Showing posts with label Should. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Should. Show all posts

Sunday, January 1, 2012

You Should Not Stuff Your Favorite Dead Dog

Do you have a loving dog? Do you love this animal so much that you cannot imagine life without it? Well there is a trend for many people to have their dog stuffed like a Moose Head in the lodge. But most people who have done this eventually wish they had not. Why you ask? Well it somewhat takes away the great times you had and you start thinking of your dog or animal as stiff. Now many people believe just having their dog in that form there, makes them feel good.

In the beginning it helps alleviate the loss and grief, but over time it ruins the real memories. At first it helps visually allow the brain to recall the good times, but there are better ways to do this such as video clips with the family. You should Not stuff your Favorite Dead Dog; if you do you might some day wish you had not.

Dog Food

Of course Taxidermists say that stuffing family pets is indeed one of the largest segments of their businesses and they are glad to be of service and often side with the idea of stuffing the family pet. They even make more money on these jobs, than Moose Heads. Please think about this in 2006 and perhaps you might re-consider?

You Should Not Stuff Your Favorite Dead Dog

Dog Food

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Eight Foods Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat

Most of us know that there are some human foods our pets shouldn't eat. Keeping our cats away from alcohol, for example, is a no-brainer. But did you know that onion powder can cause anemia in cats and dogs? Because of their different metabolisms, many common foods that are safe for human consumption are not safe for your cat. Reactions can range from upset stomachs to severe illness or death.

To help keep your kitty safe you need to know which foods to avoid. The following list spotlights eight common foods your cat should never eat:

Dog Food

Baby Food

It's hard to imagine that a food that's safe enough for a baby's tender tummy would hurt our fur-kids. But what makes baby food so dangerous for cats is that it might contain onion powder (see below) which could lead to anemia. Also, baby food doesn't meet your cat's nutritional needs, and could result in malnutrition if she eats too much of it.

Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but many of us don't realize that it's harmful for cats as well. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound that humans can eat safely. But cats and dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly; as a result, even small amounts of the compound can lead to theobromine poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, panting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures - and even death. Theobromine poisoning is treatable if caught early enough. But to be safe, keep chocolate away from your kitty.

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, and there's no antidote. According to ProVet Healthcare, it only takes about 8 teaspoons of coffee to potentially fatally poison a cat that weighs 3 kilograms (that's about 6.6 lbs). Signs of caffeine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle tremors, increased or decreased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, increased body temperature. But most scary of all: caffeine poisoning can lead to seizures, coma and death.

Grapes and Raisins

Scientists aren't sure exactly just what substance is in grapes and raisins that make them so toxic for our pets, but according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, dogs who've eaten large amounts of grapes and raisins have suffered renal (kidney) failure. Although it's unclear what effect grapes have on cats, to be on the safe side the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center "advises not giving grapes or raisins to any pets in any amount."

Onions and Garlic

Raw, powdered and uncooked onions and garlic are especially harmful to cats because they damage red blood cells, which could cause anemia. Not only does anemia make your kitty pale and lethargic, it can be a life threatening illness.

Spinach

The jury's still out on whether or not spinach is bad for cats, but scientists do know that spinach leaves contain a small amount of calcium oxalates (a chemical compound that makes needle-shaped crystals), which is a major component in kidney stones. If your cat eats enough spinach, it could lead to crystals in her urine. Cats with a history of urinary problems such as infections, crystaluria and kidney disease, should definitely avoid eating spinach.

Unripe Tomato

Everyone knows that tomatoes are good for humans. But did you know that they can be toxic to cats? Tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade plant family and contain a poisonous alkaloid called, solanine. Solanine is toxic to humans too. But you have to eat it in large amounts for it to hurt you. That's why you shouldn't eat green potatoes - a potato that has gone green has higher levels of solanine inside it. And it can make you sick, causing a bevy of symptoms that range from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting to hallucinations, paralysis and in the worst cases, death. Unlike humans, however, only a small amount of solanine can hurt your cat. According to FelineFuture.com, "traces of Solanin, like those found in just a 100g of cherry tomatoes, can be fatal!"

Yeast Dough

Raw or uncooked yeast dough should never be fed to your cat. What makes it so dangerous? Yeast (the single-celled fungi that causes bread to rise) isn't toxic per se, but if your cat eats the raw dough, it might continue to rise inside your kitty's stomach. And you can imagine what that could lead to: painful bloating, gas, and in the worst-case-scenario, possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Remember, the information in this article is for informative purposes only. If you suspect your cat has eaten something that is harmful, or needs medical attention, contact your veterinarian immediately! For more information about other harmful foods or toxins found in your home, check out these great references: ASPCA Animal Control Archives and PetEducation.com.

Eight Foods Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat

Dog Food

Monday, December 26, 2011

Top 10 Protein Foods List - Know the Best Protein-Rich Foods You Should Eat

Protein is essential in building muscles, restoring and replacing tissues, and maintaining a healthy immune and hormonal system. For people who are physically active, more protein is needed in their diets. The following list contains the top foods that are the best sources of protein.

