01. Meat & Vegetable Stew

This is the best case scenario, when you have fresh greens and meat available.

Ingredients:

• Chicken, Mutton, Fish or any other meat that you can find
• Green Beans
• Pumpkin
• Sweet Potato or Potato
• Rice
• Coconut Oil, or any available vegetable oil
• Turmeric Powder

Recipe:

• Clean and chop all the vegetables (green beans, pumpkin, sweet potato) into small dices.
• Cut the meat into small pieces too. Use boneless meat, as far as possible. Otherwise, debone after cooking.
• Add all the ingredients to a pot with water.
• Cook on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes.
• Refrigerate in a clean container for future use. Serve warm as per your pet’s mealtime.

DO NOT feed cooked bones to your pet. They can be a potential choking hazard and may cause internal injury.

02. Egg Pasta

This is a fallback option, when availability of ingredients is limited.

Ingredients:

• Whole Eggs
• Sprouts
• Pumpkin
• Potato
• Pasta of choice (or Rice, if pasta is unavailable)
• Coconut Oil, or any available vegetable oil
• Turmeric Powder

Recipe:

• Cook pasta with sprouts, pumpkin, potato, oil, and turmeric (do not add salt).
• Refrigerate the pasta mix for future meals (always serve warm).
• Add whole hard-boiled eggs before serving.

Avoid feeding raw eggs at this point, or feeding only egg whites. These may have dire consequences on your pet.

03. Soya Khichadi (not suitable for Cats)

This should be your worst-case option, when the ingredients are only sparsely available.

Ingredients:

• Soya Nuggets
• Lentil (Dal) of choice
• Rice
• Pumpkin, Potato or other available vegetables
• Curd
• Turmeric Powder

Recipe:

• Boil dal and rice with soya nuggets, potato, and turmeric.
• Refrigerate the mix in clean containers for future meals.
• Add curd before serving. Serve meals warm.

As pet parents, we understand that the well-being of your pet is of importance to you even in conditions like lockdowns. The above recipes should help you provide your pet with fresh homemade meals until the situation normalizes.

ALSO READ: Pet Care during Lockdown: Parenting your pet dog or cat during the COVID-19 Curfew

When situation worsens, you may be tempted to feed Rotis or Chapatis to your pet. While it is acceptable to feed them during a crisis, Rotis are not suitable for your dog or cat.

As you may have guessed by the name, Apple Cider Vinegar is indeed made from Apples. Apples are crushed to squeeze out their juice. Bacteria and yeast are then added to the juice to help it ferment. The juice first converts into alcohol and then into Apple Cider Vinegar with the help of Acetic Acid-forming bacteria.

With lots of known benefits for humans like weight loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar and many more, it’s not odd to think if it could help our pets too. While there are no studies with conclusive evidence on the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Dogs and Cats, a significant number of pets have experienced its amazing benefits.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar is harmless to pets; only the organic, raw, unfiltered type though. Applied topically or included in your pet’s diet, it can help your pet’s body perform at its best. Here are some of the noted benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for pet dogs and cats.
 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

ACV is a great topical application to improve your pet’s skin and coat. Fill up a spray bottle with 50% Apple Cider Vinegar and 50% water. Spray this solution as a part of your pet’s grooming routine. Regular use will help you see improvement in the quality of your pet’s skin and coat. It is also an all-natural product and definitely better than commercial chemical alternatives.
 
This solution can also be used before daily walks or outdoor adventures as a natural tick, flea, and pest repellent. Spritz it over your pet instead of pesticide-heavy chemical repellents.

NOTE: It is very important to inspect your pet for ticks and fleas once they return home from the outdoors, irrespective of the repellent you use.

Using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (1 cup ACV per 3 cups of water) after bathing your pet, can help relieve and better Itchy or Rough Skin. As a result, this can also lessen or eliminate dandruff in dogs and cats. It can even alleviate symptoms of Eczema and other Skin Allergies.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used to remove tear stains naturally. Adding 1 teaspoon of ACV to your pet’s daily drinking water will increase their body pH. This will help prevent bacteria and yeast infections.
 
Its anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties make Apple Cider Vinegar a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It calms hot spots, irritated paws, or any other irritation on the skin.
 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion

If your pet has frequent diarrhea, constipation or other digestive issues, including 1 – 2 teaspoons a day (per 20-25 kgs of body weight) of Apple Cider Vinegar in their drinking water can relieve digestion issues. Doing this will also reduce bloating and gas in your pet. Adding it to your pet’s food instead can also have a similar effect. It’ll also help in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
 
Adding ACV to your ill pet’s diet will help them fight the disease or infection better. Its antiseptic properties help keep harmful bacteria and viruses out of the body. Adding it to your pet’s daily intake will boost their immunity in the long run. Whether your pet is currently sick or not, including some Apple Cider Vinegar can help prevent any illnesses in the air from affecting your pet.
 
Including Apple Cider Vinegar in your pet’s diet increases their metabolism. It purifies and detoxifies the system, and also helps with diabetes.

NOTE: Apple Cider Vinegar does not cure any diseases, it only aids in the healing process and a quicker recovery. Consult your veterinarian for the right medication if your pet is suffering from a lifestyle disorder like diabetes.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bone & Muscle Health

Soaking a cloth in Apple Cider Vinegar and placing it on areas with muscle sprains or arthritis can help alleviate the pain. Including some ACV in your pet’s diet breaks down calcium deposits around joints, especially in senior pets. Apple Cider Vinegar along with medication can better a case of Osteoporosis too.
 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hygiene

Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar and regular brushing can keep your pet’s dental health in check. It prevents tooth decay and the acidity helps break down plaque and tartar.Using cotton balls dipped in 1 part ACV and 1 part purified water to clean your pet’s ears will keep them safe of any infections. Apple Cider Vinegar’s anti-bacterial properties prevent yeast and bacterial infections and maintain hygiene.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar also works as a great all-natural shampoo and tick & flea-repellent. Commercial shampoos are often laden with chemicals and tick, flea-repellents with pesticides. Bathing your pet with a diluted ACV and water solution works both, as a great shampoo and keeps ticks and fleas away. It will also reduce bad fecal odor over time.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Ticks, Tick Fever & its Prevention

For these and countless more reasons, Apple Cider Vinegar should definitely find a permanent place in your kitchen shelf. It is definitely a magic potion with astounding benefits for both you and your pet. Start adding some to your pet’s diet or water and watch them thrive! It isn’t too expensive and can definitely save you a lot of costs that you’d instead spend on vet visits and treatment, let alone the pain and suffering. Apple Cider Vinegar is also very easily available these days. You could check your nearest grocery store or simply buy it online. Remember you need the raw, unfiltered variety of Apple Cider Vinegar.

NOTE: Excess of anything good will cause harm too. Do not give your pet more than 1 tablespoon per 20 kgs of his body weight of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Know what else can help you curb unnecessary vet visits and suffering for your pet? The right food! Check out our affordable, healthy meals today.

Ask an Indian what they think of when they hear ‘Mango’ and you’ll immediately know that Mangoes are anything but ‘just a fruit’ to us. They are the fond memories of childhood, summer vacations, trips to native places, the sweet sweet smell, hands dripping with syrup right up to the elbows, no care about the mess it made, and the taste of pure satisfaction! Such a shame we don’t have mangoes all year ‘round. We understand if you want to have your pet taste the deliciousness of mangoes too. But are mangoes even safe for dogs and cats?

Yes, you can give mangoes to your pet, but with some precautions

The only part of the mango that your pet can safely eat is the flesh. No seed, skin or leaves. Also, moderation is key. Feeding your pet too much mango at once can lead to short term and long term health effects. To know how much is too much, keep reading.

History and Widespread of Mangoes

The word ‘Mango’ comes from the Malayalam word ‘Māṅṅa’, literally meaning the highest fruit. The fruit is native to India and South Asia. The earliest evidence of mango cultivation can be traced back to 2000 BCE in India. The juicy stone-fruit with genes belonging to the Cashew family was later taken to East Asia, Philippines, Africa, and Brazil by Portuguese explorers.

Loved all over the world, today mango is the most widely cultivated fruit in the tropics. Nearly half of the world’s mango is cultivated in India, followed by China. Mango is the National Fruit of India and Pakistan, the unofficial National Fruit of Phillippines and the National Tree of Bangladesh.

No surprises, it’s so close to Indian hearts. If you’re an Indian, you’ve consumed mangoes in their many varieties, forms and preparations. Raw, ripe, shakes, aam ras, jams, candies, cakes, lassi, ice-creams or lip-smacking achaars.

What about Mangoes for Dogs and Cats? Are they any good?

Well, this has been a subject of debate for quite some time now. Mangoes are safe and not toxic to your pet. However, one whole mango has about 46 grams of sugar. That’s a lot more sugar than your pet should be having. While natural sugars are considered to be fine in moderation, regular consumption in such high amounts can lead to health problems like diabetes later in your pet’s life.

On the positive side, mangoes are a nutritionally power-packed fruit. They are a great source of vitamins.

