Article & Images Submitted by: Shannon MacBeth, Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors
"Empowering puppies to be all they can be with and for their forever families."
“By feeding your dog the best food available, you are nourishing their body. And when the body is healthy, the mind and spirit can soar.” ~ Dr. Ruth Roberts
What to feed your dog is often a bit of a conundrum. It starts with how often and how much and ends with what kibble should I feed him. Somewhere in the middle are treats and whatnot, but what should these be? Should you only feed treats you pick up at the pet store? Are all treats equal or are some better than others? What about the added calories? Let me bust some myths, share some insights and help you and your dog in finding healthy meals and treats, resulting in better health and longevity.
Myth One – table scraps are good for your dog.
Fact - While this used to be the majority of a dog’s food source 40 years ago, it’s not the best option for today. Spices, processed meals, etc., aren’t great for dogs. Increased sodium and carbohydrates can actually harm your dog and cause heart issues and diabetes. Instead, feed a dry or wet food with real ingredients. Try to avoid products that start with corn and chicken meal as there are no real nutrients in these. Look for those with protein and vegetables as the first ingredients. Fun fact: when reading an ingredients list, they are listed in order of having the largest amount at the beginning of the list and work their way down.
Myth Two – Grains are bad for dogs.
Fact - Unless your dog has a sensitivity to grains, they should be part of your dog's everyday diet. That being said, corn, wheat, soy, and bulgar are not at the top of the list as beneficial grains. These can increase the glycemic levels or contain gluten that can increase the risk of digestive and skin issues. However, grains such as rice, oats, barley, quinoa can increase necessary fibers, helping your dog’s digestive system. Just like humans, dogs can get stomach bugs and feeding a diet of boiled chicken or beef and rice can help settle their stomach quickly.
Myth Three – All treats are created equal.
Fact – There are so many options available to you for treating your dogs. Everything from Milk Bones to soft chews; bacon strips to freeze dried fish. While most dogs would love any of these, they aren’t all created equal. Again, review the ingredients. If you can’t pronounce most of the ingredients, they likely aren’t the best option for your dog. Try choosing treats with only a few ingredients. We tend to lean towards single ingredient treats like freeze dried or dehydrated beef or lamb.
"Empowering puppies to be all they can be with and for their forever families."
“By feeding your dog the best food available, you are nourishing their body. And when the body is healthy, the mind and spirit can soar.” ~ Dr. Ruth Roberts
What to feed your dog is often a bit of a conundrum. It starts with how often and how much and ends with what kibble should I feed him. Somewhere in the middle are treats and whatnot, but what should these be? Should you only feed treats you pick up at the pet store? Are all treats equal or are some better than others? What about the added calories? Let me bust some myths, share some insights and help you and your dog in finding healthy meals and treats, resulting in better health and longevity.
Myth One – table scraps are good for your dog.
Fact - While this used to be the majority of a dog’s food source 40 years ago, it’s not the best option for today. Spices, processed meals, etc., aren’t great for dogs. Increased sodium and carbohydrates can actually harm your dog and cause heart issues and diabetes. Instead, feed a dry or wet food with real ingredients. Try to avoid products that start with corn and chicken meal as there are no real nutrients in these. Look for those with protein and vegetables as the first ingredients. Fun fact: when reading an ingredients list, they are listed in order of having the largest amount at the beginning of the list and work their way down.
Myth Two – Grains are bad for dogs.
Fact - Unless your dog has a sensitivity to grains, they should be part of your dog's everyday diet. That being said, corn, wheat, soy, and bulgar are not at the top of the list as beneficial grains. These can increase the glycemic levels or contain gluten that can increase the risk of digestive and skin issues. However, grains such as rice, oats, barley, quinoa can increase necessary fibers, helping your dog’s digestive system. Just like humans, dogs can get stomach bugs and feeding a diet of boiled chicken or beef and rice can help settle their stomach quickly.
Myth Three – All treats are created equal.
Fact – There are so many options available to you for treating your dogs. Everything from Milk Bones to soft chews; bacon strips to freeze dried fish. While most dogs would love any of these, they aren’t all created equal. Again, review the ingredients. If you can’t pronounce most of the ingredients, they likely aren’t the best option for your dog. Try choosing treats with only a few ingredients. We tend to lean towards single ingredient treats like freeze dried or dehydrated beef or lamb.
