Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Portion Awareness
The post Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Portion Awareness by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Almond flour is an alternative to wheat flour that, in humans, is considered healthier because it has fewer carbs, contains plenty of nutrients, and has a naturally sweeter flavor. However, while almond flour isn’t toxic to dogs, and it can be fed in moderation, for example when being used to make healthy homemade dog treats, there are some health risks associated with feeding this gluten-free alternative.
Below, we look at whether owners should feed almond flour to their dogs, any health benefits the ingredient offers, and also any risks associated with feeding it.
Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour?
Almond flour is made from blanched almonds that are then ground to create a fine powder. It has a consistency similar to that of corn flour, rather than plain flour. Because almonds do not contain gluten, almond flour is gluten-free, and it has a naturally sweeter taste than plain flour, which makes it a popular choice when cooking desserts or baking sweet goods.
Although some types of nuts are toxic to dogs, sweet almonds are not. As such, they can be fed to dogs, but only in very small quantities. Almond flour is made from ground almonds so it carries the same caveats. It should only be fed on occasion and, when fed, only given in very small quantities.
However, it can offer some benefits over plain white flour when given to your dog.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
The Health Benefits of Almond Flour
When given in moderation, almond flour has some health benefits to offer your dog, including:
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and can also help promote healthy
Phosphorus – Phosphorus combines with calcium to provide health benefits to your dog. It can help strengthen bones, teeth, and claws, and also helps promote a healthy
Magnesium – Similarly, magnesium also supports bones and teeth. It is also involved in the function of enzymes and hormones.
Protein – Dogs need protein in their diet to form and repair muscles, tendons and ligaments. The amino acids are also necessary for immune system health and the production of hormones and enzymes.
Fiber – Dogs need dietary fiber, and while most commercial dog foods do contain dietary fiber, some dogs need a diet with higher fiber, as recommended by their vet.
Fewer Carbs Than Wheat Flour – Carbohydrates are an important part of a dog’s diet, and studies have shown that dogs are capable of digesting quite large quantities of carbohydrates. But, if your dog is already on a high-carb diet, there are fewer carbs in almond flour than in plain wheat
Potential Health Risks
Although there are health benefits to feeding small amounts of almond flour to your dog, the ingredient also poses some real health risks:
Calories – almond flour is much higher in calories than wheat flour. Per 100g of flour, almond flour contains 570 kcal whereas wheat flour contains only 340 kcal. If your dog is overweight, almond flour shouldn’t be on the list of food they should eat.
Pancreatitis – High in fat, almond flour can force your pancreas to work hard in order to release the enzymes needed to digest it. In some dogs, this can lead to pancreatitis. If your dog is predisposed to or has suffered with pancreatitis before, avoiding high fat foods is important.
Image Credit: Ashley Swanson, Shutterstock
How to Feed Almond Flour to Your Dog
Plain almond flour is too dry for most dogs to eat, so it will need preparation if you do want to give it to your pup. Use it in place of wheat flour when making homemade, healthy treats for your dog.
Start with a small amount of the healthy treat, check the safety of all other ingredients, and try to stick to simple recipes that only include natural ingredients. If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upset, stop feeding the almond flour immediately and if your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, contact a vet to get their advice.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Sweet almonds are not toxic to dogs, but they are not considered a safe food to give to our canine companions. They are high in calories and fat and can cause your dog to gain additional weight and may, in some cases, cause pancreatitis. In small dogs, whole almonds also are a choking or intestinal blockage risk given the size of them. If your dog has eaten one or two almonds and isn’t showing any signs of choking, they are likely to be fine, but monitor them closely to ensure they are passing feces normally and not showing any signs of gastrointestinal upset. If your dog has eaten more than just a few almonds, you should speak to a vet to see if they advise inducing emesis (making your dog vomit) to reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
Image Credit: Avinash Kumar, Unsplash
Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?
Similarly, almond butter is high in fat and contains a lot of calories. It can be far too rich for most dogs, which means it is likely to cause gastrointestinal upset. You also need to check additional ingredients.
Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?
