Help For Dogs With Dietary Problems
Have an overweight dog that needs to lose weight?
The moisture content of canned dog food can make the same amount of nutrients occupy more volume. So, your dieting dog can feel fuller faster.
And what about older dogs?
Seniors are frequently afflicted with chronic dental problems that can make chewing dry kibble difficult even painful. So, canned dog food can be the perfect solution.
Identifying Risky Ingredients In Your Dogs Food
Heres the catch: most of the yucky additives are strategically hidden. If you see an unspecified meat or meat meal listed, for example, its important to know what that means. With such an ambiguous label, it could be just about anythingincluding rendered and highly-processed meats. If youre not familiar with the rendering process, this is when manufacturers take a bunch of meats from potentially-questionable sources and cook it down into a powdered meal.
Meat byproducts is another one to watch out for this refers to parts of the animal that are technically edible but certainly not nutrient-dense. Think chicken feathers, beaks, and feet. Vague product labels such as with beefopens PDF file only require that 3 percent of the total product is beef, and beef flavor simply implies that there is enough beef in the product to be detected. To avoid this, look for specific meats listed in the ingredients, such as chicken, lamb, or beef.
If youre not choosing whole foods, you might also be serving a host of chemicals and pesticides to your pup. And dont even get us started on preservatives and artificial ingredients. Ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole , and butylated hydroxytoluene are the most common offenders, and have been linked to canceropens PDF file in animals.
Why You Might Need An Alternative For Dog Food
We have all experienced what its like to have a hungry dog, giving you the sad puppy look, and just as you check your cabinet, you find that youre out of dog food. Its not going to be fun trying to find dog food last minute.
How about when you buy dog food in a bulk at the store because it seemed like a bargain only to discover your dog hates the meal and doesnt want to touch it?
Lets talk about money. Are you spending more cash on feeding your pup than yourself? If you arent feeding him cheap commercial dog food then the answer is probably yes.
Feeding your dog the same commercial dog food full of additives, preservatives, and low-grade meat does not only lack any nutritional benefits but can also make your dog incredibly sick or even give him cancer.
The perfect alternative to commercial dog food is homemade dog meals made with real food that dogs can eat and enjoy.
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What To Feed Your Dog Or Cat When You Run Out Of Pet Food
No matter how much energy we put into trying not to run out of our dogs or cats food, we just do. And many times, we dont realize it until the pet supply store or your veterinarian’s office is closed. But even if you make it to either location, sometimes they are out of your brand of food. Dont panic! While you may feel you have no choices, you do.
What Are The Healthiest Foods For Dogs
The good news is there are tons of great human foods you can give your dog!
Some of the best foods to serve are:
- Meats: turkey, chicken, pork
- Fruits: apples, bananas, seedless watermelon
- Peanut butter
However, keep it in mind that its all in moderation. While table scraps are fine every now and then, it shouldnt be an everyday event. Your dog has unique nutritional needs, so simply making another serving of your familys dinner and giving it to your pup can be risky if youre not paying attention.
Here are some examples:
- While carrots are an awesome treat that can even help remove plaque from your pups teeth, too much Vitamin A can be toxic.
- White rice can help with an upset stomach, but too much can cause a rise in blood sugar.
- Potatoes can be a great treat, but its better to mix with fiber-rich sweet potatoes.
- Eggs must be fully cooked, as raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency in dogs.
- If youre serving fish, take special care to remove all bones, which your dog can choke on.
- Peanut butter should be unsalted, with no added sugar or sweeteners.
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Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food
No, dogs cannot eat spicy food because it can be too overwhelming for their senses. Even small amounts of spicy foods can cause problems for your dog.
As always, its best to stick to safe foods for your dog. Plus, you should monitor the amount to feed your dogs so that they dont get sick. Feeding frequency is also another thing you need to be mindful of as a dog owner. After all, you dont want your dog to get sick from eating something theyre not supposed to.
If you have any questions or concerns about whether or not dogs can eat spicy food, consult with your veterinarian. And if you see that your dog has eaten something spicy, be sure to contact your vet right away.
To be safe, just go with the best dog foods. Dry dog food for your dog and wet dog food for dogs are the best options for your furry friend. You can guarantee that they wont suffer from the same problems that they would if they eat spicy food and other dangerous foods for them.
