Peanuts And Peanut Butter
Sometimes, your furry friend needs extra protein. This is where peanuts and peanut butter come in handy. Both are not only loaded with protein, but are also great sources of vitamin B and E
With raw, unsalted peanut butter, your dog can have access to healthy fats and niacin on top of other healthy nutrients. Feed your furry pal small to moderate portions of peanuts and peanut butter to manage their intake of fat.
Foods That Are Poisonous To Dogs
As mans best friend, dogs do everything with us: walk around town, ride in the car, play in the yard, and snuggle on the couch.;Its natural, thengiven how much time we spend with our four-legged companionsto assume they can eat with us, too. However, human food can be dangerous for dogs, even types of food that are completely safe for us.
Part of the reason we can eat foods that they cant is that dogs are so much smaller than us. They also weigh far less, which means their bodies cant absorb things as quickly. Foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption, as well as other animals, may be toxic and even poisonous to your dog, posing a serious threat to their health and well-being, writes Canine Journal co-founder;Michelle Schenker. Why? Because all animals have very different rates of metabolism.
Another problem is that dogs have voracious appetites and dont always know when to stop. Although some foods are not toxic in small doses, larger quantities can be fatal. Signs of food poisoning in dogs can vary widely, but key symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, restlessness, staggering, and disorientation. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, VetsNow recommends;never to induce vomiting unless a poison control expert has instructed you to do so. Certain substances can actually cause more damage coming back up and are best left in a dog’s stomach.
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Human Food Safety For Dogs
Almonds:No, dogs shouldnt eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.
Bread:;Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread wont hurt your dog, but it also wont provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but its best to avoid it altogether.
Cashews:;Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. Theyve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if theyre unsalted.
Cheese:;Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. As long as your dog isnt lactose intolerant, which is rare, but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat. Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, so go for lower-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella. Many dogs enjoy their very own dog-specific Himalayan dog chew made of dried cheese .
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Macadamia Nuts: Cant Eat
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia and depression when dogs consume them, even in small amounts .
Additionally, macadamia nuts have a high fat content, which may elevate your dogs triglyceride levels and potentially lead to pancreatitis.
What Should A Diabetic Dog Not Eat
Its important that a dog with diabetes not eat any foods that include simple sugars, which will raise your pups blood sugar level. Always avoid giving him table scraps or treats that contain sweeteners like corn syrup or sugar. Also, avoid high glycemic food which can boost his blood sugar quickly like bread and white rice.
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Moist Foods Are Good For A Dog With Kidney Disease
An internet article about how the word “moist” is the worst word ever went viral, getting four million views, but whether you hate that word or not, “moist” is a useful word to remember when feeding a dog with kidney disease.
After all, kidneys are all about water. Water helps everyone’s kidneys remove waste from the blood, coming out of the body as urine.
“When a dog is having kidney failure, its vital that his food is moist to provide much-needed hydration,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian based out of Los Angeles. He owns California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness and provides holistic treatment for cancer patients at the Veterinary Cancer Group.
“In kidney failure, the body is not properly excreting toxins through the kidneys,” Dr. Mahaney says. “As a result, more moisture is needed to flush out nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorous, and other metabolic wastes from the body.; Therefore, my primary recommendation is to feed a diet that is moistened by water or low-sodium and free from vegetables of the onion and garlic varieties.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to buy canned brands of dog food that are formulated for kidney disease, or that you should stay away from dry dog food brands formulated for kidney disease.
Dr. Mahaney also recommends that protein sources be “highly bioavailable, which means that the nutrients are readily absorbed and cause minimal stress on the body in the digestive process.
Chicken / Beef / Turkey
Poultry is a wonderful way to treat your dog to lean protein, and a bit of beef is good for them, too! The trick here is to make sure that its plain: no sauces, seasonings, marinades, etc. All these flavorings can contain excess amounts of sugar and salt thats not good for your dog, plus they can contain ingredients like onions that can actually be toxic to your dog.
Most pups can tolerate a little bit of pork too, as long as it follows the plain rule, but for some, its still too rich. Other meats like rabbit, lamb, and duck are okay, too. However, pups should never be fed processed meat such as bacon, sausage, pepperoni or any other kinds of deli meats. Carcinogenic ingredients and high fat contents can lead to health problems down the road.
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Can Dogs Eat Popcorn
The corn itself is fine for dogs to eat, but the hull can be dangerous for pets, especially those with smaller throats. The kernel can get stuck between teeth, scrape the throat, or get lodged in your dogs airway.
Additionally, the toppings you put on popcorn could cause issues for dogs. Salt, butter, and other unhealthy popcorn additives can cause digestive problems, diarrhea, and dehydration. Over time, this could also contribute to kidney damage and obesity.
If youre interested in sharing your snack, learn how to give your dog popcorn safely.
The Ultimate List Of Human Foods Dogs Can And Cant Eat
If your hound waits expectantly under the table during dinner, keeping his eyes peeled for any yummy tidbits that fall on the floor, make sure hes not munching on something he shouldnt eat. There are many human foods that are safe for dogs, but beware because some foods are harmful. This is because dogs digest foods differently from the way we do.