Almond milk has similar caveats to any other almond foods or drinks. It can be given in very small amounts, and occasionally, but it can cause illness if fed in too large a quantity. Many almond milks also contain additional ingredients that can be potentially harmful to dogs, so you need to be extra careful.
What Flour Is Best for Dogs?
Almond flour is relatively safe when used in moderation to make dog treats. Otherwise, your best option is to use a modest amount of whole wheat or whole oat flour. These are not toxic and are safe to feed in moderation.
Conclusion
Although almond flour is not toxic to dogs and does offer some health benefits, it is high in calories and fat. As such, it should only ever be given as a very occasional treat and fed in moderation.
Start with a very small amount if you’re looking for an alternative to wheat flour when making healthy dog treats. Look for signs of gastrointestinal upset and stop feeding if your dog does show signs of vomiting or diarrhea.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Portion Awareness by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Chicken? Vet-Verified Facts & Better Alternatives
The post Can Dogs Eat Orange Chicken? Vet-Verified Facts & Better Alternatives by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Dogs enjoy eating sweet and savory foods, and most won’t refuse a serving of chicken. It may seem like orange chicken is an ideal food for dogs, and dogs can develop a taste for it. However, it’s not recommended to feed dogs orange chicken because it can end up doing more harm than good. The health risks involved with feeding dogs orange chicken outweigh the minimal benefits it has to offer.
A breakdown of the basic ingredients in orange chicken will show how it can actually be harmful to dogs. Fortunately, there are many other better alternatives that are much safer and more nutritious for dogs. So, your dog can still enjoy eating sweet and savory foods without compromising their health.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken contains several ingredients that are unhealthy or harmful to dogs. This dish contains significant amounts of sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates. While dogs can technically eat these things, consuming too much can cause digestive issues and health complications. For example, eating a high-sugar diet puts dogs at a higher risk of gaining weight and therefore increasing the risk of diabetes and obesity related health problems.
Orange chicken can also include ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Garlic and scallions are commonly used in orange chicken recipes, and both of these vegetables are unsafe and can cause health complications in dogs.
Although dogs are not prone to dental cavities (caries) like humans, those that eat high sugar diets would be more likely to develop dental caries.
Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock
Dangers of Feeding Orange Chicken to Dogs
A lot of ingredients go into making orange chicken. Here’s a further breakdown of common ingredients found in orange chicken that can be harmful to dogs.
1. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is one of the main ingredients used in orange chicken. While orange chicken recipes do contain natural orange juice or pineapple juice, the amount that is used usually isn’t enough to make the dish taste sweet enough. A significant amount of sugar is often added to make the dish less bland.
As we’ve mentioned before, consuming too much sugar is unhealthy for dogs. It can cause an upset stomach and digestive issues. If dogs continue to eat too much sugar, it can contribute to weight gain and obesity related health conditions.
2. Oil
To make crispy orange chicken, you must fry the chicken in oil. While not all types of fat are bad, fried food doesn’t add any nutritional benefits to a dog’s diet. Similar to sugar, consuming oily and greasy food can cause dogs to get an upset stomach. Consistently eating a high-fat diet can result in weight gain and associated health problems. In some sensitive individuals a high fat meal can result in a dog developing the potentially life threatening condition, pancreatitis.
Image Credit: In Green, Shutterstock
3. Garlic and Scallions
Some orange chicken recipes contain garlic and scallions for flavor and garnishing. Garlic, scallions, and other plants belonging to the Allium genus are toxic to dogs. All parts of allium plants can poison dogs. Fresh, dried, and powdered versions of these plants are harmful, and they remain toxic to dogs even after they’ve been cooked. This is because allium plants contain toxins that damage red blood cells, and they can’t be cooked off.
4. Red Pepper Flakes
Orange chicken sometimes contains red pepper flakes to give it a hint of spice. While bigger dogs may not get sick from the small amount of red pepper flakes used in orange chicken, smaller dogs are likely to feel the effects. Spicy foods can cause an upset stomach in dogs, and dogs can experience stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Image Credit: The Image Party, Shutterstock
Better Alternatives for Orange Chicken
Most dogs will enjoy eating orange chicken, so it’s best to refrain from feeding it to them so that they don’t develop a taste for it. Fortunately, your dog can still enjoy eating healthier alternatives while you eat orange chicken.