• Vitamin A – Maintains skin, coat, muscles, nerve function. Aids bone growth, vision and boosts immunity. Found in other foods like apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, watermelon, and pumpkin.
• Vitamin B6 – Stabilizes blood sugar, regulates weight and balances hormones. Helps pets with diabetes, insulin resistance, and Cushing’s disease. Found in other foods like watermelon, carrots, spinach, bananas, potatoes, and broccoli.
• Vitamin C – Antioxidant, boosts immunity, aids joint health. Great for sick or stressed pets. Watermelons, broccoli, spinach, papaya, strawberries are other sources of Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E – Helps muscles, circulatory system, and speeds injury healing. Also boosts immunity, aids digestion, improves cardiovascular and respiratory health and delays the process of aging. Eggs, salmon, spinach, sunflower oil, and soybean oil are also good sources of Vitamin E.
• Potassium – Keeps the heart, muscles, and nerves functioning well. Kidney disease, prolonged starvation and stress cause deficiency of Potassium. Watermelon, apple, bananas, potatoes, carrots, beans, and peas can be included in your pet’s diet as a good source of Potassium.
• Pectin – Helps prevent dehydration, relieves constipation and diarrhea. Bananas, strawberries, cherries, peaches are other natural sources of Pectin.
• Flavonoids (Alpha-Carotene and Beta-Carotene) – Strengthens the immune system, improves hair, skin, and vision. Counteracts oxidative damage in the body, helping prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer. Carrots, sweet potato, spinach, cantaloupe, are other sources of flavonoids.
• Anti-Oxidants – Boosts your pet’s immune system and prevents cancer. Lowers the risk of infections and improves heart health. Apples, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and berries are other healthy foods you can include in your pet’s diet for the benefits of antioxidants.

How should I serve my pet Mangoes?

You don’t have to completely outlaw the goodness of mangoes because of its sugar. Exercising moderation in servings is the best way to let your pet safely consume the fruit.

Assuming the mangoes you bring home will be bought from farmer’s market or stores, give them a thorough wash to get rid of any insecticides or pesticides sitting on them. The pit or seed of the mango and skin are two things that you must remove before feeding them to your pet. They are too hard for your pet to chew and will cause fatal intestinal blockages. Of course, no leaves either.

NOTE: If your pet has swallowed a mango pit or seed and is coughing, belching or refusing to eat or drink anything, contact your vet immediately. They will be equipped to safely remove the pit from your pet’s esophagus, stomach or intestine. Do not try ways to get it out yourself.

Another important thing to note is that mangoes aren’t the most commonly fed fruit to canines. If you are serving your pet mango for the first time, start really small. Some pets are allergic to mangoes while in others, the digestive system could react badly. Feed them a very small portion and observe how they take it.

If your pet isn’t allergic to mangoes, you can serve them a few small pieces a day. Overfeeding mangoes is most likely to cause diarrhea or stomach ache. Consider the few pieces a treat and serve them infrequently.

If you are feeling extra creative, you can make some healthy and nutritious homemade treats for your pet using mangoes mixed with other ingredients. Like bananas, strawberries, coconut water or even chicken. You could make some easy frozen pupsicles, sorbets or icy treats for hotter days or make some delicious chicken and mango cookies! We’re sure your pet would love these, and they wouldn’t leave you feeling as guilty either. The perfect replacement for store-bought treats!

NOTE: Keep your pet’s size and how much mango they can safely consume in mind even when you try out recipes. Remember to make alterations to the recipe if you feel the quantity of mango mentioned could be too much for your pet.

Needless to mention, the only kind of mango safe for your pet is the flesh of the fruit itself. Steer clear of store-bought preparations (juices, jams, ice creams) that contain mango or mango flavor. Homemade preparations containing added spices or sugar are not safe for consumption by your pet either.

Conclusion

Mangoes can bless your pet with a boost of nutrients and energy when needed. Serve them guilt-free occasionally as a replacement to traditional unhealthy treats. But remember – no pit, no skin and the line between overfeeding and moderation is thin!

Looking for a diet that you can feed your pet guilt-free too? Check out our meals today! No preservatives, no by-products, no MSG. Just real food and real love.

Watermelons are a real summer fan-favorite for snacking on hot days. They taste good and leave you feeling very refreshed. If you’ve had the urge to share some watermelon with your dog or cat in hopes that they may feel refreshed too, we get you! But are watermelons okay for dogs and cats? Can dogs and cats even eat watermelon?

Yes, watermelons are safe for dogs and cats!

But before you let Floof gorge on some of this watery fruit, there are a couple of things you must keep in mind. First, seeds. Watermelon seeds are not toxic to pets per se (like apple seeds). However, they may cause intestinal blockages; especially in smaller pets. It’s best to serve them seedless. Secondly, the rind and skin may be tough and can cause blockages too, if your pet hasn’t chewed them completely. Which in most cases they won’t. Deseeded watermelon flesh is the goof-proof way to go!
 

 

History and Widespread of Watermelons

Watermelon belongs to the same plant family as Cucumber, Muskmelon, Pumpkin, Zucchini, etc. It comes from a vine-like flowering plant that originated in West Africa. Some of the earliest evidence of watermelon cultivation (the seeds) are found in Ancient Egypt in the Tombs of Pharaohs.
 
Watermelons are grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. China alone accounts for the cultivation of 68% of all the watermelon grown around the world. Followed by Turkey, Iran, and Brazil. Seedless watermelons are cultivated too.
 
The flesh can be eaten raw or pickled, the rind after cooking and the seeds by drying, roasting or as a flour. Its subtle sweetness and refreshing properties make it a favorite among Indians during the summers. We consume them raw, as a juice or as flavors in our favorite sweets and icecreams.
 

 

Nutritional Build-Up of Watermelon and how it affects your Pet

Watermelons are about 92% water. They are fat-free, extremely low in Sodium and have only about 40 calories per cup. Moreover, watermelons are loaded with significant amounts of Vitamin A, B6, C, Lycopene, Potassium, Anti-Oxidants and Amino Acids.

• Water makes up the majority of a watermelon, hydrating and refreshing your pet. They make for a great treat for summer days or if your pet refuses to consume water on his own.
• Vitamin A in pets helps maintain their skin, coat, muscles and keeps the nerves functioning properly. It also aids in bone growth, vision and boosts immunity. The immune system of your pet takes a major hit if your pet has a deficiency of Vitamin A. Other effects could be skin and coat conditions, poor growth, and even night blindness. Watermelons are a great way to include some Vitamin A in your pet’s diet. Apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin are other foods with Vitamin A that are safe for your pet.
• Vitamin B6 stabilizes blood sugar, aids with weight regulation and hormonal balance in pets. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 can lead to anemia, weight-loss, insufficient growth, tooth cavities or even epilepsy. Pets that are diabetic, have insulin resistance or Cushings disease can benefit from Vitamin B6. Meat and eggs are good sources of Vitamin B6. Watermelon, carrots, spinach, bananas, potatoes, and broccoli are rich in Vitamin B6 too.
• Vitamin C is produced by dogs in their bodies. Hence, it was long deemed unnecessary to be supplemented. However, it has been observed that the Vitamin C levels in dogs that are sick reduce dramatically. And supplementing your sick pet with Vitamin C rich foods helps them recover faster and easier. It can also help pets that are stressed. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, boosts immunity, works as a natural antihistamine and maintains joint health. Watermelons, broccoli, spinach, papaya, and strawberries can provide your pet with good doses of Vitamin C.
• Lycopene is a pigment found in red food items. It is an antioxidant and helps with vision and cancer prevention, among other health benefits. Red foods such as watermelon, tomatoes, and papaya are rich in lycopene. The redder and ripened the watermelon, the higher the levels of Lycopene in it.
• Potassium is a vital element to an important group of blood minerals and electrolytes. It helps in the conduction of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles. Lower levels of potassium compromise with the functioning of these tissues. Kidney diseases, prolonged starvation, stress, and an imbalanced diet can lead to Potassium deficiency. Watermelon, apples, bananas, potatoes, carrots, beans, and peas are a good way to include potassium in your pet’s diet.

These nutrients make Watermelon a super snack for your pet, especially during the summers.
 

 

How to serve Watermelon to Pets

Like we mentioned before, the skin, rind (white flesh) and seeds could cause intestinal blockages in pets. The best way to serve watermelon to your pet is to cut away the rind and skin, deseed it and cut it into bite-sized cubes. You could freeze the watermelons for some extra refreshment on scorching days. If you’re the creative type, you could make some icy watermelon treats, pupsicles or add some yogurt and blend it into a smoothie.
 
Stay away from store-bought foods that contain watermelon or watermelon flavor. Like ice-creams, candy, juices, concentrates, etc. They could do more harm than good. Buy fresh watermelons and serve them yourself so you know exactly what you’re feeding.
 
Also remember, excess of even a good thing could be bad. Feed your dog watermelon in moderation. If your pet has a sensitive tummy or reacts to new foods, introduce them to the goodness of watermelons gradually. Keep an eye for diarrhea. If your pet swallows too many seeds or has eaten the skin or rind, they may experience vomiting, difficulty passing stools or stomach aches. Consult your vet should you notice any of these symptoms.
 

Conclusion

Watermelon can be a refreshing treat for your pet during summer days. They hydrate your pet and charge them with vitamins to keep their body functions in check. Skinned, deseeded and cubed watermelons in moderation are the way to go. They are a great natural and healthy replacement for store-bought treats, laden with preservatives and flavors.

You know the drill – you set out a bowl of the most appetizing pet food in front of your pooch and instead of digging in it joyfully with tongue and teeth, he sniffs it, licks it a little maybe, gives you that disappointed shrug and walks away. And that repeats bowl after bowl, and meal after meal.
 
We understanding how heartbreaking it is to try everything possible to feed your picky dog and still fail. You try hand-feeding the food, topping it up with treats or a little hooman-food to make it more acceptable, even pretend to eat and like the food yourself in the hopes that your dog would reciprocate. But your dog doesn’t seem impressed. We feel your pain!

Every parent wants their kids to eat well, and stay happy and healthy. Naturally, it’s a huge cause of concern if your dog turns out to be a picky eater, or turns into one.
 
