Category: Food

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Every dog likes a snack now and then, and, as pet parents, we love giving our furry kids the treats they enjoy. But what do you do if your pooch is overweight, needs a particular diet because of health issues, or you no longer want to feed commercial treats with artificial additives? Some of the best-tasting, most nutritious treats available for dogs can come directly from your kitchen.

If your dog likes the occasional ice cube or ice cream cone, substitute cubes of frozen low-sodium chicken or beef broth as a treat. Pour the broth into an ice cube tray or small muffin tin and freeze. When you’re ready to give the treats, run the bottom of the tray under warm water to loosen the cubes, and let your pup enjoy! The protein, vitamins, and minerals in the broth make a healthy supplement to your pet’s regular diet.

Homemade treats may be the answer for pet parents wanting to keep their dogs from ingesting the additives in commercial treats. Artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxysanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin have all been cited as creating specific problems in animals including organ failure and cancers. Recipes for homemade dog treats can be found online.

Raw or par-boiled vegetables can be a healthy alternative to store-bought treats. Carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and zucchini are rich in Vitamin A, most of the B-Complex Vitamins, and the minerals your dog needs to stay healthy as he ages.

A piece of fruit daily can replace the artificial sugars found in commercial treats with Vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants, and natural plant sugars that can help your pooch retain his youthful energy. Some of those fruits include bananas, melons (pulp only), peeled and sliced apples, and blueberries.

If your dog loves commercial chews, small bites of dried meat can be a tasty, nutritious treat for your pet…and you can make them at home. Thinly slice pieces of calf or chicken liver, beef, chicken, or fish and place them in a food dehydrator until they’re totally dry and chewable. As an alternative, lay the slices on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for 200ºF until the meat is dried. The extra protein, iron, and minerals found in dried meats can be beneficial to your dog’s health.

Most dogs adore the occasional soft- or hard-boiled egg. This small package of pure nutrition not only tastes good to your pets, it also adds immense nutritive value to canine diets. Make sure you remove all bits of shell and leave the eggs unseasoned.

If cooking for your dog at home is just not something you have the time to do, look for all-natural treats made with fresh fruits and vegetables. Manufactured without chemical additives, DOGSTREAT Peanut Butter snacks contain no corn, wheat, or soy that can exacerbate your dog’s allergies. DOG for DOG, manufacturer of DOGSTREAT, was recently awarded the Best New Product Award at the Global Pet Expo 2014. Additionally, when you buy one bag of DOGSTREAT, another bag is donated to local and national animal shelters to help other dogs in need.

Please Note: Even though they may taste good to you, there are some foodstuffs that you should never give as treats to your dogs. Some of those foods include grapes or raisins, onions, avocado, milk products, pitted fruits including peaches and plums, and macadamia nuts. All of these products can result in stomach upset and other more serious symptoms including muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. ***Please seek immediate veterinary advice if your pet ingests any of these foods.

Because we love our furry family members and want them to live long and healthy lives, concentrating on their nutritional needs is an important aspect of good doggy care. Knowing what nutrients and foods work best for your dog can be a confusing and, often, contradictory task, so we have provided you a list of essential ingredients to look for in commercial dog foods. These same nutrients can be found in human food if you choose to go with a homemade diet for your dog.

Pork and chicken provides the protein necessary for all aspects of your dog’s growth and development, important components of cellular structure, and contribute to a healthy immune system. They also deliver essential amino acids not manufactured in your dog’s body, including arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. A deficiency in any of the amino acids can cause health problems.

Turkey contains selenium, necessary for a healthy thyroid and immune system, and Vitamins B3 and B6, needed for a healthy coat and bone growth.

Salmon and ocean fish lower cholesterol with their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and have been shown to help lessen the effects of canine senility in senior dogs.

Brown rice, a whole grain, provides complex carbs for energy, and fiber for intestinal health.

Oatmeal is rich in fibers, Vitamin B1, and minerals promoting bone and muscle growth.

Flax seeds are great for fiber and full of the omega-3 fatty acids that aid in cardiac health.

Eggs are the perfect blend of no carbs, high proteins, and saturated fats that can provide energy without adding unnecessary calories.

Canola oil works as a light coating for upset stomachs.

Blueberries and cranberries are full of fiber and the Vitamin C necessary for a healthy immune system.

Apples are rich in Vitamins A and C, and the mineral potassium, making them a great supplement for dogs with heart disease.

Celery is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium. It is known to lower blood pressure, prevent age-related vision loss, and have anti-cancer properties.

Beets are high in antioxidants and are a good source of Vitamin C and manganese. Beets are also rich in folates, an important B vitamin for a healthy heart and normal tissue growth. They also contain the essential minerals iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Parsley contains high levels of the mineral potassium that is good for the heart, is rich in calcium needed for bones, and high in the Vitamin A that encourages good eye health. Parsley also helps your dog’s breath smell better.