If you’re making your own orange chicken, you can set aside some plain cooked chicken for your dog. Dogs can safely eat fully cooked chicken if it’s been boiled, steamed, or cooked without oil, seasonings, or sauces. While the fleshy parts of oranges are safe for dogs to eat, oranges aren’t very popular amongst dogs. So, you can serve chicken with other fruits that dogs enjoy. Your dog will appreciate having a side of apples, berries, or bananas with their chicken.
Conclusion
Overall, orange chicken contains too many ingredients that are harmful to a dog’s health. Along with its high sugar and fat content, orange chicken sometimes uses garlic and scallions, which are both toxic to dogs.
Fortunately, your dog can still enjoy eating other chicken-based treats. Feeding them plain cooked chicken is a much safer and healthier alternative, and you can serve it with a side of dog-friendly fruits. So, the next time you make some orange chicken or order takeout, set aside a chicken-based treat for your dog so that they can enjoy a savory snack while you enjoy your meal.
Featured Image Credit: Mohamed-Kareem Mohamed, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Eat Orange Chicken? Vet-Verified Facts & Better Alternatives by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks
The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but it is also a rewarding experience in many ways. Along with the fun, snuggles, and bonding, though, typically come shenanigans and problems like urine stains left on the rug. Fortunately, pee accidents on the carpet aren’t the end of the world and can usually be cleaned up and never thought of again, especially if they’re caught before any stains are set. Here are a few tips and tricks for effectively getting dog pee out of your carpet.
If You’re Looking for a Quick & Easy Solution
If you’re looking for the most efficient solution, we recommend our favorite enzyme cleaner, the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray. It’s our product, and we love it so much, we just have to share. We discuss it more in depth below, along with the other methods.
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Start By Soaking Up the Urine
When you spot a pee accident on your carpet, the first thing that you have to do is soak up as much of the urine as possible, no matter what tactics you decide to use to ensure that the urine smell goes away and that no stains set in. To do this, place a few layers of paper towels over the urine, and then cover those with a couple of layers of newspaper.
Let the paper soak up the urine naturally or press on the newspaper to speed up the process. Once the paper is soaked or it seems that most of the liquid has been absorbed from the carpet, throw the paper away, and rinse the area with cool water. Then, blot the water with more paper towels or an old dish towel.
With any luck, you will notice that the water that you are absorbing is tinged yellow and even smells slightly like urine. This means that more urine is being soaked up.
The 4 Ways to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet
Once the area has been dried, rinsed, and then dried again, you can use one of the following ideas to make sure the urine is thoroughly cleaned away.
1. Make Use of Baking Soda
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An easy, effective, and economical way to get rid of the urine in your carpet is to treat the soiled area with baking soda. Simply spread an even, thin layer of baking soda over the damp area, and let it sit overnight (or at least a few hours). Finally, thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda and the surrounding area to finish the job.
2. Utilize a Stain and Odor Eliminator
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A surefire way to make sure a pee accident on your carpet doesn’t leave behind any unpleasant odors is to use an enzymatic stain and odor eliminator to treat the soiled area after blotting and rinsing it.
Our Favorite Product
The Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator is a perfect option because it is designed to permanently get rid of urine odors and stains. The formula comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle to simplify treatments. It works on carpets, hardwood, furniture, and any fabric surface. It can also be used for other pet stains, such as vomit and feces.
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
3. Create a Vinegar Solution
Image By: FotoHelin, Shutterstock
Another pet stain-removing option to consider is a vinegar spray solution. In a clean reusable spray bottle, combine about 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. You can also add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda to the mixture for good measure. Shake the ingredients well, and then spray the urine-stained area until damp. After about half an hour, blot the spot with paper towels to absorb all the moisture.
4. Invest in a Spot-and-Stain Cleaner
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If you don’t catch a pee accident soon enough and it dries out, it can be tough to get out the stain and odor with just baking soda or a vinegar solution. However, a spot-and-stain cleaner or a basic wet-dry vac can do the trick. These products will help wash the urine out of your carpet and thoroughly suck it all up so it doesn’t linger inside the carpet fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What If a Urine Stain Can’t Be Found?