Note: While there are safe people foods for dogs, our pups should generally only eat them in moderation. Even healthy foods fed in excess can lead to canine obesity.
And just like people, all dogs have individual diet requirements and react differently to new foods. Whether you have a young puppy or a senior with health issues, if in doubt about a particular food, please speak to your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
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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.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. The type of chocolate, the amount your dog ingested, and your dogs weight will determine how sick your dog may become.
Ingesting too much theobromine and caffeine in chocolate may result in;vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, elevated heart rate, seizures, and death.;Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs.
Below is a list of the most to least risky chocolate for dogs:
- Cocoa powder
- White chocolate
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How Do You Store Human
Unlike dry kibble that uses preservatives to last, youll need some space in your fridge or freezer for your fresh, human-grade dog food. Pet Plate meals, for example, arrive at your door frozen. Youll need to defrost the container in the fridge or microwave; once defrosted, it should be kept in the fridge and used within 5 days.
History Of Medicine = Food
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
Hippocrates
Food is age old medicine. Modern day, conventional medicine has strayed quite a bit from this in the last century or so, but thankfully its making a comeback.
Historically, in veterinary school, and even for human physicians, we dont get much nutritional training at all. Much of the training vets do get is limited and may also be biased. This is why a lot of veterinarians dont really focus on it.
But that doesnt mean nutrition isnt important
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.
Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
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How To Shop For The Best Food For Dogs
One of the most important steps in figuring out the best dog food is through the ingredient list, said Freeman, noting the first three are the most critical. This will help you determine if the formula is vegetable-based with things like corn and rice or meat-based with chicken, fish, or lamb, said Freeman. While each dog is different, they generally do best on a protein-rich, meat-based diet, she added.
Next, analyze what type of meat is within. Look for brands that specifically name the type of meat, like beef, chicken, or lamb, said Morgan. She noted that meat, bone meal or meat byproducts could come from any animal. Similarly, poultry meal signals any bird, she said.
The ingredients will also highlight some of what you want to avoid. Freeman suggested avoiding dog food that includes: dyes , sugar and high salt , as well as other solvents and preservatives like propylene glycol, BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin.
Preparing Meals For A Dog With Kidney Disease
Whatever you and your veterinarian decide to go with, whether canned or dry dog food, or fresh and cooked meats, the hardest thing about having a dog with kidney disease is often not what to fix but to make sure your dog is eating regularly, Dr. Bailey says.
“Dogs with kidney disease tend to have trouble keeping weight on,” Dr. Bailey says “They tend to not have a great appetite, so I would lean towards feeding your dog a few times a day.”
She adds that you’ll also want to make sure your dog has easy access to water. That’s vital for all dogs, of course, not to mention all living creatures, but especially so if your dog has kidney disease.
If your dog has not been diagnosed with it, it may be hard for you to know for sure whether your dog has kidney disease. But at least at feeding times and every time you fill the water bowl you can feel good knowing that you’re making a difference in your dogs quality of life and possibly extending his or her lifetime by years.
“As a general statement, a lot of what you do at home has a very good chance of extending your dog’s life,” Dr. Bailey says.
“We can only make the recommendations. What you do at home definitely matters in this case. It’s kind of like going to your cardiologist. They tell you to go on certain medications, and it’s your decision whether you do it or not,” she says. “Your pet’s health is to some extent in your hands, so you want to make sure you make good choices.”
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People Foods To Avoid Feeding Your Pets
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: 426-4435
Our Animal Poison Control Center experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 426-4435.
AlcoholAlcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
AvocadoAvocado is primarily a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants including sheep and goats. The biggest concern is for cardiovascular damage and death in birds and rabbits.;Horses, donkeys and ruminants frequently get swollen, edematous head and neck.
CitrusThe stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds
The casing of apple seeds is toxic to a dog because it contains a small amount of natural chemical that releases cyanide when digested. This becomes an issue if your dog eats a large amount and the seed is chewed up by the dog, causing it to enter the;bloodstream. To play it safe, be sure to core and seed apples before you feed them to your dog.
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Grapes And Raisins: Cant Eat
You should never feed grapes or raisins to your dog.
Grapes and raisins contain toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs. They have the potential to lead to rapid kidney failure and death .
Even small amounts of grapes and raisins can make your dog sick, so its important to avoid giving them to your dog altogether.
Can Dogs Eat Candy Chewing Gum Toothpaste & Mouthwash
Not only do these items contain sugar, but they often contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in gum, candies, baked goods, and other sugar-substituted items. Although xylitol causes no apparent harm to humans,;it;is highly toxic to dogs.;Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and even death for your pup.;Peanut butter is a common culprit. Always be sure to check the labels for xylitol.
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Whats In My Dogs Food
Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on your dogs food? If youre feeding them a commercial dry kibble, you might be a little surprised. No matter how many healthy claims and marketing jargon you see on the front, a quick rundown of the ingredients may reveal a less-than-ideal nutritional profile at best, and some pretty gross stuff at worst.
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.
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