Are Animal Crackers Bad For Dogs?

Let me cut the chase and give you a no – animal crackers are safe, and dogs can take them, but in small amounts. For those who are on this read and don’t know what animal crackers are, well, let me explain. Have you ever seen some teeny tiny cookies that come in the shape of different animals? If you have, then animal crackers are not strange to you. The snacks are tasty, and that is why they are irresistible to dogs.

What you need to ensure is that the crackers do not have anything toxic, such as chocolate or raisins. Also, have it in mind that although animal crackers get a tick, you shouldn’t stuff lots of them down your dog’s throat. This is because they offer little nutritional value, and it would be a waste of money to buy lots of them. Experts identify them as occasional treats, and that is what they should be for your animal.   

Can Doggies Eat This? Top 10 Searched Foods

Many people step on the Internet to ask questions about which foods they can give to their dogs. Well, I looked up the top 10 searched foods, and whether or not (or maybe) you can feed them to dogs. Most of the foods are for humans, and I bet the table will answer a question that is lingering in your mind.  

No.Name Of Searched  Food Should You Feed The Food To The Dog – Yes, No, Or MaybeComment
1.Unsalted crackersNoUnsalted crackers have moderate calorie levels. Also, they lack nutritional value because they are made from deficient flowers.  
2.Fishy crackersMaybeAs its owner, you need to make sure that the dog takes the crackers in small amounts. 
3.CheeseMaybeCheese is safe, but its high amounts of fat is a risk factor for obesity. Also, lactose-intolerant dogs may suffer because it is a dairy product.
4.Tuna/salmonYesThis is one healthy treat since it contains fatty acids that are needed by the dog’s body.  
5.Peanut butterYesMake sure that the butter does not have xylitol, which is a sugar substitute. And I am sure that you don’t want to feed your dog with too much sugar.
6.BananasMaybeThey should be taken in moderation because of their high sugar levels.   
7.PopcornMaybeEnsure the popcorns are well cooked and that no kernels (seeds) make their way into the dog’s bowl. This will help prevent choking.
8.MarshmallowNoThis one people-food has too much sugar, don’t you think?
9.French friesNoThey have too much salt
10. PastaYesMake sure that it is cooked, and even better, frozen so that the dog enjoys its crunchiness.

This table may not be as extensive, but it surely answers the common questions. If there’s a food you want to know about, you can consult your vet or other dog owners. If you’re going to try out any of your food on Doggie, don’t jump into it without doing your research. 

Feeding Your Dog Safely

Before I proceed with the business of this section, you should know that dogs have sensitive stomachs. With that in mind, be careful with what you feed your furry friend. Let’s look at an example. Imagine your dog is suffering from diarrhea – how should you go about this? The first thing to throw away is getting them any hard food that would be difficult for their stomachs to digest.

The first type you should avoid is dry dog food. Or rather, you should not overfeed the dog with dry food. An alternative you can go for is canned food, which has water content on high. Also, canned dog meal has less meat (meaning that it has less protein); it won’t be difficult for the dog’s stomach to digest. Having less meat and more water does not mean that it lacks nutritional value. On the contrary, canned food will supply the dog with all the nutrients it needs, and in that process, it will make digestion an easy thing for the dog to accomplish.

If you look at animal crackers, it is safe to say that they are somewhat a good snack (yes, snack, not part of the main course meal). They are not overwhelming for the stomach. Even better, they can be taken by the dog as a remedy for any stomach-related sickness.

Different scenarios require different diets for your dog, and you should master them all. To know more about what food moves to make, consider paying a visit to the vet. Although this is an expense, the information you gather will help you plan for what food (and what not) to give your dog. You will have confidence that your dog is eating the right thing at the right time.

When you visit the vet, do not fear asking questions. The expert can clear anything you have in mind. Also, you can ask them to write a diet plan that you can follow to ensure that Doggie receives all the nutrients he or she needs in the safest, healthiest way possible.

To Dog Or Not To Dog? Examining Seven Frequently-Asked-About Foods

For humans, it is instinctive to want to share the food we are eating, especially with our canine friends. Your puppy could be looking at you while you nibble on a slice of pizza, and their eyes could be telling you to feed them. It is okay to fall into that temptation because the intentions are good. But, there is a ‘but.’

So, what is the ‘but’? Let us first put your good intentions aside. Then, let us ask the question, ‘How will it affect my dog?’ This is a more fundamental question that goes a long way into maintaining the health of your furry friend. With that in mind, I have come up with a list of 7 frequently-asked-about foods and expanded the discussion on where the eating item is right for Doggie. Now, let’s look at each one of them:

1. French Fries

Okay – have you been feeding your dog fries, you know, chips? If you have, then you should stop doing that with immediate effect, seriously. The first enemy in chips is salt, and it can cause problems to your fur-fetched animal (see what I did there?). Veterinarians point out that overeating salt for dogs can invite sodium ion poisoning. You may not know what that is, but you shouldn’t like the sound of it.

