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.

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?

Can Dogs Eat Apples? A Delicious but Potentially Poisonous Treat

Can dogs eat apples? An apple is a very nutritious fruit, containing lots of vitamins and minerals. You can give your dog an apple as an occasional treat, but there are a few things to be aware of. And as with all things, moderation is key.

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Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Feeding your dog apples can be a great way to clean its teeth, especially if your dog is struggling with bad breath. The high fiber content is also a handy tool to assist your dog’s bowl movements.

Apples are considered a super food because of all the daily health benefits the fruit offers. They are rich in vitamins A, C and K, calcium, antioxidants, phosphorous, essential fatty acids and pectin. Apples are also a rich source of fiber.

Health benefits include:

• Prevention of joint and bone diseases
• Can improve a dog’s gastrointestinal system.
• Apples help to fight off free radicals, preventing cancer from forming.
• Can keep your dog’s teeth clean and ensure a fresh breath.
• The essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 help to prevent skin allergies and keeps your dog’s skin and coat in a good condition.
• The dietary fibers help to improve bowel movement.
• The combo of antioxidants plus Vitamins A and C prevents various illnesses in older dogs. A few studies show that these vitamins can assist with hip dysplasia.

Feeding Apples to Dogs – The Health Benefits

Apples are a great substitute for expensive commercial dog treats. They are high in antioxidants, high in fiber and low in protein. The low protein count is especially good for aging dogs. Younger and more active dogs can benefit from the gastrointestinal help and apples can also fight various degenerative conditions.

Dogs are carnivores, but they should not eat too many meaty treats that are high in saturated fat. This is why apples are such a great alternative. Apples are low in saturated fat, calories and sodium. So you can rest assured that you are feeding your dog a very healthy snack.

Can dogs eat apples? Ideally, yes. The apples they are ingesting is good for their health, as well as the process of chewing on the apple. Instead of wrestling with your dog to brush its teeth, just offer it a little treat to chew on.

Can Apples Be Bad for Dogs?

There’s no doubt that apples can be a healthy treat for your dog, but there are a few limiting factors to be aware of.

Firstly, you need to make sure that your dog does not ingest any of the apple seeds. Rather remove the whole core, as it contain traces of cyanide in the form of a compound called Amygdalin. The amount is small, but taking into consideration the size of your dog’s body, it can be very harmful. If your dog is continuously exposed to the seeds, the build-up of the toxin can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

Also, do not feed your dog dehydrated apples. The nutrients are intact, but the lack of water can be dangerous to your dog’s digestion. Your dog can suffer from an upset tummy when eating these. Even too much normal apples can cause bowl movement problems.

Check with your veterinarian before incorporating apples into your dog’s diet. Feeding apples to dogs suffering from diabetes can be dangerous. The natural sugar content of apples are very high. If your dog is suffering from kidney disease, you should also steer clear of apples. The high levels of Omega 6 fatty acids, calcium and phosphorus can put your dog at risk.

How to Feed Apples to Dogs

Make sure you cut away all the core from the apple pieces you intend to feed your dog. You might be tempted to give your dog a whole apple as a chewy treat, but the apple seeds are very dangerous. If you want to give your dog a whole apple to chew on, make sure to use a high-quality core remover.

The only thing to keep in mind when giving your dog a whole apple to munch on, is the size of the dog. A whole apple can be a choking hazard, so not advisable if you know your dog loves gobbling down its food.

Make sure you wash the apple before slicing it up, removing any potential harmful chemicals from the fruit. Keep the skin of the apple intact, it’s the part of the apple high in fiber as well as nutrients.

Slowly introduce the apple into your dog’s general diet and only give it to the dog in moderation. Remember, dogs are primarily carnivores, so their digestive system is not geared towards processing lots of fruit and vegetables.

If your dog eats too many apple pieces, it can affect the dog’s bowl movements. Keep an eye on your dog’s reaction after feeding it apples for the first time to make sure that it’s good for your dog. Not all dogs will like apples and some dogs have more sensitive constitutions than others.

