.

What Ingredients Should And Shouldn’t Be In Dog Foods?

One of the drawbacks of commercial pet foods is that manufacturers are permitted to make substitutions if they can show that they can reach nutritional minimums in doing so. So if a manufacturer can reach “X” amount of a protein percentage by substituting a vegetable instead of an animal protein, they’ll do so as it’s far cheaper for them.

As a result, you’ll see lots of soy being used in pet food. Unfortunately, soy is now believed to be a leading cause of pet food allergies. So pay close attention to ingredients on labels. Ones that you want to see (in order of importance) include:

• Meat
• High quality meat “meal” (Avoid meat meal that includes the words “by-products” in its name or fails to identify the specific source animal.)
• Fish or fish meal
• Fruits, vegetables
• Ascorbic acid, vitamins, minerals

Ingredients that you don’t want to see:

• Brewers rice
• Soy flour
• Cereals

Is The Best Dog Food For Yorkies Wet Or Dry?

The small mouths of Yorkies means both tooth crowding and cleaning issues. As a result, dry kibble is recommended to prevent tooth decay. Both wet and dry foods provide equal amounts of nutrition. Wet food can be temporarily helpful if a dog is suffering from an upset stomach.

Snacks

Who doesn’t like treats? And whether you’re a human or a pet, treats can be very useful both to produce certain kinds of behavior and as a reward. But some are better for pets than others. As with foods, avoid ones that contain lots of dyes, cereal, and soy.

Good ones contain large amounts of meat and don’t forget that you can make your own healthy pet treats. Just remember that even healthy treats are not substitutes for food.

Summary

So what is the best dog food for Yorkies? Start by finding a good food brand appropriate for the dog size in general, and modify according to your specific dog’s needs. Be willing to check labels thoroughly, follow dog food news to be aware of trends and problems, and keep your veterinarian informed of food changes and issues.

Be aware that you may have to change “best” foods several times over a dog’s lifespan. Do slowly and with patience. The results will not only be an avoidance of food woes, but a great looking and healthy Yorkie.

The Best Dog Food For Pitbulls – What To Feed Them And How Much

What is the best dog food for pitbulls? Pitbulls sometimes have a bad reputation as dangerous dogs that you should keep away from. But we know better! We know they are actually awesome dogs!

Pitbulls were originally bred to bait bulls (i.e. the name) and were later used as farm dogs. Despite their reputation, Pitbulls are actually also known as “nanny” dogs, because they gentle and protective of children.

But what do we actually feed these beautiful animals?​ Pitbulls are medium sized dogs (although some can become quite large!) with sizes ranging from approximately 30 pounds to 70 pounds (however Hulk, the largest Pitbull in the world tips the scale at a whopping 180 pounds!). So we need to take into consideration their size and activity level to figure out what is actually the best dog food for Pitbulls, as their dietary needs will differ greatly from smaller breeds such as Yorkies or bigger breeds such as Labradors.

Besides their size and activity level, we also need to pay close attention to any possible health issues or allergies that might be specific to Pitbulls, as feeding a Pitbull food that contains the wrong ingredients could cause your pup to experience health issues that can easily be avoided.

Food Allergies To Watch Out For

Before we dig into which dog food is the best dog food for Pitbulls, we need to make sure what food to avoid that could potentially cause allergies.

Pitbulls are generally healthy, but of course as with any breed there are some health issues you need to be mindful of. When it comes to food, there are some food that your Pitbull could potentially be allergic to. This could include corn, rice, wheat and beef. If your dog is showing signs of itching and discomfort on their skin, that could be an indication that they are allergic to these foods. Should you notice these symptoms, you should take immediate action to avoid your Pitbull digging and chewing at the itchy areas untill they bleed.

To treat the allergy, remove the food that has been causing the allergic reaction from their diet. Your veterinarian should also be able to tell you what your dog is allergic to and whether it can be treated with medication.

How Much Should You Feed Your Pitbull?

Every dog is different. You need to consider the age and the size of your dog to determine how much you should feed it. For example Pitbull puppies will need a lot less calories than an adult would.

The Pitbull breed is considered an active breed, meaning they would typically need a bit more calories on average to fuel their active lifestyle. When looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls, calories is a key consideration to look at.

Key Stats

Dog Breed Group – Terrier Dogs

Height – 1″5 to 1″7

Weight – 30 pounds to 85 pounds

Recommended Calories

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee has put together a table that shows how much calories an average dog would need based on their size.

Weight (Kg)Weight (lb)Kilocalories/day

For the full table, you can go here.

Remember that these figures are just estimated averages. You will need to experiment a little to see what the is right amount for your own dog. If your dog has any health problems, you should consult your vet for advice on what food and how much you should be feeding your Pitbull.

