To understand more about how Australian-made dog food compares to the rest of the world, we’re going to pull back the curtain on what makes some dog foods better than others. 

We’ll do so by looking at the four key factors that offer a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all life stages. And, as we’ll discover, opting for locally produced dog food is the best option for your furry bestie.

What constitutes top-quality dog food?

In order to separate nutritious dog food – like Prime100 – from unhealthy brands, we need to know the basics of what makes up a delicious doggy dinner:

High-quality ingredients

This is the number one thing that dog owners look for. They want the best ingredients with the most vitamins, minerals and protein. 

To help navigate the labelling and promises on the packaging of the ‘best dog food’ options, here are some key descriptors to look out for:

• Primarily protein. Check the hierarchy of ingredients listed on the packaging. The first should be meat, indicating that the meal is primarily made with a protein source rather than cereals or fillers. 
• Limited ingredients. Quality food focuses only on what’s nutritionally beneficial – no additional fillers. Essentially, the fewer the ingredients, the better it is for digestion, allergies, and overall health.
• All-natural recipes. The best dog food Australia has to offer will be free of artificial preservatives, colours, and GMOs. Australian brand, Prime100, uses only functional ingredients, which means your doggo is getting a complete and balanced diet at every mealtime.
• Human-grade production. This means that you and your pup could eat out of the same bowl. While your dog won’t want to share their scrumptious food, it’s a strong indication that the contents are high quality. Keep an eye out for mention of HACCP approved and auditable. That’s when you know it’s good stuff!

If you want to go one step further when it comes to high-quality, companies like Prime100 even conduct Quality Assurance checks with every batch of dog food produced. Their team carefully tests, inspects, and evaluates each small batch before packaging to ensure it meets the highest standards.

Digestibility

The best dog food brands are rich in highly digestible ingredients. For your doggo, this means their meals are easier on the stomach, promoting smoother digestion and nutrient absorption.

It’s important to note here – although a type of food might be of high quality, it also needs to align with your dog’s dietary needs. For example; if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to chicken, look for a single protein diet with an alternative animal source such as kangaroo or salmon.

When it comes to dog food that’s highly digestible, lean meats, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are known to be gentle on the digestive system. 

To help decipher dog food digestibility, look for recipes that have things like essential amino acids, crude fibre, and a healthy dose of dietary fat. These are the elements that you’d find in a well-rounded, fresh meal instead of a manufactured dog food.

You can learn more about the important role of essential amino acids in dog food digestibility in our article, What’s the best meat for dogs?

Strong food safety measures

In the last few years, animal advocates like the RSPCA Australia have done a lot to improve pet food safety for our pets. These groups made sure to push for regulations that would make pet food better, safer and more nutritionally adequate, both in the short and long term.

Although Australia lacks a governing body for pet food, independent audits by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) ensure compliance with local standards. Prime100, a PFIAA member, also meets international standards set by governing bodies; AAFCO (US), FEDIAF (Europe), and NRC (Canada).

In addition, Prime100 goes the extra mile and frequently tests the quality of their meals with NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities).  This means your dog is getting the ingredients (protein DNA), macro and micro-nutrients as printed in the guaranteed analysis.

Finally, the best dog food Australia has to offer is…made locally!

On the one hand, there’s a huge environmental benefit to buying dog food that’s made in Australia. By eliminating the reliance on imported foods, your furry bestie can enjoy top-quality dog food without the huge carbon footprint.

Prime100’s single protein diet (SPD) Slow Cooked range features 71% plant-based packaging, which is recyclable in specific facilities. Their packaging also has 6x less impact on climate change compared to traditional wet food cans.

But there’s another reason why locally-made dog food is preferable: it’s more likely to be fresh. Since it’s produced nearby, it spends less time in transit, ensuring a shorter supply chain. This not only means fresher ingredients but also helps retain more of the nutrients essential for your dog’s health. 

Prime100 is committed to supporting Aussie farmers and communities. But not just any – they partner exclusively with licensed and audited human-grade suppliers who meet the strictest animal welfare standards. For example — one of their suppliers is dedicated to revitalising Queensland’s wild game kangaroo industry. Their innovative app tracks kangaroo populations, supporting long-term sustainability.

How does the best dog food Australia has to offer stack up?

When considering high quality ingredients, for instance, Australia has no shortage of healthy proteins and dog-friendly vegetables. Just take a look at the benefits of kangaroo meat, one of the best sources of protein for dogs that just so happens to be abundant in Australia.

And, as we’ve covered, pet food safety standards are making leaps and bounds in Australia.

Australian brands like Prime100 maintain their product integrity in many ways. Locally made Prime100 SPD diets are formulated to meet the nutritional standards for dogs of all life stages, as set out by both the independent body in Australia and the governing bodies in the US, Europe and Canada. This is what sets them apart and provides your dog with complete and balanced diet.

We all know that the best things come right from our backyard, here in Australia. Dog food is no different. Buying locally is the best choice for the planet, and it’s also the best choice for nutritious dog food.

So, like their natural recipes, it’s only natural to choose their meals for your doggo!

Try Australian-made Prime100 dog food.

Get a sample for FREE:

The post How to find the best dog food Australia has to offer appeared first on Mad Paws.

The good news?

By understanding food sensitivities (more commonly known as “intolerances”) and allergies, you can make better choices for your furry friend’s health and well-being. 

One effective option when it comes to choosing the right food for sensitive stomachs in dogs, as well as food allergies, is a single protein diet. We’ll share more about that shortly…

First, what’s the difference between food sensitivities and food allergies?

