Category Archives: Food

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Berry Very Dangerous for Your Dog!

Food, Pet, ,

SONY DSCMost people who share their lives with dogs want to give their companions a healthy diet. However, you may not be sure which foods are healthy and which are not.

Berries

There are some types of berries that are safe for dogs, and even healthy for them. Among those that are safe, there are strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries.

Cranberries

Cranberries are valuable since they prevent and fight off urinary tract infections in dogs. They do the same thing for humans, of course. In addition, cranberries lower the natural pH level of your canine’s urine, making it more acidic. These berries have plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, for a truly healthy snack.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain helpful antioxidants, so they are a wonderful choice for a fruity snack. They are among the richest berries as far as the amount of antioxidants they contain. You can feed your dog frozen blueberries in smaller portions than fresh berries, and they help to reduce the tearstains of some smaller dog breeds.

Other types of fruits are also good for your dog.

Pumpkin

Some dogs truly love pumpkin. It is helpful if your dog has stomach issues, since it contains fiber that will absorb water, easing upset stomachs. Pumpkin has plenty of antioxidants, along with vitamin A. Pumpkin is especially helpful for dogs that are overweight, since it regulates their blood sugar levels and works to boost their cardiovascular health.

Apples

Apple slices are an easy treat that is healthy for your dog. They aid in the cleaning of his teeth and the freshening of his breath. Apples are also good sources of healthy vitamins and dietary fiber. It is important to remove the core and any seeds before you give the apple slices to your dog. Otherwise, these can be a choking hazard.

Bananas

Bananas provide your canine companion with ready energy. Their natural sugars are easy for your dog’s body to metabolize and then convert into energy. Many dogs enjoy the taste of bananas, too. Bananas have many beneficial minerals, electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is juicy and tasty and dogs love it. It gives them important vitamins A, B6 and C. Cantaloupe promotes good vision, as well, and it contains healthy antioxidants. This fruit helps dogs with sensitive stomachs, and rehydrates a dog that is low on fluids and electrolytes. Make sure to cut off the skin before you give your dog cantaloupe.

Poisonous Berries

There are some types of berries to omit when you are looking for healthy dog snacks. Cherries contain pits, and they are a choking hazard. Pits may contain harmful chemicals, as well. In addition, you should not feed your dog mistletoe berries, pokeberries, baneberries, juniper berries or holly berries.

Health Benefits of “Good” Berries

Blueberries and other berries that are safe for dogs provide health benefits for him, just as they do for you. Berries have antioxidants, which help in protecting your dog’s cells from free radicals, which could otherwise damage his cells. Feeding your dog acceptable types of berries in reasonable quantities can protect them from heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Large Dogs and Berries

Large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers can consume more berries than smaller dogs, since the berries will be a lower percentage of their overall diet.

Eat-Dog-Apple

Keeping Fruit Safe for Dogs

Food, Pet, ,

Eat-Dog-AppleIt is natural to want to share your healthy fruits with your dog, and in some cases, you can. There are fruits that are safe to use as treats for your dog, and there are some fruits not suitable for canines. It is important to give your dog healthy snacks, but just as important to know what not to give him.

When you feed dog-safe fruits, give your pet a small portion first, to see if he is interested in that choice.

Bananas

Bananas are a good fruit snack choice if your dog would benefit from ready energy. They have sugars that are natural, and your dog can easily metabolize them and convert them into energy. Many dogs love bananas, and they have minerals, vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes.

Pomegranate

The fruit of the pomegranate is good for your dog. It does not contain many calories, and it has no saturated fats or cholesterol. Pomegranates have some helpful compounds in them. The tannins may be effective in reducing your dog’s risk of heart disease, since they scavenge free radicals, which could otherwise harm the body. Be sure to remove the seeds from pomegranates before you give them to your dog. Crush them in a bowl, or mix them with food.

Persimmons

Persimmons are rich in dietary fiber and low in calories for your dog. Fresh persimmons contain rich antioxidants like vitamin A, lycopene and beta-carotene. These compounds protect your pet from ravaging free radicals.

Cantaloupe

This has long been a staple for human fruit salads, and it is healthy for dogs, too. Its vitamins help your dog’s eyesight, and it contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are helpful in preventing cell damage and in reducing your pet’s risk of developing cancer. Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, along with potassium, niacin, folate and fiber.

Apples

Apples are easy to find any time of year, especially if you use different varieties. Apples do not have many calories and they are free of cholesterol and saturated fats. Apples have plenty of fiber, preventing absorption of bad cholesterol in your dog’s digestive system.

Do not be afraid to be a bit adventurous in sharing fun snacks with your dog, a long as you have checked with a veterinarian to make sure that your snacks are safe.

Toxic Foods – Do Not Feed These to Your Dog

Certain foods should never be fed to dogs. The list includes currants, raisins, grapes and their juice. These can affect your dog’s kidneys. Avoid dried fruits, too, unless they do not have added preservatives or sugars.

Raisins and Grapes

Grapes and raisins may cause kidney failure for your dog. Some dogs do not experience ill effects, but it is not worth the chance.

Avocados

The bark, seeds, fruit and leaves of avocados may be toxic to your dog. Those grown in Guatemala seem to be the most toxic, but avocadoes grown elsewhere also have varying degrees of toxicity.

Bread Dough

Raw bread dough that includes live yeast may be hazardous to your dog. The yeast multiply in his stomach and can kill stomach tissue. If the stomach expands, it can press on your dog’s diaphragm, which makes it difficult to breathe.

Chocolate

Chocolate is not good for dogs, whether it is found in baking goods, brownies, cookies or candy. Chocolate causes toxicosis, and the darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is for your pet.

Pet-owner-pic

The Do’s and Don’ts of owning Pets

Food, Pet

Pet-owner-picWhen you have a pet you are responsible for its care and well being, this can involve making sure that the animals basic needs are seen to, such as providing fresh water and food, regular exercise, grooming, a safe environment and medical treatments such as worming and flea control. It’s not only physical needs that need to be met but also emotional and psychological needs, this can involve providing stimulation such as toys and exercise, to providing a loving environment. It is important to keep your environment safe for your dog to prevent expensive veterinary bills.

Keeping toxic substances out of your dog’s path is very important, but some people are unaware that day to day food items such as chocolate can be very dangerous to dogs. When a dog eats chocolate it can result in diarrhoea and vomiting, but larger quantities of chocolate, especially dark chocolate can be fatal to dogs.

If you find yourself in a situation saying uh oh, my dog ate chocolate, there are a few things you can do;  make the dog vomit, this can be achieved by giving the dog one teaspoonful of hydrogen peroxide combined with water or dogs favourite food item, encourage your dog to Walk around for approximately 5 minutes. If your dog has not vomited following this then repeat the procedure. Allow your dog to eat grass as this can also induce vomiting. Your dog will also need to be seen by a vet. Chocolate is also very toxic to cats.

More Info: http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Dog-Who-Ate-Chocolate

Contentment Vs Sickness

There are signs that your pet is content, for instance your dog will wag his tail whilst cats purr to display contentment. Purring is a means of communications for cats. When kittens are first born they are deaf and blind, the kittens are guided to the mother cat by purring which provides vibrations.

Purring is associated with maternal comfort and safety. Research has shown that purring can also release endorphins which help to make your cat relaxed and content. Cats can also purr at times of pain and high stress and purring helps to alleviate and reduce pain. Purring is not only of benefit to the cats; research has also shown that being in the vicinity of a purring cat can also be therapeutic to their human owners too. http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/why-do-cats-purr-cat-behavior-health-evolution