Myth Four – Human food is not safe for dogs.
Fact – this is both true and false. Some human foods such as onion, garlic, grapes and chocolate are toxic. However, foods such as peas, green beans, sweet potatoes and blueberries are great for your dogs. Let’s look at a few of the more popular as well as more dangerous human foods for your dog and why they are such. These should all be fed in moderation and never as a full meal.
Blueberries - low calorie treat, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber and cancer fighting antioxidants. They can be fresh or frozen, but those that are canned, sweetened or in a syrup are toxic. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and goji berries also contain many of the same benefits. Cranberries can also help prevent urinary tract infections and support the immune system.
Peas – rich in vitamins A, B, C and K, fiber and antioxidants. Should only be fed fresh or frozen, never canned. Because of the high fiber content, they should be introduced to your dog slowly.
Green beans – rich in vitamin A, C, K and B6, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient rich. Should be fed fresh or frozen, never canned, pickled or seasoned. Please note yellow beans, when fully cooked, are safe for dogs, however in their raw or frozen form, they are toxic.
Sweet potato – rich in vitamin A, C and B6, potassium, manganese, beta-carotene (supports vision), fiber and antioxidants. Should be fed fully cooked and unseasoned. This powerhouse food helps your dog's vision, skin and coat. Banana – low calorie, low sodium, rich in vitamins C and B6, minerals (potassium and copper), fiber and biotin.
Bananas also contain natural sugars so feed in moderation. A banana peel should never be ingested as it could cause a blockage in their digestive system.
Apple – rich in vitamins A and C, essential minerals, fiber and antioxidants. The crunchy texture helps clean plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as well. The skin of the apples contains the antioxidants, however, the core should never be offered to your dog as the seeds contain cyanide. Pears contain the same benefits and warnings as apples.
Watermelon – rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and magnesium, fiber and antioxidants. This high water content fruit is an excellent way (continued on page 22...) to keep your dog hydrated, especially in warm weather. Be sure to remove the black seeds and the rind prior to giving it to your dog.
Pineapple – rich in vitamin C, B, manganese, potassium, magnesium and iron, antioxidants, fiber. This superfood helps maintain a healthy digestive system and contains anti-inflammatory benefits to support the immune system. Prevent your dog from eating its core or spiky outer skin.
Carrots – rich in vitamins A, K1 and B6, potassium and fiber. Carrots are a great option for a teething puppy to chew on. Simply freeze the whole carrot, offer to your puppy to enjoy and remove when the piece becomes small enough to become a choking hazard. Carrots contribute to a healthy skin and coat, promotes a healthy gut and strengthens the immune system.
These are a few of the staples in our home that are great for our dogs. We offer them as rewards during training, boredom busters, and top ups for their meals. When adding them to meals, it allows your dogs to feel fuller for longer periods of time as well as adding a little flavour for them to enjoy. They also enjoy a game of “this or that” where two different treats are offered to them, allowing them to choose. Fun fact: apples are almost always the first choice, adding a bit of peanut butter makes them irresistible.
Grapes (and raisins) – toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney and pancreatic failure.
Garlic – can cause gastrointestinal irritation and oxidative to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Onion – can cause hemolytic anemia due to damaged red blood cells.
Chocolate – contains theobromine and caffeine which they can’t metabolize. The darker or more bitter the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content. Cocoa powder falls under this category as well.
Avocado – the skin, leaves and pit contain persin, which is toxic to dogs. The flesh is high in fats leading to unwanted weight gain, gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.
Artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) – highly toxic to dogs. Even in small amounts, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure and even death.
Macadamia nuts – highly toxic to dogs resulting in acute pancreatitis, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, anorexia, vomiting, incoordination, reluctance to use rear limbs, inability to stand, joint stiffness and muscle tremors.
While there are many other foods that are not safe for our furry family members, these are the most commonly found in homes. Avoiding these will help keep your dog safe and help you avoid a costly vet bill. When in doubt, do a quick google search before feeding a new food/treat to your dog. After all, helping them live long, full and healthy lives is what we are all striving for.