You may have heard these terms used interchangeably, but they refer to different conditions:

• Food allergies: When a dog develops a food allergy, their immune system identifies something in the food as harmful. This will trigger an inflammatory response, with symptoms including: itching, hives, ear infections, as well as gastrointestinal issues.
• Food sensitivities: A sensitivity (or intolerance), on the other hand, occurs when the digestive system has difficulty processing certain ingredients. This leads to symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

If your dog has ongoing digestive issues, but no skin problems or ear infections, they’re more likely to have a sensitive stomach. If skin reactions accompany digestive upset, it may be an allergy.

In either case, however, a single protein diet may be the answer to your dog’s dietary dilemma!

How to identify common triggers of food allergies and sensitivities:

The most common triggers are: proteins (the main culprits being chicken and beef), dairy ingredients, and grains.

While some proteins can cause gut unrest, it’s certainly not to say that dogs should go without it. So, it’s important to identify the source of the issue, not simply to rule out meat altogether. After all, canines are carnivores, so they need protein in their diet.

In order to find out what the trigger of your dog’s reactions may be, a veterinarian-supervised elimination trial – using a novel protein diet – is the safest and best course of action. How it works is, ingredients are systematically removed to pinpoint the cause of the reaction. 

Once you know what the cause of the allergy or sensitivity is, you can then start the process of sourcing the most appropriate diet for your dog.

More about how a single protein diet works:

In short, a single protein diet isolates one protein source. 

For dogs, single protein sources like chicken, fish, duck, and lamb are what their bodies are built to consume. Before they were domesticated, this is what they would have eaten in the wild. This is why many pet nutrition experts recommend feeding single protein diets as sensitive stomach dog food.

Additionally, single protein diets (SPD) are considered low allergen. This essentially means you’re limiting the chance of your dog experiencing digestive discomfort or an allergic reaction.

While there are countless dog food options on the market, it’s important to know exactly what to look for beyond the labelling.

So, let’s dive deeper and list the most important elements to consider.

What to look for when choosing food for sensitive stomachs in dogs:

• Single protein source: Many dogs with sensitive stomachs may have an adverse reaction to certain proteins. A single protein diet reduces the chance of triggering allergies or digestive issues.
• Limited ingredients: The general rule of thumb is the same as it is when looking at the best food for us humans. The first ingredient listed on the packaging is the main one. In the case of dog food, it should be a protein source. Thereafter, the fewer ingredients the better. 
• High-quality ingredients: Dog food that’s rich in highly digestible ingredients is easier on the stomach, promoting smoother digestion and nutrient absorption. 
• Australian made: Locally made food ensures fresh ingredients and home grown proteins. You’ll also be supporting local business too.
• Vet recommended: Choosing a food that is recommended by veterinarians ensures that it meets the specific dietary needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs.

With the understanding that food ingredients are the main cause of digestive & skin irritations in dogs, Australian business Prime100 set out to provide ready-made meals that steer clear of allergens and dietary red flags.

So, they teamed up with industry leading expert dermatologists, vets, and nutritionists to create complete Single Protein Diets (SPD).

Check out this clip from TV show, Bondi Vet, explaining how Prime100’s Single Protein Diet is ideal for dogs with sensitivities:

Why Prime100 is the answer when searching for food for sensitive stomachs in dogs:

• Made in Australia with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers
• Produced in HACCP audited human-grade facilities
• AAFCO compliant
• All recipes are preservative free
• All recipes are gluten free
• Promote healthy bone and joint support
• Supplemented with: taurine for heart function, prebiotics, postbiotics, vitamins and minerals, essential Omega 3 and 6

Keen to try Prime100’s single protein diet options? Get a FREE sample!

The post How to choose food for sensitive stomachs in dogs appeared first on Mad Paws.

But as irresistible as these squishable mounds of sugar are, can dogs eat marshmallows with you? Are there any benefits to tossing your dog a sweet treat every once in a while or should you stick with healthy dog treats? And what should you do if your dog has sneakily chowed down on a bag of marshmallows while you were away?

Whip up a cup of hot cocoa because we’ve got the answers to all of your marshmallow questions!

Can dogs eat marshmallows?

While most marshmallows are not technically toxic to dogs, the widespread consensus is that dogs should not eat them. Not only do marshmallows offer no nutritional value, but their high sugar content can have both short term and long term negative health effects, such as tooth decay, pancreatitis, heart disease and hypertension. 

While your dog may love the taste of marshmallows in the moment, they could start to feel sick to their stomach shortly after their special treat. If you’ve ever overindulged in marshmallows yourself, you know that it’s a quick way to ruin a perfectly good time.

Marshmallows that contain the chemical sweeter, xylitol, do pose a risk of toxicity in dogs and should be considered dangerous. In some cases, xylitol can trigger a drop in blood sugar and strain on the liver that can be life-threatening if not treated.

One other thing to consider with marshmallows is that they can pose a choking hazard to dogs. Because the texture is not hard or crunchy, your dog may try to swallow the whole thing without chewing. This is made worse by the fact that your dog’s sweet receptors are located on the back of their tongue.

Can dogs eat marshmallows as a very special treat?

Given that the majority of marshmallows are not toxic, you don’t have to worry about your dog eating one that fell between the couch cushions. And, if you really feel the need, you can share one or two marshmallows with your furry friend the next time you and the family are roasting marshmallows. 

That said, there are better ways to include Fido in on the fun that doesn’t include scrutinising ingredient labels for xylitol and hoping that he doesn’t have digestive discomfort afterwards. You might consider, for example, having a bag of Waggly Treats on hand when your family is enjoying a few marshmallows. In fact, because dogs are more drawn to all-natural, meaty flavours, your dog will probably prefer the taste of their favourite doggy snack to the sweetness of marshmallows.

To be sure, sharing an occasional treat with your dog is a wonderful way to build a strong bond with your pup and provide them with some mental enrichment. You can be sure that your doggo is getting the most out of the experience by giving them treats that are created just for them! 