Protein-rich foods for vegetarian athletes:

Dog Food

1. Cowpeas and leafy tips that are cooked and drained (may be added with salt)
2. Raw and fresh egg whites
3. Cheeses such as cottage cheese, non-creamed cheese, dry cheese, and non-fat cheese
4. Dried seaweed and spirulina
5. Extra-Firm or Silken-Lite Mori-Nu Tofu
6. Soy sauce from tamari
7. Low-fat, 1% milk-fat cottage cheese
8. Lite-Firm Mori-Nu Tofu
9. Raw pumpkin leaves
10. Nuts and seeds such as cashew nuts, walnuts, and almonds

The following are the top 10 animal-based and plant-based protein foods:

1. Red meat such as beef, pork, and liver
2. White meat such as chicken and fish
3. Eggs and dairy products such as:
a. Hard cheeses including Parmesan
b. Soft cheeses such as Mozzarella, Brie, and Camembert
c. Medium cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss
d. Yogurt
e. Cottage cheese
f. Milk
g. Eggs
4. Legumes - These are edible dried beans (seedpods) such as chickpeas, flagelot beans, kidney beans, split beans, haricot beans, and lentils. They are rich sources of protein.
5. Nuts and seeds - Over the years, nuts and seeds have been among the best sources of protein. Examples of nuts are almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, and walnuts. These can be served chopped, raw, or roasted.
6. Cereals and food grains - Eating protein-rich cooked grains promotes muscle building.
7. Algae - A type of seaweed, spirulina is among the best protein-rich foods there are.
8. Fruits - With today's technology, fruits can be eaten canned, frozen, or dried. Regardless of how they are prepared, fruits are still nutritious and included in the list of protein-rich foods.
9. Vegetables - Laden with protein, vitamins, and minerals, vegetables are known to be among the best foods for staying healthy.
10. Seitan - Seitan is a meat substitute. It is prepared from whole-wheat flour mixed with sufficient amount of water, kneaded and rinsed in water, expelling starch and bran. The protein is simmered in a soya sauce to become seitan. Seitan broth can be added as flavoring.

Top 10 Protein Foods List - Know the Best Protein-Rich Foods You Should Eat

Dog Food

Monday, December 12, 2011

Learn Why You Should Stop Buying Manufactured Dog Food - Start Preparing Homemade Dog Food

It seems like every week a new dog food maker is recalling another contaminated product. This has caused dog owners nationwide to examine the benefits of homemade dog food as a way of ensuring the health of their beloved dog. Many issues are worth examining, such as, what the FDA is saying and doing, the brands to watch for, and the benefits of homemade dog food. After reading this article, I am sure you will be better informed on the crisis at hand and why homemade dog food should be included at least part time, if not full time in your beloved dog's diet.

dog food container

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has identified that a Chinese supplier of rice protein, used to manufacture dog food, was contaminated with Melamine. Melamine is an ingredient used to make plastics and fertilizers. How the rice protein got tainted is not known. As of this writing, the FDA has not been able to obtain Visas for investigators who want to visit the Chinese plants where the rice protein is believed to have come from. If the US Government cannot get access, how can you really TRUST what's being added to the pet food? Just so you know how serious this problem is, the FDA is investigating a report that tainted pet food was fed to hogs, that were believed to be bound for the human food market.

Dog Food

Recently, there have been over 14,000 reported cases of pet illnesses nationwide. On February 20, 2007 the Royal Canine USA joined the growing list of pet food makers to recall products. Natural Balance Pet Foods, P & G Pet Care, Menu Foods, and Blue Buffalo Co. are just a few of more than 100 recalled brands of dog and cat foods across the nation. Some of the signs of the illnesses to be on the watch for are vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness and weight loss.

Even though dog foods say "no preservatives", that may not be 100% true. Manufacturers can get away with that labeling, as long as THEY do not add the preservatives. However, some of the companies that supplied the meat or rice protein, MORE THAN LIKELY did. Without being able to TRUST what manufacturers put in the dog food, it's no better time to look at homemade dog food as an alternative. It's easy to prepare and cost effective in the same token. Everyone knows, dogs actually like most of the same foods that humans do.

When planning your weekly meals, you could easily prepare your dog's food using most of the same ingredients. Ground beef, turkey, chicken and vegetables are staples that many pet food manufactured recipes call for. Preparing them yourself, you know exactly what your dog has in his/her diet. In no time, you will be able to tell what he/ she likes best by what is or is not left in the his/ her dish.

The BENEFITS are ENDLESS! Your dog will more than likely live more than 5 years longer, have a slim and more attractive weight, less gas, healthier skin, be more active and have less veterinary visits.

Hopefully, you are starting to see the benefits to homemade dog food vs.manufactured dog food.

Learn Why You Should Stop Buying Manufactured Dog Food - Start Preparing Homemade Dog Food

Dog Food

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to
take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your
dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as
you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever
they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more
like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of
these items
since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be
able to find what you may think is well hidden.

One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple
chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in
human-friendly antioxidants,
it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for
our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the
taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to
be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to
chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various
chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of
these chemicals than others)

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of
causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an
increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and
a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog.
If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take
note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on
the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your
children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's
reach.

If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the
consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours
without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death
could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks.
In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of
other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can
be downright dangerous.

Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd
kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out
walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause
vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby
food since it can contain garlic.

Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the
taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression.
Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes
be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to
this one so keep out of the reach of both.

Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate
increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have
the same effect in dogs.

When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit
is safe, the leaves and roots are not.

And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene
is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures.
Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes
and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane
BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic
antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food
discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory
rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog
food is eaten every day caution is advised.
Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to
make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog.
Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical
preservatives and artificial colors.

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Saturday, December 10, 2011

How to Stimulate a Woman's Body - 8 Places on a Woman's Body That You Should Not Neglect

Most men think that if they can stimulate a woman's vagina that her ultimate pleasure is guaranteed. However, this is not the case. There are many places on a woman's body that can bring sexual pleasure to her when you stimulate them correctly.

science diet for sensitive stomachs

So if you are finding for guidance on how to stimulate a woman's body, look no further. In this article, let me share with you 8 places on a woman's body that you should not neglect.

Sensitive Stomachs

1. Neck. The neck of a woman's body is very a vulnerable spot. By using your tongue to lick it slowly, you can turn her on easily. Lick the side of her neck first and gently develop to lick her earlobes.

2. Breasts. Do you know that a woman's breasts can be one of the most sensitive and arousing part of her body? You should give her a sensual breast massage, followed by kissing and licking of her nipples. This can bring the most inviting and orgasmic joy a woman can ever experience.