So, is there something that could happen if you let Doggie eat all your chips? Yes – there are more significant problems, and I have highlighted them for you:

a) Tremors

b) Nausea and vomiting

c) Diarrhea

d) Seizures

By looking at these four conditions, you see that letting the dog eat French fries is not a good idea. So, when a time comes that you feel like feeding chips to your companion, think again. Brushing away that feeling not only saves the dog’s life but also keep your mind clear.

2. Steak

On this one, I’ve got good news for you – indeed, steak is a yessed food, and you can let Doggie down it. The one thing you should ensure is that the steak gets cooked thoroughly. It would help if you prepared the steak the same way you do with chicken. It will deal with the excess fat that could make your furry friend obese.

I understand that you may be tempted to season the food with salt. If you have that idea brewing inside of you, think twice. I hope you didn’t skip number one, French fries. Your puppy isn’t you, so avoid any seasoning.

Are you asking whether you should or shouldn’t serve it plain? Yes, you can. Steak is lean meat, and all lean meats taste great on their own.

3. Grapes Or Raisins

Do you remember the commercials about the California raisins? If you’ve ever tasked or snacked on raisins, you know that they can be so tasty. Because of the sweetness, you may be tempted to throw in some pellets into the dog’s bowl.

So, should you or should you not? Well, hear this: taking grapes or raisins is a risk factor for kidney failure. So, the response to this question is pretty straightforward – NO, you should not. Try to keep them away from the dogs, and avoid giving in to the temptation of feeding your furry friend any of these little things.

And no – don’t think about giving grapes or raisins in ‘small amounts.’ These treats are no joke, and they could make your dog so sick. If the dog ingests them by mistake, get the dog to the vet as soon as possible. This will help to prevent a fatality. 

4. Avocados

I can smell the taste of guacamole in every bite of my tortilla chips. I mean, who doesn’t like avocados? For many dog owners, there is a perception that fruits and veggies are healthy. But, is there a ‘but’? Well, looking closely at the food brings us to a deadly conclusion, no scare intended.

Have you ever heard of persin? It is an element in avocados that some people find allergic. If you eat avocados without any effects, well, persin is not your allergen. If your dog eats too many avocados (therefore taking in a lot of persin), it could prove deadly to them.

Ensure that your furry friend avoids any avocados you have in your house. If there a tree, keep the dog away from. Persin is also in the seeds and leaves of the avocado tree.

5. Candy

If there’s one irresistible thing, it is candy. With kids in the house, they will always beg to have some. Because the kids love the dog, they could end up feeding it with sweets. Doesn’t that look cute? Of course, it does! But, what if it’s not cute?

Some candy contains an element called xylitol. This element has the potential of increasing the levels of insulin in your dog. That’s not even the craziest thing. More insulin translates to less blood sugar levels. If this isn’t diabetes you’re creating, then, in days to come, your dog could develop liver failure.

So, make sure that the dog avoids candy as much as it can. When Halloween comes, you should be on high alert because candy is usually everywhere. Check the dog bowl regularly to make sure that no candy is there. You know, kids are just that – kids. 

6. Plums And Peaches

It is now time to look at these foods that start with a p, and what they can or cannot do to your dog. Letting your pup take bites of plums and peaches could wreak havoc – sorry if I scared you. The most apparent reason for speaking like this is that the fruits have pits and seeds. And looking at their size, they could obstruct the dog’s food pipe. That sounds scary, right?

Apart from the obstructive problems, the fruits can inflame the dog’s intestines. In the seeds of plums and peaches sits an element called cyanide. And cyanide – well – it’s not a good thing. If you – yes, you, not your dog – have been eating everything that comes with the fruits, stop – especially the seeds.

Save your dog the intoxication that can come with having cyanide in the inside of its body. You are the smart one, and you are the only person who can save the dog from plums and peaches. 

7. Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? In the twenty-first century, chocolate has been seen as love in a bar. Indeed, everyone wants to take a nibble of the sugar. We may be tempted to trickle down this love to our dogs, but we shouldn’t. Chocolate is not what it looks (or tastes) like, for our canine friends.

Chocolate has elements that could bring your dog to a fatality, so don’t be fooled with their sweet-to-the-tongue feeling. Among many conditions, the dog may develop nausea, vomit, or experience a running stomach if it eats even a little piece of chocolate.