Spinach is high in beta-carotenes, Vitamins A and C, and the antioxidants that increase immunity from disease.

Lettuce contains good fibers for a healthy digestive tract, breaks down cholesterol in your dog’s body leading to a healthy heart, and is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Vitamin A encourages good eye health and works for overall skin and coat health.

Vitamin D3 is important for healthy bone formation, boosts the immune system, and promotes proper muscle and nerve control.

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy

Vitamin E works to boost the immune system and protect your dog from disease. This vitamin is essential for maintaining a healthy skin and hair coat.

Zinc promotes cell growth and replication, skin function, metabolism of proteins and carbs, and assists in wound healing.

Manganese is essential for the metabolism of enzymes in your dog’s body, promotes healthy neurological functions, and increases bone development in puppies and traumatized animals.

Calcium regulates the heartbeat, is necessary for building bone and tooth tissue, and aids in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmissions.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) aids in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the body. It lowers cholesterol and helps with the synthesis of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Finding a good, all-natural commercial dog food can be a trial if you shop at your local grocery or pet store. We recommend DOG for DOG manufactured devoid of the additives found in most commercial dog foods and free of corn, wheat and soy. DOG for DOG contains all of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to keep your dog healthy and happy, and was recently awarded the Best New Product Award at the Global Pet Expo 2014. Additionally, when you buy one bag of DOG for DOG, another bag is donated to local and national animal shelters to help other dogs in need.

If you are concerned about the additives and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) found in human food, you should be equally concerned regarding the components of your dog’s food and treats?

We know that most dog foods contain either beef or chicken (known to bother some food sensitive dogs), or some other kind of protein considered non-allergenic. We also know that corn and wheat grains and glutens can exacerbate symptoms in a dog with allergies. But do you know about the chemicals and supplements in your dog’s food that can be potentially harmful? Reading the ingredients list on your dog’s food will tell you if the commercial food you are buying contains additives that might be making your pooch sick.

The three basic types of chemicals and supplements added to commercial dog foods can be classified based on the effect they have on foodstuffs. The main classes of additives include: a.) preservatives and antioxidants, b.) binders and emulsifiers, and c.) coloring and flavoring agents.

Preservatives and Antioxidants

Preservatives and antioxidants are added to commercial dog foods and treats to preserve their shelf life. They’re also used to prohibit the growth of bacteria and molds that can render the foods inedible and have negative effects on the health of your dog. Manufacturers employ both natural and artificial preservatives and antioxidants to this purpose.

Natural preservatives include Vitamin E, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), clove oil, rosemary extract, and other spices. Although these natural additives don’t guarantee as long a shelf life as their artificial counterparts, they are normally not considered harmful to canines.

On the other hand, foods containing artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxysanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin, last longer on store shelves, but have been known to cause chronic toxicity in dogs. BHA and BHT may contribute to some cancers, while ethoxyquin and propyl gallate are suspected of causing disorders of the thyroid, kidney, and liver, and certain cancers in dogs.

Binders and Emulsifiers

Binders and emulsifiers, both natural and artificial, are used to help the ingredients of commercial dog foods and treats hold together without separating, keeping the foods edible for longer periods of time. Corn and wheat gluten are the most commonly used binders, while glyceryl monostearate, a type of artificial fat, is the most common emulsifier. Phosphoric acid, a clear, colorless liquid found in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and detergents, is also used in lower-end dog foods as an emulsifier.

While none of these ingredients have been found to be harmful to dogs, they have almost no nutritional value. If you home-make your own dog food, you can provide the same properties to your food by adding whole-wheat flour, baking soda, corn meal, and eggs, and still have all the nutrients of those foods available to your pet.

Coloring and Flavoring Agents

Manufacturers commonly add large amounts of coloring and flavoring agents to commercial foods and treats to mask the poor quality of their ingredients. The artificial ingredients of Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 food dyes added to dog food, while not necessarily toxic, have caused allergic skin reactions in hypersensitive dogs, particularly those sensitive to aspirin products.

Flavoring agents can be either chemical, such as phosphoric acid, or natural, like Animal Digest, the most commonly used flavoring agent in store-bought canine food. Animal Digest is a cooked-down broth made from different parts of unspecified animals. There is no control over quality or contamination. Any kind of animal can be included: “4-D animals” (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), rats, goats, horses, pigs, animals euthanized at shelters, miscellaneous roadkill, supermarket and restaurant refuse, and so on. Who wants their dog eating that?