My Dog Ate Too Many Apples! Now What?

If your dog ate way too much apple, your dog will most likely start vomiting or suffer from diarrhea. This is your dog’s body dealing with the foreign substance that it has ingested. If your dog has ingested lots of apple seeds, then you need to take immediate action as the toxicity levels can become dangerous very quickly.

If your dog only ingested too many pieces of apples, without the seeds, you can just closely monitor it for 24 hours and make sure it has access to lots of water so that the dog does not become dehydrated. Try giving your dog a probiotic to help calm its upset tummy. Your dog’s body should deal with the excessive intake of apples on its own, but if the symptoms persist for longer than 24 hours, you will need to visit the veterinarian.

Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Is it safe for dogs to eat apples? If you only give it to your dog as an occasional treat, apples can be a great addition to your dog’s diet in general. Just make sure you do not feed your dog any apple seeds. Rather remove the whole core. But first check with your veterinarian to find out if apples will be beneficial for your dog in particular.

The high sugar content makes it a risky treat in big quantities, so be careful to not over-feed your dog. Apples can be a great nutritional snack for your dog with many health benefits. Just keep in mind that any fruit or vegetable should be given to your dog in moderation, keeping its carnivore digestive system in mind.

What is your dog’s favorite fruity snack? Have you noticed a change in your dog’s overall health after incorporating fruit and vegetables into its diet?

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Is Broccoli Good For Dogs?

0 Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, but only in moderation. Too much will upset your dog’s stomach. And some parts of the broccoli can be dangerous for your dog. Your dog can benefit from occasionally including broccoli to its diet, but you need to be well aware of the pros and cons of this.

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Health Benefits of Broccoli for Dogs

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that lots people often pull up their noses at. But it’s one of the most nutrient-packed greens. It’s a great source of vitamin A, C and K. It’s rich in folate and manganese. And it is very low in fat and calories. Broccoli is also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

It can help your dog stay regular and improve its digestive system. Because broccoli is rich in antioxidants, it can help fight chronic diseases as well as slow down the aging process in dogs. It contains bioflavonoids which help to fight inflammations, cancer and allergies. Plus, it has oral-enhancing properties to help keep your dog’s teeth in good condition.

Dog food brands have recently started to include broccoli in their products. It’s a great inexpensive snack, if your dog likes the taste.

How Much Broccoli Can a Dog Eat?

The amount of broccoli your dog can ingest, depends on the size of the dog. A good estimate is to include a maximum of 10% in your dog’s overall diet. More than this can cause health problems. Broccoli is not poisonous, but it contains isothiocyanate that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if too much is consumed. Read this article to be aware of the possible toxicity of broccoli.

Tip: divide your dog’s food into ten to twenty equal parts. This way you can easily estimate what is the correct amount to feed it.

How to Feed Broccoli to A Dog

Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, and you can decide whether you want to feed your dog raw or cooked broccoli. Experiment with the options to find out which method your dog prefers. The stem of the broccoli can be a great chewing toy for your dog. Just be careful with bigger dogs, they can easily choke on it.

Can puppies eat broccoli? Yes, but much less than an adult dog. Feed your puppy maximum one stalk of broccoli at a time and rather stick to maximum once a week because their digestive systems are much more sensitive than an adult dog.

As with all dietary changes, first check with your veterinarian whether it will be suitable for your dog specifically. Also, start introducing the broccoli slowly into your dog’s regular diet to avoid an upset stomach. Too much broccoli can cause gas. For easy digestion and to avoid your dog from choking, break the broccoli stalk into small pieces.

If you decide to cook the broccoli, do not season with salt or any other spices. Keep the broccoli in its most natural form. Too much salt can be very dangerous to your dog’s health. Rather just boil the broccoli in water or steam it.

Is Broccoli Safe for Dogs

Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes, it is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Adding it to your dog’s diet in moderation can be very beneficial for its overall health. But the emphasis is on moderation, do not add more than 10% to your dog’s diet, to stay within a healthy dose of isothiocyanate.