Fussy or selective eating may have many different forms. Different dogs are differently selective about the things they eat. Hence, it could be a bit tricky to address your dog’s picky eating habits. And it may often time require more than one or several attempts and different ways to fix them. Almost all picky dogs can be conditioned to eat normally, but it requires exemplary patience and dedication (and some tough parenting) from your end.
 

Types of Picky or Selective Eating Behavior in Dogs

First of all, it’s important to understand if your dog is a picky eater or is just selective about what he eats. Some dogs may like to eat some foods but not others. And that’s normal, except if the only things he likes to eat are unhealthy. It’s just different personalities with different preferences, like hoomans. However, if your pup often gets “bored” of his food after a few days or refuses to eat what he loved until last week, we may have a problem. If your pup is a growing one and is starting to reject only certain food items, he may be developing a taste against them. If you’ve had the dog in your family for a while, we feel you understand the pattern by now.
 
Picky dogs are often characterized by heaps of food always lying in their bowls, from one meal to the next. Their parents are often characterized by heaps of different brands of pet foods stashed in the house, and internet search history like “my dog won’t eat”, “how to feed my fussy dog”, “how to convince my dog to eat”, etc.
 
Please note that if your dog has only recently become fussy about his food, or has shown a sudden loss of appetite, it could be a sign of illness. Please take your dog for a veterinary check-up immediately.
 

 

Dogs are NOT born Picky. It’s an Acquired Trait!

Let’s begin by getting this straight, no dog is fussy by birth. Dogs are opportunistic hunters by nature. This means they scavenge food when given the opportunity. That’s how wild dogs became domesticated – it was easy to find food among hoomans, and over time they became less and less wary of us until eventually, they became our best friend. This inherent scavenging behavior continues and is still strong in all healthy dogs today.
 
However, man’s company has taught them a thing or two. A domesticated dog knows that he’ll never run out of food. Even if he skips a meal, he’ll get the next one. And if he doesn’t eat this one, he has a better chance of getting something he enjoys even more. And that is what happens really, doesn’t it?
 
When your dog refuses to eat his usual meal [low-value meal – according to your dog], you replace it with chicken or eggs (or something else that he loves) [high value]. If he refuses to eat that, you replace it with something more tempting (pour a little gravy on it, or sprinkle some treats on it) [higher value]. Most dogs understand these relative high and low values very well. No dog would starve himself, but he can very well skip a low-value meal or two in the hopes of getting a high-value food item.
 

Why do Dogs turn Picky or Selective about their Food?

Depending on what the exact pattern of your dog’s selective eating habit is, there could be several reasons driving his fussy nature. Let’s look at some of the probable causes, starting from the least likely to the most commonly observed ones.
 

Medical Causes

When a dog won’t eat, the condition is called anorexia. If your dog refuses to eat at all or eats only very minute quantities and is rapidly losing body condition (symptoms of starving), there could be medical reasons responsible for it. A blockage somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract or an ulcer somewhere in the mouth or stomach, or even a kidney or liver malfunction could be stopping your dog from eating. A thorough check-up with your vet can help identify the exact cause.
 
If your dog has only temporarily stopped eating, it may not necessarily be one of these causes, but you may still want to check with a vet for any possible infections, inflammations or illness.
 
Elder dogs may have trouble with eating food that’s too hard to chew or swallow. Sometimes a broken or loose tooth, severe gingivitis and an oral tumor could also stop the dog from eating.

ALSO READ: Pet Oral Hygiene & Dental Health Guide

Behavioral Causes

If your dog prefers some food items over others or only eats when hand-fed, his problem may be behavioral, and not medical. Such dogs will often only eat the chicken, or eggs or their favorite food and leave behind all the veggies or rice or anything they don’t like. Often it’s the high-value food versus the low-value food conundrum. Some of these dogs may refuse to eat the high-value foods after some time because they would have found another higher value item. We’ve met pet parents who have 10-15 different brands of dog food in their home now because their dog would quit eating them every 3-4 weeks.
 
Some dogs won’t eat until hand-fed. We’ve come across dogs who would want to be chased for hours before they’d finish their meal and some others who would only eat when someone puts a morsel in their mouth. Otherwise, they’d just pass.
 
Both of these situations are dangerous. One day you’d just run out of options for new food to feed your dog. And your dog will starve to death if you’re not around to feed him. It’s important that your pet eats what he’s fed and eats it on his own. Pampering is necessary and important, but parenting should always win.
 
If it’s a puppy you’re dealing with, sometimes they don’t even know what to do with that food. How many times have you seen him more interested in the bowl than the food that’s in it?! In such situations, you might have to take a morsel and put it in his mouth the first time to get him hooked to the taste. He should start eating on his own thereafter. But do not repeat or continue the hand-feeding for long, else he’ll get used to it.
 

Physiological Causes

If your dog eats very less or eats rarely, it could just mean he has a small appetite. A dog’s daily caloric requirement is based on his size, his activity, and exercise. If your dog does not exert himself much throughout the day, he’ll have a low metabolism rate and he’ll feel less hungry. And if he’s offered treats to motivate him throughout the day, he’ll have enough calories by the end to keep him running without food.
 
This is the reason why we see more small dogs showing fussy behavior than medium or large dogs. Smaller dogs need relatively fewer calories throughout the day and can derive enough energy to sustain stubbornness even from the small morsels of food they taste, or the treats they’ve conned you into.
 

 

Common Myths about Picky Eating Habits in Dogs

1. Dogs get bored with their food after a while and need variety.
   Wrong! Dogs love consistency. Not only their body responds better to a consistent nutritional mix, but they also like the routine of eating the same food over and over again. Like humans, most dogs have preferences. For instance, some may prefer fish over chicken. But dogs can eat their favorite food every day for the rest of their lives, and unlike us humans, don’t crave for variety.
2. Fussy dogs can’t be fixed.
   Wrong! While picky dogs (particularly the behavioral type) demand time and patience to fix, they can certainly be conditioned with time to eat like normal dogs. Fixing stubborn little brats is not easy, but we know it’s for their greater good. If you’re used to eating junk food for a better part of your life, switching to a salad diet may be difficult, but we know it’s the right choice for us. It’s the same for our pets!
3. Changing a dog’s diet frequently prevents him from becoming fussy.
   Wrong! If anything, it aggravates the problem! Not only his body has to bear the consequences of the often changing nutritional mix of the diet, but your dog also gets more options to choose a high-value food item from. While variety may be the spice of life, your dog (and you) may not enjoy it so much after all.

How NOT to Fix Fussy Dogs?

DO NOT Succumb to your Dog’s Alpha Game

We know how it feels when your pooch looks down at his bowl and snubs at you with dismayed eyes. But don’t fall for it, that’s his alpha game. He wants you to feel sorry for him, and guilty for feeding him that dog-forsaken thing for food. He wants you to feed him his favorite treat instead. But hey, those puppy eyes are a trap!
 

DO NOT Bribe your Pet with Treats

Do not incentivize your dog to eat his food by topping it up with treats or hooman-food. The food itself should be an incentive for his good behavior. You both know that he’s only going to meticulously eat the treats off and leave the food behind. If that really worked, Popeye wouldn’t have to go through the troubles to make the kids eat Spinach. He’d just sprinkle some Butter Chicken gravy over it and wham!
 
Bribing him with treats is perceived by the dog as a reward for not eating his food. These treats are often loaded with MSG and other synthetic flavors which only make things worse. Once your dog gets addicted to their taste, it’s extremely difficult for him to switch to anything else.

ALSO READ: The Truth Behind Commercial Pet Foods & Treats

DO NOT Hand-Feed your Dog

You don’t want your kids to be dependent on you forever, do you? Ideally, the dog should be made to earn every meal. Food should come as a reward for being a good dog. That’s how the wild works, you either work to get your food, or you starve and become food for others.
 
In our homes, it’s enough that he’s getting the meal without having to scavenge for it. Feeding it by your hands will not only make the dog heavily dependent on you but may also give birth to a hundred other behavioral issues. We complete support pampering your furry baby, but only once he’s finished his meals on his own. Let your attention be a reward for his good behavior, not a reinforcement to his disobedience.
 

 

How to Fix a Picky Dog – The Correct Way!

The first and the most important thing you need in order to fix your picky dog is Commitment.
 
When you start, there is a chance that your dog may not eat on the first few attempts. He may go hungry for an entire day or even two. There are a ton of things you can try, but they’ll all fall apart if you cave in at the end of the day and feed him his favorite high-value food or top it up with treats to convince him to eat.
 
It’s important to understand that the dog will never let himself starve. He may go on a hunger strike initially, but eventually – he’ll eat whatever is available. While none of us pet parents want to see our pets like this – a dog can easily survive for many days without food (even with moderate daily exercise). The smaller and lazier the dog, the longer your dog could take to start eating. But once he’s really hungry, he’ll come around and eat.
 
While this may sound cruel and inhumane, it’s the right thing to do. We’ll ensure all along that your dog has ample opportunities to eat and doesn’t have to starve, but he’ll have to come the distance. The only difficult part of this exercise will be to convince yourself and the family, that this is for their greater good. It’s also the most difficult part! You will have to be a tough parent and stay firm against his stubbornness. If you stay strong, eventually and gradually your kid will eat!
 