What should you do if your dog has eaten more than a few marshmallows?

A couple of marshmallows here and there isn’t likely to be too much of an issue for your dog. But what should you do if you walk into a kitchen with an empty bag of marshmallows and a very suspicious-looking dog? 

Firstly, if the marshmallows contain xylitol, you’ll want to head straight for the vet’s office where they can treat your dog right away.

If the marshmallows did not contain xylitol, your first step will be to call your vet. They may recommend that you come in for immediate treatment before your dog experiences digestive discomfort. Or, they may have you monitor your dog for the following symptoms before coming in:

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea
• Panting
• Fatigue 
• Excessive thirst

Make sure that your dog has access to fresh water and a cool area to recuperate in, and take your dog in if you see any further changes to their health status.

How can you prevent your dog from eating marshmallows in the first place?

Once a dog has developed a taste for marshmallows, they might start to drool at the mere sight of the bag. While you will certainly want to limit their access to this sweet treat and warn their dedicated Dog Sitter to hide away the sweets, there are a few things that you can do to phase out your dog’s marshmallow madness:

• Teach them a generalised “leave it” cue. Teaching your dog to leave food that’s fallen on the ground is a valuable skill, and it can prevent a costly trip to the vet if you happen to drop something that is toxic to your dog

• Provide your dog with foraging outlets. Foraging is a natural doggy instinct that can lead to all kinds of naughtiness when you’re away. By giving your dog supervised opportunities to forage, whether with a fun scent tracking game in the backyard or a snuffle mat, your dog may be less inclined to sniff through your kitchen cabinets

• Address any counter-surfing habits. If your dog has a habit of jumping up on the counters, you probably already know to keep the tasty treats safely out of your dog’s reach. At the same time, proactively teaching your dog not to counter surf by offering them treats for a different behaviour can help to phase out the counter cruising entirely. 

Overall, should dogs have marshmallows…yes or no?

Marshmallows range from unhealthy to potentially toxic and should never be considered an appropriate treat for your dog. If they manage to get their chompers on one or two non-xylitol marshmallows (or you simply can’t resist those puppy dog eyes), you don’t have to panic. But, even a few marshmallows here and there can lead to digestive upset and, over time, negative health outcomes.

Instead, give your doggo what they really want, like tasty, all-natural snacks. And work on teaching your doggo not to lunge for the marshmallows with some proactive training. The good news is, more marshmallows for you!

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Let’s get to the answers you’ve bean waiting for!

Can dogs eat baked beans?

The simple answer is no. Dogs should not eat baked beans. This tasty dish contains too much sugar, salt and other seasonings that are not good for doggy digestion or overall health. 

Additional ingredients, like garlic and onions, are what give baked beans their tasty flavour, but they pose a risk of toxicity in dogs. And while tomatoes aren’t technically toxic, their high acidity can lead to digestive upset.

Finally, there’s the issue of preservatives. We love the convenience of a baked beans can, but the truth is, the preservatives that give it a long shelf life can be harmful to our pets.

So, can dogs eat baked beans? The short answer is no.

Can dogs eat baked beans in small quantities? What should I do if my dog ate baked beans?

Now that we’ve established that baked beans should not be part of your doggo’s regular diet, what should you do if your sneaky pup found a way to eat some while you weren’t looking?

First of all, don’t panic. Your dog probably won’t experience a severe outcome from eating a few bites of baked beans. Unless you notice a change in their behaviour or digestion, you can assume that your doggo will be just fine.

If they gobbled down a good amount, then they might experience symptoms of stomach upset like vomiting, diarrhoea, and even fever. In more severe, but rare cases, ingesting large amounts of beans can lead to stomach bloating or digestive blockages. Whatever your dog’s symptoms are after eating baked beans, it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet for further instruction.  

Can dogs eat beans that don’t come in a baked beans can?

As it turns out, the beans themselves aren’t actually the problem when it comes to baked beans. Beans alone can be quite healthy for dogs, as long as they’re of the pup-friendly variety and prepared the pup-friendly way. 

Black beans, green beans, chickpeas, and lima beans are all dog-friendly legumes that are a great source of dietary fibre and health-boosting minerals like iron and magnesium. These beans are also full of vitamins like Vitamin C and K as well as antioxidants and protein.

To prepare these beans for your dog, you’ll want to soak them overnight and then cook them without any oils or seasoning (unless you’ve got some dog-friendly bone broth on hand.) Once the beans are thoroughly cooked, you can serve them in bite sized pieces or blend them up for a spreadable treat for your dog’s puzzle toys.

Some beans require extra care before you feed them to your dog. Fava beans, for example, are typically not recommended for DIY dog treats because they need special processing to become digestible and safe. When prepared the right way, such as in lab-tested dog foods, studies have shown that fava beans are an excellent source of protein and folates.

Are there health risks to feeding beans to your dog?

As with any plant-based food, moderation is important. Dogs are omnivores, but they’re not as efficient at processing fibre as we humans are. As such, too much roughage in their diet can lead to digestive blockages and dangerous gas build-ups.

Beans are typically high-calorie and high-carb foods, so there’s also a risk of throwing off your dog’s overall health by overdoing it with the legumes.

Your dog’s ideal serving size will depend on their unique tolerance to beans as well as their activity levels. Always start with very small portions and make sure that you’re not feeding more than a few spoonfuls of beans per day. If you’re not sure how many beans you can feed your dog, check with your vet.

If you want the nutrition, swap out the baked beans can and the bag of dried beans for something better

At this point, it’s probably clear that beans are not the convenient snack that you might have expected. The answer to the question of, “Can dogs eat baked beans?” is a resounding no. And while unseasoned, cooked beans can offer some health benefits, they also require a good amount of preparation before serving to your dog.

