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5 Homemade Dog Treats Your Pooch Will Love

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Homemade Dog Treats Your Pooch Will Love

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of PourquoiPas @ Pixabay

Store-bought dog treats are often filled with nasty additives and chemicals – ingredients that you definitely don't want your dog eating!

While they may take a little more time and effort, homemade dog treats are so much healthier. They also give you the opportunity to get creative and cook up something that your pooch will really love.

Here are five homemade dog treats to try making:

1. Doggy Ice Cream

The hot days of summer can really take their toll on your pooch. What better way to cool your pup down than with a scoop of doggy ice cream?

This frozen treat is so easy to make, and you can really have fun when it comes to adding in different ingredients and flavors.

The method is simple...

Place half a frozen banana, or some plain yogurt, into a blender. Add in a dollop of peanut butter, along with any other ingredients you think your dog may love, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Once you've blended this all together, it will look just like ice cream!

2. Quick and Easy Baby Food Dog Biscuits

Looking for some homemade dog treats that don't take hours to prepare and make?

This is a recipe that you will love...

All you need is two cups of an organic whole wheat flour, along with two four-ounce jars of pureed baby food. Yes, you can use other flours instead – spelt and wheat germ, and even rolled oats, work well.

When it comes to choosing the baby food...

Pretty much any flavor will do, so long as it doesn't contain any onions or preservatives.

Then, mix the flour with the baby food to form a stiff dough. Roll this out and either cut it into cubes, or use cookie cutters to create more elaborate shapes.

Then, place the treats onto a tray lined with baking paper, and bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Leave them to cool before storing them away.

Want to make these homemade dog treats a little more exciting?

Feel free to add a few other ingredients into the mix! You could try some fresh herbs, grated carrots or even a handful of berries.

3. Liver Cake

Ok, so liver cake probably doesn't sound very appealing to you, but this is something your dog will go crazy for! Liver cake makes a great training treat too, with many dogs considering this to be a high value food.

How do you make liver cake?

You need about a pound of liver (it doesn't matter which animal this comes from). You will then need to blend this up in a food processor.

Then, crack three eggs into a measuring jug, before adding in an equal amount of water. Whisk this together before mixing it in with your blended liver. Add in one pound of flour too, preferably an organic, whole wheat variety. Continue blending until the consistency is similar to that of a sponge cake batter.

Pour your mixture into a greased tray and then bake at 350F for about 40 minutes. Then, remove your cake from the oven, leave it to cool, and cut it up into bite-sized pieces.

Make sure that you don't go overboard feeding this treat to your pup. Too much liver can lead to diarrhea.

Just like with the other treats on this list, you can put your own spin on liver cake too. Add in a crushed garlic clove to give your pooch an immune boost, or some fresh herbs to give it some extra flavor. 

4. Dehydrated Meats

If you prefer your homemade dog treats to be hard and chewy, dehydrated meats are definitely worth considering.

You can pretty much pick any meat you have available to you, whether this may be chicken breast, liver, turkey slices or anything else.

Simply slice these up thinly and then place them into a dehydrator.

How long do they need to dry for?

This varies greatly depending on how thick your slices are. It can take anywhere from three hours to 12 hours. Keep checking on them during the dehydrating process – once they are fully dry, even in the middle, and snap rather than bending, then they are ready.

You can try this method with different fruits and vegetables too – sweet potatoes, apples and bananas all work well when sliced thinly.

Don't have a dehydrator?

You can use your oven instead. Simply turn the heat down to its lowest setting and make sure that you leave the oven door slightly ajar. This will allow the moisture in the meat to evaporate properly.

5. No-Bake Oat and Peanut Butter Balls

Hate baking?

Then you will love these no-bake homemade dog treats. They set in the fridge instead, and stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can prolong this even more by storing them in the freezer.

Wondering how to actually make them?

Mix together the following ingredients:

  • ¾ cup peanut butter (make sure that the peanut butter you use is made from 100% peanuts, without any additives)

  • ¼ cup water

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (you can add in other beneficial herbs and spices too, from oregano to ginger to mint)

Keep mixing until you have created a thick batter. You may need to add a little more water to get to this stage. Then, slowly add in one and a quarter cup of oats.

You can then use your hands to form your batter into balls. Choose the size of these balls depending on the size of your dog. Then, place the treats into the fridge to set. If you are feeling extra creative, try forming the batter into different shapes, but remember that the setting times for these may then vary. 

Homemade dog treats really are so much better for your pooch than store-bought versions. This is especially true if you are in the midst of training, and need to turn to treats on a frequent basis. Not all homemade dog treats take ages to make – the ones on this list are extremely simple, and your dog will definitely be thanking you once he has a taste of what you have cooked up!

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Is Your Dog Itching?

By Alina Jumabhoy

Is Your Dog Itching?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Pinpals @ Pixabay

Have you noticed your dog itching more than usual?

If so, your pooch is likely to be getting increasingly frustrated with the discomfort that the constant itching can cause.

Wondering how to help your itchy dog?

The key is to figure out the cause of the itching, as this will greatly help to narrow down your treatment options.

Dog Itching is Commonly Caused by Pests

Is your dog itching in the same spot?

The first thing that you should check for is ticks...

Ticks can sometimes be hard to see while they're small. However, it doesn't take long for them to become engorged, making them far easier to find and remove.

Simply run your fingers through your dog's fur. If you notice any small bumps, take a closer look to see if it is a tick. Don't forget to also check your dog's feet, as well as inside your dog's ears.