Once you’ve ruled out the medical causes, you can work on addressing the behavioral and physiological causes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Start by breaking out your dog’s daily diet in 4-5 smaller meals, one every 3-4 hours. Also make sure the food is served warm, at least at room temperature. Chilled or frozen foods slow down your dog’s metabolism – making them feel less hungry.
2. Offer each meal in his bowl and leave him alone with the food for exactly 20 minutes. Giving your dog personal space while he’s eating is very important. Sometimes dogs feel threatened, distracted or just shy to eat in front of other people. Even we don’t like the paparazzi beaming into our dinner plates at weddings, do we?
3. When you return after 20 minutes, remove the bowl whether or not your dog has finished his food. If he has eaten only partially, remove whatever is left over. Make sure he doesn’t get any food until the next meal (after 3 hours, or the next morning if this was the last meal of the day).
4. Offer nothing else apart from his food – no treats, no fruits, nothing else edible. Do not give too much attention either. Your dog will start using hunger strikes as a way to get your attention.

Your pet needs to register that this is the only food he’ll get and it will not remain forever if he doesn’t eat it in time. He won’t take long to understand that he has just 20 minutes to finish his meals. Feeding every 3-4 hours will ensure that he doesn’t starve for too long. He’ll have the opportunity to eat every few hours, provided he eats his meals without fuss.
 
Every time he finishes his meal in full, pet him, call him a good boy – do whatever you do to appreciate him. If he doesn’t eat or doesn’t finish in full, don’t react. Don’t rebuke him, don’t scream at him and definitely don’t pamper him or convince (read: beg) him to eat. Just don’t give him any attention if he doesn’t eat in time (Yes, your dog can read your facial expressions and emotions.) He will soon realize that the best and only way to get your attention is to finish his meal in full. Love > Obstinacy, after all.
 
Consequently, you should also increase your dog’s daily exercise. Take him out for long walks at least twice a day, engage in physical games and make your puppy spend his energy. Something as simple as climbing a flight of stairs up and down a few times a day is a great exercise for smaller dogs. For medium to larger sized dogs, take them out to the terrace or the park across your street.
 

 
When dogs go on hunger strikes, they try to conserve energy as much as possible. When pets don’t eat, we often see them sitting quietly in a corner, not jumping around, not being their usual self. Not to mention, the looks they’d give you all the time – like you’re the cruelest thing ever! But don’t fall for it. Not only they’re exploiting your guilt, but they’re also shutting down their metabolism to survive the strike for longer. The quickest way to break their fast is to exercise your pet. The more your dog exerts himself, the hungrier he feels, and the sooner he’ll start eating.
 
Sometimes, putting your dog in the company of another similar sized dog who is not a picky eater also works. Dogs will eat their food immediately (even low-value food) if they see it under a threat from another dog. However, try this only when you understand both the dogs and the chemistry between them, lest you might find yourself in the middle of a dogfight.
 

What’s the Best Food to Feed a Picky Dog?

It’s a common misconception that dogs do not have a sense of taste. It’s true that dogs have only 1/6th the number of taste buds as that of a human, but most of what we taste is actually taste and smell combined. And since dogs have one the best sense of smell in the animal kingdom, our estimate is that dogs can taste stuff very well. Based on their taste-bud pattern, there are 6 main tastes that a dog identifies: Sweet, savory, sour, bitter, the taste of meat (favorite!) and one other (a taste that’s still unknown to man).
 
However, it’s recommended that you pick a food that’s closest to their ancestral diet and is predominantly meat based. Dogs need a diet that’s rich in animal proteins and fats. The fat makes the food more palatable and acceptable for dogs and helps their skin and coat too.

ALSO READ: How to Pick the Right Food for Your Pet

Since you’re conditioning them to eat only one kind of food over time, it’s important that the food delivers all important nutrients including vitamins and minerals necessary for correct growth at his life stage. When he begins to eat without a fuss, he’s trusting you with his food. Make sure you choose his food carefully. Steer clear of packaged pet foods that are mostly loaded with questionable ingredients and synthetic additives. Like all responsible parents, go natural. Feed real. DawgieBowl offers delicious, healthy meal plans for all life stages of your pet dog.

A wet snout, big gazing eyes, and a frantically wagging tail – something that all pet parents live for. We love our pets, often more than anything or anyone else in the world. Our whole world revolves around our furry friends. We obviously work very hard so our dogs and cats could have a comfortable life. And we take every possible measure to ensure no harm comes to them, ever. We give them a loving home, a comfortable bed, and the best of food to feed on (or at least we think so!)
 
We buy the most popular brand of pet food for them. It’s advertised heavily and everybody we know seems to recommend it, so it must be good, right? Wrong! Most commercial pet foods and their reality are far from ideal. And yet we pet parents seem to trust them for our baby’s nutrition – a catastrophic mistake.

Let’s try to understand how commercial pet foods are made and what makes them a poor choice for our darling dog or cat.
 

Reasons Why We Rely on Packaged Pet Food

1. Balanced Nutrition for the Dog or Cat – We want to give our pets, the best nutrition that we can. We want them to eat healthily, and we think a bag of kibble is the right way to go! At least, that’s what is advertised to us.
2. It’s Convenient – Pet foods are convenient, they’re time-saving and who doesn’t want to save time in this fast-paced generation. Of course, we would love to cook for our sweethearts, if only the boss wouldn’t call the morning meetings that early. Commercial pet foods are quick & easy for us, simple!
3. Our Pets Loves It – Our pets seem to enjoy the dry kibbles or the hideous gravy that comes out of those packets. They always come back begging for more.
4. The Vet, Trainer or Pet Store Recommended It – My vet or dog’s trainer swears by this brand of pet food. Even the guy at the pet store strongly recommended it. Then it must be good, no?!

History & Development of Pet Nutrition

Before domestication, the ancestors of our dogs and cats would prey on smaller animals, or scavenge on the waste from the human settlements. After adopting them for work and companionship, people began to care at least in part for their nutritional needs. Our pets evolved, and so did the need for specialized nutrition. Mostly, because the diets had to now accommodate their special needs based on breed or vocation.
 
The changing approach towards Pet Nutrition dates back at least 3,000 years. There are numerous mentions in ancient literature that talk about what our pets must feed on. Although, the common households continued to share their food with their pets until the late 1800s. The dogs and cats were part of the family and fed on whatever the owners could spare for them.
 
In 1860, an English businessman James Spratt created the first ever ‘dog biscuit’ using beef blood, wheat flour, and vegetables. Consequently, Spratt’s Patent Limited became the first commercial dog food manufacturer. The first canned dog food, “Ken-L Ration” was introduced in 1922. Its main ingredient was horse-meat, sourced from the deceased horses in World War I. A growing middle-class and upcoming kennel clubs resulted in massive success for pet food companies.
 

 
By the end of WWII, pet food sales had skyrocketed. Food giants such as Quaker Oats & General Foods had started entering the market. Commercial pet foods became one of the most profitable ways to dispose of by-products of the meat and leather industry.
 
The packaged pet food industry will be worth $98Bn worldwide by 2022, dominated by global FMCG giants like Mars, P&G, Nestle, among others.
 

The Modern Pet Food Manufacturer

Meet Bob, he’s a modern-day pet food manufacturer. While Bob’s friends think he plays with puppies and money all day, real life is a little different for him. Like any other businessman, Bob has to face many challenges at work every day.
 

The Current Challenges of the Pet Food Industry

Some of Bob’s obvious challenges include:

1. Growing Competition – With new players entering the market each day, life is difficult for Bob. It’s a constant struggle to ensure that his product survives the ever-growing competition.
2. Increasing Costs – Everything is getting expensive – raw material, packaging, workforce, and even advertising. Everything except Pet Foods. While the manufacturing costs are increasing, Bob cannot increase the prices of his products. He has to cater to price-sensitive customers in a competitive market.
3. Huge Distribution & Sales Overheads – Bob has to ensure every pet-shop stocks his products and even recommends them to his customers. Even the vets and trainers don’t endorse for free. Bob has to share a big chunk of his revenues to make it happen. Not to mention, increasing competition also increases these costs.
4. Wastage, Spoilage & Pilferage Costs – Food products are sensitive. Sun, rain, rodents or even time can result in a big loss. Bob has to account for these too.

The Ugly Truth of Pet Foods

To tackle these challenges, Bob does what all businessmen in his position would do. He decides to go aggressive on sales. He promises bigger commissions to pet-shops and professionals endorsing his products. He also packages his food in fancier, shinier bags and uses aggressive advertising to lure more customers.
 
He also plans to reduce the cost of manufacturing and losses due to spoilage. This is achieved by cutting corners and employing the use of:

1. By-products – Instead of fresh meats, Bob uses by-products like offals, hides, bones, hooves, beaks, nails, feathers, and even hair of animals – anything that the meat and leather industry throws out – for his pet food. He also considers using dead animals – those that die of diseases or during transport to slaughterhouses. These come cheaper than meat and still provide nutrition on paper. He cleverly calls them something like “chicken meal” or “meat derivative” so the customers wouldn’t notice that the meat has been replaced with a cheap substitute.
2. Food Fillers – Bob sells his food by weight, so it’s in his interest that the pet eats more. But he doesn’t want to make it too expensive for the customer either. So he decides to use food fillers to add bulk to the food. He resorts to cornmeal, grain husks, sugarcane fiber, peanut shells, and other byproducts of the food processing industry as a filler for his product.
3. Flavors & Colors – Bob wants to make his product visually-appealing for his customers. So he adds colors to his product. Red pellets for meat, green pellets for veggies, and so on. He must also ensure that his product is palatable and that pets like his food. Rendered fats, synthetic flavors and even taste enhancers such as sugar and MSG are added to the food. These get pets addicted to the food, so much that they’ll refuse to eat anything else if the customer decides to switch the brand.
4. Preservatives & Stabilizers – Bob has to ensure that the meat byproducts (some of which are partly decomposed already) and fats added to the food are shelf-stable. He wants his product to be able to survive hot and cold temperatures, moisture and time. This is achieved by adding preservatives to the food. A mix of synthetic and natural chemicals are used to reduce oxidation and biological activity within the bag. This ensures longer shelf life and maximizes cost. He can now transport his food to longer distances and ask retailers to stock more food, for longer.

