One of the many things humans and pets share is the love for food. We both take it very seriously and genuinely look forward to our mealtimes. Now while you may want to share all the deliciousness with your baby, there may be sometimes you’d want to practice restraint; only for the right reasons. Being a good pet parent also entails for you to say ‘No’ when required. While there are plenty of foods you can share with your baby, there are some bad boys you need to keep absolutely out of sight!

We’ve put down a list of 10 such foods your dog or cat must not eat so that you two could enjoy the best of mealtimes and good health.

Now that you know what foods you need to strictly steer clear of, you can go ahead and whip up a lovely meal you two could share. What your dog eats is crucial to his well-being and overall happiness; yours too. A small exercise like cooking a meal you two could share can be a very special experience. Our lifestyles don’t allow us to do so daily, but you need to be assured what goes into your pet’s belly provides him well nutritionally. You could check our curated meals, that are made keeping in mind the best for your pet.

Does your dog or cat love to eat? Share their stories in the comments below.

Everyone loves food. Our pets, most of all! The food your pets eat can impact their life drastically. We’ve listed out 8 ways healthy pet food can change your dog or cat.

Just like your children, your pets need good food, a safe place to live in, and unconditional love and support to grow into the beautiful beings they are. Good nutrition is as important for your dog or cat, as it is for any other member of your family. The quality of the food you feed your pet makes a great difference in your pet’s health and happiness. “You become what you eat” applies to pets, better than it does to most humans.

Healthy food shows on our body and mind. A burger or pizza may seem more tempting than a bowl of salad, but they surely have their toll on the body. When you eat a bowl of salad or a healthy sandwich, you feel light even right after your meal; you’re energetic all day and your mood is naturally uplifted.

It’s the same for your pet! When your dog or cat eats a healthy, species-appropriate meat-based diet, they feel healthy from the inside and tend to excel at all life activities. Let’s look at some of the ways a balanced and healthy diet can help your pet dog or cat:

Gives Energy

Our bodies are made quite differently from those of our pets. While we humans have evolved over hundreds of centuries to digest a variety of foods, our pets are quite far behind the curve. Therefore, what may be staple food for you, may not be the best fit for your dog or cat. A species appropriate diet could mean that your pet is able to digest it more easily. A balanced diet will provide all essential nutrients to your pet dog or cat, without putting stress on their body. It also means they’ll be able to assimilate the food into energy more quickly, and without compromise. Your dog will be more active, energetic and playful.

Keeps Away Obesity

Obesity is a major issue with Indian Urban pets. A processed food regime and a lifestyle with little or no exercise put every 3 out of 4 urban pets into the bracket of ‘overweight animals’. Sometimes, over-humanization could also be the reason behind your pet gaining weight rapidly. We obviously want the best for our dog or cat, but sometimes we tend to go overboard with the love. This love is often accumulated as excess fat on your pet’s body and makes way for a wide array of lifestyle disorders, including but not limited to bone and joint issues (hip dysplasias, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), respiratory & pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and heart diseases, etc.

Healthy Skin & Coat

A diet with all nutrients in balance, particularly Zinc, Iodine, and Selenium keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. The food you feed must be rich in vitamins A, B-complex, E and Omega fatty acids for your baby’s hair to be smooth and silky. Antioxidants are the most important component of food that’s essential for a healthy skin and coat. Processed diets such as kibble and canned food provide no antioxidants to your darling. A deficiency of these essential nutrients can lead to dry, itchy or patchy skin, rashes, boils, unusual redness, dandruff, hair fall and bald patches on the skin.

Better Oral Hygiene

A biologically appropriate diet will ensure a perfect oral hygiene for your pet. Your dog or cat’s teeth and gums are designed to tear flesh and meat. Their saliva contains enzymes to begin digesting meat, even before it reaches their stomach. Their mouth is designed to self-cleanse itself while they consume a species-appropriate diet. You wouldn’t see any animal in the wild taking a dentist’s appointment. That’s because the food they eat takes care of the plaque that’s accumulated on their teeth. Mouth odor or bad breath is a byproduct of bad food. A dog or cat that’s feeding on a correct and balanced diet seldom has foul breath or weakening teeth.

Stronger Immunity

If you eat healthily, you fall sick less often. The nutrients & antioxidants in the food enable our body’s defense system – the Immune system to fight off the disease-causing pathogens more efficiently. Think of it as an army that’s armed well. This is exactly how it works for your pet dog or cat. When your pet eats a healthy, species-appropriate meat-based diet, their immune system functions at an enhanced rate, keeping them safe from most infections that hit them in their daily routine.

Lowered Medical Expense

Most of the infections are handled by the body’s immune system. So your pet is less likely to fall sick to the point where you have to rush him to the vet. That’s your hard earned money saved! Not only vet visits cost a lot of money, they’re also a traumatizing experience for your pet. Nobody wants to see the face of a hospital, and a balanced and nutritionally complete diet keeps you and your pet away from one.

Increased Longevity

Healthy food can add up to a year or two to your pet’s life. Similarly, bad food, processed kibble, and canned preparations could take away a couple of years. For an animal whose average lifespan is about 8 to 12 years, that’s a lot of time! Pets who feed on a biologically correct and nutritionally balanced diet often live longer and healthier than their friends who survive on packaged food.

Conditioned Behavior

Our pets can’t communicate with us verbally. Unlike our human babies, they cannot convey when they’re in pain or irritated. However, it almost always shows up in their behavior. A dog or cat that’s suffering from a pain is often irritated and snappy. We often ignore such behavior as occasional bouts of aggression or a random mood swing, while it could just be an indication that your baby is hurting. A pet who feeds on a healthy diet is usually free from such anxiety, aggression and hence, lives a happy and disease-free life.

The best food for your dog or cat is real food. Therefore, avoid feeding packaged food like kibble or canned preparations for your dog or cat. If you’re unable to feed a balanced diet at home, seek help from a pet nutritionist and subscribe to a health food service like ours for your pet. Nothing can match the goodness of real meat, veggies, fruits and seeds for your furry darling. If you wouldn’t want to eat something that comes out of a packet every day, so why feed the same to your pet?

Does your dog or cat love to eat? Share their stories in the comments below.

Cheese – the one thing we always say YES to. Pizzas would be meaningless if it weren’t for cheese. All extravagant delicacies, ranging from pasta to cheesecakes are only as mouth-watering as they are because of their cheesy interiors. Once you’ve got a hang of cheese, it stays around forever, making you want to include cheese in every meal you take. But should you be sharing cheese with your pet?

The answer is YES, but it comes with a lot of riders. It’s important to understand that a lot of pets are lactose intolerant and may develop allergies on consuming cheese. Not just that, cheese is high on fat and promotes obesity in dawgies. Some cheeses are known for their salt content, which can mess up your pet’s system. The most common fear, though, remains that your pet’s digestive system may not be able to take the wrath of cheese and cause gastrointestinal problems and severe bloating.
 
When it comes to cheese, you need to know what’s best for your pet. For that, you must understand your dawgie’s physiology and how he digests different food items. Further, you must see cheese, not as just another delicacy, but break it down to its constituents to have a better idea of how each of the ingredients affects your pet’s health.
 

 

How is cheese good for my pet?

Cheese is rich in vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. While Vitamin C is great for your pet’s immunity, skin, coat, and hair, the B-complex vitamins cater to the essential functions of your dog’s body. These include lowering the cholesterol levels, boosting the immune system, and monitoring the functioning & synthesis of hormones. It also contains vitamin A, which takes care of your pet’s eyes, strengthens the eye muscles and prevents the onset of progressive retinal atrophy and cataract in your pet. Apart from these vitamins, some of the essential micronutrients that cheese contains include calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
 
Calcium helps maintain your pet’s bone health, heart, and his nerves. The phosphorus present in cheese is good for your dawgie’s digestion. It also helps reduce fatigue and helps eliminate toxins from his body. It aids brain growth and development, especially during the early years. Along with calcium and phosphorus, the zinc present in cheese helps your dawgie in keeping infections at bay.
 

 

OK. But if it has all these benefits, why do vets advise against cheese for dogs and cats?

Two words – Lactose Intolerance. Some dogs have absolutely no problem in digesting dairy products. But most dogs show symptoms of abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or vomiting whenever they consume milk, butter, cheese or other dairy products.
 
This is because these dairy products contain lactose. Lactose is a complex sugar, consisting of two sugar molecules bound together by a covalent bond. The digestive system in dawgies and hoomans is capable of producing enzymes to break down complex sugar molecules into simpler ones. This releases energy which can further be used by the body’s cells to carry out the everyday functions. However, the synthesis of enzymes is a little different when it comes to hoomans vs pets. While in most cases the human body is capable of producing the lactase enzyme to break down lactose into simpler sugars; most pets are not equipped with sufficient quantities of lactase in their bodies. It is due to this deficiency of lactase enzyme that lactose remains undigested in dawgie bodies and causes severe gastrointestinal distress.
 

How can I find out if my pet is Lactose Intolerant?

Start by feeding a small quantity of milk or another dairy product to your pet. If you notice that he develops abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or shows signs of vomiting, know that your dawgie is lactose intolerant. In most cases, it’s the protein present in these dairy products that your pet has a problem with. Talk to your vet to find out what you can and can’t give to your pet. Knowing the amount of lactose in different products may come in handy when it comes to deciding whether to share something with your pet.
 

 

My pet is Not lactose intolerant. How should I go about feeding cheese to him?

Even though you’ve realized by now that your pet has lactase superpowers, feeding dairy products that contain a large amount of lactose is still not a good idea. Here are a few pointers you can keep in mind while deciding the right cheese for your dawgie:

1. The aged the cheese, the better it is for your pet: Aged cheeses like parmesan, swiss cheese and mozzarella are known for their low lactose content. They are safer to digest as compared to other varieties. These cheeses are also low in fat content. Even cottage cheese (paneer) is a safe option in moderation!
    
2. Look for low sodium cheese varieties: Most cheeses contain sodium salts, which are known for expelling water out of our pet’s bodies. Pets find it hard to process sodium, and end up getting dehydrated and feeling nauseous. Compare different brands and varieties, pick the one with low sodium content.
    
3. Say No to flavored and processed cheese: Cheeses mixed with garlic, oregano, tomato and all the yummiest things you can find on the planet, are very harmful to our pets. Processed cheese like the cubes, slices or cheese spread commonly available in India contain preservatives that may not be safe for your pooch. In almost all cases, these are known to cause bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Avoid these for your furry best friend!

And what about Paneer (Cottage Cheese)?

Even though it’s a little easier for your pet to digest paneer over other cheeses, it should still be avoided. If you want to serve paneer to your pet, don’t add any kind of seasoning to it. Unsalted, unseasoned paneer chopped into really small pieces can be served if your pet is not lactose intolerant.
 

 

So what is the best way to feed cheese to my pet?

The first rule about feeding cheese to your dawgie is checking for his lactose intolerance. No cheese if your pet is lactose intolerant. If you’ve ascertained that your pet is good to go with cheese, make sure you restrict the portions to very small size. Ideally, cheese should only be used as a treat, or for concealing medicines inside. If your pet is fussy about his medicines, hide the pill (except antibiotics) in a piece of cheese, and serve it to your pet. Under all circumstances, remember that even though your dog or cat may be able to digest it, it’s not necessarily very good for your baby.

Got a cheesy story to narrate, share it in the comments below!

As an Indian, one cannot imagine life without roti, also known as chapati or phulka in some households. The fancier name for a chapati is Indian flatbread. Widely popular across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and a handful of other countries, chapati forms the backbone of diets in these countries. Since you’ve practically grown up eating chapatis, you have learned to rely on its goodness; so much so that a meal is almost incomplete without roti or another member from its family. But is feeding roti to your Fido a good idea?

The answer is NO! Irrespective of what the neighbourhood auntie tells you, rotis are toxic for your dog. You may come across people who have been feeding roti to their dog or cat for years, and have never had a problem. It worked out in their favor, but it could have easily swung the other way. Like it does for every second pet; 1 out of every 2 dogs tested show adverse reactions to rotis. So there’s still a 50% chance that your pet may not have a problem with chapatis, but we’d strongly recommend against trying.
 
This is because chapatis are a storehouse of gluten, which is harmful to your pet. Incidences of gluten intolerance have gone up in hoomans from 1-in-10,000 to 1-in-100 in recent years. Since pets and hoomans exist in cohabitation, the disorders that they pick up are not very different. And since pets are completely dependent on hoomans for what they eat, it puts all the more onus on you to ensure that whatever your pet eats does not harm him or her. Let’s try to understand the composition of a Roti.
 

 

Breaking Down: Rotis

Chapati is made from wheat. Even though wheat is a great source of protein for hoomans, it is not so for your pooch. Gluten happens to be one of the main constituents of wheat, which many pets have shown a rising intolerance to. Gluten comes from a Latin word, which actually translates to ‘glue.’ Its glue-like properties can be seen when flour is mixed with water, and we find a sticky cross-linked network of proteins. If you’ve ever knead a dough, you would surely remember how elastic and fluffy the end result is.
 
Gluten is composed of 2 basic proteins: gliadin and glutenin. Glutenin is safe, but gliadin is considered the reason behind the rising intolerance among dogs and hoomans. Gluten intolerance isn’t limited just to the intake of chapatis. You need to be wary of gluten-based foods too, like muffins, cakes, doughnuts, wheat bread, and everything else that include wheat, or more precisely gluten.
 

Why is Gluten harmful to my Dog or Cat?

Some dawgies show no adverse signs of gluten-toxicity. Some people even feed gluten-containing grains like oats, rye, and barley to their pets as a source of protein. But since there is an upward trend with regard to gluten intolerance, you need to be wary of your pet inhibiting the condition. That’s why knowledge about how gluten gets digested is of importance when it comes to pet nutrition.
 
Digestion in humans, as well as dawgies, is a complex process which starts in the mouth itself. Different glands throughout our digestive system secrete enzymes to help break down the food into a more usable form of energy, which can directly be taken up by our pets. Protease, Lipase, and Amylase are some of the enzymes secreted by the pancreas which help your pet’s body digest protein, fat and sugars. Among these, Protease is the most important for understanding gluten intolerance among dogs.
 
Protease is responsible for the complete digestion of gluten. But owing to major lifestyle changes that hoomans and pets have been subjected to over centuries, including genetically modified crops, nutritional deficiencies, the boom in autoimmune diseases and a downfall in the quality of processing methods of foods, the production of protease in different animal bodies has taken a hit. This is why gluten remains largely undigested in your dawgie’s body.
 
These undigested food particles stay in the small intestine and are treated by your pet’s immune system as a foreign particle. The small intestine tries to break these undigested food particles down so that your dog’s body gets rid of them, but instead of getting flushed out, owing to their small size, they stay inside and tend to cover up and flatten the microvilli present in the lining of the small intestine. The microvilli are finger-like projections present in the small intestine which help increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients from the digested food. So in a way, gluten not only remains undigested but also reduces your pet’s capability to digest food in an effective manner.
 

 
As a result of lesser nutrition being available than before, your pet will most likely suffer from symptoms of fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, and nausea. Dogs that are sensitive to gluten develop a chronic small intestinal inflammatory disease if they consume gluten. They have intermittent or persistent diarrhea, lose weight, develop a poor hair coat, lose body condition and just generally fail to thrive.
 

How can I detect Gluten intolerance in my pet?

Diagnosing gluten intolerance in your pet can be quite tricky. This is because the symptoms that they show are almost always mistaken for other allergies. The tests to confirm gluten intolerance are very expensive and are mostly not definitive. The only way to understand your pet’s sensitivity towards gluten is by switching them to a gluten-free diet for a few weeks and observe carefully.
 
Since wheat has been the backbone of Indian foods, it is next to impossible to always make sure that what you’re feeding your pet does not include grain. Remember, your pets are dependent on you to vouch for them. Take note of their weight loss, mood swings, diarrhea and other signs of discomfort.
 

 

The Final Verdict

Rotis are no good for your pet. The magnitude of damage gluten is capable of doing to your pet is far more the goodness of protein it contains. Besides, pets have shorter intestines and have trouble digesting plant-based foods. Your dog needs a species-appropriate, meat-based diet, which is supplemented further with some fruits and veggies which will only add to his nutritional needs. Good food is at the heart of good health. Try gluten-free diets at Dawgiebowl to kickstart his nutritious journey today!

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It is no wonder that potatoes are the backbone of Indian dishes. Be it the small dice of potato with a plate of Chhole Bhature, or thoroughly cut pieces of potatoes in Sambhar, ‘Aloo’ is the way to eat across the latitudinal extent of our country. Burgers are incomplete without an aloo tikki as their filling, and it is impossible to imagine a Chinese food menu without our very own, Honey Chilli Potatoes. But should you be sharing this staple vegetable with your pet?

Yes, but in moderation and with a lot of conditions applied. Potatoes are a rich source of Vitamin K and carbohydrates. To begin with, potatoes that have greenish-blue skin must be avoided; even the ones with sprouting buds should not be included in your pet’s diet. Potatoes turn greenish blue because of the presence of solanine, which can irritate your dog’s stomach lining and esophagus. Never feed raw potatoes to your dog. Cooked and mashed potato is the safest way to give this root vegetable of the nightshade family to your pet.
 

 
While understanding how potatoes affect our dogs, it’s important to understand their bodies. Our pets were never made to digest fruits and vegetables. Dogs have evolved over the years from wolves and hounds, and their bodies have always remained suited for the wild. Their teeth were made for cutting and tearing into flesh, and their digestive systems were built for making the best out of raw meat. Dogs must never be put on vegetarian diets because of two basic reasons. One, they miss out on nutrients which are essential for their bodies. A dearth of proteins, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients makes our pets vulnerable to many diseases. Two, their bodies are not made for digesting plant-based nutrients easily. A dog’s digestive system has evolved in a way that it can break down animal-based nutrients with far more ease than plant-based ones. So in order to gauge whether to give potato to your pet or not, you need to consider the pros and the cons and then make a decision.
 

Where did Potatoes come from?

Potato is currently the 4th largest food crop in the world, following rice, wheat, and maize. They were cultivated as early as 8000 B.C. by the Peruvians. Not long after, the Spaniards conquered Peru and carried it with them. This helped in the popularization of potatoes across Europe. Potatoes were easier to grow as compared to wheat and oats, which were the staple food crops back then. As people found the nutritious benefits of potato to be far larger than anything available at that time, it was widely cultivated. It was believed that potatoes grown on an acre of land could easily feed 10 people. From Europe, the journey of potato continued along with the countries they colonized. But, in India Potatoes were introduced much before the colonization period. India had potatoes coming in from the trade routes set up with Persia in the Ancient and Medieval period.
 

 

I’ve heard Potatoes belong to the ‘nightshade’ family. What does that mean?

Nightshade vegetables are a part of the Solanaceae plant family. This family has a variety of special fruits, vegetables as well as trees. Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers are an example of this variety. The special thing about nightshade family members is that they produce glycoalkaloids, which act as natural pesticides. These are secreted as a defense mechanism to a prospective hunter. These compounds are meant to poison the attacker. As a result, when these compounds reach the human body, they may aid autoimmune diseases, and prolong the duration of infections that would normally heal up faster. A lot of nightshade family members are not safe for consumption. Thankfully, cooked potatoes are safe.
 

What do potatoes contain?

Potatoes are a storehouse of good things. They provide us with the required carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals which are essential for our body’s growth and upkeep. Potatoes contain starch, are high in calories, and are a great source of vitamin K. They also contain vitamins B-6, C, niacin, phosphorus and pantothenic acid.
 
The high calorie content is why they need to be consumed in small portions because it’s difficult to burn all those calories off, especially if you don’t exercise regularly.
 

How is a potato good for my pet?

The calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium present in potatoes is great for your pet’s bone health. Vitamin C in potatoes can help maintain your pet’s repair and maintenance functions intact. This is because vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen, which is the fundamental block of all connective tissues in the body.
 

 
Potatoes are low on sodium, which is why they help maintain your pet’s blood pressure. They also do not contain cholesterol which is why they are great for your dawgie’s heart. Potatoes contain antioxidants; they are good for senior dawgies, as they help in reduction of inflammation. Presence of choline in potatoes helps dogs with muscle movement, absorption of fat and early brain development. The fiber present in potatoes can help keep constipation woes at bay. Vitamin B6 and niacin help with metabolism and skin troubles.
 
Potatoes contain alpha-lipoic acid which helps convert glucose into energy, aiding the completion of the digestion process. This aids the overall metabolism process for diabetic and senior dogs. Antioxidants have been known to keep ageing troubles at bay for dogs. Latest researches even go on to show that antioxidants have anti-cancer properties.

ALSO READ: Pet Cancer is Real: Everything you should know about Canine Cancer

Conclusion

Potatoes are good for your pet, but may not be properly digested by him. That’s why they need to be fed in moderation. To avoid obesity and weight gain, they must never be fried before being given to your pet. Raw potatoes could be poisonous. The safest way is to boil and mash them before giving them to your pet. They should only be given as snacks, and not as staple food. Your pet needs animal-based proteins and fats for overall development and good health. A balanced and complete diet gives you a healthy dawgie. A healthy and happy dog, gives you a happy and complete family.

Got a potato story to tell? Share it in the comments below.

It’s hard to resist the charm of corn. Be it a cup of steaming kernels, or a whole “chhali” all juiced up with lemon and masala, corn has been a wonderful snack for hoomans. Since it is rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals, it is the most recommended healthy snack across India and around the world. But should you be sharing this wonder-snack with your pet?

No. Most dogs are allergic to corn. Corn isn’t something that grows on its own in nature, it has to be specially cultivated. This is why the evolution of dawgies has skipped the whole corn syllabus, and now their bodies are not suited to digest it. To understand why it is not recommended for your pet, you must know the constituents of corn and how these affect your pet’s health.
 

 

If it doesn’t grow naturally, where does Corn come from?

Corn, also known as maize, was first cultivated in Mexico about 10,000 years ago. Before domestication, the corn cobs used to be only about an inch in length. Studies show that all of the maize that we have today actually comes from one single variety grown in Mexico. It was only after centuries of artificial selection and preferential crossing that corn became what it is today. Genetic modifications were also introduced to make the yield wholesome and nutritious (for humans).
 

 

What about Sweet Corn? Did that grow differently?

Sweet Corn actually occurred as a surprise mutation by the Native American tribes. After the Columbian Exchange, sweet corn started to be transported to areas in Europe and gained popularity as a savory delicacy in local dishes. Its health benefits to humans are what caused it to be accepted widely across all continents.
 

Why is Corn so popular, then?

Like all cereal grains, corn is primarily composed of carbs. Starch is the main type of carb found in corn. It also contains small amount of sugar. It has a low to medium glycemic index which makes it easier to digest. That’s also why it’s good for people who have diabetes or obesity. Corn also contains a good amount of fiber, which is what makes it good for human constipation. Corn also contain about 10-15% of protein, but it’s of extremely low quality. This is what makes it a popular filler in pet foods. Besides, corn contains beta carotenoids, vitamin B, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
 

If it is so nutritious for me, why is Corn Toxic for my Pet?

Many dogs are known to have severe allergic reactions to corn, which causes their immune system to flood their bodies with histamines. Histamines are released as a response to the corn input. The problem grows exponentially because the accumulation of histamines is lethal for your pet. The more corn we give to our pets, the more histamines accumulate and finally coalesce into mast cell tumors. These tumors may start off as benign, but almost always turn big and malignant. Corn is hence, toxic for your furry buddies, and must be avoided at all costs.

ALSO READ: Pet Cancer is Real: Everything you should know about Canine Cancer

Are all forms of Corn bad for my pet? Even Popcorn?

Yes. Be it sweet corn, or corn on the cob, or popcorn, it must be avoided. Corn on the cob is considered the safest among all other forms of corn, but it could still be a choking hazard, a probable blockant of your pet’s intestine, and can cause inflammation and bloating. Pets may not chew it properly, and undigested corn can be a severe trigger for your pet’s digestive issues.
 
A small quantity may not be harmful to your pet, but over time, the collection of histamines can prove to be fatal for your pet. Don’t let corn ever develop into a habit. Try to keep it out of your pet’s sight.
 

 

Conclusion

Corn is great for you, but it may end up being lethal for your pet. So try to avoid it at all costs! Pets have a knack for loving things bad for them, so keep corn as far out of your pet’s reach as possible. If you really want to give this to your pet in a safer way, first consult your vet or pet nutritionist to check for your pet’s allergies, and only then proceed. But overall, avoiding corn is a better idea.

Have a corn experience to share? Post it in the comments below!

It’s quite hard to imagine a world without our favorite strawberry flavored items – be it milkshakes, ice-creams or cakes. Strawberries make the world go pink, quite literally. The obsession with this fruit is not only because of its taste but also because of its nutritional value. Strawberries are so popular that even the Beatles couldn’t stay without making Strawberry Fields Forever. But should you and your pawpaw be sharing this fruit?

ABSOLUTELY YES. Strawberries contain vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium, and provide your pooch with iron and copper as well. But always remember that strawberries cannot substitute the proteins and fats that your pet needs to get from a more fulfilling diet comprising of meat, bones and a variety of other veggies and fruits. Pets aren’t used to plant based diets, and their bodies are not always ready to accept the nutrients the plants provide. But that shouldn’t stop you from providing all the good stuff the plants have to offer to your pet, in a way that doesn’t harm them. And that is why it’s important to understand what quantity of a fruit is safe for our pet dog or cat, and if we need to feed it in a special way to minimize any risks to their health.
 

 

Where did Strawberries come from?

Strawberries found their first roots in Brittany, France, during the late 18th century. Before they began to be cultivated in gardens, strawberries were only a wild fruit. They began to be domesticated in French households due to the patronization it received by the French king, Charles V. Strawberries were believed to be an antidepressant. He was so convinced of their medicinal benefits that the royal garden had more than 1200 strawberry plants at the time.
 
Word spread to other European countries and despite their rivalry, England was soon convinced to grow strawberries. In fact, royal orders directing people to grow the red fruit have been discovered by historians.
 

What do strawberries contain?

Botanically called Fragaria Ananassa, strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, manganese, potassium and folate. They also contain iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B-6, K and E. A rough estimate suggests that strawberries are composed of 91% water, 7.7% carbs. Fat roughly squares up to be around 0.3% and protein to about 0.7%. Every 100g of strawberries contains 32g of calories with only 7.7g of carbohydrates, 4.9g of which are sugars.
 

 

What does that mean for my pet?

A good fruit for your pet is one that contains essential nutrients and vitamins, is low on sugar and fat, and keeps your pet hydrated. Fruits can never be used to replace a meat-based diet, but go a long way in helping your pet’s digestive system by keeping them constipation-free, and reducing bowel troubles. The vitamins and minerals are important for the upkeep of your pet’s bones, teeth, skin, and hair. To keep obesity and diabetes in check, it is important that the fruits in question are low on sugar and are non-toxic.
 
Strawberries are absolutely safe for your pets to relish. Vitamin C assists in the upkeep of bones, teeth, skin and hair. It is also responsible for the formation of collagen, which is the building block of all connective tissue. Collagen from natural sources is the safest way to strengthen your pet’s bones and teeth. It can even add that layer of glimmer to your pet’s hair.
 
As fresh strawberries are high in water content, they add very few calories to the body. This is good news for diabetic, obese and aging dogs, as the total digestible carbs are very low and are present as simple sugars, which are water soluble. The fiber present in strawberries helps get rid of constipation. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. Folate is one of the B-vitamins and is needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, convert carbohydrates into energy, and produce DNA and RNA.
 
When giving strawberries to your pet, ensure that the leaves and stems are removed, as they may upset your pet’s stomach. Be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly to ensure that no worms make their way to your pet’s tummy.
 

Conclusion

Strawberries are a go! Feel free to add this fruit to your pet’s diet. Limit each serving to small portions, and remember to remove the leaves and the stems. Always wash the fruit nicely and cut up into smaller pieces to avoid the risk of choking. Strawberry as a fruit is good for your pet, but stay away from strawberry flavored ice-creams and milkshakes. They contain artificial sugars and often colors and flavors that may be toxic for your dog.

Got a strawberry recipe to share? Post them in the comments below.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. They only say it because apple is a wholesome fruit in itself. With the goodness of fiber, vitamin C, sodium and polyphenols embedded in a single fruit, it is packed with a number of healthy nutrients your body needs. But should you be feeding apples to your pet? And if so, how?

Yes, but in very small portions. It’s safe as long as apples are fed to your pet as treats. Always REMOVE THE SEEDS as they contain cyanide which can be lethal for your pet. Small pieces eliminate the hazard of your pet choking on them.
 
Even though this fruit is low in calories and has an abundance of antioxidants which are great for your pet’s health, dogs and cats aren’t accustomed to the idea of eating fruits. They were born to hunt or scavenge, and to feed on mostly meat and anything else they could find to sustain. But as most pets turn to urban households and try to get accustomed to a lifestyle of the urban hooman, they cannot be kept away from the goodness of fruits and vegetables. The need of the hour is to understand which ones are good for your pet, and which ones are to be avoided.
 

 

So where do Apples come from?

Apples are believed to have found their roots in modern day Turkey. It was perhaps the earliest tree to be cultivated in the area, and through selection, apple varieties have improved over the years. Alexander the Great is credited with finding dwarf apples in Kazakhstan. From there, the journey of apples continued south to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Kashmir valley in India. They are also found in northern parts of Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain. In North America, Canada and the USA have a lot of apple valleys, and crab apple is the most famous variety of apples found there.
 

 

What makes them so good for our health?

Apples are extremely rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Researchers suggest that the phytonutrients present in apples help reduce the risk of cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. They have been known to improve neurological health, prevent dementia and even reduce the risk of stroke. In hoomans, apples have been known to lower the levels of bad cholesterol and reduce the chances of diabetes. Since they do not contain any fats, they also help you stay away from obesity and other weight-related issues.
 

What does that mean for my pet?

Nutritionally, Apples contain Vitamin C, B-Complex vitamins including riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B-6, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, and minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. While Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in itself, it also helps in the upkeep of bones and teeth. It helps in maintaining the furry coat of your pet. Most importantly, it helps in the buildup of collagen. Collagen is an extremely important fibrous protein that is found in the connective tissue of the hooman and doggo body. It helps our pets with their bones, joints, and skin.
 

 
The B-complex vitamins are the key to maintaining RBCs and keep the nervous system in good health. Dietary fiber has an important role to play in your pet’s diet as it helps with constipation troubles and helps get rid of an irritable bowel. The phytonutrients present in apples contain beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Your pet’s body converts these into vitamin A, which is extremely useful for his eyes. It helps to delay the onset of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs and cats, and reduces the chances of cataract formation. The presence of calcium, potassium and phosphorus not only help maintain your pet’s electrolyte balance but also help with the strengthening of his bones and joints.
 
Also, since apples don’t have any fats, it keeps your pet’s weight issues at bay. It contains natural sugar in very limited amounts, so it can be easily given to diabetic dawgies. Modern researches on pet cancer show that feeding apple to your dog can actually reduce the risk of onset of the disease.
 
That said, it’s important to regulate the quantities of apple that’s fed to your dog or cat. Large amounts of apple can cause an upset tummy or diarrhea in pets. Not to mention, the toxins that are passed on through chemical fertilizers and pesticides & herbicides.
 

Sounds good! What are the feeding practices that I must follow?

The most important thing to remember while feeding apples to your pet is that the seeds of an apple contain cyanide in them. Cyanide is lethal for your pet. Even traces of cyanide can kill your pet. If you suspect that your pet may have accidentally eaten apple seeds, rush to the vet immediately.
 
Apart from completely deseeding, the apples must be cut up into small pieces so it is easy for your pet to eat them. Bigger pieces often pose a risk of choking for your dog or cat. If you want to, you can even use a shredder, and serve little flakes of apple to your pet; they are just as enjoyable for him.
 

Conclusion

An apple a day is NOT the norm to be followed while considering your pets in that equation. Too many apples can lead to your baby having an upset stomach or diarrhea. Most nutritionists believe that apples should be the exception and not the rule. If your pet has a wholesome diet, then apples are not really required beyond the occasional treat. Apples are safe. But remember that your pawpaw doesn’t need them every day.

Got an apple story to share? Post them in comments below.

Muskmelon (Kharbuja) has always been the sweet savior for all our summer needs. A chilled and sliced muskmelon is an absolute delicacy when we want to gorge on something that’s sweet, cool, AND doesn’t add a lot of calories and increase our weight. The benefits of this fruit are boundless. From keeping us hydrated and keeping constipation at bay, to supplying us with loads of vitamins that are good for our immunity – muskmelons are a wonder fruit. But how does a Muskmelon go down your dog’s digestive system?

The short answer to whether you should be feeding Muskmelon to your pet is YES. The longer answer needs an insight into how fruits are generally taken up by your pet’s body, an understanding of the contents of a muskmelon, and their effect on your dog. Let’s try to understand what makes up a muskmelon.
 

 

So where did the earliest Muskmelons come from?

Muskmelons are known to have arrived in India from Persia. Musk is a Persian word for ‘perfume’ and ‘melon’ has French roots. In the 6th and the 7th centuries, Persian traders traveled to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, and brought the Muskmelon seeds with them. Owing to the similar temperatures in India and Persia, cultivation of muskmelon in India was easy, and soon they were a delicacy. Royal functions weren’t complete without the lovely taste of this foreign fruit, and as it gained patronage, it began to be cultivated on an even larger scale.
 
One of the earliest evidence of this fruit has been found to be around 4418 years ago in the valleys of Egypt, from where it is known to travel to Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. From Spain, the journey of muskmelon has seen parts of France, and regions of Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname.
 
As trade relations of India expanded to the South-East Asian countries, Muskmelons began to be found in Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, from where it made its way to Japan and Philippines.
 

But what’s so exciting about this fruit that its word (and seeds) spread so quickly?

Muskmelons are 90% water and 9% carbohydrates, with 1% of protein, fat and essential vitamins. This nutrient composition makes it a light snack as well as an appetizer. The game changer here, though, is what each of these nutrients do for you and your dog’s health. Imagine if you could stuff yourself with something really tasty and you didn’t have to worry about any weight gain or carbs; that’s how miraculous a muskmelon is. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and healthy.
 

That’s great! But what’s in it for my pet?

The best part about feeding muskmelon to your pet is that they absolutely love it! As mentioned above, Muskmelons are 90% water, so they are a great way to ensure that your pet stays hydrated, especially during the summer months. Since they also contain dietary fiber, this helps your pet get rid of constipation. But it has a tendency to make your dog’s poop watery, so it must be given in moderation. Too much of muskmelon may result in diarrhea. Muskmelons must be fed as treats or rewards, otherwise your pet may be pickier than usual.
 
Your pet will greatly benefit from the Vitamins A and C present in Muskmelon. Vitamin A is great for your pet’s eyes and protects them from the onset of eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. It also aids in the formation of white blood cells and serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the cells from free radical damage. Muskmelon contains an abundance of Vitamin C in it. It helps in the maintenance of your dog’s bones and teeth, gives shimmer to his coat, and helps in the formation of collagen. Collagen keeps your pet away from a lot of skin troubles.
 
Since it contains nearly no carbohydrates and fats, it also helps you in watching your baby’s weight. It is a sweet delicacy, which is not high on the sugars that damage your pet’s system. That is why it is a great fruit if your pet is obese. Also, the antioxidants present in this wonder fruit help your senior dawgie relieve his joint pain.
 

 

Conclusion

Muskmelon is great for your pet! But it must be given in moderation, because it may cause diarrhea if fed in excess. It contains a lot of water, so it helps your pet stay hydrated. The vitamins A and C present in muskmelons are great for your dawgie. It also helps him stay free of constipation. The best part is that all of this comes with very few calories, so you don’t have to worry about the weight. It helps improve your dawgie’s digestive system and helps improve his furry coat. Just remember to cut it up into small pieces, and give it to him without the seeds, and you’re good to go!

Have any secret muskmelon recipes? Share them with us.

We all know how Bananas have been the super breakfast for us. Be it the rush to catch the school bus just in time, or the shuttle for work — grabbing a Banana has often saved us from an empty belly. Often known as the best friend of the bachelor, should Bananas be given to your pet?

Yes, in limited portions. Bananas are known to have an abundance of protein, dietary fiber, magnesium, and folate. They also contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese, all of which have a specific function to serve in your pet’s diet. How your pet’s body reacts to bananas depends on two things, i.e., the constituents of a banana, and how the needs of your pet are fulfilled through this fruit.
 

 

So where did Bananas come from?

Botanically, Banana is a berry. Known for being a wild inhabitant of the tropics, the earliest evidence of domestication of this fruit has been found in Southeast Asia, and the lands of Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia. After that, it slowly grew as part of the African culture, and found its place among a lot of tribal delicacies, especially in the Central African Republic and Cameroon. From there, travelers to the Middle East spread it in the West Asian countries of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Iraq.
 

Are all Bananas the same?

No, many species of Bananas have been found across the world. In fact, some species of bananas are bubblegum pink in color and taste like strawberries when cooked. Some species have also been reported to be green, with orange insides. But the most common variety of Banana, found in Indian households traces its seedless origin to the cross of two varieties called Acuminata and Balbisiana.
 

 

So how are Bananas good for my pet?

Known for its rich fiber content, Bananas are great for your dog’s digestion. The vitamin C present in Bananas is great for your pet’s skin and bones. It also helps in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, strengthening of immune system and maintenance of teeth. It aids in the healing of wounds too. Vitamin B6 is a wonder nutrient that’s present in Banana, which helps improve your pet’s skin, detoxifies his liver, enhancing the health of blood vessels, improves cognitive function, curing anemia and relieving arthritis in senior pets.
 
Apart from these, Bananas also contain potassium and manganese, which help regulate your pet’s electrolyte levels. Bananas are rich in antioxidants, which is why they are exceptionally great for your senior pet. But the quantities of Bananas need to be limited. This is because Bananas contain a lot of sugar in them, which may lead to obesity. Pet obesity is a real problem, which may lead to pulmonary, cardiac and a variety of other lifestyle diseases. This is why one needs to make sure to limit these portions.
 
An excess of potassium may cause may cause Hyperkalemia, which may further the risk of heart diseases. That doesn’t mean that bananas are toxic, they just need to be fed in moderation.
 
Always peel the Banana before feeding it to your dog, and divide it into smaller portions. Don’t give your pet more than half a banana a day if they’re a senior dog. Smaller dogs must be given even smaller portions. Small pieces eliminate the risk of choking. You can include bananas as treats, but they should not be used as a replacement for your pet’s natural diet.
 

 

Conclusion

Bananas are a great source of nutrition for your pet. What you need to remember is that you must feed ripe bananas to your pet, peeled, and cut in pieces to avoid the risk of your pet choking on them. It helps to relieve constipation, and the vitamins not only help with skin and bones but also boost the immune system of your pet; great for your Dawgie Sr.

Have a banana recipe you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!