3. Stomach. The stomach is a very tender spot which can be the most leading erogenous zones of a woman's body. gently kissing colse to a woman's lower stomach and right above her vagina will build sexual tension and arousal, which sure to bring her to orgasm heaven later.

4. Inner thighs. The skin of her inner thighs is very sensitive to touch and may be very ticklish, so be right when you are stimulating this area. Start off with light caressing. If caressing does not work, a firmer touch or grip might be needed or possibly use of the mouth and tongue rather than your hands and fingers.

5. Knees. You should spend some time on her knee with your hand or mouth to tease her. Although this is a very sensitive area, you have not crossed into strictly sexual areas. The
buildup of such desire can produce strong sexual feelings and greater stimulation and orgasm.

6. Forehead. By kissing her forehead, you can cause an excitement and sexual hope in a woman's mind. When you are kissing her forehead, make sure you do it with compassion and love.

7. Lips. Practically every woman loves kissing. When you engage in a passionate kiss with her, you can be sure to turn her on fast.

8. Brain. Last but not least, the most leading place to stimulate is her brain. Woman and men are very distinct when it comes to sex. Women seldom get turn on when they see a naked man. If you want to please her sexually, you must learn how to stimulate her brain. Stimulate her brain with dirty talks, compliments or loving words while foreplay and intercourse. It de facto helps!

If you are finding for more ways to stimulate a woman's body so as to have a more intimate and happy connection with your partner, visit the site below now:

How to Stimulate a Woman's Body - 8 Places on a Woman's Body That You Should Not Neglect

Sensitive Stomachs

Saturday, December 3, 2011

When Should I Induce Dog Vomiting?

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they will find their way to get into things that they shouldn't. But, no matter what your dog has ingested the first step is always to call the vet.

It could be more dangerous if you try and induce vomiting without talking to an expert.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

As a general guideline you should not induce vomiting if the dog is already vomiting, or if your dog is unconscious, having trouble standing or breathing.

If your dog has ingested bleach, drain cleaner or a petrolleum dissilate product you do not want it to vomit them up because they could burn your dog's esophagus or mouth.

Finally, be aware of how much time has passed since your dog ingested the substance. If it has been over two hours, it is probably in the dog's small intestine and can't be vomited back up.

The only time it is ok to induce vomiting is if your vet tells you to or if your dog has ingested antifreeze within the past two hours.

How To Induce Vomiting

Now that you know when to induce vomiting here is how you do it.

First, it helps if your dog has a little food in its stomach, so give it a cracker, some bread or some dog food. Put some 3% hydrogen peroxide (you can also use ipecac) into a small bowl and use a 10 cc syringe to take in 3 cc's of liquid for every 20 lbs (9 kg) of the dog's weight.

Shoot a steady stream of liquid at the back of your dog's throat.

If your dog has not started vomiting after 10 minutes give one more dose. If your dog still has not started to vomit or if your dog is vomiting uncontrollably do not give another dose, but call your vet immediately.

When Should I Induce Dog Vomiting?

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

What Type of Dog Food Should I Feed My Dog? - 5 Tips to Help You Decide

With all the different varieties of dog food on the market today, it can be overwhelming for an owner to decide what is the best one to feed. Here are 5 tips to help you decide what the best dog food is to feed your dog.

dog food storage containers

1. Premium or Generic Dog Food?

Dog Food

While many people claim generic dog foods are just as good as premium dog food, this is simply not true. In order for generic foods to be sold so cheaply, they have to put in lots of animal by-products and artificial preservatives. Premium dog foods are often preserved with vitamin E or C, which are very expensive to add. Premium dog foods cost more, but are better for your dogs.

2. Life Stages?

Different age dogs require different ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Today you can find many different types of dog foods for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Try to find a dog food that matches your dog's life stage best.

3. Dry or Canned?

While many dogs seem to like canned, moist food the best, it can be bad for them. Dry food helps to scrap tarter and plaque from your dog's molar teeth and helps to keep the gums healthy as well.

4. Where Was It Made?

While not all foods made in foreign countries, like China are bad, it is wise to buy a food made in the United States. Manufacturing standards are more rigid here, resulting in a safer food.

5. What is Primary Ingredient?

The first ingredient listed on the label should be some type of meat. If it is an animal by-product or some type of grain, buy another kind.

By using these five tips you can decide or at least narrow down which type of dog foods you should be feeding your dog.

What Type of Dog Food Should I Feed My Dog? - 5 Tips to Help You Decide

Dog Food

Monday, November 28, 2011

Dog Food Feeding Requirements - How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog

There is an old saying from a very wise dog owner: "When he's thin I feed him more and when he's fat I feed him less". We can all learn a valuable lesson from that. You know when your dog is fat so wouldn't that be an indication that he's getting too much food? Same goes for a dog that's too skinny. But there are some rules you really need to follow when deciding what food to give your dog and just how much is too much.

dog food storage

One thing you should understand about dog food companies, they have determined that the quantity of food you feed your dog should be based on their weight and that is completely inaccurate! Here are some things you need to consider: What breed is your dog; what kind of exercise do you give him; is he a puppy, adult or senior dog; does your dog look overweight or underweight. This just means you need to be a little educated on how much your dog actually NEEDS and not how much a dog food company WANTS you to feed him. There is a big difference. The more you feed him, the more you will need to buy more of their food. Get it?

Dog Food

So, What is a Dog Owner To Do

Relax...you just need to understand your dog's energy needs. It goes like this. If you have a large dog that is pulling an Eskimo sled, your dog will need about five times the amount of food that an indoor dog needs who rarely gets exercise.