The Research, Regulations, and Reality of Commercial Pet Food Industry

You must have noted that not once did Bob talk about product innovation or even the health impacts of the pets that eat his food. As sad as it sounds, there hasn’t been much innovation or development in the field of pet nutrition in recent years. It’s important to understand that any research requires funding. And the only folks funding research around pet nutrition and pet foods are the pet food companies. Now Bob wouldn’t want to fund any study that may hurt his revenues. Would he?
 
There are also little to no regulations on the manufacture and sale of pet foods. Organizations like AAFCO and FEDIAF do have guidelines for pet food manufacturers, but they’re more or less toothless. In countries like India, there are absolutely no regulations on what’s sold in the name of food for dogs & cats. And even if there are, defaults attract virtually no penalties. Which means Bob can make and sell anything to our pets, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Sadly, Bob is not the only one. Most commercial pet food manufacturers, distributors and even the professionals recommending such food have no empathy towards our pets. They continue to flood the markets with nutritionally-dead products under the aegis of global brands. Processed pet foods are known to contain toxins such as aflatoxins, heterocyclic amines, acrylamides, and even PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in some cases. There are numerous reported cases of dogs and cats falling sick due to consumption of adulterated and otherwise poor quality pet foods.
 
Every year, the FDA issues close to 30-35 pet food recalls in the US alone. These recalls are issued for reasons like a nutritional mismatch, toxic contamination or adulteration. The UK and other European countries too issue several recalls due to poor quality and safety issues. In 2016, a major canned pet food brand was recalled for the presence of euthanasia drug. This should tell something about the risks involved with commercial pet foods.
 

How Kibble & Processed Food Affect our Pets

Chronic degenerative diseases, auto-immune diseases, allergies, kidney, pancreatic and liver disease are all rampant within pets feeding on commercial pet foods. Many independent reports have linked processed pet foods to cancer. Pets who do not develop any acute symptoms of poisoning from pet foods, still exhibit early aging and untimely deaths.
 
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are phenolic compounds often added to pet foods to preserve fats from turning rancid. BHT is also advertised as a dietary supplement for use as an antioxidant. Both are classified as carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Ethoxyquin, another common preservative is shown to have similar properties to Agent Orange, a poison used during the Vietnam War.
 

 
Red 40, a dye commonly used to color the kibble red is known to cause lead poisoning. Yellow 6, the dye is found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors and contains small amounts of many carcinogens. Blue 1 and Blue 2 are known to cause brain tumors.
 
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is used in many pet foods as a flavor enhancer. It’s usually disguised as “Brewer’s Yeast” or “Natural Flavoring” on the labels. MSG has been linked with sudden cardiac deaths and excitotoxic damages. Excitotoxins such as MSG can cause sensitive neurons to die. Cocaine-like addictive effects of MSG have also been recorded.
 
A study conducted by Dr. Gerard Lippert and Dr. Bruno Sapy on over 500 domestic dogs in Belgium revealed that pets who fed a processed diet (kibble or wet pet food) had a shorter life expectancy. These pets died up to 32 months sooner than pets who fed on a balanced homemade or healthy commercial diet.

If all pet foods are bad, what do we feed our pets?

Not all pet foods are equal. While there are many like Bob, there are others that truly care about what goes into their product, and its impact on the pets that eat it. But as responsible pet parents, the onus lies on you to conduct due diligence while choosing your baby’s diet.
 
While selecting pet food for your furry baby, consider the following things:

1. Real Food is the Best – Food must look, smell and taste like food. Most kibbles and canned pet foods are far from appetizing. However, years of advertising has made us believe that they’re better than fresh meats, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. If you can prepare a balanced diet from fresh ingredients at home, there’s truly nothing better than that. If not, look for an option that doesn’t feed by-products, cheap fillers and toxic chemicals to your dog or cat.
2. Read the Labels Carefully – While selecting a pet food, read the nutrition labels clearly. Although pet foods are not mandated by Indian law to list the ingredient and nutrition data on the pack. But those that truly care (or have to comply with import/export laws) usually have a label. Before buying a product, look for its ingredient list and check for suspicious items. If something doesn’t sound like food, ask the pet shop owner or simply Google!
3. Do Your Research – Before you finalize the pet food for your darling, check its reviews. Also check for recent recall notices issued on the brand. If you’re still not confident about your choice, call up the food manufacturer’s helpline and clarify your doubts. Leave no stone unturned to ensure that your dog or cat gets a healthy and nutritious diet.
4. Consult the Professionals (with Reasoning) – When your trainer or groomer recommends a pet food, ask them (politely) why they think it’s the right choice for your pet. If a vet recommends a food for your dog or cat, find out what distinguishes the product from the rest. Your vet should be able to address concerns on the quality of ingredients used, nutrient balance and the food’s clinical results.
5. Don’t Go for the Cheapest Product – While there is no guarantee that an expensive product delivers superior quality and nutrition, the cheaper ones are usually worse. If a product is available for, say 100 rupees a kilo, think about how much they would have actually invested in the food. Remember, even the cheaper products have to spend on distribution, sales & advertising.
6. Measure Results Periodically – Your responsibility as a pet parent doesn’t end at selecting the pet food. Every pet is different and may respond differently and unexpectedly to a food product. Every few months, while your pet is on the diet, conduct routine checks with a vet. Simple bloodwork and stool sample can tell you volumes on how your pet’s body is performing. It can also help you identify any diseases or deficiencies early on and facilitate a correct and accurate prognosis.

Your pet and his health are precious. Do not compromise on them by blindly opting for ‘the popular option’. Evaluate all available options carefully, and make a calculated buying decision. It’s for your baby’s safety and health, after all. We wish you happy pet parenting, and your pet a long and healthy life!

Food, Exercise, and Love – the 3 pillars of responsible and successful pet parenting. Just like our human kids, our furry babies need unconditional love, safe shelter, and healthy and nutritious food to grow into the superheroes that they are. The proverb “You become what you eat” applies to our pets as much as it does to the rest of our family. Which is what makes it extremely important for us to understand our dogs & cats, and their dietary requirements. Choosing our pet’s food requires utmost care and deliberation. It’s a decision that will impact their whole life, for good or for the worse.

Food can change our pets in more ways than we can imagine. Dogs and cats that eat a balanced and biologically-appropriate diet often live longer, are more active, agile and energetic. They have a shinier coat and skin, and healthier teeth and gums. Such pets are seldom obese and fall sick less often (= lower medical bills!). Pets who feed on the right diet also show less behavioral issues or diseases.
 
On the other hand, pets who ought to survive on a processed or otherwise unbalanced diet, often run into issues. Lethargy, obesity, digestive disorders, poop issues (stinky, runny or constipated), fussy eating or food-related behavioral issues, bone/joints or skin issues, weakened immunity, diseases or deficiencies are all indications of a poor diet. If your pet has been down with one or more of these lately, it’s time to rethink what you’ve been feeding them.
 

 

What should my Pet’s Ideal Diet contain?

All animals (including our dogs, cats, and humans) need a balance of macronutrients such as Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates (sugars & fiber), micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants for growth and sustenance, and water. The balance of nutrients, however, in our pets’ and our food is not the same. In fact, some common human food items may be extremely toxic for our dogs & cats.
 
A dog or cat’s diet must be inspired from what their ancestors, the wolves, and wildcats ate in the wild. These animals would mostly prey on smaller animals, scavenge on leftovers from a big hunt or fruits and berries dropped from the trees. This gave them a very specific set of nutrients, and they gradually evolved to make the best of what they fed on. Thus, when we plan a diet for our fur babies today, it must mirror the same biological mix of nutrients. Let’s have a look at the various nutrients that must constitute our pet’s food:
 

Macronutrients in Pet Food

Proteins: Proteins are the building blocks of life. They are the most abundant organic molecule, constituting about 50% of a cell’s dry weight. The word protein comes from the Greek word Proteios, which means “of primary importance” or “first place”. Thus, protein should be the first ingredient on your pet food label and must also form the bulk of your pet’s diet.
 
Proteins are made up of Amino Acids. There are 22 amino acids that build up all proteins. Typically, an animal’s body can produce some of these amino acids naturally. However, the rest must be supplied through their food. These are known as the essential amino acids. Dogs need 10 essential amino acids in their diet, cats need 11. Humans need only 9. Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine are the essential amino acids for dogs. Additionally, cats need Taurine apart from these.
 
Proteins play several important roles in the dog or cat’s body. They include:

• Growth and maintenance of body tissues such as bones, muscles, blood, skin, and hair;
• Providing structure, strength, and elasticity to cells;
• Synthesis of important enzymes, hormones, antibodies, etc., hence, vital for several body functions;
• Maintaining a steady pH and regulate fluids in the body;
• Providing energy to your pet throughout the day.

 
Fats: Our first natural reaction to fats is… unhealthy! But fats are actually very important for our body, more so for our pets. The ancestral diet of our pets included whole prey animals, with their skin and offals (both rich in fats). Thus, fats constitute a big chunk of their diet – only second to proteins.
 
Fats are made up of building blocks called Fatty Acids. There are some fatty acids that animals cannot produce in their body, and must be delivered through food. These are called essential fatty acids (EFA). These are divided into two groups – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Dogs need Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) from the ω-3 group and Linoleic Acid (LA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) from the ω-6 group. Omega-3 acids are not essential for cats but recommended for their anti-inflammatory effect.
 