Do not let them get close to any type of chocolate. Save yourself from being in a life-or-death situation with your dog.

Penning off

Those seven food are among the many different types. For those that are a no-no for Doggie, let it remain that way. Make sure that that which you give your dog has nutritional value and is harmless. Stick to the treats, snacks, niceties, and foods that your pup is okay with. That way, the dog will live a healthy, long life.    

Unique People-Foods You Never Knew Dogs Could Take

Sometimes, dogs are people too – just like us. And, we get inclined to want to feed the dog some of our food. Well, in this section, you will be opened up to some people-foods that your dog can eat. Even better is that they won’t cause any problems, or the problems they cause are not fatal.

People-foods that dogs can eat are useful because they help you save the money you would have used to buy dog food. Now, let me cut the chase and lay each food one after the other.

PS: Whatever you feed the dog, make sure that the food does not give anything more than 25% in the required calories.

1. Herring

For those in the dark, herring is a type of fish. If you are looking for EFAs or essential fatty acids for your dog, you will get them in herring.

The acids help to improve the condition of your dog’s coat and skin. Also, there is a thought that EFAs help pets that have arthritis to live better lives.

The good thing with herring is that it contains low amounts of calories. So, your dog can take this snack without you feeling guilty or skeptical.

What you need to ensure is that the herring fish is cooked correctly. If taken raw, it could give your dog some enzymes that affect the intake of vitamin B.

2. Squash

When a discussion on the tasty vegetable is ongoing, squash can never go unmentioned. The one that makes squash get to this list is beta carotene, a unique element that is an eyesight booster.

What you should know is that your dog may not like the taste of squash alone. What you should do is this – add the squash to their regular diet.

Apart from sharpening their eyesight, squash will give fiber to improve digestions and vitamins to boost nutrition. 

Have this in mind – cooked squash is better than the raw one. I’m talking about ease of digestion. Remember to skin the vegetable and also remove all the seeds.

3. Pasta

Yes – pasta is suitable for your dog, only if the animal is not allergic to either wheat or gluten. Cooked noodles make great treats because of the simplicity of the ingredients that are in it. I’m talking about water, eggs, and flour – which are okay for the average dog.

One thing that may seem like a caveat is the high levels of carbohydrates in pasta. Having this in mind, you should feed the dog pasta moderately. For you pooch, watch those carbs.

To make the experience even better for the dog, freeze the pasta the next time you make them. Your dog will love the crunchy feeling.

4. Chicken Broth

If you are looking for a people-food that will act as a bonus to your dog’s regular diet, go coo-coo. As you do that, make sure that the chicken is home-made and is low on sodium.

There is no doubt that the chicken broth is very nutritious, and that is what your dog wants to lead a healthy life. The minerals, together with the antitoxic glycine, help the dog’s organs – especially the liver – to stay in shape.

You should have in mind that the ingredients making the broth are without preservatives and are purely organic. Also, watch out for the salt detail.

5. Cinnamon

Well, what do we have here? If there is one beneficial spice that is often overlooked, then it is cinnamon. When your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal issues or cramps, cinnamon can be taken as a remedy.

If you inject cinnamon in your dog’s diet, you expose it to antioxidants (such as vitamin C). Also, you are making the dog’s brain to improve in terms of functionality. Dogs with diabetic conditions can take cinnamon because studies have shown that it can help in blood sugar regulation. Also, strips of cinnamon contain an oil known as eugenol. The oil serves both antiseptic and anti-bacterial purposes.

So, how should the dog eat this spice? You should sprinkle at least ½ a teaspoon on their food. To ensure that your dog does not inhale the herb, mix it with the food well. 

6. Pomegranate 

What is this p thing? Well, it is a fruit that will give your dog the vitamin C and antioxidants it wants. The fruit is a healthy addition to the dog’s diet.

Research has it that pomegranate has tannins and punicalagin. These are compounds that help to reduce the risk of cardiologic diseases.

As you give it to the dog, make sure that you peel off the fruit’s skin. If the dog takes the skin, they may develop stomach upsets because the covering is not easy to digest.

Take care that the dog does not overeat of the fruit. Your pup should not finish an entire pomegranate. What could happen if it does? Well, your dog will experience stomach upsets, but none that will warrant you to seek veterinarian care. 

7. Barley Grass

Are you surprised that grass made it to this list? You shouldn’t! With every blade, you are looking at an item that is rich in antioxidants. Giving barley grass to your dog will mean injecting a natural laxative that will help the digestion process.

You may not find barley grass with its name, but many stores call it cat grass. Like any other food, offer it in moderation.

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