First, figure out your dog's RER. This stands for Resting Energy Requirements. This is the amount of energy that a dog would need while remaining at rest. Example: a 20 lb. dog needs 366 calories per day if he/she is just resting the entire day. Then you take into account the exercise you give them. If you take this 20lb. dog out for two 30 minute walks per day, that is considered moderate activity for him/her. Then you take that moderate activity times 3. (366 X 3 = 1098 calories) This will give you a better estimate as to how many calories your dog needs for his activity level. If he doesn't go for as many walks in the winter, then you need to tone down the food.

To figure out how many calories your dog needs, the chart below is for a 20 lb. dog. They need 366 calories BEFORE any type of exercise, so if your dog is 40 lbs, he would need double the calories (732) before any exercise, etc.

Activity Level X RER (which in this case is 366 calories per a 20 lb dog)

To lose weight: 1.0 X RER

Neutered Male Adult w/normal activity: 1.6 X RER

Regular Adult w/normal activity: 1.8 X RER

Light Exercise: 2.0 X RER

Moderate Exercise: 3.0 X RER

Heavy Exercise: 4.8 X RER

Puppies (up to 4 months old): 3.0 X RER

Puppies (4 mo. - adult): 2.0 X RER

You need to start out with a good quality food. You may pay more, but your dog will not need as much of the premium food to get a balanced diet. Poor quality food takes more because there are so many fillers. Not to mention your dog can get digestive problems from it. Read your labels.

Next you need to get an accurate weight of your dog from your vet. Ask him/her what they feel your dog's ideal weight should be. Then you can check the chart above with your dog's activity level and go from there. Don't forget about the treats you are feeding him. They are calories, too! And remember the old saying: When he's thin I feed him more and when he's fat I feed him less". There's good value in that statement.

Dog Food Feeding Requirements - How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog

Dog Food

Friday, October 21, 2011

7 Foods Your Dog Or Cat Should Avoid

Milk

The majority of dogs and cats love the taste of milk, but it is not something they need in order to have a balanced diet.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

After a kitten or puppy has finished weaning, some of the lactose activity is lost (this is the enzyme that is used to digest the milk in sugar lactose) this results in lactose intolerance. So, if your dog or cat is lactose intolerant and consumes too much milk it will suffer from a stomach upset and diarrhea.

Some pet owners believe that milk is a good source of calcium for a growing pet, but if your kitten or puppy consumes too much calcium it can cause problems in bone development.

Puppy and kitten foods already contain the correct amounts of calcium so additional sources do not need to be given. If you want to give your dog or cat some milk as a treat, then do so very occasionally, and always make sure that there is plenty of water available.

Symptoms: Diarrhea

Toxic Levels: Dependent on quantities and extremely variable

Onions

Lots of dogs enjoy the taste of onions, but unfortunately onions can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. This applies to raw, cooked or dehydrated onions.

Symptoms: Initially diarrhea and vomiting, then approximately 1-4 days later your dog will develop a high temperature, paleness / jaundice, dark coloured urine, as well as becoming much weaker. Some cases can result in death.

Toxic levels: After eating a whole onion, a Labrador-sized dog could develop anemia; but if he ate five onions a day for three days, he could develop severe anemia or even die.

Cats may also develop the same symptoms if onions are consumed.

Tuna

We all know that cats are partial to a little bit of fish, so tuna as an occasional treat will not cause harm to your cat.

However, if canned tuna in oil is fed to a cat with no other food, your cat could develop a skin disease called Pansteatitis, sometimes called yellow fat disease.

It is always best to keep your cats diet balanced, so never feed one food and exclude another.

Symptoms: Cats can experience loss of appetite and become painful and sensitive to touch, making it difficult for your cat to move around easily.

Toxic Levels: Pansteatitis can develop from eating tuna and other fish products as a sole food each day, over a number of years.

Liver

Like Tuna, Liver contains lots of valuable nutrients, but problems can occur if it is fed to dogs and cats without any other foods.

It is surprising how easy it is to do this when you start feeding fresh liver to your cat. Some cats can become rather fixated on liver and often refuse to eat any other food, unless the owner makes a conscious effort to re-introduce a healthier and balanced diet.

In the short term, small amounts of liver can be given to cats that are not eating to encourage their appetite.

If a cat is fed liver regularly over several years and in sizable quantities, the high levels of Vitamin A in liver can start causing changes to a cat bones. To begin with it is difficult to detect that there is a problem, and quite often the problem is so far advanced that it causes severe deformities, leaving the cat unable to walk or move. Unfortunately there is no way to reverse these changes once they have occurred.

Signs: Lack of appetite, weight loss and reluctance to walk or move. Cats can also develop a kangaroo-like posture with the cat putting its weight on its back legs with the front legs elevated.

Toxic Levels: To harm a kitten, approximately 300 times the normal requirement of Vitamin A would need to be eaten, and 1000 times for an adult cat. This is based on short term feeding; less would be needed for it to happen during long term feeding.

Animal Bones

Pet owners tend to feed their dogs bones because they like to think their dog is enjoying having something to chew.

If your dog is being fed proprietary foods then he will already be eating a good balanced diet, and will not need to get extra nutrients or minerals from a bone.

Even though dogs love chewing bones there is a risk that the bone could splinter and cause injuries to your dogs mouth, intestines or stomach. In some cases dogs have broken teeth when chewing bones causing an obstruction in the intestines; obviously this is very painful for a dog and he is likely to require an operation to surgically remove the teeth or bone splinters.

Chicken or pork bones that have been cooked seem to cause most problems to dogs, but care should be taken when feeding any type of animal bones to your dog or cat.

Chocolate

Dogs seem to enjoy eating sweet foods such as chocolate, but generally cats are not fans. Chocolate contains an ingredient called Theobromine which is poisonous to dogs; the amount of Theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate contains the highest levels, dark chocolate contains less and milk chocolate contains the least amount of Theobromine.