Fats perform several important functions in the pet’s body, including:

• Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the body;
• Nourishing the skin and coat, and formation of cell membranes;
• Supporting brain function and nerve activity;
• Providing insulation to the body and internal organs and keeping them warm.
• Their anti-inflammatory effect keeps the risk of cancer at bay;
• Increasing palatability and adding texture to the food.
• Rich source of energy, with twice the amount of calories than protein or carbs.

However, it’s important to remember that fats have a very short shelf life. They start oxidizing as soon as they come in contact with the air and soon turn rancid. Rancid fats, such as those in packaged kibble bags, can cause gastric upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in the short term. And may result in liver diseases or pancreatitis over long use.
 
Carbohydrates: The common belief is that dogs and cats need zero carbs. However, that’s not entirely true. While they’re still carnivores, dogs and cats need carbohydrates in moderate quantities to maintain a healthy lifecycle. Carbohydrates may exist as sugars (simple carbs), starch (complex carbs) or cellulose (dietary fiber).
 
Simple carbs or processed complex carbs (such as flour) tend to increase blood sugar levels quickly. These carbohydrates are said to have a high glycemic index. Wholefoods and items rich in insoluble fiber are said to be low on the glycemic scale. Low-GI carbohydrates are acceptable and in fact, healthy for our dogs and cats. While those high on the GI scale must be avoided.
 
Carbohydrates perform the following functions in our pet’s diet:

• They act as a source of quick energy.
• Dietary fiber keeps the pet feeling full for a longer time, enables better digestion and bowel movements.

Micronutrients in Pet Food

Vitamins: Just like humans, our pets also need a variety of vitamins to keep their body operating smoothly. Vitamins are organic compounds that take part in a wide range of metabolic activities. They may be either Water-Soluble Vitamins or Fat-Soluble Vitamins. Dogs and cats need B-vitamins along with Vitamin A, D, E, K, and Choline in different proportions.
 
Vitamins A helps with the skin and eyes. Vitamin D helps with absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus in the body. Vit E helps with skin & coat and strengthens the immune system. Vit K allows proper blood coagulation. B-vitamins help in a number of biochemical reactions and are important for healthy skin, coat and digestion. Choline aids healthy brain and liver function.

Pets can synthesize Vitamin C in their liver, and don’t really need it. Supplementing it may be beneficial, but an excess can create toxicity. Hence, caution is advised.

Minerals: All dogs and cats need some essential Macrominerals (in relatively larger quantities) and Trace Minerals (in minute quantities) in their diet. The 7 macrominerals needed by dogs and cats are Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Chloride, Potassium and Sulphur. There are about 11 microminerals, but the most important ones are Iron, Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Iodine, Selenium, Manganese and Fluorine.
 
Calcium and phosphorus are needed for bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for many other important functions such as blood pressure control, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and blood coagulation. Sodium, potassium, and chloride maintain the pH in the body, thereby, regulating the fluid balance in the body. Magnesium is important for bones, enzymes & intracellular fluids, and brain functions. Iron makes up the oxygen-carrying pigments – hemoglobin and myoglobin. Zinc is important for the immune system, growth, and reproduction. Zinc and Selenium are important for healthy skin and coat.
 
Enzymes, Antioxidants & Probiotics: Enzymes are a specialized class of proteins that help catalyze biochemical reactions in the body.  Enzymes support the immune system, help in absorption of vitamins and minerals, promote healthy teeth, gums, bones, and joints, and keep toxins out. Digestive enzymes such as proteases break down proteins into simpler amino acids. Lipases break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. While most enzymes are secreted in the body itself, adding additional enzymes such as Papain may provide support to the body.
 
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation and thus spoilage of nutrients in food. They may also help prevent cell damage due to aging. Antioxidants also help in nerve functions. Some vitamins such as Vit E and A act as a good antioxidant and may reduce the risk of cancer.
 
Probiotics are healthy bacteria cultures that promote digestion in the body. These are usually found in the gut of the animals, but may need replenishment through food. Especially if the pet has had poor metabolism or diet.
 

Water in Pets’ Diet

Water is the most important yet most underrated part of your pet’s diet. Water is the main component of every healthy living cell in the body. Our bodies (and those of our pets) are made up of roughly 70% water. A diet is incomplete if it doesn’t provide sufficient moisture to your pet. More so, if your dog or cat doesn’t drink water regularly.
 
The main function of water is to transport nutrients into and out of the body. Water acts as a solvent for many important nutrients and greatly helps in digestion. It cools down the body and helps maintain normal body temperature. Water lubricates the joints and keeps the organs hydrated and operational. It also helps to remove toxins from the body.
 
Lack of water in your pet’s diet may result in dehydration and organ malfunction. This could be fatal for your darling. That is why it’s strongly recommended to include fresh fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce in your pet’s diet. Keeping the fluids up is one of the thumb rules of Pet Nutrition.
 

 

Important Considerations while Planning Diets for Pets or Picking Pet Foods

Moderation is Key – More is Not Always Merrier

Your pet’s diet must consist of all nutrients in a balanced amount. While we may tempt to supplement our pet’s diet with more of the good stuff, sometimes it may not be necessary. In fact, an excess of certain nutrients may cause toxicity or other issues. For example, too much Vitamin A (liver treats) intake for a prolonged duration may result in poor absorption and deficiency of calcium, resulting in weaker bones and joints. High sodium can lead to blood pressure, heart and kidney diseases. Too much fat could lead to liver and pancreatic issues while excessive calcium can lead to kidney or bladder stones.
 
Organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) lay down the metrics for Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for pets. They establish Nutrient Profiles that all pet foods must comply to in order to label their products as “complete and balanced”. These nutrient profiles also specify the maximum dosage of nutrients in pet foods.
 
Here’s the AAFCO Nutrient Profile for Dogs & Cats, that DawgieBowl complies with:

 
Consequently, stay clear of multivitamins and mineral supplements for your pets, unless prescribed by your vet. Food supplements must only be added when the diet being fed to your pet is nutritionally incorrect or incomplete. Multivitamins or mineral supplements meant for human consumption is a big NO for pets.
 

Lifestage and Lifestyle-based Diets

Your pet’s diet must match their life-stage and their lifestyle. Puppies/Kittens and senior dogs or cats have a different nutritional requirement than adults. Similarly, pregnant or lactating pets may have different needs too.
 
Working animals, or pets with an active lifestyle may need a different diet than live-at-home pets or those that don’t work out as often. Athletes don’t eat the same food as desk workers, do they?
 
Animals may also need slightly different nutrients based on their breeds. Some breeds may have a known genetic predisposition to certain diseases or deficiencies. This is where it gets important to customize their food as per their breed-specific needs.
 

Go Easy on Calories

While a healthy balance of macronutrients is required, you must watch the calorie intake and consumption of your pet. Proteins and carbs typically give out 4 calories per gram, while fats provide 9 calories per gram. Your pet’s food must be moderately nutrient-dense – enough to provide all nutrients as per their RDI without overloading or starving them of calories.
 
The energy required by the pet to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, brain functions, etc. is known as the Resting Energy Requirement (RER). This is the energy required by a living creature to maintain homeostasis while performing no physical exercise without losing weight. The RER of dogs and cats is calculated using the formula RER = 70 x (body weight in kgs) 0.75.
 
Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) is the energy requirement for a moderately active pet in a thermoneutral environment. MER is the amount of energy needed to maintain steady body weight even with moderate physical exercise. It’s usually calculated as a multiple of the RER as given in the tables below:

Source Matters

Food is not just a numbers game. The quality of nutrient makes a huge impact on how much of those nutrients will be absorbed and assimilated by your pet’s body. For example, not all proteins are the same. Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a scale used to evaluate the quality of a protein based on the availability of amino acids and their absorbability in the body. Other factors such as Net Protein Utilization (NPU) also affects the digestibility of a protein. Commercial pet foods often get the nutrients right on paper. But they often use low-quality ingredients that rank low on the PDCAAS & NPU scale. This makes only a fraction of the advertised nutrients available for use by your pet’s body.
 
When selecting a diet for your darling dog or cat, make sure the nutrients are sourced from natural ingredients. While synthetic reconstitutes may fulfill the compliance requirements, they will certainly not fulfill your pet’s dietary needs. Packaged, overprocessed diets often provide little or no nutritional benefits to your pet. Of course, your dog or cat can survive on them. But they need real, natural food from fresh sources to thrive on. Some lifeless pellets out of a bag would just not do!
 

Results are Slow, But Don’t Miss Them!

The biggest problem with planning diets for pets is that the effects manifest over a long time. And they may be so subtle, that’s we may entirely miss them. When you put your pet on a new diet regime, some of the acute results may show up almost immediately (within a week), but the long term effects are only visible after many months or sometimes, even years.
 
This stands true for both, the positive and adverse effects. Nutrient deficiencies often take years before they manifest into a symptom that can be diagnosed. And often times, with our pet’s short lifespan – it’s too late for redemption. Sometimes, we accept these adverse effects as age-attributed problems. For example, kidney or heart issues are often attributed to old age – while they may just be a side-effect of poor dietary habits during the early years.
 
This is what calls for a lot of planning and research while selecting a pet food for your furry baby. Your choice has a direct impact on your dog or cat’s life. Therefore, a lot of due diligence and deliberation is required while planning your pet’s diet. As educated consumers and responsible pet parents, you must not fall for clever advertisements and evaluate every product on its merits – especially when it concerns your pet’s health, safety, and well-being.
 

 

Abandon the ‘My Pet Loves It!’ Theory

Kids love fast food – that doesn’t make it appropriate for them. Similarly, just because your pet loves a certain kind of food – doesn’t mean it’s healthy and safe for them. As pet parents, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your furry baby. Their judgment may not always be in their best interest.
 
Commercial pet food products are known to use dangerous amounts of added taste enhancers such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG – often disguised as “Brewer’s Yeast” or “Natural Flavoring Substances” on pet food labels) and even sugar. Of course, this would get the pets hooked on the food, but it’s absolutely detrimental – almost toxic for them.
 

Read Labels Carefully

When making a choice of pet food products for your dog or cat, make sure you read the labels carefully. Although the regulations for pet food labeling are very vague in India, you’ll be able to tell the good from the bad – if you know where to look. Go over the ingredients list on the pet food label, and see if they sound like something your baby should eat. If you’re not sure, you can always look them up on Google.
 
Be wary of items that sound like food – but are not. For example, chicken meal is not the same as chicken meat. Beet pulp is not the purple juicy root vegetable you’re thinking of. Cellulose powder is basically, sawdust. Be careful of the prefixes and suffixes on items. “-Meals”, “-solids”, “-extracts” are clever ways of hiding the processed ingredients under an organic-sounding name.

When it’s about your babies’ health, no measure is too drastic – ever! If you’re not sure about something, always ask for help. Consult a vet or pet nutritionist to know what’s best for your pet. Always feed real, nutritious, healthy and balanced food to your pet. Your dog or cat will thank you, we promise! Exercise your darling pet regularly, love them, and spoil them all you want! They deserve all of it!

An Indian breakfast is never complete without Aloo Paratha, Upma, Idli, Dosa etc. These are every Indian’s all-time favorite breakfast preparations. But what if you are looking for a quick fix, yet a healthy and tasty way to start your day? We’ve got Oats! An Oatmeal is easy to cook, takes lesser time to digest and is equally delicious. Top it with some berries, sprinkle a few grated nuts or give it an Indian taste by adding spices and vegetables. We all know how healthy oats are! But, are they equally good for your dogs and cats?

Oatmeal is a big YES for your pets! However, if you have never fed them before, start with smaller quantities. It is a great source of carbohydrates if your pooch is allergic to wheat. And, even if they are not, this whole grain is still one of the best foods for them.
 

 
Oats have a long list of benefits and even longer history of consumption by animals, all over the world. Here’s the list:

• Oats are not genetically modified and are a natural source of carbohydrates. They are rarely contaminated with grains like wheat, barley, rye etc.
• They are low on calories and fats, and a good source of soluble fiber, keeping them feel full for longer hours.
• The dietary fiber can help regulate blood glucose levels and is great for your pooch’s digestive system. They will poop better and have a brighter smile throughout the day.
• Oats are full of linoleic acid, a type of Omega-6 fatty acid that helps keep their skin strong and healthy. So, if you want to keep their fur softer and shinier, Oats can be your solution.
• They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which help improve the overall health of your furry friend.

But make sure you feed them in moderation and not overdo the oats.
 

And here’s how the Oats originated

Oats were discovered thousands of years ago, in Egypt. Did you know that earlier they were considered a weed and used for medicinal purposes? Later, Oats started getting popular among the farmers because the crop was easy to grow and easier to harvest. It was enjoyed by hoomans and animals, both. Animals have been consuming this humble grain since farmers started cultivating them. Oats are 100% safe and can be given to your pets in moderation.
 
Oatmeal started getting more popular as a breakfast meal in the mid-1800’s and since then there has been no looking back. This grain has become everybody’s favorite breakfast meal all over the world.
 

How popular are Oats in India?

Oats started gaining popularity in India only after 2006 (Source).
 
They eat up a major chunk of the breakfast cereal market in the country. The need to stay healthy and get fit has grown tremendously in the last decade. From granola bars to healthy smoothies, the market is flooded with such wholesome and hearty options. Oats are extremely popular because they are either recommended by doctors or peers to live a healthier lifestyle. Indians never want to end up last in the race of health and fitness, so they don’t mind experimenting with their breakfast food either. With many flavors and savory options available as well, we are spoilt for choice. So, to summarize, they are a great quick fix, loaded with health, versatile and really good for your pets. Here’s Dawgiebowl giving you a green signal.
 

 

Exactly how good are Oats for your pet?

We all know that Oats are great for both you and your pet. But how exactly does it help your pup or cat?

Let’s take a look at some of the important benefits.
Oats are rich in:

• Protein. Interestingly, wild oats contain from 27-37% protein while cultivated varieties average about 17%. According to the World Health Organization, oat protein is equivalent in quality to soy protein. Although your pet still need their proteins to come predominantly from meat-based food sources.
• Soluble fiber – the fiber that helps keep cholesterol levels low.
• Levels of Iron, Manganese, Zinc, and B-vitamins (Pantothenic Acid, B5, and Folate, B9).

Oats are low in:

• Gluten – some is present, but not nearly as much as in wheat.
• Genetically Modified Organisms – so far, oats are not grown using GMO.

Oats are considered a nervine, a herbal compound that acts as a general nerve tonic; calming the nerves when necessary, stimulating their activity when needed. Oats are used for treating a variety of nervous disorders. We know how much your pet means to you and you want them to stay disease-free. So, here you go! Grab some oat meal or treats and keep your pooch healthy and happy.
 
Oats benefit several body organs and systems, including skin, the nervous system, stomach, spleen, lungs, and the urinary and reproductive systems. They also contain the antitumor compound β-Sitosterol.
 

What variations of Oats are acceptable for pets?

There are two types of these cholesterol-lowering whole grains: Rolled and Steel-cut.

1. Rolled Oats: To make rolled oats, the whole grains are steamed and pressed flat with steel rollers. The rolling process shortens the cooking time.
2. Steel-cut Oats: Also called as Irish oats, steel-cut oats are not rolled. They are instead sliced by steel blades into coarse grains. They are less processed than rolled oats.

The rolled oats are more popular and can be cooked as delicious treats for your pets.
 

 

How to serve the Oats to pets?

It’s best to give your pet dog or cat cooked oats. Don’t feed them raw oats as they are hard to chew and irritates the system. Also, don’t add milk to the meal as pets usually can’t tolerate dairy products.
 

Conclusion

Oats are highly recommended by our team for the overall well-being of your furry friend. Don’t feed them processed, packaged food, make sure their diet is balanced with meat-based proteins, vegetables, fruits and something like Oats to keep them full and flurry. Be a responsible parent and do your homework about oats and feed them in moderation. They are going to love you for this. More cuddles are guaranteed!

Why feed packaged food to your pets when we deliver healthy & balanced meals at your doorstep? Read more here.

Bread is a staple food for people around the globe. For many of us, our day feels incomplete without having a slice of bread. Whether it’s having sandwiches at our favorite joint or making roti (Indian flatbread) at home, at least one meal of ours consists of it.
 
In the Roman & British medieval times, bread was supposed to be consumed by only the rich and the wealthy and was considered a status symbol. Whereas today, with the addition of additives & preservatives humans are advised to consume bread in moderate portions, as it can cause cancer if consumed in large quantities for a long time. So, like humans, can dogs eat bread in moderate quantities too?

The answer is – NO. Bread for dogs is a poor choice as it does more harm than good to your pet’s body, and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort if not digested properly. Although many people in India feed their dogs bread, you are strictly advised to not do so for both dogs & cats. It is highly unsafe for them and your pets might even have an allergic reaction towards wheat or gluten.
 

 

So where does Bread originate from?

Bread has existed in our world for thousands of years. The earliest Bread is said to have originated in the Middle East, specifically Egypt in around 8000 B.C. The Egyptians crushed the grain, left it for leavening and later made flatbreads out of it. Later, as the usage of bread increased in Rome; the Romans invented milling.
 
The breakthrough in the history of bread came about in 1834 when the steel roller mill was invented in Switzerland to separate the endosperm, germ & bran. This made bread accessible to gluten intolerants. Addition of chemicals started in the 20th century and the bread became whiter, softer & long lasting. Now, in the 21st-century bread is made of varieties of grains like whole wheat, oats, rye, multigrain, etc which are a much healthier options than white bread (for humans, not so much for pets)
 

What makes Bread popular in India?

If you are raised in an Indian household, you know that a traditional Indian meal is incomplete without Roti. The Indian flatbreads are made in various forms like roti, paratha, puri, etc and have been eaten for centuries. Also, with the popularity of Western culture increasing in India there is a growth in the consumption of fast food items like sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, etc which use bread as their base.
 

 

What is the Nutritional build-up of Bread?

There is a saying that, “The whiter the bread, the sooner you are dead” which is true for us since bread does more harm to our body than most other food items. 1 slice of bread contains 80 calories and 1 g of fat. The fiber content is 0.3% in white bread and it contains minerals like magnesium, phosphorous & iron. However, white bread is made of highly processed simple carbs and has a very high glycemic index. This causes an immediate spike in blood sugar levels. The lack of dietary fiber in bread makes the person feel less full and will leave him craving for more.
 
Bread also has a high gluten content which can lead to gluten intolerance in a person and Potassium Bromate (a common food additive used in commercial breads) can cause cancer in humans. Apart from gluten intolerance, the sugar, salt & preservatives added in bread can prove equally harmful to the human body and cause weight gain or allergies towards certain chemicals.
 

So is Bread harmful for Dogs too?