In this season of gardens being harvested, apples being picked, families gathering for Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing and our little ones excitedly gathering their trick or treat treasures, keep these items in mind to protect and promote your dog’s health through nutrition.
www.facebook.com/shakespeareslegacylabradors
Fact – this is both true and false. Some human foods such as onion, garlic, grapes and chocolate are toxic. However, foods such as peas, green beans, sweet potatoes and blueberries are great for your dogs. Let’s look at a few of the more popular as well as more dangerous human foods for your dog and why they are such. These should all be fed in moderation and never as a full meal.
Blueberries - low calorie treat, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber and cancer fighting antioxidants. They can be fresh or frozen, but those that are canned, sweetened or in a syrup are toxic. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and goji berries also contain many of the same benefits. Cranberries can also help prevent urinary tract infections and support the immune system.
Peas – rich in vitamins A, B, C and K, fiber and antioxidants. Should only be fed fresh or frozen, never canned. Because of the high fiber content, they should be introduced to your dog slowly.
Green beans – rich in vitamin A, C, K and B6, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient rich. Should be fed fresh or frozen, never canned, pickled or seasoned. Please note yellow beans, when fully cooked, are safe for dogs, however in their raw or frozen form, they are toxic.
Sweet potato – rich in vitamin A, C and B6, potassium, manganese, beta-carotene (supports vision), fiber and antioxidants. Should be fed fully cooked and unseasoned. This powerhouse food helps your dog's vision, skin and coat. Banana – low calorie, low sodium, rich in vitamins C and B6, minerals (potassium and copper), fiber and biotin.
Bananas also contain natural sugars so feed in moderation. A banana peel should never be ingested as it could cause a blockage in their digestive system.
Apple – rich in vitamins A and C, essential minerals, fiber and antioxidants. The crunchy texture helps clean plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as well. The skin of the apples contains the antioxidants, however, the core should never be offered to your dog as the seeds contain cyanide. Pears contain the same benefits and warnings as apples.
Watermelon – rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and magnesium, fiber and antioxidants. This high water content fruit is an excellent way (continued on page 22...) to keep your dog hydrated, especially in warm weather. Be sure to remove the black seeds and the rind prior to giving it to your dog.
Pineapple – rich in vitamin C, B, manganese, potassium, magnesium and iron, antioxidants, fiber. This superfood helps maintain a healthy digestive system and contains anti-inflammatory benefits to support the immune system. Prevent your dog from eating its core or spiky outer skin.
Carrots – rich in vitamins A, K1 and B6, potassium and fiber. Carrots are a great option for a teething puppy to chew on. Simply freeze the whole carrot, offer to your puppy to enjoy and remove when the piece becomes small enough to become a choking hazard. Carrots contribute to a healthy skin and coat, promotes a healthy gut and strengthens the immune system.
These are a few of the staples in our home that are great for our dogs. We offer them as rewards during training, boredom busters, and top ups for their meals. When adding them to meals, it allows your dogs to feel fuller for longer periods of time as well as adding a little flavour for them to enjoy. They also enjoy a game of “this or that” where two different treats are offered to them, allowing them to choose. Fun fact: apples are almost always the first choice, adding a bit of peanut butter makes them irresistible.
Grapes (and raisins) – toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney and pancreatic failure.
Garlic – can cause gastrointestinal irritation and oxidative to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Onion – can cause hemolytic anemia due to damaged red blood cells.
Chocolate – contains theobromine and caffeine which they can’t metabolize. The darker or more bitter the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content. Cocoa powder falls under this category as well.
Avocado – the skin, leaves and pit contain persin, which is toxic to dogs. The flesh is high in fats leading to unwanted weight gain, gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.
Artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) – highly toxic to dogs. Even in small amounts, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure and even death.
Macadamia nuts – highly toxic to dogs resulting in acute pancreatitis, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, anorexia, vomiting, incoordination, reluctance to use rear limbs, inability to stand, joint stiffness and muscle tremors.
While there are many other foods that are not safe for our furry family members, these are the most commonly found in homes. Avoiding these will help keep your dog safe and help you avoid a costly vet bill. When in doubt, do a quick google search before feeding a new food/treat to your dog. After all, helping them live long, full and healthy lives is what we are all striving for.
In this season of gardens being harvested, apples being picked, families gathering for Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing and our little ones excitedly gathering their trick or treat treasures, keep these items in mind to protect and promote your dog’s health through nutrition.
www.facebook.com/shakespeareslegacylabradors
RSS Feed