A considerable amount of chocolate would need to be consumed before any symptoms begin to develop, although some dogs have become poorly after eating a small amount. Even giving smaller repeated amounts of chocolate could eventually take an effect on your dog as it clear the Theobromine out of its system very slowly.

Chocolate dog treats are manufactured without Theobromine, so if you want to give your dog chocolaty treats always choose one specifically for dogs.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, shaking, tremors and nervousness. In extreme cases death can happen.

Toxic levels: Roughly 2 ½ bars of milk chocolate and 65g of baking chocolate could cause severe problems, or even death to a 10kg dog.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs so should never be fed to them. Research suggests that some dogs are more susceptible to poisoning than others, with some having severe symptoms after eating small amounts.

Symptoms: Within a few hours of eating grapes, a dog will start to vomit and have diarrhea, which will then develop into kidney failure and death.

Toxic levels: For a dog the size of a Cairn terrier a bunch of grapes could cause toxic symptoms.

Roughly 80g of raisins (dried grapes) could poison a dog the size of a Cairn Terrier.

7 Foods Your Dog Or Cat Should Avoid

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Should Your Dog Eat Blue Buffalo Dog Food?

When you get a dog it is important to provide them with the best food possible. The key is to start giving them food with a high vitamin and nutrient count as young as possible. If you have a puppy then this is the perfect time to start them on the right dog food. The food we will discuss in this article is blue buffalo dog food. This brand is not the cheapest though, so sure to visit our site for blue buffalo coupons

dog food storage containers

What's in Blue Buffalo dog food

Dog Food

This company takes pride in their dog food. If you buy a bag of their dog kibble, or visit their website you will see that they strive to make very healthy food for dogs. Every single one of their recipes use meat as the first ingredient. This is important because fillers like soy, corn, and meat by products can have a negative effect on your pets over time. The above listed ingredients are not supposed to be consumed by dogs, and this means that they may develop allergies to the food over time, this can show with hot spots, skin problems and digestive problems.

Not only do they use meat as the first ingredient, but they also use wholesome, human grade meat, vegetables, and fruit for all of their dog food recipes. This means that your dog will get a number of vitamins and nutrients with every meal. If you want to give your dog even more vitamins you can try the life protection line of pet food. This recipe includes patented life source bits. The bits are "cold pressed" to ensure they have the highest vitamins count.

Flavors of dog food

Blue buffalo offers many flavors and recipes depending on what you want to feed your dog. Another important factor when it comes to feeding your dog is to consider the breed, age, and health of your dog.

One of Blue Buffalo's more popular brands is blue wilderness. This recipe was made to provide the best nutrition for active dogs. This means that they have made the food to fit the lifestyle of high energy dogs. The food is grain free, very high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this will help your dog maintain a high energy level. Blue buffalo does not just make food for high energy dogs though, they also make a low calorie dog food that is perfect for a dog that does not get a lot of exercise.

Should Your Dog Eat Blue Buffalo Dog Food?

Dog Food

Friday, October 14, 2011

10 Dangerous Dog Foods You Should Not Feed Your Dog

Most dog owners, old or new make the common mistake of not knowing the dangers that lurk behind the human food they hand over. There are certain foods to avoid feeding your dog. Note that the items on the list should not be taken for granted as some dog foods contain such ingredients.

dog food storage

1. Chocolate, as tempted as you are to hand that luscious bit of heaven on your fingertips to Spot, STOP!! Chocolate tops the list of foods to avoid feeding your dog. Chocolate makes our canine friend's heart rate irregular. To be safe always read the label of products you intend to feed you pet. It is unlikely but then again it doesn't hurt to check dog foods to avoid any form of cacao in their diet.

Dog Food

2. Caffeine just like chocolate is a major no, no! Chocolate caffeinated products and beverages wreck havoc to their circulatory system.

3. Avocadoes are also foods to avoid feeding your dog and many other animals. Chemical damages and imbalances causes heart, essential tissue and lung disorders. So before you redeem those dog food coupons for guacamole flavored treats say adieu and pick up some plain beef treat instead

4. Raw fish, dog is not spelt as c-a-t, it does not purr or meow. Salmon contains parasites that can hatch in your dog's digestive system once consumed and takes more than a week for the pet to exhibit any symptoms. Salmon let alone raw is an unlikely ingredient in dog foods to avoid since again fish is more of a cat thing.

5. Another unsuspecting type of foods to avoid feeding your dog is onions. It causes the breakdown of red blood cells, which then leads to an insufficient supply of oxygen and can cause organ failure.

6. Alcohol to dogs is poison even in small amounts and can lead to death. Dog foods to avoid are definitely ones that contain alcohol and it doesn't matter if it comes free from dog food coupons. Remember there isn't an AA chapter for dogs!

7. Are you a baker? Do you have a dog? Do not feed it bread dough. Dough is too soft and cannot be chewed, swallowed and it will only rest in your dog's stomach. With his body heat your dog's tummy makes an instant oven. Seriously that dough will rise and this is not the time to rise! Grab dog food coupons instead and pick up a tasty treat, it's cheaper than vet bills.

8. Raisins and grapes are bad for your dog's kidney. Dog foods to avoid would be anything named Raisin Woof Bran!

9. Macadamia nuts in any form are foods to be avoided. Check dog foods to avoid mind paralysis problems, seizures and fevers.

10. Fruits with pits get lodged in your dog's intestinal tract.

Generally foods to avoid feeding your dog are human food, and before feeding table scrap make sure that none of the above is included.

10 Dangerous Dog Foods You Should Not Feed Your Dog

Dog Food

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Raw Dog Food: What You Should Expect When You Make the Change

Stool - Changes to Expect

When you change your dog to a raw, fresh food diet, right away you will see a very big difference in your dog's stool with regard to its odor and to its size. Dogs that are fed a fresh food or raw food diet will have stools that are firmer and smaller, as more nutrition from the food is being absorbed in their bodies.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

It is important to note that because the stools will be harder, some dogs will appear to strain. A lot of people don't realize that this is a beneficial size effect, as straining will help the dog to naturally express its anal glands, which in turn reduces risk of infection.