An important thing to remember is that the dog food with the most calories is not necessarily mean it is the best dog food for Pitbulls. The food also needs to be nutritious! Some food might be high in calories but low in nutritional value.​

How To Know If You Are Over Feeding Your Pitbull

While we want to make sure we give our pups the best dog food for Pitbulls possible, we also want to make sure we do not over feed them.

Your Pitbull should have a waist when you look down at it. You should also be able to feel its ribs beneath its muscle if stroke your hand over it (if you can see the ribs, your Pitbull might actually be under-weight!). If you cannot easily feel its ribs because it is buried under a role fat, your Pitbull is overweight.

If your dog is overweight it could cause serious long term health issues, such as joint problems and heart problems. However be careful to not just suddenly put your pup on a excersize regime, as the extra weight could cause joint issues.

To get your overweight pup into shape, we recommend you first take it to the vet to get a thorough check-up to make sure your dog is in good health and there are no other issues that might be causing the weight issue (for example, Pitbulls can have Hypothyroidism, which could cause weight gain). Once you are sure your dog is healthy, you can start to increase its excersize while maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

The Best Dog Food For Pitbull Puppies

Is the same food that your Pitbull adult eats also the best dog food for Pitbull puppies? Pitbull puppies need dog food that is specifically designed for puppies. It is recommended that your puppy dog food should have more fat and protein in than dog food for adult Pitbulls. That is because a fast growing puppy needs more energy from their food to help fuel their growth. Pitbull puppies should typically be fed three times a day to help maintain their high metabolism.

The Best Dog Food For Pitbull Adults

Pitbulls are very active dogs, so it is recommended that the best dog food for Pitbull adults be high in protein to be able to fuel their active lifestyle. Typically an adult Pitbull should be fed two to three times a day. Feeding your Pitbull one large meal once a day is not recommended, as that would be harmful to their digestive systems.

Snacks For Pitbulls

It is okay to give your Pitbull a healthy snack or treat on occasion. Be careful not to overdo it with snacks and treat though, as you will be giving your Pitbull more calories than it should get, resulting in weight gain. Be especially careful of getting into the habit of giving your Pitbull table scraps. This will not only cause weight gain, but it will also teach your dog bad habits.

For snacks and treats, you can consider giving your Pitbull healthy dog biscuits or dog sausage treats in small amounts. If you want to give it really healthy snacks, consider giving it vegetables. They will like the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, and fiber will be good for their digestive systems.

Wrapping Up

The best dog food for Pitbulls need to be high in energy and nutritional value to ensure a healthy pup. Fortunately Pitbulls are generally a healthy breed, so you do not need to worry too much about feeding it special “health food”. If you do notice that your pup is showing some signs of allergies or health issues, it might be a good idea to consult your vet on what food to cut from their diet or whether special treatment is perhaps required.

I hope this article helps you on your mission to find the best dog food for Pitbulls to help keep your pup happy and healthy! If you have any thoughts or tips that you would like to share, please feel free to leave us a message in the comments section. We would love to hear from you!​

What is The Best Dog Food for Poodles? We Look At The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

What is the best dog food for poodles? When selecting the best dog food for your poodle, you need to focus on the correct balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Whether your poodle is still a puppy or already in its senior years, you need to make sure you continue selecting a high quality dog food throughout its life.

One way of making sure that you select the correct type of dog food, is to check the Guaranteed Analysis info. All pet food labels have to show this nutrient content analysis. It will give you an indication of the crude protein and fat content percentage, as well as the crude fiber and moisture content.

Why Should You Find the Best Dog Food for Poodles?

By feeding your dog the best dog food for poodles, you will be assisting its immune system to be as strong as possible. Other benefits of a good diet include good eye sight, a healthy coat and it can even affect your dog’s personality.

An important aspect to keep in mind, is that your poodle has specific nutritional needs at various life stages. Your dog’s general health, age, size and activity level can influences the choice of dog food as well.

Have You Considered BARF?

The Bones and Raw Food diet (BARF) is a new trend that has recently become very popular. It’s a great alternative to commercial dog food. All the ingredients you will need for this diet, can be bought at your local supermarket.

Add the following: fruits and vegetables; eggs; raw chicken, backs and necks plus other raw meats and bones. You can add all these ingredients together in your blender to create natural dog food. But when considering this diet for your poodle, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it can be a very messy meal. So you might have to clean your poodle more regularly. You also need to take the strength of your poodle’s jaw into consideration. There are a few rules to follow when it comes to feeding your dog bones. Read our post Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones? to be aware of all the health risks involved in feeding your dog bones.