We haven’t even mentioned the fact that your doggo might be one of the many that doesn’t enjoy the taste of plain, cooked beans! 

If you want to give your pupper the nutrition of legumes without the extra effort, you might opt for a meal plan with beans as an ingredient! Mad Paws Dinner Bowl Kibble, for instance, offers options with chickpeas and fava beans so that your dog can get the nutritional boost of the best dog-friendly beans.

When you leave it up to the pros, you can be sure that your dog is getting the ideal amount of legumes in their nutritional plan. And if your furry friend is a picky eater, you won’t have to trick them into eating their plants. They’ll be drooling over their high quality kibble every time they see the bag!

Overall, can dogs eat baked beans?

While your dog can probably tolerate a few nibbles of baked beans, it’s strongly recommended that you do not make it a regular habit. Baked beans are unhealthy and potentially toxic to dogs, and should definitely be enjoyed where they belong: on your plate along with a couple of fried eggs and smoked bacon.

That said, beans are not the problem ingredient in the baked beans can, which means your dog can eat them. As long as they’re cooked, unseasoned, and served in moderation, beans can offer some nutritional benefits to your dog.

At the end of the day, it’s always best to leave the nutritional science to the pros by giving your dog high quality, balanced dog food. 

The post Can dogs eat baked beans? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Still, just because your Pup wants something doesn’t mean it’s good for them. With increasing amounts of owners Googling the answer to “can dogs eat Vegemite,” we’re here to provide you with all the answers.

Is Vegemite OK For Dogs?

Vegemite contains yeast extract, salt, mineral salt, malt extract, colour (150c), flavours, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate.

None of these ingredients is toxic to dogs, so if they steal a quick lick of your Vegemite toast, it shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Still, just because it’s non-toxic does not mean it’s healthy. And several ingredients could be detrimental to your dog’s health. 

Overall, Vegemite is OK for dogs as a treat food, but not something you should be adding to their diet regularly.

Can Dogs Eat Vegemite?

Dogs can eat Vegemite, but you should only allow this high-value treat occasionally in small amounts (in the same way you would with other treat foods like cheese). This is because Vegemite contains some ingredients that can cause problems if your pups consume them in high quantities.

Understanding the effects of these ingredients and planning your dog’s diet around their recommended daily allowances can help keep them stay healthy. As every dog is different, your vet is the best person to talk you through the individual dietary requirements of your Pup.

Salt

Vegemite contains high amounts of salt – not uncommon for human products, but it can lead to severe health issues for your pet. Too much salt isn’t good for a canine or human diet, but we have a far higher tolerance than our pups thanks to the efficient work of our kidneys. 

Salt is essential to your dog’s diet as it helps balance body fluids and aids nerves and muscle functions. Still, dogs require a much smaller amount of salt to achieve this balance than we do, which is why many human foods are unsuitable for your Pup.

As little as 2-3g of sodium (depending on the size and breed) can cause a dog to experience “salt toxicosis”, otherwise known as hypernatremia. This can cause several unwanted symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness, which can have deadly consequences if not treated correctly.

It might sound worrying, but salt toxicosis is rare and requires your dog to eat excessive sodium in one go (i.e., it doesn’t build up over time if your dog eats small amounts of salt on different days). Still, it doesn’t take much to cause salt poisoning or bloat, so it’s good to stay mindful of your dog’s salt intake.  

Yeast Extract

Yeast is another ingredient that causes unwanted ailments if consumed in excess by your Pup. The most commonly reported side effects are stomach upsets or gas. But in extreme cases, yeast consumption can lead to bloat or even alcohol poisoning.

Again, this is rare but something to be mindful of, particularly if your dog is on anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications. If your dog has a yeast allergy, experiences recurring yeast infections, or has an immunocompromised system, you should avoid yeast-based products altogether.

When Is Vegemite OK For Dogs?

While yeast can be deadly in a handful of circumstances, it is generally safe for healthy dogs to enjoy it in small amounts. Vegemite contains “brewer’s yeast,” a rich source of b vitamins such as b1, b2, b3, and b9 – each offering a number of benefits.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) – is important for brain function and helps your dog to build a robust immune system.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – helps build red blood cells and maintain strong muscles. It’s also good for eyesight and an essential vitamin for puppies.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – aids healthy brain function, digestion, and hormone production.
• Vitamin B9 – (Folic Acid) – is essential for DNA production and pregnancy. It also aids in red blood cell creation. 

Of course, there are much healthier alternatives for providing your dog with these nutrients, and as long as they eat a balanced diet, they shouldn’t need additional vitamins.

A good way to achieve balance is to take a tiny amount of Vegemite and spread it onto a healthier food for your Pup, such as banana or carrot.

Can Puppies Eat Vegemite?

Older or immunocompromised dogs are at the most significant risk of experiencing adverse side effects from salty foods such as Vegemite. Still, getting the nutritional balance right for your puppy is essential for optimum growth and development.

Healthy puppies can enjoy treats just like healthy adult dogs, but if you’re thinking of adding new foods to their diet, it’s always a good idea to consult a vet first. Always start your Pup with a tiny amount of something new and monitor them for any adverse reactions before giving them any more.

Can Dogs Eat Toast With Vegemite?

The versatility of Vegemite means that there are thousands of ways to enjoy it, but a simple slice of toast with Vegemite remains a solid favourite. So which is better – giving your dog a small sample of vegemite or smearing a little over a piece of bread?

Let’s be honest; neither of these is a great snack for your dog, but if they can’t resist the tempting taste of this treat food, still give them just a small amount of Vegemite on its own. Combining bread with Vegemite increases the overall salt and yeast content, making your dog more likely to experience gastrointestinal discomfort or bloat. In addition, bread offers barely any nutritional value to your dog, so you would just be serving them pointless extra calories.