Carrots Instead Of Dog Food
Carrots are a vegetable that a dog will enjoy a lot. The fact that it is easy to eat because of its shape. Carrots are also quite crunchy, and the dog may enjoy chewing on them. This may also improve the dogs teeth and gums, and it will receive the vitamins that the body of the dog needs to survive. Vitamin A, a vitamin present in carrots in a huge amount, is perfect for a dogs immune system.
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Ingredients Needed For This Homemade Dog Food Recipe:
This DIY dog food made at home is filled with rich protein, vegetables, and healthy grains. Heres what youll need:
- Coconut oil provides a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, and reducing allergic reactions, just to name a few. And just like us, your dog needs healthy fats in their diet.
- Ground turkey will add necessary protein to your dogs diet, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
- Veggies this homemade dog food recipe uses a mix of zucchini, spinach and carrots. All are safe for dogs and will provide your baby with a variety of nutrients.
- Turmeric a dog-safe seasoning that also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Egg for extra protein and nutrients.
- Rice a complex carb that provides energy and aids in gastrointestinal function.
How Much Spicy Foods Can Dogs Safely Eat
Dogs should not eat spicy foods even in small quantities. This is because their stomachs are not used to digesting these types of foods and can cause problems. If your dog has eaten spicy food, call your veterinarian right away. They will be able to help you determine the best course of action for your pet.
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After The Pinch Is Over
Now that youve solved the immediate problem of feeding your dog, youve given yourself some time to get more dog food. Once youve done that, it will be time to get your dog back to their regular diet. Not so fast, thoughabrupt dietary changes can upset a dogs tummy.
Transition your dog back to their regular diet gradually. Over several days, mix in increasing amounts of their regular dog food with the in a pinch food until your dog is eating only their regular food.
To avoid another food emergency, consider placing about a weeks worth of your dogs regular food in a plastic baggie. Once the big bag of dog food is empty and youre reaching for the baggie, its time to replenish your dog food supply. If you order your dog food online, choose the auto delivery option so that you always have some extra dog food on hand.
Life gets busy, so its understandable if you run out of dog food every once in a while. Surely, your dog wont mind having some human food for a meal or two. Remember to keep those in a pinch meals healthy and get some regular dog food as soon as you can.
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What Nutrition Do Dogs Need
Dogs are carnivorous, meaning the primary component of their diet should be meat. But they arent obligate carnivoresor only meat-eating. In the wild, dogs survive mainly off of prey animals and some seasonal vegetables. Wild dogs will also occasionally eat fruits. When youre deciding on your dogs diet, it should primarily revolve around these food items.
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Deflect Your Dogs Attention From Food
Most dogs overeat, because of the same reasons most humans do – because they enjoy eating, and food is delicious. One way to stop your dog from begging for food is by diverting their attention to something more exciting.This can also help you feel less guilty for not giving into their adorable demands. Instead of re-feeding your dog, try taking them outside for a long walk, play with them on the ground, or spend some time brushing their fur out. It only takes about 15 minutes of spending quality time with your puppy to make them completely forget they wanted more food in the first place.
Dog Food Vs Human Food: What You Should Feed Your Dog
When it comes to your dogs food, do you know what youre really serving? With so many options out there, it can be easy to grab the first economy bag you see on the shelf and call it a day. But as a responsible pet parent, its your job to do the research and serve healthy, nutritious meals worthy of this important family member.
In this post, well dive into the truth behind some commercially-prepared dog food, what to know about feeding your dog human food, and a great solution for those pet parents who have been wanting to try out a human-grade diet for their pup.
Use these links to jump ahead, or keep reading to learn everything you need to know:
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What Foods To Avoid
Just because your dog CAN have something doesnt mean they should. What may seem as little tidbits to you, can actually add up to a whole lot of calories and fat for your dog! Sneaking your dog a small piece of cheese might not seem like a lot, but in reality, its equivalent to an adult woman having one and a half cheeseburgers!
Remember that there are some foods that shouldnt be fed to your pooch. These include
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Grapes
These foods can be toxic to your pup and should be kept out of reach! Keep your dog safe, its always best to err on the side of caution and do some research before sneaking them a bite of what youre having!
Arm yourself with the knowledge of dog-friendly foods! Knowing what you can share with your pet is perfect for days when you feel inspired in the kitchen and want to whip up a meal.
What can dogs eat besides dog food there are SO many options, have a look at these easy recipes for ideas on tasty, cheap, and nutritious treats you can whip up for your pet!