Found a tick on your dog?

The best way to remove this is with a tick remover tool. These enable you to gently and safely twist the tick out. Other methods can be quite dangerous – some result in the tick's head being left in your dog's body, while others may cause the tick to regurgitate into your dog's bloodstream, causing infections and diseases.

Another pest that you should keep an eye out for is fleas...

These aren't usually quite as dangerous as a tick, but they can definitely lead to some serious itching.

How do you check your dog for fleas?

If it's a bad infestation, you will likely notice them jumping around your dog's body.

However, fleas are fast movers, so even if you don't immediately see them, it is still worth taking a closer look... 

Examine your dog's groin and armpits, as these are usually preferred areas for fleas. A flea comb can help to pull out any hiding fleas, or you could also gently blow on your dog's skin and see if any fleas start moving about.

If your dog does have fleas, speak to your vet about the best form of treatment. This should put a stop to your dog's itching pretty quickly.

Take a Look at Your Dog's Diet

Your dog's diet can lead to itching in a couple of different ways...

The first is when it comes to food allergies.

Although these are quite rare, they are actually becoming more prevalent now.

Some of the common foods that an itchy dog may be allergic to could include:

  • Certain proteins, such as beef, chicken or lamb

  • Soy, which can also lead to growth problems and other diseases

  • Wheat

  • Eggs, due to the proteins within them

  • Dairy (although this counts more as an intolerance than an allergy)

How do you know if your dog is suffering from a food allergy?

Well, in addition to the itchy skin and paws, you may also notice everything from hot spots and rashes to hair loss, ear infections and red eyes.

What should you do if you suspect your dog may have a food allergy?

You have a few options...

You could either try to pinpoint the allergen yourself by feeding your pooch an elimination diet.

Alternatively, speak to your vet about allergy testing. There are both blood and skin tests available, although these can sometimes be less-than-accurate.

In addition to looking at possible allergens, you should also check to see which other ingredients are in your dog's food.

Many grocery-store brands, and even prescription diets, contain low quality by-products and fillers. These can also cause a dog to start itching.

Does Your Dog Have Any Environmental Allergies?

Food isn't the only thing that can trigger an allergic reaction in your dog...

There are so many environmental allergens out there, from pollen to dander to certain plants. Each of these can lead to itching, and it can definitely be difficult to completely prevent your dog from coming into contact with these.

So, what should you do?

Well, with environmental allergens, you can often identify these yourself.

Is your dog itching more after being outdoors?

If so, have a think about the places he's just been, as well as the plants he's come across.

The tricky part about environmental allergens is that you can't simply eliminate them from your dog's life. After all, your dog will always need to go outside!

Instead, the best way to help your itchy dog deal with environmental allergies is by making sure that you give your dog a good clean every time he comes back indoors.

How?

Wipe down your dog's skin, and give the paws a wash. If your dog has spent a significant amount of time outside, a full bath may be in order.

However, be careful not to bathe your dog too often. This can actually exacerbate the itching, as it will cause your dog's skin to dry out.

When to Visit Your Vet

While pests and allergies tend to be the most common factors behind dog itching, there are several other causes to this too. Everything from skin diseases and infections to skin cancer can lead to itching and discomfort.

If you can't seem to figure out the cause of your dog's itching on your own, then a visit to the vet is a must. This will rule out anything serious, and your vet will be able to advise you on the best next steps to take.

Even if you do manage to figure out the cause of your dog's itching, a vet visit may still be in order. If your dog is itching quite severely, then your vet may be able to prescribe your dog with a special ointment or medication to soothe the skin temporarily, while you work on eliminating the root cause.

It isn't at all enjoyable for a dog to be constantly itching, so make sure that you get this under control as soon as possible. As soon as you notice that your dog seems to be itching more than usual, try to identify exactly why this is, seeking out the help of your vet if required.

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5 Natural Dog Supplements to Boost Your Pet’s Health

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Natural Dog Supplements to Boost Your Pet’s Health

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Fran__ @ Pixabay

The needs that a dog has will change as they progress through life, and it is so important that you are able to cater to these evolving requirements. Natural dog supplements are a great way to do this – they will give your dog's health a boost, preventing potential medical problems and keeping your pooch in top shape.

Here are five natural dog supplements to consider:

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is one of the most popular natural dog supplements out there, especially among owners who have older dogs.

Never heard of glucosamine before?

It's an amino sugar that is found naturally in the body. It is found in highest concentration in the fluid that surrounds the joints, and helps when it comes to building new cartilage.

How will a glucosamine supplement help your dog?

Research shows that it is particularly effective when it comes to tackling arthritis. It minimizes joint pain and increases a dog's mobility.

However, it does take a while for glucosamine to have an effect. Studies show that its benefits are only noticeable after about 70 days, although it is likely that your dog will be feeling some comfort internally earlier than this.

Glucosamine supplements are available in a variety of forms. From pills and powders to treats, pick whichever one would be easiest for you to feed.

2. Omega Fatty Acids

Your dog cannot produce omega fatty acids on his own. This is why supplements are so important.

The most common type of omega fatty acid supplement is fish oil, but this has been getting a bit of a bad rep lately...

Why?

Mostly because of its high oxidation rate. The fatty acids in fish oil are highly susceptible to oxidation. When this occurs, the compounds within turn toxic, resulting in premature aging along with various diseases. It is hard to prevent oxygen from degrading fish oil products. Even those in gel capsules are still not able to fully block oxygen out.