Photo credits: https://vegemite.com.au/

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And, the beauty of these recipes? Instead of spending too much time heating up the whole house with oven-baked treats, we’re keeping these summer dog treat recipes fresh, frozen, and all-around simple. Whether they’ve just returned from a Dog Walk or are looking to cool down, these treats will hit the spot. 

Easy-to-make and even easier-to-enjoy, your pup is going to love ’em!

Check out these 5 summer inspired dog treat recipes:

Frozen Carrot Zucchini Pops

Ingredients:

• One zucchini, shredded
• One carrot, shredded
• 1 cup of flavourless yoghurt

Instructions:

For this summer dog treat recipe, dice your veggies and throw them into a blender with the yoghurt. Blend until well mixed. If your mixture is looking too thick, you can throw in a spoonful or two of water. You should have a pourable mixture.

Then, pull out your silicone dog treat moulds or an ice tray. Pour the blend into the mould and freeze for a tasty, refreshing treat!

Summer Green Smoothie

In our spring dog treat recipe list, we included a few berry-licious dog smoothies. But for summer? It’s all about the powerful greens! Here’s a dog-friendly smoothie that you and your pup will love:

• 1 beet, with greens
• 1 apple
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• ½ cup of water

This summer dog treat recipe makes a lot of smoothie, so you might consider pouring the leftovers in an ice tray or silicon mould for green smoothie frozen bites!

Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus is a tasty summer vegetable, and it’s also a healthy treat for your doggo. Asparagus has vitamins A,E,C, and K, as well as antioxidants and other nutritional minerals.

When feeding your dog asparagus, there are a few things to consider. First, they may have some trouble eating asparagus raw, as the stalk is tough and hard to chew. A few minutes of steaming clears that problem right up.

You might also find that your pup is hesitant to try asparagus. To make them more interested, you might wrap asparagus pieces in their favourite dog-friendly beef-jerky.

Make sure that you give your dog these tasty hors d’oeuvres in bite sized pieces and don’t overdo it. Too much of a good thing can give your dog uncomfortable gas. Make sure to monitor your pup after giving them asparagus for the first time to ensure that they can digest it without trouble.

No Bake Summer Cake

If your pup will be celebrating a birthday this summer or you just feel like giving them something special, a no bake summer cake is the perfect solution. It highlights summer seasonal favourites and it’s super easy to make:

Ingredients:

• Small handful of your dog’s dry food, crushed
• Half of a banana
• One artichoke heart
• 1 spoonful of peanut butter

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until you get what might look to you like a chunky mess. It’ll look great to your pup, believe us. Spoon the mixture into a cookie cutter with tall sides. Put the cake in the freezer to set for a few hours.

Then, remove the cookie cutter and serve to your fur baby!

No Bake Pupcakes

We love this one from Dog Child! With no baking involved, and most ingredients already in your pantry or fridge, it’s a simple but super scrumptious snack for your four-legged friend.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp oats
• 2 Tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 flaxseed egg or egg 
• 3-4 Tbsp applesauce
• Microwave-safe moulds or mug
• 2 Tsp dairy-free yoghurt
• 2 Tsp cream cheese
• Blueberries 

Instructions:

To make the pupcakes:

1. Add oats, apple sauce, peanut butter, and egg to a bowl. Mix well.
2. Spoon the mixture into microwave safe cupcake molds.
3. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, then let cool and make icing.

To make the icing:

1. Add dairy free yogurt and cream cheese to a bowl.
2. Mix until creamy.
3. Spoon mixture into a piping bag and pipe over the cupcakes.
4. Decorate with blueberries and serve!

Which of these summer dog treat recipes will your pup enjoy most?

This summer’s list of dog treat recipes is all about experimenting with seasonal fruits and veggies. You may not have expected your pup to eat ingredients like beets, artichokes, and asparagus, but with these summer veggies taking over local groceries and farmer’s markets, it’s worth trying them out!

And with recipes that take just a few minutes of prep-work, you can choose the summer dog treat recipe that you think your doggo will love the most and go from there. We’d love to know how it turns out!

Bone-appetit!

The post Summer dog treat recipes appeared first on Mad Paws.

Can dogs eat bones?

Bones are a bit of a controversial topic in the wide world of canines. Some believe they’re a fantastic nutritious addition to a dog’s diet. Others think the potential drawbacks of feeding dogs bones far outweigh the positives. 

In short, though, dogs can eat bones. Bones are good for your doggo’s mind and body, and they offer a bunch of health benefits.

However, they do come with quite a few caveats – not least the fact that they should always be raw. If you want to feed your dog a bone, it pays to know the risks, and the precautions you’ll need to take. These are designed to minimise the chance of anything bad happening to your pupper, which we’ll get to shortly. 

What are the pros of giving bones to dogs?

From keeping your pooch busy, to offering a bit of a nutritional kick, there are quite a few advantages to throwing your dog a bone.

Bones are a great outlet for a dog’s need to chew

Chewing is a very natural behaviour for dogs. If left unsatisfied, it can lead to destructive behaviour (as well as the loss of your favourite pair of shoes, or your child’s most treasured plush toy). Bones fulfill your pupper’s inherent need to chew, plus they help keep their jaws nice and strong.

Bones boost your dog’s oral health

When your dog indulges in a good chewing session, not only are they thoroughly enjoying themselves, but they’re also keeping their teeth and gums in good shape. This is because chewing a bone stimulates saliva production and helps brush away tartar and plaque build-up. 

Even better if the bone still has some meat on it. Bits of meat, cartilage, and gristle act like dental floss for your pupper.

They can also benefit your doggo’s digestive system

As long as they’re raw, your dog can easily digest various types of bones. Bones also provide a bit of roughage, which is ideal for keeping things moving in their digestive tract. 