Do Spicy Foods Have Nutritional Benefits For Dogs
Unfortunately, there are no nutritional benefits to giving your dog spicy food. In fact, it can actually be harmful to their health. So if youre looking for a way to add some flavor to your dogs diet, there are plenty of safe and healthy spices you can use instead such as turmeric, pepper, or garlic.
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When People Find Out We Make Our Own Dog Food At Home They Always Ask Us What About A Raw Diet So Let’s Get That Out Of The Way First
There are LOTS of thoughts and theories on feeding your dog a raw diet especially a dog that is living with kidney disease. Our vet however, was personally opposed to feeding a raw diet due to the fact that dogs, just like us, are very susceptible to food poisoning. Besides that, a raw diet can be tricky to get just right! You run the risk of giving your dog a horrible belly ache by mixing a raw diet with cooked treats, so if you decided to go raw it is important to have both raw meals and raw treats planned for your pup at all times. NO MIXING the two! Since raw and cooked foods digest at different rates any combination of the two can wreak serious havoc on your pup’s gut which can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations for you – if you get my drift.
Try Feeding Your Dog Vegetables
Have you already fed your dog all of their meals for the day? Try treating your dog with raw cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, or celery. You can also try boiling them first to break down some of the insoluble fiber. However, before feeding your pet vegetables from the bottom of your fridge, make sure you wash off any pesticides and chemicals first to avoid giving them an upset stomach.
Before completely changing your peckish pups diet completely, its a good idea to consult your vet. We can help you make informed decisions on the best meal plans for your dogs breed, activity level, size, and other health factors.
Providing the very best in veterinary care, and the ability to establish innovated programs.
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What Do I Do If My Dog Only Wants Human Food
It is suggested that everyone restrict human food and increase dogs food bit by bit every day until your dog stops eating food from both men and women. The use of canned dog food over dry foods is the best choice when mixing foods. Thus, it prevents your pets from goingbbling people food separately.
Good For Humans Good For Dogs What You Can Safely Feed Your Dog
Unless youve been given any special dietary guidelines by your vet, what you should aim for is a good balance of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. If youre a meat-eating home, then chances are you have some good sources of protein on hand, whether fresh, frozen or tinned. Another protein that makes a perfect emergency meal for your dog is eggs.
Leftovers are a great option as foods dogs can eat, as long as they meet the 3 criteria above. If you have any recently cooked grains, plain meats, and/or veggies in the fridge, it can be as simple as throwing a handful of each in your dogs bowl. If you dont have suitable leftovers, one of the quickest, easiest dog meals you can prepare is plain, cooked chicken with rice. Low-sodium beef or chicken stock is a nutritious and tasty addition to any home-cooked dog meal.
Dogs dont have sophisticated palates, so plain and simple works best. Many canned and dry goods are great for homemade emergency dog food. As a last resort, you can just make your dog a bowl of cooked oats. But keeping in mind that optimal nutrition requires both protein and carbohydrates, heres a list of common pantry items you can mix and match for dog food alternatives. :
Beef, lean and plainly cooked Avoid the fatty parts of the meat, bones and recipes containing any items from the dangerous foods list, any strange vegetables, oils, heavy seasoning or wine.
Bread one or two slices of whole grain bread
Cheese mild cheese like Colby or cheddar
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Peanut Butter: Can Eat
Peanut butter is a healthy and safe treat for dogs to eat in moderate amounts.
However, it is best to limit your dogs peanut butter intake. Since peanut butter is high in fat and calories, it may lead to weight gain if he eats too much .
Also, make sure to feed your dog plain, unsalted peanut butter. Peanut butter commonly has extra ingredients added to it, such as salt, which could be harmful to your dog (
Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.
Meat || Lean ground beef, ground chicken, ground white or dark meat turkey, & ground pork are all great options. Just be sure to make sure that any meat you feed your animals is free of seasonings when purchasing! Dog’s living with a kidney disease diagnosis need meals that are lower in phosphorus – so for us a lean ground beef like ground sirloin is best the way to go!
Eggs || Eggs are one the top 5 allergens for dogs and the yolks are very high in phosphorus -which you want to limit in dog’s with kidney disease. But, eggs are also one of the highest quality forms of protein you can feed your pet! Ultimately, a hard boiled egg is Hooch’s favorite thing on the planet so, with our vets approval we opted to leave them in his food.
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