Dogs have a completely different digestive system than humans. The calories in white bread might be appropriate for us but they are way more for canines. It even lacks the required number of vitamins and minerals. Bread for dogs is harmful to them as it has added sugar & preservatives and can cause stomach pains and allergies. Obesity is another issue for dogs. The high amount of carbs may cause weight gain in your pooch.
 
Ethanol poisoning and toxicosis can occur if the bread yeast ferments in your dog’s stomach. It may cause bloating of stomach and eventually prove fatal for your dog. Xylitol present in bread is another thing to be careful about.
 

What is Gluten Intolerance in Humans & Pets?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye & barley. Many people are intolerant towards gluten and its consumption can lead to diarrhea, constipation, bloating (swelling of the stomach), abdominal pain, fatigue, etc. in humans. Many people confuse gluten intolerance with celiac disease which is an auto-immune disease, but they both are completely different. The only way to reduce gluten intolerance is by avoiding gluten-rich food like breads, roti, etc.
 
Like humans, dogs can be highly intolerant towards gluten. If your dog is gluten intolerant and eats bread, then it may inflame their small intestine and damage its lining as a result of abnormal protein reactions in the small intestine. This allergic reaction weakens the immune system of a dog and causes diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, itchy skin, develop poor hair & coat and even be fatal in some cases.

SEE ALSO: How Roti is Slowly Killing Your Pet

What about the different variants of Bread? Are they harmful too?

To reduce the problems caused by white bread, we have invented different alternatives like multigrain bread, whole wheat bread, oatmeal bread and even flavored breads that tingle our taste buds like the banana bread or garlic bread. These work as a great alternative for humans as they are low in gluten and rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins & minerals. Even doctors advise consumption of whole wheat & multigrain bread over white bread.
 
While it works out fine for humans, it might not be the same for your pets. Like humans, dogs might also crave for flavored bread; however, it is advised to not feed them to your dogs. The chocolate chips present in banana cake can be toxic for your pets and the onion & garlic in garlic bread can damage the RBCs of your pet. And while the ingredients may be pet-safe, the preservatives & food additives may still hurt your baby. Hence, bread and pets is a bad combination!
 
Also, the nuts & seeds present in different bread types can cause stomach irritation & pancreatitis in your pooch. Raisins are another ingredient to steer clear of as its highly toxic and affect the kidneys of your dog.
 
In case your dog still eats bread, make sure it is in small quantities and is inspected for mold. Stale bread and uncooked dough are other items which are a big fat NO for your dogs & cats.
 

The Final Verdict

Bread for dogs and cats are unsafe because of the number of carbs, preservatives, and yeast present in them. If your dog eats bread by mistake, make sure you keep them away from it. If they show any allergic reactions, consult your vet immediately. Even the different varieties of bread are equally harmful and may cause abdominal pains. It is not at all filling and once tasted, your dog will beg for more and more. In India, it is considered normal to feed dogs and cats bread but it is out of sheer ignorance of its harmful effects. It is strongly advised to not feed bread to your pets as well as the stray dogs in your locality!

DawgieBowl offers a balanced, healthy diet for your pet, without the harmful additives in traditional pet food. Adding convenience to your pet feeding processed with home-delivered meals, measured to your pet’s nutritional needs. Read more here.

Carrots – the orange-red colored root vegetable has sneaked its way into most of our traditional and modern cuisines. Right from Carrot Cake to our favorite Gaajar Ka Halwa it’s everywhere! Young or old, this vegetable is loved by everyone. But can pets eat carrots too?

The good news is YES! Carrots are safe for dogs as well as cats. They can have it whenever they want; however, after exercising certain precautions. Carrot may be a great vegetable to have and your pet might crave for it. But as the old saying goes, ‘Excess of anything is Poison’. Hence, exercising a little moderation while feeding carrots to your pet is a wise idea.
 

 

Where did Carrots originate?

Carrots originally known as Daucus Carota has its origin in Central Asia. Its wild ancestors originated in Persia. Carrot seeds have been found in Switzerland and Southern Germany dating back to 2000–3000 BC. The ancient Romans even used it as a medicinal herb and as an aphrodisiac.
 
They were originally available in a variety of colors like purple, white, yellow, red, and even black. Finally, the ‘orange’ color of the carrots was created in the 17th century by the Dutch to honor their flag at the time. It’s been widely available in that color since then and has now become an important part of the vegetable family all over the world.
 

Why are Carrots so popular in India?

Winter is considered as the season of carrots in India. As soon as winter approaches, you can find Indian mothers feeding carrot juice to their children, preparing pickled carrots and cooking delicious Gaajar Ka Halwa. The orange carrots were brought and mostly made popular in India by the Britishers in the 18th century. Since then, it has been widely produced and consumed in different parts of the country, with Haryana being the largest producer.
 

 

What is the nutritional build-up of Carrots?

Carrots are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. They are light and are chiefly made of water and carbohydrates. The edible portion has 10% of carbs which consist of starch and sugars. Carrots also are low in fat which makes it a great vegetable to munch on without the fear of weight gain. Carrots are high in fiber, with a single medium-sized carrot containing approximately 2 grams of digestive fiber. They also rank low in glycemic index.
 
Glycemic index is the measure of how quickly certain foods raise blood sugar level after a meal. Eating foods with low glycemic index has various health benefits and works out great, particularly for people with diabetes. It is the lowest for raw carrots and increases as you cook them.
 
Carrots also contain various soluble and insoluble fibers with Pectin being the most important soluble fiber present. Soluble fibers help in slowing down the digestion of sugar and starch, which makes us feel full for a longer period of time. They can also impair the absorption of harmful cholesterol. Insoluble fibers, on the other hand, reduce the risk of constipation and ensure healthy bowel movements.
 
Carrots are a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. They contain beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes better vision, develops immunity and leads to an improvement in overall body function. Biotin (formerly known as Vitamin-H) plays an important role in metabolizing fat and protein in the body. Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone is needed for blood coagulation. It also improves the bone density, and helps to develop stronger & healthier bones & joints. Vitamin K is vital to blood clotting and helps support dental and bone health. Lastly, Vitamin B6 turns carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.
 
Amongst the plant compounds presents, Carotenoids are by far the best compound present in carrots. The main carotenoids present are Beta-carotene, Alpha-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Polyacetylenes, and Anthocyanins. They are found in different proportions; however, they demonstrate powerful antioxidant activity which helps in the reduction of various diseases like cardiovascular, degenerative, and also reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.
 

 

That’s great, but are Carrots good for pets?

Carrots can be a great choice for dogs & cats. They are healthy, refreshing, and tasty. The plethora of vitamins and minerals present in carrots provide a number of benefits to your pet. The Vitamin A present in them enhances your dog’s vision. Especially for an aging dog, who is losing his vision, feeding carrots can help restore their eyesight. Vitamin A can also assist your dog in flushing out the harmful toxins in their body. It has also been known to reduce the bile and fat that collects in the liver. Carrots are also a great choice for active dog breeds as they contain vitamin K which increases the bone density and protects them.
 
Carrots can also improve your pet’s oral health. When your dog or cat chews on carrots, the crunchiness helps by scraping off the plaque, food particles and other gunk stuck in their teeth. Also, the minerals found in carrots help prevent any tooth damage to your dog or cat. The carotenoids present also reduce the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of carrots can reduce cholesterol levels because of the high amount of soluble fibers.
 

So, how can I serve Carrots to my pets?

Carrots are safe for your pets and can be served in various ways and proportions based on the size of your dog or cat. If your dog is big you can serve an entire carrot to him, which he will chew and tear off. However, if your dog is small or if you have a cat it is necessary to cut the carrot into small pieces before feeding them so that they don’t choke on it.
 
Carrots for dogs can be even grated and peeled before feeding if they are fussy eaters. Another way is to freeze the carrots; frozen carrots may help relieve discomfort for teething puppies and can slow down an aggressive chewer while still offering vitamins and minerals.
 
You can even prepare carrot sticks and present it to your pet which they will surely chew for hours. Also, if your dog or cat is not a vegetable lover, juicing may be a fun way to add carrots to their diet. Just remember to add the pulp back after juicing so that your pet doesn’t miss out on the fibers!
 

 

What about Preserved or Packaged Carrots?

Carrots for pets in any preserved or packaged form is a strict NO-NO! Most packaged foods contain preservations which can be detrimental for your dog’s health. Also, the artificially flavored carrot chips or sticks can trigger an infection or allergy in your pet which may cause irritation or any other side-effects in your pet. Most processed, canned or dehydrated (chips) carrots, prepared for humans may contain salt or seasoning. Make sure your pet never gets their paws on these.
 

Conclusion

Carrots are low on carbs & fats, and high on fiber and water – which makes them a great treat for your pet. They’re easily digestible and prevent constipation in your pets because of the presence of soluble fibers. Carrots are filling and provide many nutritional benefits to your pet, especially for the senior dawgies who can benefit immensely from the vitamins and minerals present in them.
 
However, as pet parents, you have to exercise certain precautions and moderations on the quantity of carrot fed to your dog. Carrots are safe for pets and impose very few side-effects. But in case your dog or cat encounters any infection or allergies, it is advised to take them to the vet immediately. After all, a healthy and happy pet makes a happy family!
 
Always know that vegetables can be an interesting and nutritious addition to your pet’s diet. But a majority of their protein needs to be from animal sources. If you wish for your pet to thrive, add vegetables to their meat-based diet. A solely vegetarian diet will severely affect the quality and span of your pet’s life.

DawgieBowl offers a balanced, healthy diet for your pet, without the harmful additives in traditional pet food. Adding convenience to your pet feeding processed with home-delivered meals, measured to your pet’s nutritional needs. Read more here.