Bones contain vital minerals

Bones mostly consist of calcium phosphate. This means they give your doggo a nice dose of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are good for your dog’s health. Together, the two minerals work to support your pupper’s own bones, joints, and muscles.

Bones can keep them happy

Dogs need mental stimulation, and a bone can certainly provide that. When your dog has something to keep them preoccupied, especially if it’s something they can chew on, it makes them a happier, calmer, and more well-rounded dog.

Are there any risks associated with feeding bones to dogs?

While bones bear lots of benefits, they’re certainly not without their risks. This is why you should always supervise your dog when they’re chowing down on a bone.

Before giving your doggo any old bone, here are a few important things to know.

Bones are very dangerous when cooked

First up, bones should never, ever, ever be cooked. A cooked bone can’t be digested by your dog, and runs the risk of splintering. This means fragments of cooked bone could end up in your dog’s throat or digestive system, which can result in internal damage. Yikes!

Your dog runs the risk of contracting an infection

Does your pooch like to bury their bone in the yard or gnaw on it for hours? Unfortunately, prolonged time outside the fridge can cause bacteria to grow on the bone, especially if it ends up underground. For this reason, take the bone from your dog after 15 minutes or so and put it back in the fridge.

They can be choking hazards

There are lots of different-sized bones you can buy for your dog. These range from small chicken necks right up to giant leg bones from cows and kangaroos. 

You want to ensure the bone is big enough that your doggo can’t fit the entire thing in their mouth. If the bone is too small, they run the risk of choking on it – and if your dog swallows a foreign object, it can have nasty effects. Smaller bones can be okay for smaller breeds, but not for big dogs.

Certain types of bones aren’t ideal for dogs

Aside from the size of bone you choose, the animal it comes from is key. Not all bones are created equal. Some are great for dogs, while others should be avoided.

• • Can dogs eat chicken bones? Dogs can typically digest chicken bones pretty easily. However, as we know, they should only be given to smaller breeds. Uncooked chicken can also carry bacteria like salmonella, so some experts prefer to avoid chicken bones completely

• • Can dogs eat rib bones? Dogs can eat beef rib bones, as long as they’re raw and given under supervision. Pork and chicken ribs should be avoided

• • Can dogs eat pork bones? Pork bones aren’t the best for dogs. Firstly, they splinter easily, and secondly, raw pork can carry the larvae of a parasite known as Trichinella spiralis. If this gets into your dog’s system, it can lead to trichinosis, which causes bad digestive upset among other things. (Alternatively, if you’re wondering, “Are pig trotters good for dogs?” the answer is yes, they certainly are!)

• • Can dogs eat lamb bones? Lamb bones are generally fine for dogs, as long as they’re raw and the right size

They’re not great in excess

An excessive amount of bones can lead to constipation, which is rather unpleasant for your dog! So, like anything you feed your pupper, bones should be given in moderation. Give your dog one or two bones per week, and space each one by a few days. 

Bones may trigger aggressive behaviour

If your doggo is prone to resource guarding – that is, getting defensive if anyone comes near their precious food, bone, or toy – then you might want to tread carefully with bones. Left unchecked, resource guarding can lead to aggressive behaviour, including growling and biting. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean your dog can’t enjoy bones. But if you catch them getting assertive, addressing the behaviour early with proper training will ensure it doesn’t evolve into full-blown hostility.

Can dogs eat bones when they’re really young or really old?

So, if pooches in general can eat bones with a few precautions, can dogs eat bones when they’re puppies or entering their senior years? 

Puppies can generally enjoy bones from around 4-5 weeks of age, once their milk teeth have come through. Just make sure the bones are small, and ideally have a bit of soft meat still on them.

Bones are great for older dogs. The calcium boost can help protect their teeth and potentially help ward off arthritis.

Are there any alternatives to bones?

If you’re concerned about feeding your doggo a bone, know that there are plenty of fantastic alternatives. Chew toys for dogs are good because they satisfy your pupper’s need to chew and provide an oral health boost. 

You can also feed your pooch nutritious dog meals, such as Mad Paws Dinner Bowl, that contain bone meal powder. This means your dog gets all the nutritional benefits of bones, without the potential side effects.

And if you’re ever unsure whether your dog should eat bones, your vet is always the best source of advice. They’ll let you know whether bones are suitable for your dog, and if they are, which bones are best. 

Bone appetit!

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While there is some grey area that we’ll cover in this article, the safe and simple answer is that dogs should generally avoid garlic. Luckily, your pupper probably enjoys their food even without the added zest of garlic.

What are the health risks of garlic?

Garlic is a member of the allium family along with onions, chives, shallots, and more. All of these flavourful aromatics contain varying levels of a sulfur compound called thiosulfate, which humans are able to metabolise. In contrast, not only are our furry friends unable to digest thiosulfate, but too much of it in the system can have damaging effects on their red blood cells. Whether they’ve ingested large quantities of garlic or onions all at once or over a period of time, the build-up of thiosulfate can lead to digestive issues and anemia. 

This is especially true for Japanese dog breeds such as the Akita or Shiba Inu, as their unique blood type puts them at higher risk of damage from thiosulfate. 

Exactly how much garlic a dog can eat before experiencing negative health outcomes depends on their size and individual ability to metabolise the compound. In general, a dog should never eat more than 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Given that a single clove of garlic is only about 5 grams, you may assume that you have a lot of wiggle room here. But remember that thiosulfate can build up over time; a few grams here and there can negatively affect your dog without you realising it.

Can dogs have garlic in moderation?

Because of the potential risk of garlic toxicity, you won’t find many veterinary professionals who would support giving dogs garlic, even in moderation. There’s simply no evidence of potential health benefits that would justify the risk.