If you’re looking for an all natural brand to purchase, look for foods that are baked not extruded, contain fruit, probiotics, vegetables and flax.  Our top pick is DOGSFOOD Grain Free.  This food contains healthy stuff like flaxseed, salmon, loads of veggies, amino acids and probiotics! And the best thing is when you buy a bag of this food one is given to a dog in need!

One of the best flavoring additives you can put in your dog’s  meals is a spoonful of all-natural, peanut butter. Full of Omega-3 anti-oxidants and Vitamin E, peanut butter can protect your pet’s hair coat and prevent the dry, itchy skin that causes hot spots and hair loss. Other healthy snacks can include DOGSBARs, your pup’s very own all-natural protein bar made with organic peanut butter, oats, blackstrap molasses, and organic brown rice syrup. You can also try DOGSTREATS. 100% natural peanut butter dog treats made with fresh bananas, carrots, spinach, green peas, broccoli, strawberries, and more.

Knowing what goes in your dog’s food can help keep him healthy, happy, and with you for a long, long time.

DOG for DOG is an all natural dog food and treat company with a mission to help dogs in need. You buy one we give one! 52,000 pounds were donated in 2013

Holidays with the family typically means sitting around the dining table consuming huge meals filled with oodles of deliciousness – and leaving behind a ton of leftovers. For many of us, sharing those leftovers with our nearest and dearest also means giving our furry family members a taste of holiday cheer. By consulting the list below, you’ll get an idea of what kinds of holiday foods you can share with your dog – and what kinds of foods you need to keep strictly for the humans in your family.

– Baked turkey or chicken is an excellent source of protein; one ¼- to ½-cup serving will typically give your dog her daily needed amount depending on her weight. Turkey and chicken is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins B, B6, C, D, E, B12, and magnesium. Because we don’t recommend feeding your dog the skin, they are also very low in fat. Please note: Giving your dog cooked chicken or turkey bones to chew on can be dangerous. These bones tend to splinter apart and, if swallowed, can puncture your pup’s esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

– Plain, baked sweet potatoes can be a nutritious source of fiber for your dog and can help with digestive issues. They are also fat-free and filled the beta-carotenes needed to fight chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Rich in potassium and Vitamin C, the nutrients in sweet potatoes work combat diseases related to inflammation, including canine asthma and osteoarthritis. Leave off the butter, nuts, and sweet toppings to avoid causing any tummy upsets.

– Plain mashed potatoes without all the butter, salt and pepper and other additives, are an excellent source of several nutrients, such as vitamins C and B6, potassium, pantothenic acid, niacin and dietary fiber. The protein in potatoes contains lysine, an essential amino acid that works as an anti-viral agent and helps build muscle. The lectins (proteins that specifically bind with carbohydrates) found in potatoes are known to inhibit cancer cell growth.

– Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens, are probably the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food for your pet…or you. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. Slow to digest, greens are a great source of fiber and have negligible amounts of carbohydrates, so they’re the perfect food for dogs on a weight-loss regimen. Make sure to feed your pet greens without any seasonings or pork fat as those ingredients can cause intestinal issues.

– Plain green beans, not the ones found in everyone’s favorite crispy onion-topped casserole, are rich in various nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iron, potassium, folate, calcium, magnesium and thiamin. These vitamins and minerals enhance your dog’s immune system, allowing the body to heal faster. They also protect the body’s cells from damage and abnormalities, lower the risk of arthritis, and help with the absorption of other nutrients into the body.

– Any type of plain, fibrous vegetable, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or legumes (most beans) can help to prevent or relieve constipation in your dog and normalize loose stools. Additionally, these veggies help your pooch maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of her contracting diabetes mellitus by helping to control blood sugar levels. Fibrous vegetables have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, and reduce your pet’s blood pressure.

– Baked or steamed squash (acorn, butternut, zucchini, or yellow squash) is low in calories and carbohydrates and cholesterol-free. It is a rich source of Vitamin C and a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, fiber, folate, copper, riboflavin and phosphorus. Squash is abundant in the magnesium and potassium needed to provide your dog with muscle energy, reduce her high blood pressure, and keep her electrolytes balanced – a key element to heart health.

Away from the holiday table, one of the best snacks you can give your dog is a spoonful of all-natural, organic peanut butter. Full of Omega-3 anti-oxidants and Vitamin E, peanut butter can protect your pet’s hair coat and prevent the dry, itchy skin that causes hot spots and hair loss.

Please note: Feeding your dog fatty and/or sweet scraps from your holiday table can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas characterized by extreme bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice your pet having these problems after a particularly heavy meal, contact your veterinarian immediately as pancreatitis can be deadly if left untreated.

DOG for DOG is an all natural dog food and treat company with a mission to help dogs in need. You buy one we give one! 52,000 pounds were donated in 2013