At times you will occasionally see some consistency variations in the stool. This is to be expected with any food change, however if your dog has diarrhea and not just soft stools for a long period of time, you should speak with your vet.

During the transition between kibble and raw food you might also see a sort of film formed around the stool. This is normal as well and is an outward sign that your dog's body is removing all the harmful toxins, a sign of the detoxification process.

Detoxification - What it Means

Many dogs, particularly older dogs that have been on the kibble diet for many years, will go through what is known as a "detoxification process" when they first start eating a fresh food or raw food diet.

It may seem a little scary at first because the dog's stool may have a mucus-like coating on it and your dog may experience symptoms such as runny eyes, dry skin or excess shedding. It is important to know that these symptoms are not signs of an illness, in fact, they are actually signs that your dog is getting "unsick" of all the toxins that have been building up in his body over the years.

In about a week or two - but sometimes as long as a couple of months - the symptoms and the situation will resolve itself as your dog's body replaces old toxin-laden cells with new cells throughout this process. In some cases you will be able to help your dog work through this period at a faster pace by offering plenty of filtered, fresh water and increasing his daily exercise.

It is also important to know that if your dog has been on any long-term prescriptions or has been taking antibiotics or steroids, the detoxification process will take longer. If you believe that your dog is showing signs of any severe or extremely prolonged problems that are connected to his change in diet, speak with your vet right away.

Health Issues - Tips

If your dog suffers from digestive disorders or a sensitive stomach, there are supplements that can be added to the diet before and during the change in diet. In most cases these supplements are given for 4-6 weeks during the beginning of the process.

Supplements that contain digestive enzymes will help your dog to digest foods easier and absorb nutrients faster. This is an important part of the process when you change from kibble to a raw, fresh diet as your dog's system will need some time to adjust to the enzymes that are required in order to digest the new raw foods.

Adding probiotics to your dog's diet - which are known as "good" bacteria - will help to neutralize the "bad bacteria" and balance your dog's system, promoting a healthier digestive tract and better overall digestion.

Prebiotics are supplements that provide food to help the "good bacteria" from the probiotics to thrive. Just a small dose each day will help those resident "good" bacteria have the energy needed to help your body.

An excellent source of probiotics for your dog, if he is able to tolerate dairy products without problem, include all-natural yogurt or kefir products. Many dogs that have problems tolerating cow dairy products will be able to tolerate goat dairy products much easier, which also offer a wider spectrum of good bacteria.

If your pet is prone to vomiting immediately after a meal or experiences various digestive upsets should be stopped from gulping their food down too quickly. One way to slow down their eating habits is to put a clean rock or other similar object in the middle of their food dish so they have to eat around it.

If your pet has symptoms such as constipation, runny/loose stools or is vomiting even at times when he hasn't just eaten food, you can help the transition process along by adding some canned or cooked pumpkin to their food. All you need is just 1-2 Tablespoons per cup of fresh food for each meal. Pumpkin is one of those miracle foods that can help with constipation and loose stools by regulating your dog's system.

Raw Dog Food: What You Should Expect When You Make the Change

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Top 9 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog

There are plenty of foods you should never give your dog. Some foods aren't even that good for people, but dogs always seem to want what we're eating. And how can you resist that little begging face? You know, the one that practically says "pleeeeaaaasssse." But, before you give in to that K-9 companion of yours, take a look at this list and make sure you never give your dog any of these foods.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

1. Chocolate. It's toxic to dogs and tops the list of foods you should never give your dog. Baking chocolate is the worst and white chocolate is the least harmful, but please avoid giving any to your dog no matter how much he begs!

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

2. Grapes and raisins. These can cause kidney failure. You would think that these little morsels would be okay and even fun for your dog to eat, especially grapes because they roll around and your dog can chase them, but they can also be very deadly.

3. Onions are very bad for a dog's digestive system, especially in large quantities, so please avoid them in any amount.

4. Bones. They are probably a dog's favorite thing to eat, which is why this is the most surprising of all the foods you should never give your dog. They can chew, chew, chew and then bury them and dig them up for later. But the truth is, bones can splinter and become lodged in your dog's intestines or even puncture them. Dogs can also choke on bone fragments. And it's not just chicken bones. This is true of any bones.

5. Milk and milk-based products. An enzyme called lactose is needed to digest them, but dog's don't have enough of it. Even though dogs love ice cream, it's a no-no for them.

6. Sugary and processed foods. Yeah, people eat a lot of that stuff. That's why so many humans are obese and the weight loss industry is so lucrative. Dogs don't digest these foods very well, so stick to healthy, nutritious, whole foods (it's good advice for people too!).

7. Artificial sweeteners and artificial fats are harmful to dogs. In fact, they don't really need any flavor enhancers to enjoy their food. They are happy with cooked foods just the way they are.

8. Any spicy foods or rich foods can harm your dog's stomach. And like number 7 above, your dog does not need any spices or seasonings on his food to encourage him to gobble it up!

9. And here's the last of the foods you should never give your dog. This one is hard because so many people do it. Instead of throwing food out that is going bad, many dog owners give it to their dog. Somehow it's believed that dogs can tolerate this better than people. The fact is, you're putting your dog's health at risk by giving him food that should be thrown out.

Remember these important guidelines whenever you are considering sharing your table scraps or snacks with your dog. Fortunately, there are many people foods that are good and healthy for dogs. In fact, there are many dog food and treat recipes you can make with them. Just be sure the foods you should never give your dog, which are listed above, are not in any of them.

The Top 9 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Should Dogs Eat Dog Food?