That said, a study published in the BMC Veterinary Research journal in 2018 tested whether dogs would still experience negative health outcomes if given odourless aged garlic extract. They found that as long as the dogs received an appropriate dose according to their weight, they were not likely to show any signs of anemia or other health issues as a result of the garlic.

Of course, your doggo isn’t in a lab setting, which means that you can’t monitor their blood levels to ensure that the garlic isn’t negatively affecting them. So, while the research is promising for anyone looking to include garlic in their dog’s diet in the future, today’s medical advice is to avoid it completely.

What should you do if your dog eats garlic?

Maybe you’ve got a counter-surfing dog who got their paws on a head of garlic or you’ve been known to share a few bites of your delicious steak with your furry friend. Should you be concerned?

To be sure, garlic toxicity shouldn’t be taken lightly. But, there’s no need to panic just yet. Your dog may not need treatment unless they’re showing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Higher than normal heart rate (for small dogs and puppies, that means more than 160 beats per minute and for large dogs, more than 120 beats per minute)
• Lethargy and exhaustion after gentle or moderate exercise
• Drooling and excessive panting
• Digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite
• Blood in the urine or discoloured urine

If you notice any of these changes in your dog’s health, take your dog to the vet for further instruction. They will likely perform blood tests and put your pup on a treatment plan to counteract the garlic toxicity.

Unless your dog has an underlying condition that could make recovery more difficult, you can be sure that your furry friend will be back in good health fairly quickly. Of course, training them to leave the garlic alone in the future may take some additional time!

The answer to “Can dogs have garlic” is no. But there’s good news!

Unfortunately, the medical community is pretty clear: garlic is not recommended for dogs. But, before you feel too disappointed, it’s not all bad news.

For one thing, if you were thinking of giving your dog garlic for the medicinal benefits, the truth is, there are safer ways to improve your dog’s health. Putting them on an all-natural nutritionist-approved diet, for instance, is a great way to fulfill all of your dog’s dietary needs and more. With a carefully curated dog food diet, your doggo will enjoy the benefits that garlic provides humans, such as a stronger immune system and improved heart health – albeit from dog-friendly sources.

Maybe you’re disappointed that you can no longer share a few bites of your delicious meals with your pup. But the fact is, your doggo probably doesn’t appreciate the complex flavour palette that your home cooked meals offer, anyway. That’s because dogs have fewer taste buds than humans. The good news is, they would be equally happy if you tossed them a few bites of dog-friendly ingredients like carrots or apples. So, you can still safely adhere to the “sharing is caring” rule in your household!

Finally, if you grow your own garlic, you don’t need to rip out your beloved plants. By teaching your dog to stay out of your garden and offering them fun alternatives like puzzle toys or interactive play, your dog can coexist with your allium plants without fear of toxicity. 

So, while the answer to the question “can dogs eat garlic” is no, you don’t have to worry about your pupper being too disappointed about the change. There are plenty of ways to achieve health and mental enrichment without the help of this flavourful plant!

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It turns out that dogs can eat strawberries! Like many other fruits and vegetables for dogs, strawberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients. This makes them a healthy dog treat if you’re in the mood to offer something sweet to your pupper. 

But, like anything you feed your dog, there are a few important things to know before giving them strawberries. Here’s the 411 on dogs and strawberries.

Can dogs eat strawberries?

Yep! Strawberries are perfectly safe for dogs. Unlike onions and garlic, they don’t contain any toxins that pose a risk to your doggo’s health.

However, just because your dog can eat strawberries, it doesn’t necessarily mean they should eat lots of them. Instead, approach strawberries as an occasional treat.

Are strawberries good for dogs?

All types of berries are nutritional powerhouses. Strawberries in particular contain lots of vitamins and minerals that are good for dogs. These include vitamin C, manganese, folate (vitamin B9), and potassium. 

Strawberries also contain antioxidants, fibre and an enzyme called malic acid, which has been found to help whiten teeth. This could indeed be a useful way to help keep your doggo’s chompers in tip-top shape.

What’s more, strawberries are low in kilojoules, sodium, and fat, and are cholesterol free. However, they do contain sugar. The odd strawberry here and there won’t be an issue for your dog, but feeding them in excess isn’t advised. 

Ideally, your pupper should enjoy a low-sugar diet filled with nutritionally balanced dog meals. This is particularly crucial if they’ve got health issues that require them to follow a strict eating regimen.

What you need to know about feeding strawberries to your dog

Planning to feed your dog strawberries? Keep these tips up your sleeve to ensure they remain a safe and healthy treat. And, if your trusted Pet Sitter is hoping to jump on the strawberry bandwagon too, make sure to pass along these helpful hints.

Slice, dice, or mash

Your doggo may be big enough to handle a whole strawberry. However, it’s usually much easier for them to eat strawberries if you’ve cut them up beforehand. This is especially true for small dogs or puppies, who may not be able to wrap their mouth around a big, juicy strawberry.

You could chop the strawberries into thin slices, dice them into chunks, or even mash them to a pulp. You can also freeze strawberry pieces to create a delicious summer dog treat. Alternatively, you can blend them with other dog-friendly fruits (banana, mango, watermelon) to make a smoothie.

Also, make sure you remove the leaves before feeding your dog strawberries. While the leaves aren’t toxic, they do taste quite bitter and can be tricky for your doggo to digest. This might lead to a tummy ache or other digestive issues – none of which are very pretty.

Fresh is best

We know now that puppers can safely chow down on strawberries. But, can dogs eat strawberries if they’re in syrup, or some other kind of strawberry product? 

Nope! Dogs should only have fresh strawberries. When kept in syrup, strawberries develop an even higher sugar content, which is a big no-no for your pupper. Sweetened strawberries may also contain other ingredients, including artificial sweeteners like xylitol, that could be toxic to your dog.