If your dog is prone to choking on food items, try to take off the stem’s fiber skin before giving it as a chewing toy. Or rather just stick to feeding it the broccoli head. Using small pieces of the broccoli head can be a great alternative treat, or used as a training treat as well.

WARNING

More than 25% of broccoli intake can be lethal because of the isothiocyanate content.

Dogs with goiter issues should not be fed any broccoli. If your dog often struggles with an upset stomach, you should also stay clear of feeding it broccoli. Dogs can be classified omnivores, but their digestive system is more geared towards processing large amounts of meat. It’s best to rather only give your dog broccoli as an occasional snack, not as an everyday addition to its diet.

My Dog Ate Too Much Broccoli! What now?

If your dog only looks mildly discomforted from eating too much broccoli, simply give it lots of water for the body to rid itself from the overdose naturally. The symptoms should clear up after 24 hours. If they persist for longer than this, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup.

Symptoms of a broccoli overdose

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unusually lethargic
• Dog whimpers or tucks its body into a ball
• Excessively hyperactive
• Doesn’t want to eat any other foods
• The white of the dog’s eyes turn yellow
• Pale gums
• Disorientation
• Collapsing
• Seizures
• Coma

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Everything Humans Eat?

Your dog will always beg for food while you’re eating. You can feed your dog some human foods, but it’s important to always do this in moderation. And only occasionally. Plus, first check with your veterinarian if whatever food you want to add to your dog’s diet, is safe for its specific health situation.

Our digestive process begins with the mouth, teeth, and saliva. Food travels through the whole upper body before it arrives at the large and small intestines. Our intestines are about 25 to 28 feet in total length. A dog’s digestive system works quite differently. Food passes through the mouth and esophagus and digestion start in the stomach. Here pieces of bone and meat are broken down by hydrochloric acid. Dogs have the shortest digestive system of all mammals. For a dog the whole digestive process takes about eight to nine hours.

Don’t just assume that anything you can eat will be safe for your dog. First investigate properly before feeding your dog foods outside its regular diet.

Some other human foods that are safe for dogs:

• Apples
• Celery
• Pineapple
• Shrimp
• Tuna

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

Broccoli has many health benefits for your dog including cell regeneration, fighting cancer, strengthening the immune system as well as offering overall nutritional balance. But remember to stick to less than 10% of your dog’s overall diet.

You can give the whole broccoli to your dog – from the florets, to the stalk and stem. Offer it to your dog as a snack on its own, or mix it with meat and other veggies.

Does your dog like veggies? Is it a fan of broccoli? What’s its ultimate favorite veggie?

Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? The Good, The Gas And The Ugly

Can dogs eat brussel sprouts? If you are like me, always trying to add some variety to your dog’s diet, you would also know that you can’t just add anything to their diet. Some research is in order before going all Michelin Star on your dog, because when feeding our fur kids, we only want what is best for them. And with the holiday season coming up, it is more than likely that these green balls might end up on a table spread. And even more likely that someone who is not so keen on these might slip them to the begging dogs under the table.

The short answer on the question “can dogs eat brussel sprouts?”, according to experts, are yes. Dogs are allowed to eat Brussels Sprouts, but only in moderation. Please continue reading to get to the fine print.

What we know about Brussels sprouts

To really answer the question “can dogs eat brussel sprouts”, let’s take a closer look at brussel sprouts. The good, the gas and the ugly of brussel sprouts.

The good

Part of the Cruciferous veggie family, brussels sprouts are known for the good it does to the human body. Loaded with a great number of vitamins, antioxidants and a rich source of fiber. The vitamins found in Brussels sprouts include vitamins K and C. These will give your furry friend’s immune system a boost and make their bones stronger. Other vitamins found in them are vitamins A, B1 and B6. These, along with other elements such as manganese, potassium and folate will all contribute to the health of your dog.

Can dogs eat brussel sprouts

The antioxidants will help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is one of the main symptoms of cancer development. Though antioxidants are not a cure for cancer, it does help in fighting off this illness. Another benefit of antioxidants is the fact that it helps with better blood circulation. Proper circulation will mean a stronger heart and less blood clot potential. All of the above mentioned benefits apply to both humans and dogs!