The title of this article asks a very puzzling question, should dogs eat dog food? To most people this would seem like a silly question to ask, most would answer with a definite yes, let's look further into the question.

dog food storage

Why do we feed our dogs dog food?

Dog Food

The biggest reason is out of laziness. It is very simple to give a few scoops of dry food a day, and we don't even think about the effect the food has on our dogs. Most people are happy as long as the dog eats the food, and they look healthy.

The problem with pet food

Many vets agree that pet food is somewhat related to many of the common health problems. The reason is the ingredients and the process used to make the food. Most companies use low grade foods that are low in nutrients and not fit for humans to eat, on top of the low grade foods they will add fillers to simply add weight to the food. These fillers can not be digested by a canine, and are not part of their diet. This means the fillers will put stress on the dogs digestive system. Many dogs will develop allergies to these fillers that can lead to problems with digestion, eyes, skin and coat and their immune system.

What should dogs eat?

The key to keeping your dog healthy is to feed them the best quality dog food available, or even better, feed them a raw food diet. Raw foods will give your dog the most nutrients possible, and the best quality vitamins, fats, and proteins. Another benefit of giving your dog a raw food diet is that you can control everything they eat. This means your dog will not consume any fillers, and will only get the best quality foods that you select.

If you can not give your dog a raw food diet then another option is to supplement their diet with dog vitamins. Dog vitamins can give your dog an extra boost of nutrients that they can not get from their dog food. It is important to pick a vitamin that is made for dogs, and is all natural. One popular vitamins for dogs is Nuvet Plus, this vitamin will give your dog many nutrients that will help build a strong immune system, strong bones, and a healthy digestive system.

Should Dogs Eat Dog Food?

Dog Food

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Most people understand the digestive system of humans and cats are very different. The result of your cat eating something they shouldn't can range from an upset stomach, illness to even death. It's important to keep your pet safe. Below is a list of some of the most common foods that are harmful for cats to eat.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

Onions and garlic

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

It doesn't matter if they're raw, powdered or uncooked, onions and garlic are harmful to your cat. They damage red blood cells. This causes anemia, which will make your pet pale and lethargic.

Baby Food

Even though it's great for human babies, it can be quite dangerous for cats. Many times baby food contains onion power (see above). Not only that, but the nutritional needs of a cat are very different from humans. Your cat may suffer from malnutrition as a result of eating it.

Chocolate

It's common knowledge that it's bad for dogs, however chocolate is just as harmful for cats. A chemical called theobromine is contained in chocolate. While humans digest it just fine, both dogs and cats digest it much more slowly. Even small amounts of this chemical can be deadly.

Coffee

It's not good to give your cat caffeine. It only takes 8 teaspoons for it to become deadly.

Grapes and Raisins

It hasn't been determined exactly why they're harmful; however studies have shown that cats who have eaten large amounts of grapes and raisins suffer kidney failure.

Spinach

While it's hasn't been determined exactly how harmful spinach is to cats, it does contain small amounts of calcium oxalates. This could lead to crystals in the urine. Urinary problems could be the result if your cat is allowed to eat too much spinach.

Unripe Tomatoes

Tomatoes are part of the nightshade plant family. They contain a poisonous substance called solanine. While it is harmful for humans too, we have to eat large amounts for it to hurt us. On the other hand, it only takes small amounts of solanine to be harmful to a cat. Because of this, unripe tomatoes should never be given to cats.

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Diabetic Dog Food - My Dog Has Diabetes, What Should I Feed Him?

When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be almost as traumatic as being diagnosed yourself. Your veterinarian is your source of information and medication. Two of the most important things to consider are your dog's diet and medication. You should have a regular feeding schedule and your medication administration should be timely as well. Diabetic dogs have either a deficiency of the production of insulin or the body's resistance to insulin. Your dog may have increased thirst, urination and hunger among other symptoms.

dog food for dogs with allergies

Carbohydrates/starchy foods turn into glucose in the body. Since the dog's ability to properly metabolize sugar, it is important to limit the carbohydrate intake in your diabetic dog food. Commercial foods composed of wheat and corn will need a larger amount of some high quality protein in their diet. That will allow the body to properly absorb additional nutrients rather than turn them into sugar. Often an owner does not realize how serious the problem is until the dog has reached a critical point. If your dog reaches the point of ketoacidosis, you will have to give your pet a very high quality protein dog food.

Dog Food

High fiber diets are also beneficial for diabetic dog food. By increasing fiber and reducing protein and fat, your dog will lose weight and this is often enough treatment for your dog. It depends entirely on the stage of the disease that is present. Healthy grains and fruits and veggies can be fed to your dog. Corn and wheat should be avoided completely. Boiled oats are a better filler. It can add calories without additional fat.

Vegetables should be ground. By grinding the food, you are releasing the nutrients necessary for good health. Dogs often cannot chew enough to release those nutrients. As a treat, instead of commercial treats, a slice of apple is ideal. Low calories and high fiber in apples.

If you continue to feed your dog commercial kibble, you have to read the label. The dog food label is constructed the same way human labels are constructed. The ingredients are listed in order of the percentage in the food. The first three ingredients listed should be high protein foods. They should not be by products, rice, or other low quality grains such as wheat or corn. Brown rice is preferable and oats are acceptable.

Diabetic Dog Food - My Dog Has Diabetes, What Should I Feed Him?

Dog Food

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Are There Foods Dogs Should Avoid?

Those dog owner's that pay attention to the foods dogs should avoid will have fewer health problems to deal with. If you get your dog into the habit of eating leftovers from your dinner table every night you aren't doing them any favors. There are too many of them that are on the list of foods dogs should avoid. Even the seasonings for your foods such as salt are very bad for them to digest. When your dog has too much salt intake they will have other issues out of balance. The most common problem is that they will end up with high blood pressure. As a result their heart will have to work harder to complete the functions of the body.

dog food dispenser

It is a common thought that dogs can benefit from being given some raw foods. However, they are included in the list of foods dogs should avoid. Don't offer them raw eggs or fish because they are often linked to poisoning. The result of this is that the body won't have enough Vitamin B. The biggest problems occur when such dogs are given these types of foods on a regular basis. It can cause some serious health concerns for them including seizures, excessive shedding, and losing weight.