So, what should you be using instead of a fish oil?

Phytoplankton is becoming a popular alternative. These natural dog supplements are made from certain algae and bacteria. They can also be farmed in filtered water, meaning that you don't need to worry about all of the toxins that usually also accompany fish oil. 

Phytoplankton has another benefit too...

It contains a potent antioxidant that has been shown to increase lifespan.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are key when it comes to your dog's health, as well as your own.

What exactly are probiotics?

They are live yeasts and bacteria that help to support the gut and the immune system. They can be used to treat specific health problems in your dog, from allergies to diarrhea to digestive issues, and can also be used as a daily supplement to keep your pooch's immune system functioning optimally.

There are so many different forms of probiotics out there. You could go for a capsule or powder version, or even feed your dog some natural yogurt.

If you would like to make your dog's probiotics at home, look into milk kefir. This is so easy to make, and contains several probiotic strains, making it one of the best natural dog supplements out there.

4. Turmeric Paste

Also known as golden paste, turmeric paste has shot up in popularity when it comes to natural dog supplements.

What exactly is turmeric paste?

It's a paste that is made from turmeric, water, black pepper and an oil. It takes less than ten minutes to make this yourself at home, although you can also purchase pre-made versions.

How does turmeric paste benefit dogs?

In a number of ways, including:

  • It is a powerful anti-inflammatory

  • Fighting bacteria

  • Preventing blood clots

  • It helps to prevent certain types of cancer

  • Can treat allergies

  • It helps a dog to detox

  • Acts as an effective form of pain relief

As you can see, turmeric paste offers up such a wide range of benefits. It also only takes a short while to notice the improvements in your pooch, making this a supplement well worth trying.

Wondering if you can feed your dog turmeric powder instead?

Turmeric is one of the best natural dog supplements
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Stevepb @ Pixabay

 

You can, but it won't make much of a difference. The powder needs to be turned into the paste in order for your dog's body to properly absorb the turmeric. The oil helps with this, and the black pepper enhances the effects of the curcumin in the turmeric. This is the active compound that gives the turmeric its many health benefits.

One thing to keep in mind...

Turmeric paste is something that can help all animals. From humans to dogs to horses to chickens, this is a supplement that your whole family could benefit from.

5. Kelp

Kelp has long since been used as a supplement for humans. It is also now being increasingly included in many commercial dog food formulas.

What makes kelp so great?

It is literally packed with some incredible nutrients. Kelp is one of the richest sources of amino acids out there, with 25% of it consisting of protein. It also boasts over 60 different vitamins, minerals and trace elements, all of which help with:

  • Skin allergies

  • Inflammation

  • Tissue repair

  • Maintaining the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands

  • Keeping metabolism healthy

  • Digestion

  • Reduces tarter and dental plaque

When it comes to choosing a kelp supplement...

Go for deep ocean kelp, rather than kelp that has been harvested from polluted shorelines. Norwegian kelp tends to be the best, since it grows in such a pure and high quality environment.

The easiest form of kelp to purchase is a powder. This can then be sprinkled over your dog's food each day, giving him all of the benefits that this seaweed provides.

There are many different natural dog supplements out there that could benefit your dog's health. Whichever you decide to use, make sure that you purchase a high quality version of this supplement, and don't forget to also triple check when it comes to dosage.

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Is Your Dog a Picky Eater?

By Alina Jumabhoy

Is Your Dog a Picky Eater?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Daria @ Pexels

Is your dog a picky eater?

This can be so frustrating to deal with, and is something that can affect dogs of every age, size and breed.

So, how do you encourage a picky eater to eat?

Here are a few tips...

Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on a routine, and this includes mealtimes too.

Since your dog is a picky eater, you may want to feed your pooch just once a day. This can actually be better for your dog's digestive system than being fed more than once.

Try to stick to the same times when it comes to your dog's meals too.

Put your dog's food out at the same time each day, and leave it down for half an hour.

What do you do if your dog hasn't eaten it after half an hour?

Remove it and feed it to your dog again at his next mealtime.

This may seem like tough love, especially if your dog scavenges around for treats after not eating his meal. However, your dog won't let himself go hungry, making this one of the best strategies for encouraging a picky eater to eat his meals.

Don't Feed Table Scraps to Your Dog

It may be tempting to share a small bite of your meal with your pooch, but this will only encourage his picky eating. Not only will this mean that your dog won't be quite as hungry when it comes to his own mealtime, but human food always tends to be more appealing to a dog than dog food.

This is something that the whole family needs to get on board with...

The whole household needs to be consistent about this. You need your dog to learn that human food is for humans, and the only food that your dog should be eating is his own food.

Cut Back on the Treats

Does your dog get treats throughout the day?

If so, this could be why he has become a picky eater...

He simply isn't hungry!

Try cutting back on the number of treats you feed your dog.

What if your picky eater is in training?

You can always use some of your dog's food as part of his training treats. This is easy if your dog is fed on a kibble. If your dog is on a raw or home-cooked diet, you can still use part of his meal allowance as treats. This could be in the form of cooked meat, dehydrated meat or vegetables.

Make Sure That Your Dog Isn't Dining Elsewhere

Picky eater bulldog stealing food
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Do you have a cat? Or how about any other pets?

Dogs can be sneaky and clever, and often end up eating other types of pet food behind their owner's back.

If you do have other pets around the house, make sure that your dog is not able to access their food. This will not only help with your dog's picky eating, but will also prevent the whole host of health problems that could arise from your dog eating unsuitable food.

Add in Some Variety

This can be tricky, and is only something that you should do if you are willing to carry this on in the long term.

Would you like to eat the same food every single day?

Chances are, you'd get bored pretty quickly.

Well, the same applies to many dogs!

If you feed your dog a kibble, it could be worth trying some different flavors, alternating these with each mealtime.

You could also add in some fresh foods, whether this may be fresh meat, vegetables, eggs or anything else that would be beneficial to your dog.

Topping off a meal with some bone broth will usually encourage even the pickiest eater to eat, and will also provide your dog with so many health benefits.

If your dog is only eating the extra additions that you are adding in...

It may be worth considering a food change. It could be that your dog simply isn't gaining the nutrition he needs from the food that you are feeding, or maybe he just doesn't enjoy it. Many kibble-fed picky eaters often find their love of food when switched to a raw or home-cooked diet.

Make Sure That You Are Feeding the Right Amount

Do you know how much food your dog should be eating?

This not only depends on your dog's breed, but also his weight, age and energy levels. The amount of food that you should be feeding your dog will change as your dog progresses through life.

Many owners often end up over-feeding their dogs. If your dog is eating, but doesn't finish his meals, this could be because you are feeding your dog too much food.

Make Mealtimes Fun

If a dog is stressed, he will find it difficult to eat.

One way to overcome this is by making mealtimes fun.

How?

Try turning the meal into a game of hide and seek. Hide small portions of food around a room and let your dog sniff these out and eat them. This will appeal to your dog's instincts of having to work for his food.

Of course, you don't want to have to be doing that every day...

Fortunately, it doesn't take long for a dog to realize how much fun eating can be with this method. You can slowly hide smaller amounts of food, ending the game with the rest of your dog's food in his bowl.

When to Go to the Vet

Sometimes, there can be a medical reason behind a dog who has suddenly become a picky eater.

How do you know if a vet visit is in order?

Here are a few signs:

  • If your dog refuses to eat anything, and hasn't eaten anything for more than 24 hours

  • Your dog has suddenly lost weight

  • Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea

  • If your dog is sluggish or lethargic

It can be difficult to know how to deal with a dog who is a picky eater. Rather than giving into this, try some of the above tips to encourage your picky eater to eat his own food, as this will be so much better for your dog's health in the long run.

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6 Top Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Top Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Is your dog overweight? If so, it is extremely important to take the steps necessary to help your dog lose weight. This will prevent a number of weight-related health conditions from arising, whether this may be arthritis and heart disease or high blood pressure and cancer.

Want to know how to help your dog lose weight?

Here are 6 tips to get you started:

1. Measure Out Your Dog's Meals

Do you often “guesstimate” when it comes to filling your dog's bowl with food? Or perhaps you choose to free feed, allowing your pooch to help himself to a full bowl whenever he feels hungry?

Well, while both of these methods of feeding may be convenient, they need to stop.

If your pooch is overweight, the very first step to take to help your dog lose weight is to measure out his meals.

How Much Should Your Dog Be Eating?

Prepared to measure, but no idea what the ideal measurement should be?

This depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • Your dog's age

  • Your dog's size

  • Your dog's energy levels

  • The food being fed

Most commercial foods will have guidelines on the back of the box to tell you how much to feed. If you have been over-feeding your dog, drop this down to the recommended amount. If the amount you have been feeding has been about right, cut back on this slightly until your dog has reached an ideal weight.

Alternatively, ask your veterinarian to calculate how many calories your dog needs each day. You can then use this to work out a more specific daily food measurement.

2. Make Sure That You Are Feeding a Quality Dog Food

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients list of your dog's food?

If not, do it now, as you are likely to be surprised...

So many commercial dog foods containing a surprisingly high amount of carbohydrates, and this is something that dogs definitely do not need.

Raw diets are great for having better control over your dog's weight. If you would prefer to feed a commercial food, look for one that has more protein than carbohydrates.

3. Increase Exercise 

In addition to controlling your dog's food intake, upping the amount of exercise your pooch gets is another key way to help your dog lose weight.

If your dog naturally has quite an active personality, this shouldn't be too difficult...

Simply increase the frequency of your walks, or even just the length of your walks. Allowing your dog to run around off the leash will really help him to get his muscles moving, but only do this when it is safe. Try adding in some varied terrain too – running uphill on sand, rather than running on flat grass, will give your dog even more of a workout.

You could also try playing some active games at home. From flirt poles to bouncy balls, there are so many dog toys out there that will help to convince your dog to get moving.

Of course, make sure that you start off slow with all of this! This is especially important if your dog is in his senior years. You don't want all of the extra exercise to be too much for your dog, so begin gradually to give your dog's body and muscles some time to grow accustomed to all of the new activity.

4. Healthy Treats

A dalmation snacking on fresh fruit to lose weight
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Treats aren't an essential part of owning a dog, especially if your dog is already overweight.

However, if you have been working on training your dog, then treats will usually be required.

Biscuits, small chunks of cheese, and other calorie-laden bites are usually what most owners turn to. Of course, in order to help your dog lose weight, you need to avoid all of these.

So, what are some healthy treats that you can feed instead?

Try some of the following:

  • Raw fruit, such as sliced apples and bananas

  • Raw vegetables, such as carrot, cucumber and broccoli chunks

  • Dehydrated sprats or sardines

  • Dehydrated meat, without any filler ingredients

These may not sound very tempting to you, but dogs tend to love the crunchy texture that all of those snacks provide, making them a fantastic training treat.

Of course, when feeding your dog treats, don't forget to deduct those calories from your dog's daily allowance. Extra treats mean that you will likely need to feed your dog less food at meal times.

5. Find a Mentally-Stimulating Edible Chew

Looking for a way to keep your dog entertained for a few hours, without involving high-calorie foods?

There are many edible chews out there that you could look into. These are usually low in fat and long-lasting, giving your dog a taste of food without actually piling on the calories.

Antlers, dried tendons, raw bones and steer sticks are all great options.

Make sure that you stay away from rawhide, as these chews contain so many dangerous chemicals that you definitely don't want your dog consuming.

6. Keep Weighing Your Dog

It is important to keep your motivation up when trying to help your dog lose weight.

This is why it can be helpful to keep weighing your dog at regular intervals.

How much weight should your dog be losing?

This all depends on how overweight your dog was to begin with. Generally, aim for around 1% of your dog's body weight per week, which should work out to between 3% and 5% a month.

You can either take your pooch in to your local veterinary clinic to have him weighed, or do this yourself at home.

Are your scales too small?

Weigh yourself first. Then, pick your dog up and stand on the scales. Simply subtract your own weight from the weight of the two of you combined, and that will give you your dog's weight.

More than 50% of the dogs in the USA are overweight, making it no surprise that dogs are now facing such an array of different health problems. If you want to keep your dog as healthy as possible, make sure that you are always keeping track of your dog's weight, and that you know how to help your dog lose weight if you ever need to.

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8 Creative Kong Recipes to Try

By Alina Jumabhoy

8 Creative Kong Recipes to Try

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Kapa65 @ Pixabay

Kongs are a great way to mentally stimulate your dog, but they can quickly get bored of the same fillings. If you want to really give your dog a mental challenge, here are eight creative Kong recipes to try.

  1. THE JERKY POP

This Kong recipe is so much fun to watch your dog eat. However, it can sometimes get a little messy, so you may want to save this one for outdoors.

Ice pops are great in the summer, and jerky ice pops are a doggy dream come true.

To begin with, you need to seal the end of the Kong. A small amount of peanut butter is usually enough to do the trick. Place the Kong into a paper cup.

Then, fill the Kong with some broth. Make sure that it is one that doesn't contain any added salt.

Place a couple of sticks of dog-friendly jerky inside the Kong, before placing the cup into the freezer for a few hours.

Don't have any jerky?
You can make this yourself easily by drying thin slices of meat in your oven.

Meat jerky
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  1. FRUIT AND VEG CHUNKS

Stuffing a Kong with fruit and vegetable chunks is a great option if you have multiple dogs.

Why?

Well, you have likely noticed that some of your dogs know how to empty a Kong in a matter of minutes, while others tend to take their time.

By using chunks of fruit and veg, you can vary the chunk size for each dog's Kong. For the dogs that take longer to finish a Kong, use smaller chunks to make it slightly easier. For Kong-savvy dogs, go with larger chunks that they really have to work for.

Need fruit and veg ideas?

Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat:

  • Blueberries

  • Apples, without the core, seeds or stem

  • Blackberries

  • Broccoli

  • Celery

  • Cucumber

  • Zucchini

  • Pineapple

  • Carrots

  • Cauliflower

  1. SARDINES IN SPRING WATER

Short on time?

This Kong filling is perfect for when you're in a hurry.

All you need to do is stock up on tinned sardines. However, make sure that they have been preserved in spring water, rather than oil or brine, especially if you plan on using this as a treat on a regular basis.

Then, simply open up a tin of sardines and use this to fill the Kong.

Freeze the Kong for a few hours to make it even more of a challenge for your dog.

  1. KIBBLE AND CREAM CHEESE

Looking for a way to make your dog's mealtime last even longer?

It doesn't take long for them to work out how to get their kibble out of a Kong, so give this trick a try...

Mix some of your dog's kibble with a small amount of cream cheese. Stuff this into a Kong and then freeze.

The cheese acts like a cement, holding everything together so firmly. This will make it much harder for your dog to empty the Kong.

  1. A FESTIVE FEAST

If you are looking for festive Kong recipes, look no further than your kitchen...

You are likely buying plenty of festive foods during the holiday season. Chances are, many of these would make a delicious and healthy Kong stuffing.

Need some ideas?

Turkey, whether cooked or raw, works well in a Kong. Raw or cooked chicken and beef are great options too.

You can pair this with some winter vegetables, from Brussel sprouts and carrots to peas and sweet potato. These can all be fed both raw or cooked, with the exception of the sweet potato which should always be cooked.

  1. A KONG OMELET

Got some extra eggs that need to be used?

A Kong omelet will always be appreciated by your pooch!

All you need is an egg and some vegetables that your dog likes. A small amount of cheese is optional.

Then, cook up the egg, scrambling it at first and then folding in the veg. Mix in the cheese before filling the Kong with the mixture. Alternatively, use a small chunk of cheese to seal in the large hole.

You can either wait for it to cool before giving it to your dog, or freeze it to feed later.

  1. OATMEAL, FRUIT AND HONEY

Want to give your dog a special breakfast treat?

This is one of the best Kong recipes for doing so.

A Kong stuffed with oatmeal, fruit and honey will definitely get that tail wagging.

Begin with the oatmeal, making sure that this is cooked. Use a spoonful of this to seal the small hole at the end of the Kong.

Then, add in a few small fruit chunks. Alternatively, if you use a juicer, you can use the fruit pulp leftover from this. Just make sure that this does not contain any fruits that are harmful to dogs.

Continue layering the oatmeal and the fruits. If you want to get even more creative, add in a few layers of yogurt too.

Once you reach the top, give the Kong a drizzle of honey. Your dog will go crazy for this, but use the honey in moderation since it is a sugar.

Either feed immediately or freeze and feed later.

  1. YOGURT AND BANANA

When it comes to Kong recipes, this is an easy one to throw together at the last minute. Of course, it does become even more challenging if you freeze it.

All you need to do is...

  • Slice a banana in half or thirds, depending on the size of Kong you are using

  • Stuff the banana straight into the Kong

  • Fill in the gaps around the banana with some plain yogurt

Make sure that you do not use a flavored yogurt. These often contain sweeteners that can be harmful to dogs.

In order to keep your dog interested in his Kong, and to make sure that it remains challenging for your pooch, you need to mix it up when it comes to the fillings you use. You can stuff a Kong with just about any food that is safe for a dog to eat, so get creative the next time you are looking into Kong recipes for your dog. 

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How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Marek Szturc @ Unsplash

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different dog food options out there, making it no surprise that an increasing number of owners are so confused about what to feed their beloved pooch.

So, how do you figure out the differences between each of these brands to know which one is the best?

Well, there are a few key things to look out for when choosing a high quality dog food...

BEGIN BY IDENTIFYING YOUR DOG'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Every dog is different, and that's partly why there are so many different dog food diets out there.

Each dog will have its own unique needs, and these can depend on:

  • Age – puppies require more calories, while senior dogs require less

  • Energy Levels – active dogs will need a higher calorie intake than less active dogs

  • Reproductive Status – pregnant pooches will need a special diet as they near their due date, while lactating mothers will also need an increase in calories

  • Allergies – food allergies are becoming increasingly common in dogs, with many pooches now requiring a grain-free diet

Wondering if your dog's breed makes a difference to the dog food you pick?

No, not really. It can be easy to believe that breed matters, with so many foods marketed towards specific breeds. However, the only real difference between these is the size of each piece of food. Small breed foods will feature smaller pieces to make it easier for small dogs to eat, while large breed foods will feature larger pieces to give the dog more to chew.

ASSESS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG FOOD AVAILABLE

Once you have identified your dog's nutritional needs, you can then start to look at the various dog food types out there.

These are some of the most popular:

  • Dry Food – the most popular and convenient type of dog food, dry foods are processed at high temperatures. This then destroys many of the nutrients within the natural ingredients, requiring several supplements to be added. Dry foods also tend to contain a coating of fats and oils, as well as colorings, to make it palatable to a dog

  • Wet Food – these are usually packaged in pouches, trays or tins. Wet foods are pasteurized, meaning no preservatives are needed, and also contain higher moisture levels

  • Raw Food – the fastest growing dog food trend, a raw food diet is the most natural for your dog. However, it does take a fair amount of research, as well as freezer space, to ensure that you are feeding a balanced raw diet

  • Fresh Food – these are gently cooked in order to preserve nutrients, and are usually found in pouches or trays. Although shelf life is short due to a lack of preservatives, the ingredients used tend to be of a high quality

Of course, you don't have to pick just one of these...

Mixing and matching different options is absolutely fine, so long as you ensure that your pooch is still getting all of the nutrients needed.

READ THE INGREDIENTS

Choosing the type of dog food you want to feed helps to narrow down your options. You can now begin to look at the different versions of your chosen food type, whether this may be dry, wet or anything else.

The key to understanding the difference in quality is knowing how to read the ingredients list.

The ingredients will always be listed in order of weight, meaning that the most prevalent ingredients will be higher up on the list.

Since dogs are omnivores, meat needs to make up the majority of their diet. Make sure that the first ingredient in the food you choose is meat.

How about meat meal?

Meat meal is made by using meat remnants that aren't fit for human consumption. It often contains scraps of meat, bones, fur and feathers that you wouldn't usually choose to feed your dog. While some sources of meat meal can be of a high quality, the majority are extremely low-grade, making meat meal best avoided.

In addition to avoiding meat meal, here are a few other ingredients to stay away from:

  • Wheat and corn gluten

  • Meat by-products

  • Preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin

  • Food dyes

  • Rendered fat

How about fruits and vegetables?

These can provide some fantastic health benefits to a dog. Just make sure that they are used in moderation, and don't consist of the majority of your chosen food.

ALWAYS CHECK THE NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY STATEMENT

Some dog foods are designed to be complementary. This means that they need to be mixed with something else in order to create a balanced diet.

If you want the food you feed to provide a complete and balanced meal for your pooch, check that it says this on the packaging. It will usually state the words “complete and balanced”, and will also say which stage of a dog's life it is designed for. For example, if you are feeding a puppy, you need a food that provides a balanced diet for pups.

What about foods that are designed for all life stages?

You would be best off avoiding these, because dogs do need different foods for different life stages.

RESEARCH THE BRAND

Think you've found a dog food that meets all of the above criteria?

One last thing to look into is the brand itself...

You need to ensure that the brand you pick makes use of high quality ingredients in their food. Adequate quality control in their manufacturing process is also important. Their websites should provide more information on this, along with exactly where their food has been sourced.

Can't find this information anywhere?

Then you may be best off opting for another brand that is able to be more open about how they source and make their dog food.

The food that you feed your dog is what will determine your pooch's quality of life, as well as length of lifespan. In order to keep your dog as healthy as possible for as long as possible, taking the time to ensure that you are feeding a high quality dog food is so important.

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Making It Through Christmas: Dog Safety Tips

By Hope Hammond

Making It Through Christmas: Dog Safety Tips

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy of User: 947051 @ Pixabay

Good food, presents, and lovely music! The holidays are a wonderful time of year for everyone, including your dog and cat. However, there are aspects of this season that can be dangerous to your pets. From Christmas trees to cold weather, let's take a look at some important dog safety tips to keep in mind during the holidays.

Christmas Decorations Pose a Hazard

Dogs can be just as attracted to the bright, colorful decorations you put on the Christmas tree as cats. Make sure to hang tinsel, garland, and ornaments up high on the tree where your pet can't reach. You might even want to use a smaller tree and put it up on a pedestal if your dog just doesn't want to leave your decorations alone.
Why do you want to keep your pet from nibbling on parts of the Christmas tree? Well, almost all of it is bad for your furry friend!

  • Tinsel can cause a bowel obstruction and even cut your pet's intestines if made from a thicker material.
  • Ornaments also cause bowel obstructions. Fragile glass globes can break if they fall and cut your pet's feet.
  • Christmas lights are electrical hazards, especially for teething puppies looking for something to chew on.
  • Pine needles from live trees puncture the intestines if swallowed.
  • Christmas trees can also fall onto your pets and hurt them if they pull on the tree or even try to climb it.
  • Additives for Christmas tree water may be poisonous if your pets drink it.
  • Lit candles can burn pets and some chew on the wax, which can cause an intestinal blockage in large quantities.
  • Liquid potpourri is a chemical that may burn or damage your pet's mouth and nose.
  • Dried potpourri may damage or cut your pet's digestive tract if eaten.

Dangers of Holiday Plants

It seems like dogs and cats are inevitably drawn to the live plants you put on display in your home. This is thanks to an instinct to seek out roughage for their diet. They like to chew and eat the leaves and flowers, and some pets may also attempt to eat leaves when they aren't feeling well. Unfortunately, many holiday plants are poisonous. When pets eat or nibble on these leaves it could mean a trip to the veterinarian.
If you have a dog, be sure to keep such plants out of reach. You might want to put the pots up on a table or tall, sturdy shelf that the dog can't knock over or jump on. Some toxic plants commonly seen around the holidays are:

  • Amaryllis
  • Poinsettia
  • Lilies
  • Daffodils
  • Mistletoe
  • Balsam
  • Pine
  • Cedar
  • Holly

It should also be noted that the leaves of the Christmas Cactus are very tough and fibrous, which can cause stomach and intestinal irritation. It may cause your pet to vomit or have diarrhea, but it's not generally toxic.

The Temptation of Holiday Dinners

Yes, the dog will make those sad, soulful eyes and whine at you from under the dinner table. But, it's vital that you don't give in! The best dog safety tips for the holidays say avoid giving pets human food! Sneaking treats to your pets during the holidays can be more harmful than usual. Those dishes on your table are very rich in fat and sugar. Plus, they likely contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, such as:

  • Onions
  • Raisins
  • Grapes
  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol

If you're having a turkey for Christmas dinner do not feed your dog any of the bones or skin. Bird bones form sharp splinters which lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestines. These perforations may require surgery to fix and both items can also cause pancreatitis in your dog.
Moderate to large amounts of bread and uncooked dough can also cause stomach upset and gas, which nobody wants to interrupt a celebration!

Dog Safety Tips for Helping Your Dog De-Stress

For some dogs, the holidays are a source of stress. First the house changes, then you put on loud music and start acting differently. Any visitors you have over for dinner or a holiday party are additional stressors that can get your pet barking, pacing, and panting with anxiety. If you are worried about your furry friend's state of mind, there are a few ways to help your dog calm down:
Play Soft, Soothing Music: Low frequency, slow tempo music with a simple pattern is calming for your dog. There are even some doggy music CDs developed specifically for this purpose.
Sit With Your Pet: Take a break from the holiday preparations and party to sit with your pooch on the couch. Petting your dog's fur can ease anxiety for the both of you.
Take a Walk: Sometimes, too much excitement makes dogs hyper and stressed. Give your dog a nice long walk before the holiday dinner to use up their excess energy.
Put the Dog in the Kennel: Put your pet up in his or her kennel or another room if you don't have a dog cage. The kennel is your pet's safe place away from all of the noise and activity of a party. Plus, if your pet doesn't like a lot of attention, this gives him or her a place to hide.

Keeping Pets Warm Enough

The last, but not least of our dog safety tips is keeping your dog warm enough during the cold weather. While this doesn't apply specifically to holiday celebrations, you'll want to be aware of your pet's comfort on chilly evenings. Bring him or her inside for the winter, or give your pet a cozy dog house with ample insulation and wind protection. When you take your dog out for walks, consider putting your pet into a dog coat with booties to protect from the ice and snow. It's true that dogs are covered in fur, but many breeds lack the undercoat necessary to insulate their bodies properly. Plus, their ears, nose, and paws are exposed and can develop frostbite.
When your dog comes in from outside, take a few minutes to dry their coat and paws with a towel. Sometimes, snow and ice can get packed in between their paw pads, which is very uncomfortable and worsens the chances of frostbite. So, keep an eye on these sensitive areas.
If your dog is really anxious or tends to get into holiday trouble, such as destroying your Christmas tree, obedience training can be helpful. The 'Training an Untrained Dog: Video Course' takes you quickly and easily through several dog training tips and techniques to teach your dog to leave it, drop it, and go to his or her kennel when asked!

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Everything You Need To Know About Feeding Puppies

By Hope Hammond

Everything You Need To Know About Feeding Puppies

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy of Chiemsee2016 @ Pixabay

So, you have a new puppy! You can look forward to many years of companionship and love with your new found friend. But, while he or she is still young that puppy will rely heavily on you. At this stage, your most important roles will be cleaning up after and feeding your friend round the clock. Don't be alarmed though. Feeding puppies the right food in the right quantities is something that can be managed by anyone with the proper research and attention to detail.

Feeding Milk To Newborn Puppies

Most of the time, the puppy's mother will provide all of the care and milk that a newborn could want. If you happen to be in the position of "mothering" a newborn puppy alone, you'll end up being the one to feed it. A consultation with the veterinarian is a must to get an exam and advice on feeding your pup. Generally, the vet will recommend a commercial canine milk replacer that is formulated specifically for puppies. The puppy will likely need to be syringe or bottle-fed once every two hours and won't eat very much at a time.
SIDE NOTE: Puppies can't get the nutrients they need from regular cow milk or milk from another animal! You must use canine milk replacer formula.

When To Give Dry Food To Puppies?

Puppies should be fully transitioned to dry food by seven or eight weeks old. However, you can start gradually incorporating dry kibble into their milk around four weeks old. Soak a small amount of kibble in milk replacer or water and blenderize or mash it to the consistency of gruel. Place this on the floor for the puppy several times a day, while still bottle feeding. It may take the puppy a while to figure out how to eat this semi-solid food. As they get the hang of it, gradually reduce the amount of liquid in the kibble until they are eating dry kibble. Congratulations! You've successfully transitioned your pup to dry food!

How Often To Feed Puppies?

After your pup is on solid puppy food, you should keep up a regular feeding schedule of about four times daily between the ages of six to 12 weeks. By this time, your puppy will start to look more like a young adult dog. Start decreasing feeding to about three times a day, but you might want to increase the quantity of the food at each meal for larger breeds.
At six months old, you'll want to cut back to twice daily feedings for your dog. When your pup reaches one year old, and perhaps a few months before then, you'll want to make the transition to adult dog food. If your furry friend acts like he or she wants more food at meals and completely empties the bowl, you may need to increase the quantity.
If your dog doesn't eat all of his or her food, it could mean that their appetite is decreasing now that they aren't growing as much. As long as your dog is in otherwise good health, you can probably cut down the portion sizes some to eliminate any waste.

How To Make Homemade Puppy Food

If you don't trust store brand puppy food, or your puppy has allergies and sensitivities, you may be interested in making homemade puppy food. There is a formula to follow when combining ingredients to your homemade mash that ensures a growing pup gets everything he or she needs. Err on the side of caution by consulting with a veterinarian and doing a lot of research into recipes before you start. This way you'll avoid creating a nutrient deficiency or overdose when feeding puppies. However, the general amounts of different ingredients are as follows:
50% Protein
10% Vegetable or Fruit Matter
35% High-Fiber Carbohydrates
5% Fats
Nutritional Supplements
The kind of supplements to add to the puppy food will depend on your veterinarian's recommendation. So, be careful of adding anything without their approval.
Cooking these ingredients is important to prevent food poisoning and make it easier to digest. Usually, you can just combine all of the ingredients and saute the mix over medium heat until fully cooked through. Make sure to finely dice all of the ingredients, or else place them in the blender after cooking to create a mash. This makes it much easier for your pup to chew when first learning to eat.

Is It Okay To Give Puppies Table Scraps?

Newborn puppies are unlikely to express much interest in any solid human food. As your pup gets older, he or she may start to notice what you are eating and want to try it out. Of course, feeding your dog table scraps is an easy way to give them bad habits and may set him or her up for obesity. Since you are raising a puppy, this is a great opportunity to establish hard and fast rules about human food to keep them from constantly shadowing the dinner table. If you do feel like sharing, consider some healthier, low-calorie options, such as sliced carrots or apple pieces that older puppies and dogs can chew on.

Tips for Feeding Puppies!

Feeding puppies is a surprisingly involved process, especially while they are still very young. But, to make things easier for you, here are a few additional tips when making those meals!

  • #1 Puppies should be transitioned to adult-sized portions around three months old, but every dog is different. You'll know that it's time to adjust their food when the puppy starts looking less pudgy and round, and more like a miniature version of an adult dog.
  • #2 Adjust the amount of food you give a puppy downwards in comparison to the number of treats you feed them. Many pet owners will use food treats as rewards when training. This is fine. Just remember that it can ruin the pup's appetite for dinner.
  • #3 Don't leave food out all the time. Put it down in a bowl at consistent points throughout the day for ten to twenty minutes at a time. This will help your puppy to establish a good schedule.
  • #4 You should have fresh water available all the time for the puppy. Of course, pups who are still bottle-fed won't be very interested in the water yet.
  • #5 Be careful of adding supplements to a regular diet of store-bought puppy food. The food should already have enough nutrients for a growing pup and extra supplements can result in a potential overdose.

Like with all aspects of having a dog, learning about feeding puppies and figuring out the right methods take research. As your pup grows up, you'll also want to begin the training process. Find out more about how to start building a strong relationship with your pet with a good routine via the "Training an Untrained Dog" video course. This easy, effective video series shows you how to handle many challenges of pet ownership.

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