Please note: check with your vet before switching to the BARF diet.

Best Dog Food for Poodles: Pick A Brand and Stick To It

When deciding upon the best dog food for poodles, it’s best to find a brand that you trust and continue to feed it to your dog throughout its life. Most dog food brands have a specific nutritional mix for puppies, adults and senior dogs.

It’s crucial to switch between dog food stages at the correct times during your dog’s lifetime. At each life stage your dog requires a very specific combinations of nutrients. By finding a high-quality dog food brand, you can rest assured that all your dog’s dietary needs are fulfilled.

Unless your dog is reacting very strange to a specific brand or experiencing odd health issues after eating it, you shouldn’t be jumping around between different types of dog food brands. Your dog’s body needs to become accustomed to the specific dietary combination of a dog food brand.

What Should You Feed Your Poodle

Don’t simply pick the cheapest dog food brand because you want to save money. You might save money now, but selecting a low-quality dog food brand, can end up costing you more in vet bills later on. If you’ve bought your puppy from a reputable breeder, rather stick with the dog food brand they’ve selected to feed your little poodle.

If you do want to switch to a brand you are more familiar with, you need to create a diet transition period so that your puppy can become accustomed to the new food. Mix the new food slowly with the old food, starting with a high ratio of the old food and only a little bit of the new.

A good indication of a high-quality dog food brand, is the protein content. Check the ingredient list and see how much beef, chicken or fish it contains. Steer clear from brands with high quantities of cornmeal and flour. Also, preservatives are important to extend product life, but too many can be harmful.  Read this article about bad preservatives in dog food.

Just like humans, dogs can become bored with their diets. So make sure you don’t buy the same type of dog food from your preferred brand every time. You might also notice that your dog likes one type more than the other, for instance chicken flavor instead of turkey. Use canned food as an occasional treat, not the main source of your dog’s diet. They are usually made up of 70% water, so they don’t have very high nutritional value, but can spice up a boring meal a little bit.

Best Dog Food for Poodle Puppies

If you do decide to stick with the dog food that your poodle breeder was using, make sure that they did not opt for a low-quality brand because they want to save money when buying in bulk. When this is the case, rather switch to the best dog food for poodles recommended by your vet. Remember to change over to a new brand slowly, a fast change may cause tummy upset or digestive problems.

How Much Should You Feed a Poodle Puppy

A poodle puppy grows really quickly, so it needs to consume a lot of calories, especially in the first five months. During this time, you will need to feed your puppy twice as many calories per pound as an adult poodle. Your dog food brand will have a calorie intake indication on the bag that you can use. Once you have this information, use this handy dog food calculator to determine how much you must feed your poodle puppy.

How Often Should You Feed a Poodle Puppy

For the first four to six months it’s best to feed your puppy three times a day. Once your puppy turns six months old, you can switch to feeding it twice a day.

Tip: switch to adult dog food when your puppy reaches 90% of its expected adult weight.

Best Dog Food for Poodle Adults

A small poodle weighing 20 pounds or less can switch to adult food between 9 to 12 months. A medium sized poodle between 20 and 50 pounds should switch between 12 to 14 months.

How Much Should You Feed an Adult Poodle

Stick to the feeding instruction of your dog food brand. Or if you want to make double-sure that you are not over or under feeding your poodle, make use of the dog food calculator mentioned about. It’s all about getting the balance right, taking into consideration how much your dog weighs and its activity level.

How Often Should You Feed an Adult Poodle

Poodles are high energy dogs, so it is best to help them maintain a constant energy level by feeding them twice a day. This is especially import for small poodles, standard poodles can function on one feeding, but two feedings are more beneficial

Best Dog Food for Older Poodles

Some people debate that you should only switch to senior dog food if your dog has health issues. But as your dog grows older, its nutritional needs change. Dog food brands create special formulas to compensate for this.

How Much Should You Feed a Senior Poodle

Once your dog hits its senior years, when it’s between 10 to 12 years old, your dog’s metabolism will start to slow down and it will need less calories per day. The amount of food you feed it, will depend on whether you are sticking with adult food or switching to senior.

How Often Should You Feed a Senior Poodle

As your dog gets older, its bowl movements will also change. You can consider switching to feeding it only once a day, or you can give it less food at night to avoid any unwanted mishaps in the house if your dog sleeps inside.

Conclusion: Best Dog Food for Poodles

Because poodles are high energy dogs, it’s crucial to invest adequate time when you are searching for the best dog food for poodles. By finding a high-quality dog food brand, you can enrich your dog’s life quality, as well as save on unwanted vet bills.

Have you discovered a specific dog food brand that works best for your poodle? Or did you successfully switch to the BARF diet?