Other strawberry products – strawberry pie, strawberry lollies, or strawberry jam – should be avoided for the same reasons. Too much sugar, too great a risk of feeding your doggo something toxic.

Hold the sugar

Because strawberries are pretty high in sugar, they should be a treat rather than a regular snack. Overdoing the sugar – even if it’s in fruit – can cause tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea. Excess sugar may even lead to long-term health complications, like obesity, dental disease, or diabetes.

Giving your dog a few strawberries every now and again is unlikely to cause these problems. But avoid feeding too many strawberries at once, or serving them up too often. For a small dog or puppy, one strawberry is an ideal serving size. Larger dogs can handle around four to five strawberries in a single sitting.

Watch and react

Strawberry allergy in dogs is pretty rare, but there’s always a chance your pupper could have a reaction. If you feed them a strawberry and notice your dog sneezing, coughing, having breathing difficulties, breaking out into hives, or swelling on any part of their body, take them straight to the vet.

Now that we’ve answered “Can dogs eat strawberries?”, what about other berries?

If you’re keen to vary your dog’s treats or make them a mixed berry smoothie, you’re probably curious about other berries. The good news is that blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are perfectly safe.

However, steer clear of cherries. Firstly, they contain pips, which your doggo can choke on. As well, the pips, leaves and stems carry cyanide, which is incredibly toxic to dogs. Other less common berries – like juniper berries, baneberries, and holly berries – are also off limits to your pupper. While they may not be lying around your kitchen, you might very well come across them on a walk!

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Can dogs eat cheese?

Yes, dogs can eat some types of cheese – in moderation. In small doses, a bit of cheese can be beneficial to our furry friends, just like it can be to us humans. Cheese contains decent amounts of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. That said, your dog should be getting these essential nutrients anyway as long as their diet is filled with healthy, high-quality pet food.

It’s important to note, however, that some dogs (like some humans) are lactose intolerant. It’s true that cheese doesn’t contain nearly as much lactose as, say, a glass of cow’s milk, but to those with severe dairy sensitivities, it can still trigger a reaction. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs are much like those in humans – diarrhea, gas, vomiting, bloating, and appetite loss. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these signs after your pup ingests dairy.

Likewise, dogs who are obese or have kidney problems should also avoid cheese due to its high fat content.

What cheeses are bad for dogs?

Though dogs can eat cheese, there are certain caveats. Although cheese is non-toxic to dogs (barring any allergies), some types are not suitable.

One type of cheese that dogs should absolutely not eat is blue cheese. The fungus that grows in blue cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort can produce a toxic compound called roquefortine C. This compound can be highly dangerous to dogs, particularly if consumed in large amounts.

If you suspect your dog has eaten blue cheese, look out for the following signs. If you spot any of them, contact your vet immediately.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• High temperature
• Seizures

It’s also important to keep your dog away from cheeses with other additions that may be toxic to them. That means any cheese that contains pooch-unfriendly ingredients like garlic, onion, or raisins.

What cheeses are safe for dogs?

So now that we know that dogs can eat cheese, the question becomes, “should dogs eat cheese?” While blue cheese is definitely not good for dogs, other types of cheese are perfectly safe in small portions.

Common soft cheeses like mozzarella, mild cheddar, and string cheese are safe for pups in moderation. These cheeses can tend to be higher in fat, so you can always opt for a low-fat version instead to keep your pooch at a healthy weight.

Salt-reduced cottage cheese can be a fantastic addition to your doggo’s diet – albeit an occasional one. High-quality cottage cheese contains probiotics, is high in protein and calcium, and lower in fat than other types of cheese.

Plain, low-fat cream cheese, though still rather fatty and high in calories, is also safe for canine consumption. Like the other cheeses in the “safe” list, moderation is key. One thing to avoid is cream cheese with extra bits like onion, garlic, and chives – all of these are dangerous to dogs.

How often can dogs eat cheese?

We’ve thrown around the terms “moderation” and “small amounts” quite a lot in this article. But just how small an amount are we talking? And more importantly, how much cheese is too much for your furry friend?

Well, suffice to say you’re not going to be inviting Rex to partake in that decadent cheeseboard you’ve arranged. Even a small amount of cheese for humans might be a little too much for your pup. Cheese can be very high in calories, so try to stick to as small an amount as possible. A one-centimetre cube or thin slice will be more than enough for most dogs – particularly little ones.

For dogs who are particularly food-motivated (and who might not have “moderation” in their vocabulary), a comprehensive pet insurance policy can give you some added peace of mind should they get stuck into the mozzarella when you’re not looking.

Not only should you limit how much cheese your dog enjoys, but you should try not to make it a part of their regular diet. Instead, think of cheese as you would any other dog treat. It can be a useful tool in training, but it shouldn’t be a regular addition to their breakfast or dinner.

If your four-legged friend has a particular love for cheese, you may be tempted to use it to hide medication. In most cases, this is fine, but there is one thing to keep in mind. Any type of dairy can reduce the absorption of antibiotics, so for these types of medicines, stick with one of their other favourite treats.

How to feed your dog cheese safely

Now that we know the answer to the question, “can dogs eat cheese?” is “yes”, it’s important to remember a few things before you go forth and share that last bit of your ham and cheese jaffle. So let’s recap:

• • Not all cheeses are safe for dogs. Blue cheese and any cheese that contains dog-unfriendly ingredients to dogs should be avoided
  • Some dogs shouldn’t eat cheese at all. Dogs with lactose intolerance, obesity, or kidney issues should not eat any cheese
  • Moderation is key. The smaller the dog, the smaller the amount of cheese they should have. Larger puppers can handle a tiny bit more, but it’s better to err on the side of caution with small portions as an occasional treat
  • Do not use cheese to conceal antibiotics. Cheese can be used to help some medications go down, but antibiotics actually become less effective when consumed with dairy

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