Brussels sprouts also contain another 2 great components called sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. These 2 ingredients are said to be focused on fighting the free radicals that are known for damaging our bodies and for causing cancer. The logic would then be that the more Brussels sprouts you consume, the amount of free radicals in our bodies then decrease, making for a smaller chance to develop cancer! Again, as with the antioxidants, it is not a cure for cancer. This is a process that proved effective in humans, and therefore it can be argued that it would work for our dogs as well.

The gas

Brussels sprouts are sometimes known as green fart balls. And not without reason. Even a small amount of Brussels sprouts can cause a lot of gas. This counts for both humans and dogs. So feeding your dog lots of sprouts can send him running with diarrhea. If it gives your dog diarrhea, it is best to stay clear of Brussels sprouts. While these are healthy for your dog, it is by no means a necessity to their diet; they should get all the nutrition they need to be healthy from their dog food.

The fact that it makes your dog pass gas, is normal when eating Brussels sprouts. In fact, the sprouts actually cause the bowel to move and assists with the health of the colon. Brussels sprouts and most other cruciferous veggies helps in the pushing of food, waste and toxins through our intestines. This builds up excess bacterium which is then released in a gas. Like all things, this is good in moderation. Even though this is not a particularly enjoyable action, it is no cause for worry or harm and should not discourage you from giving your dog’s Brussels sprouts.

The Ugly

Safe to give to your dog, first try and only give a small amount, preferably no more than one sprout at a time. See how your dog reacts to this and keep an eye on him. If your dog seems fine, give sprouts a second time to your dog. Give slightly more Brussels sprouts the second time. If your dog does not have a reaction the second time, you should be safe to give this to your dog from time to time, but rather limit this to 3 sprouts in a sitting. If you have a small dog, 1 sprout should be enough. If they have a bad reaction to the sprouts the first time around it means their stomachs can’t handle this kind of vegetable and it should then rather be avoided in the future.

So you might be thinking, a vegetable with so many benefits, why can’t my dog just live of this stuff? In moderation this vegetable is perfectly fine, dogs should not eat this excessively. Brussels sprouts contain a high amount of isothiocyanate. This compound is known to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract cancer by fighting off carcinogens, the bad guys that causes cancer. However, as experts say, this compound will “clear the pipes”. This means that too many sprouts will cause diarrhea and stomach problems. Therefore, be cautious as to how much sprouts your dog consumes. If it should happen that your dog has a negative reaction to the sprouts, just let the stomach upset or reaction run its course. Brussels sprouts does not contain any toxins or potential poisons to your dog, meaning that there is no immediate danger and cause for panic if your dog has a negative reaction to the sprouts. If the stomach upset lasts longer that what is normal, it is best to refer to your local vet for advice and care.

Preparing Brussels sprouts for your dog

Sprouts carry a risk of food borne illness. Therefore, it is always best to clean it properly and make sure that you cook the sprouts thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. It could also be harder for the dogs to digest raw sprouts and this is more likely to cause stomach problems.

When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for those that are fresh, green and firm. Remove the stem and wash the sprouts. They can be steamed, boiled or microwaved. When you are cooking the sprouts for your dog, make sure not to add any salt or spices, as plain cooked ones are best for dogs. Be careful not to overcook the sprouts, otherwise they will lose their nutritional benefits.

Many people will eat sprouts only when they are roasted or sautéed with bacon and onion. Often times, salt, garlic and other spices will be added. Be careful when giving these sprouts to your dogs, as not only are the salt and spices bad for you dog, garlic and onion is sure to cause an upset stomach.

Wrapping Up – can dogs eat brussel sprouts

Brussels sprouts are good for you, as well as your dog. Remember the key is moderation, and you are likely to add some healthy vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet and help with their digestion. Just keep an eye on the kids slipping these veggies to the dogs under the table and everything should be fine!

Hope we answered your question “can dogs eat brussel sprouts?”.

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.