Dog Food

Potatoes are high on the list of foods dogs should avoid. Most people don't realize this because they are relatively healthy for humans to consume. However, potatoes are very hard for a dog to digest. When they are given them on a regular basis it can result in them not being able to break down their food properly for digestion. They can also end up with chronic infections relating to the urinary tract. If you are in the habit of giving your dog foods you are going to throw out from the refrigerator don't do it. They may become sick from bacteria that has grown on the food.

We all love sugary snacks, so it can be natural to assume your dog will too. Many of them like these items, but they are foods dogs should avoid. They are known to slow down the metabolism for your pet and that can result in them becoming overweight. The sugar can result in dental problems as well due to it settling on the teeth and breaking them down.

Individual dogs react differently to foods as well. When you observe the eating habits of yours, there may be foods dogs should avoid that you recognize. Just like people, dogs can have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients found in foods. Your veterinarian can also help you to identify problem foods that you will want to keep away from them.

It is natural to want to spoil your dog, but giving them foods dogs should avoid isn't a good way to do it. In the long run you will do them more harm than good. Make sure you understand what a good diet is for your particular dog. There may be plenty of foods dogs should avoid that they enjoy, but you need to be responsible enough to not offer them. This will allow your dog to be as healthy as possible.

Are There Foods Dogs Should Avoid?

Dog Food

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Dog Nutrition - 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat and the Reasons Why They Are Dangerous

In a world where there has been a pet food recall, some dog owners feel they want to make their own dog food. This is a great idea because you know exactly what is going in your dog's tummy. But do you know what foods are actually dangerous for Fido? Let me list the most dangerous and also tell you WHY they shouldn't be eaten so you can save yourself from unnecessary Vet bills or something we don't even want to think about...the death of your beloved pet.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

1. Chocolate: This means ALL chocolate even though the high cocoa content chocolate and Baker's chocolate are the most toxic. To reach toxicity you only need 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog, 4 baking squares for a 20 lb dog, etc. It contains theobromine which is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant.

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Side Effects: vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, increased drinking and urinating and even death.

2. Alcohol: If you think it's funny to watch your dog get intoxicated, think again. You can cause Fido to go into cardiac arrest and die. Not so funny anymore, now is it. They can't handle alcohol and it only takes a small amount to get them intoxicated.

Side Effects: depression, excessive urination, excitement, slowed breathing rate and cardiac arrest which can lead to death.

3. Fatty Foods: Yes, you know them well because you probably eat them yourself and know how bad they are for YOU. Gravies, bacon, high fat snacks, etc. can all be fatal in some dogs.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal distress and something called Pancreatitis which can be fatal.

4. Raisins and Grapes: This is one of those foods where the toxin is not known yet but is extremely dangerous and there is NO treatment for it.

Side Effect: acute kidney failure. It only takes as little as 6 grapes and raisins.

5. Potato Peelings and Tomato Leaves & Stems: These both contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine.

Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, dilated pupils, damage to the central nervous system and slower heart rate.

6. Avocado: This fruit contains a toxin principle called PERSIN. It's also in the leaves, the seeds and the bark. All avocados have the potential to be toxic for dog's however, the variety from Guatemala is the most toxic.

Side Effects: diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.

7. Macadamia Nuts: The toxin in these nuts is unknown, it only takes a small number of nuts and even the butter in them to make it toxic for your dog.

Side Effects: affects their nervous system, digestive track and their muscles.

8. Coffee: Contains dangerous components called xanthenes.

Side Effects: urinary damage, heart muscle stimulation and damage to their nervous system.

9. Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Apples and Apricots: The fruit itself is fine. It's the leaves, stems and seeds that contain a cyanide compound. Large amounts of them are toxic.

Side Effects: hyperventilation, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties and shock.

10. Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener that is found in SUGAR FREE products like gum, candy, etc.

Side Effects: sudden drop in blood sugar and seizures.

11. Onions: Thiosulphate is the toxin in onions. This goes for onion powder as well. One good thing about this is that they will eventually recover from this toxin when it leaves their body.

Side Effect: Extreme anemia. (as little as one small onion can cause this)

12. Yeast dough: Believe it or not if your dog swallows yeast dough it will rise in his stomach and it will end up being very painful for them.

Side Effects: Severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.

Please use common sense when it comes to feeding your dog and if he accidentally eats any of the above foods, get to your Vet immediately. Getting there in time can save your dog's life.

Dog Nutrition - 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat and the Reasons Why They Are Dangerous

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

25 Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Dog

Recently, much news was published about unsafe commercial pet foods. This news, of course, sounded an alarm among pet owners. But, unfortunately, this problem isn’t really ‘news’. It seems that incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one reason more and more people are opting to ‘home cook’ for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions. E-dog-training.com has put together a list of 25 common human foods that are toxic to dogs. Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:

dog food for sensitive stomachs

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)

3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)

4. Raisins (See above.)

5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)

6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)

7. Most Bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.

8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

9. Rhubarb leaves (see above)

10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)

11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes(Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)

13. Coffee/Coffee Grounds and Tea ( are dangerous due to the caffeine.)

14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)

15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)

16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (though I think this goes without saying.)

17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)

18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)

19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)

20. Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)

21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)

22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)

23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)

24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)

25. Diary Products (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

Keep these 25 toxic foods in mind when cooking for your dog. There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure about anything concerning your pet. Please visit [http://www.e-dog-training.com] for more FREE tips, advice, and canine cuisine recipes. Happy Home Cooking!

25 Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Dog

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs