Join The Doggie-lution
Doggie-licious is passionate about creating awareness of the importance of healthy eating for our four legged little mates.
We're determined to create a revolution in the doggie world, we call it "The Doggie-lution". So come join the Doggie-licious family, and together we can improve the happiness and health of all doggies across the land...one doggie at a time.
Share your Doggie-lution on Facebook.
Dog Safe Human Foods
Provide variety and a nutritional boost. Just remember, any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of their weekly calorie requirement.
Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra).
Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.
Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.
Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked lightly before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.
Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.
Sweet potatoes (Peeled only) are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.
Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of their regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill them up and help to maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.
Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.
Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.
Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.
Rolled Oats are a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oats are also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oats should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring or soaked for 24hrs and rinsed. Both methods open up the grain and make it much more digestable.
Kangaroo meats are very nutritious and very lean. It contains less than two percent fat content. Kangaroo meat also boasts very high levels of quality protein, iron and zinc. It is an important source of several B-group vitamins, namely riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12
Please see -
www.macromeats-gourmetgame.com.au
For comprehensive fantastic infomation about this amazing meat.
Feeding your dog freshly ground pumpkin seeds does not only help to eliminate intestinal parasites, including tapeworms and roundworms, it can also provide your pet with a host of other health benefits, including improved urine flow, urinary tract health, a decrease in hormonal deficiencies and a boost in nutrients like protein, amino acids, fibre, iron, copper, phosphorus and magnesium. The seeds are also high in calcium, zinc, potassium, folic acid and niacin--all important nutrients to your dog's overall good health. Pumpkins contain an amino acid known as cucurbitin, the chemical agent in eliminating worms. The de-worming agents in pumpkin seeds paralyze and eliminate worms from the digestive system in pets and humans. Pumpkin seeds are nutrition powerhouses. Things to Consider -Pet owners should be aware that the amount of pumpkin seeds required to treat tapeworms and roundworms may cause other problems, including an impacted colon and other stomach problems--and if seeds aren't stored properly, they can become toxic and cause problems with the liver. Fresh seeds will go rancid quickly, but if you roast them in the oven, they last about a month. You can also purchase sealed packages with a longer shelf life of about six months.
Sunflower seeds provide plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals, these tasty seeds are healthy dog treat ingredients and will become a favorite with your dog. But, even more, they are a tremendous nutritional addition. They contain 24% protein and they have a nice balance of essential amino acids. Seeds from sunflowers are also a good source of fibre and vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron. While these seeds contain a fairly large amount of fat, it is in the form of unsaturated fat and is instrumental in preventing heart disease. They also contain selenium, vitamin E and protease inhibitors, all which help to guard against cancer. Please note that they also contain omega 6 so if feeding sunflower seeds please ensure you compliment with a good quality of omega 3 (flax seeds/oil or an omega 3 concentrate oil) as higher levels of omega 6 can leave the immune open to inflammatory conditions.
Blackstrap Molasses is not very sweet, a source of many trace minerals and not the same as Cane Molasses. It is harmless as a supplement for Dogs in small amounts. Molasses contains the valuable B vitamins. A tablespoon of molasses contains as much calcium as a glass of milk. Besides iron and sulfur, blackstrap molasses is high in copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, selenium and manganese. Molasses also contains an ingredient called “wulzen factors,” a proven remedy for wrist stiffness and arthritis. While any sweeteners should be avoided in food that a dog eats on a daily basis, small amounts of unrefined sugar, such as honey or molasses, are okay in dog treats. In fact, blackstrap molasses may be one of the healthiest sweeteners that you can find! It is a great source of iron because it is low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol.
Honey contains protein, carbohydrates, iron, copper, manganese, silica, chlorine, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, aluminum and magnesium, plus vitamin B complex vitamins C, D and E. It is almost a complete food. The enzymes amylase and invertase aid the digestive process, and it acts as a wonderful tonic for a stressed dog.
Studies have shown that lemon grass has antibacterial and anti fungal properties. Lemon grass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation.
Raw Bones Raw bones that are of an appropiate size for you dog is an extremely important part of your dogs nutrition, other than the nutritional benifits of calcium, cartilage they are also the best form of dental health that can be provided for you dog. (roo bones, marrow bones, beef brisket, lamb bones(small dogs) all available from good butchers. (chicken and rabbit bones splinter very easily and can cause bleeding in the bowel and should be avoided)
Please note: naturally dogs gut PH levels are very acidic (PH2) this enables them to easily digest bones and rotten meats (that they buried months ago) digesting bones also helps with the natural secretion of the scent glands at the rear end having their scent glands drained by a vet is an extremely painful thing to do, and usually it has to get done a couple times a year, so bones are more than just a good toothbrush for your doggie, this is all part of what dogs do.
However a dog that is fed primarily on commercial foods and not 'natural' food sources their gut PH levels are relatively neutral, this poses a problem with digesting bones and old meats etc, bones don't get digested the way nature intended and can get stuck in the intestinal area (resulting in a trip to the vet) and meats may cause diarrhea. So what to do? If your dog is commercially fed but you still would like it to enjoy the dental benefits of bones then the bigger the better, this way they can get all the good stuff off it but won't risk gobbling it up into little pieces, know your dogs chewing habits, if they eat quicker then only feed bones when your around and they can be supervised if needed, also introduce bones at a young age, this way a bone is not something to get overly excited about and they won't eat it too quickly. Young and older dogs should have at least 1-2 bones per week as they need higher fat and calcium, otherwise a couple a month is all that's needed for good dental care.
As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.
Reference - Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott,www.dogfoodproject.com www.herbslovetoknow.com www.allergies-in-dogs.com eatrawfoodtoday.blogspot.com/2009/05/cats-love-lemongrass-dogs-hate-it.html
Toxic Foods For Dogs
Keep these 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 pets. Notably, just like any toxin, there are variables, like the size of the dog, the quantity of toxic food that the dog has ingested, the dog's overall health conditions and underlying food allergies or sensitivities.
Onions Both onions and Garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. Contain sulfides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. But onions are more of a danger. The effects are the same whether the onion is raw or cooked, so onions in any form are to be avoided. Also, 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 in the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.
Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. Dogs cannot metabolize Theobromine the way humans can. Theobromine poisoning can cause diarrhea and vomiting or in more serious cases seizures and cardiac arrest.
Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys. Grapes and raisins(which are dried grapes) will trigger acute renal (kidney) failure. Kidneys act as filters for toxins in the dog’s body, therefore, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins accumulate in the body and lead to death due to toxins. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Most Fruit Pits and Seeds Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.
Macadamia Nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Peanuts can trigger a deadly allergic reaction in dogs who are allergic (just like humans, some dogs are allergic to peanuts; others are not.) And like humans, a dog who is acutely allergic to peanuts could suffer a reaction by just smelling the peanuts or peanut butter.
Cooked Bones Cooked bones splinter and break very easily and should never be given to you dog, cooked bones also have lost their nutritional benifits. Raw bones that are of an appropiate size for you dog is an extremely important part of your dogs nutrition, other than the nutritional benifits of calcium, cartilage they are also the best form of dental health that can be provided for you dog.
Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Rhubarb leaves Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Green parts of Tomatoes Like potatos contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Especially toxic are green tomatoes, green potatoes, potato skins, and tomato leaves and plants, can trigger tremors, seizure and heart arrhythmia, so tomatoes should never be given to dogs.
Broccoli is toxic in large quantities.
Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system
Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine. Caffeine as it is a stimulant and can be harmful to the heart and/or nervous system of animals.
Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.
Human Vitamins especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage
Mouldy or Spoiled Food can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage and enteritis.
Raw Eggs and some Raw Fish can cause Salmonella poisoning. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and coat problems.
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.
Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage, cause shock, and result in death.
Sugar-Free Foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs. Xylitol (artificial sweetener) Can cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can result in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can cause liver failure.
Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.
Excessive Fatty Foods ( including fat trimmings) can cause Pancreatitis.
Avocado All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.
Diary Products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content 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.
Marijuana can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Hops compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Tobacco nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Table scraps (in large amounts) are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Fish (raw, canned or cooked) If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
Cat food Generally has a higher protein and fat content than dog food which is unhealthy for dogs and can cause digestive upset and ingestion of too many calories, which can lead to obesity. Additionally, dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, and cat food does not contain the nutrients vital to your dog's health.
As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent.
references- www.stamphog.dogswecrets.hop.clickbank.net , www.suite101.com
Facts About
Blackstrap Molasses
Is a thick viscous syrup with a robust bittersweet flavor. It is the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is therefore the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar's sucrose has been crystallized. Blackstrap molasses is just one type of molasses. It is an alkali-forming food tonic, beneficial for maintaining a proper acid-alkali balance in the body. A source of many trace minerals and not the same as Cane Molasses. It is harmless as a supplement for Dogs in small amounts. Molasses contains the valuable B vitamins. A tablespoon of molasses contains as much calcium as a glass of milk. Besides iron and sulfur, blackstrap molasses is high in copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, selenium molybdenum, zinc, phosphorous, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, inositol and manganese. Molasses also contains an ingredient called “wulzen factors,” a proven remedy for wrist stiffness and arthritis.
What are the benefits of molasses?
The most important benefit of molasses is its high mineral content. Most sweeteners are white because they've been stripped of all their natural goodness.
Iron For Energy
In addition to providing quickly assimilated carbohydrates, blackstrap molasses can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores, and is totally fat-free. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism.
Copper
An essential component of many enzymes, plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes including:
Iron utilization
Elimination of free radicals
Development of bone and connective tissue
The production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin.
Manganese
This trace mineral helps produce energy from protein and carbohydrates. The synthesis of fatty acids that are important for a healthy nervous system and in the production of cholesterol that is used by the body to produce sex hormones. Manganese is also a critical component of an important antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is found exclusively inside the body’s mitochondria (the oxygen-based energy factories inside most of our cells) where it provides protection against damage from the free radicals produced during energy production.
Potassium
Like calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. When potassium is deficient in the diet, activity of both muscles and nerves can become compromised. Potassium is an especially important mineral for athletes since it is involved in carbohydrate storage for use by muscles as fuel and is also important in maintaining the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base (pH) balance. When potassium levels drop too low, muscles get weak, and athletes tire more easily during exercise, as potassium deficiency causes a decrease in glycogen (the fuel used by exercising muscles) storage. blackstrap molasses may be one of the healthiest sweeteners that you can find! Any sweeteners should be avoided in food that a dog eats on a daily basis, small amounts of unrefined sugar, such as honey or molasses, are okay in dog treats. Blackstrap molasses is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.
This information is offered as suggestions only not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggestion. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
References
Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott, www.dogfoodproject.com www.herbslovetoknow.com www.allergies-in-dogs.com www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=118&tname=foodspice www.healthfoodsonline.com.au/shop/product/blue_label_molasses_black_strap_-_550g/936 www.fourbody.com.au/melrose-blue-label-molasses.html, www.homeopathy-blackheath.com/BlackstrapMolasses.pdf
What are the benefits of molasses?
The most important benefit of molasses is its high mineral content. Most sweeteners are white because they've been stripped of all their natural goodness.
Iron For Energy
In addition to providing quickly assimilated carbohydrates, blackstrap molasses can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores, and is totally fat-free. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism.
Copper
An essential component of many enzymes, plays a role in a wide range of physiological processes including:
Iron utilization
Elimination of free radicals
Development of bone and connective tissue
The production of the skin and hair pigment called melanin.
Manganese
This trace mineral helps produce energy from protein and carbohydrates. The synthesis of fatty acids that are important for a healthy nervous system and in the production of cholesterol that is used by the body to produce sex hormones. Manganese is also a critical component of an important antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is found exclusively inside the body’s mitochondria (the oxygen-based energy factories inside most of our cells) where it provides protection against damage from the free radicals produced during energy production.
Potassium
Like calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. When potassium is deficient in the diet, activity of both muscles and nerves can become compromised. Potassium is an especially important mineral for athletes since it is involved in carbohydrate storage for use by muscles as fuel and is also important in maintaining the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base (pH) balance. When potassium levels drop too low, muscles get weak, and athletes tire more easily during exercise, as potassium deficiency causes a decrease in glycogen (the fuel used by exercising muscles) storage. blackstrap molasses may be one of the healthiest sweeteners that you can find! Any sweeteners should be avoided in food that a dog eats on a daily basis, small amounts of unrefined sugar, such as honey or molasses, are okay in dog treats. Blackstrap molasses is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.
This information is offered as suggestions only not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggestion. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
References
Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott, www.dogfoodproject.com www.herbslovetoknow.com www.allergies-in-dogs.com www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=118&tname=foodspice www.healthfoodsonline.com.au/shop/product/blue_label_molasses_black_strap_-_550g/936 www.fourbody.com.au/melrose-blue-label-molasses.html, www.homeopathy-blackheath.com/BlackstrapMolasses.pdf
Facts About
Carrots for Dogs
SWEET POTATOES and PUMPKIN too - What is Beta carotene?
Beta carotene (B-carotene) is classified as a carotenoid. These chemicals give foods their bright orange, red, or yellow coloring. Carrots, naturally, are high in beta carotene, but other foods such as peppers and tomatoes also carry it. Beta carotene is an antioxidant, which protects against cell damage by soaking up free radicals. It is also the precursor to vitamin A. Our bodies, and those of our dogs, make vitamin A out of beta-carotene. Beta carotene is a powerful nutrient in its own right. Free radicals are unstable chemicals left over from reactions in the body. They are influenced by environmental factors such as pollution or too much sun exposure. These chemicals can cause major cell damage if not neutralized by antioxidants such as B-carotene. Once B-carotene is converted into vitamin A, it goes on to have a wide range of health benefits. The most well-known function of vitamin A is in eye health and sight. It also plays a role in skin and coat health and a immune response. Dogs with a deficiency can suffer from decreased vision and skin sores and lesions.While most commercial dog foods have synthetic vitamin A, very few contain B-carotene. Natural B-carotene is not able to stand up to the harsh processing that most commercial dog foods go through.
Beta carotene (B-carotene) is classified as a carotenoid. These chemicals give foods their bright orange, red, or yellow coloring. Carrots, naturally, are high in beta carotene, but other foods such as peppers and tomatoes also carry it. Beta carotene is an antioxidant, which protects against cell damage by soaking up free radicals. It is also the precursor to vitamin A. Our bodies, and those of our dogs, make vitamin A out of beta-carotene. Beta carotene is a powerful nutrient in its own right. Free radicals are unstable chemicals left over from reactions in the body. They are influenced by environmental factors such as pollution or too much sun exposure. These chemicals can cause major cell damage if not neutralized by antioxidants such as B-carotene. Once B-carotene is converted into vitamin A, it goes on to have a wide range of health benefits. The most well-known function of vitamin A is in eye health and sight. It also plays a role in skin and coat health and a immune response. Dogs with a deficiency can suffer from decreased vision and skin sores and lesions.While most commercial dog foods have synthetic vitamin A, very few contain B-carotene. Natural B-carotene is not able to stand up to the harsh processing that most commercial dog foods go through.
reference- voices.yahoo.com/carrots-dogs-benefits-beta-carotene-and-11315412.html?cat=53
www.ehow.com/facts_5454632_nutrition-wheat-germ.html