If you’re sure there is a stain because you smell it, but you can’t find where it is, you can turn off the lights and use a blacklight flashlight to look for it. The black light will illuminate any urine stains that are present on your carpet so you can treat them.
Can a Steam Cleaner Get Rid of Urine Stains?
It’s never a good idea to use a steam cleaner on a urine stain, as the heat from the steam will set the stain and lock in the odors. Use a regular wet vac to make easy work of pulling urine out of your carpet.
If accidents are frequent and you’re unsure of what’s causing them or how to prevent them, a consult with your vet could help!
Conclusion
It is possible to get rid of urine stains that are lingering on your carpet, but the key is to find and treat the stains early while they’re still fresh. The longer a pet stain sits, the harder it will be to get out overall. One or more of the tips and tricks outlined here are sure to be effective and help ease the job of cleaning your carpet of doggy pee.
See Also:
My Dog Just Peed On Me, What Should I Do? Causes & Prevention Tips
How to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stains Out of Wood Furniture: 4 Simple Methods
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The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure
The post How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Great Dane is generally recognized as being the tallest dog breed in the world. Despite its imposing size and the strength that comes with it, the breed is also known as a gentle giant. They are often affectionate and loving, although they don’t always seem to know just how big they are!
For a dog of such enormous size, we would expect the Great Dane’s bite to pack one hell of a punch, but you might be surprised to learn that bite force isn’t just about the size of the dog. Based on their head size and jaw muscles, we estimate that the bite force of a Great Dane is likely to be around 240 pounds per square inch PSI), but this is only an approximation.
Although there are many websites that list quite specific values for the bite force of many different breeds, we have discovered that there is actually very little scientific research and evidence on the subject. Therefore, we take some of the figures we do know, pair them with some key physiological values, to give us an estimated measure of bite force.
Great Dane Bite Force
The Great Dane originated in Germany, and it is believed that it was bred from the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff, both of which are giant breeds themselves. They were first bred to hunt wild boar, which would have required the dogs to be athletic and strong, as well as for them to have a formidable bite force.
Over time, they have become better known as companion pets and as watchdogs, rather than hunters, but they have retained the physical features that made them effective hunters.
They do have large jaws and big teeth, which means they can do considerable damage if they do bite. However, they lack the sizable musculature of some other breeds, like the Pit Bull, Cane Corso, or Kangal.
Compared to Other Animals
The Great Dane’s bite force is higher than a human’s bite force, which can range from 160 to 200 PSI, and it is roughly equivalent to some other dog breeds including the German Shepherd, and slightly higher than the average dog bite force.
However, it is less than breeds like the Rottweiler, English Mastiff, and the Kangal, and is certainly lower than wild predators like lions and tigers.
National Geographic’s Dr. Brady Barr has studied animal bites, testing humans, domestic dogs, and wild animals alike. Based on the research by Dr. Barr, the Pit Bull has a bite force of around 242 pounds per square inch (PSI). By comparison, a wolf has a bite force of roughly 400 PSI and a shark around 600 PSI.
Image Credit: Guy J. Sagi, Shutterstock
How Is Bite Force Measured?
There are a number of different ways that bite force can be measured, but none of them will be able to accurately predict just how hard a dog may bite in a stressful or aggressive situation.
One method involves using probes attached to anesthetized patients to manipulate the jaws to give an approximation of the bite force. Another uses the anatomy of the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the skull to predict bite force values.
A third method uses pressure sensors placed in a glove or armband used to train police dogs. This sort of study has given us some real world measurements of the bite force of some German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, but even these have only been obtained during training sessions, and do not account for the impact of adrenaline in a real world situation.
Are Great Danes Aggressive?
Great Danes are generally referred to as gentle giants. They tend to be quite timid, and they seem to have an inherent understanding that their size means they can accidentally injure people. They are considered good with children, but that massive frame means there is always a risk of accidental injury.
However, without proper training and socialization, there is always the risk of any dog becoming aggressive. Great Dane owners need to ensure that their big dogs learn proper, respectful behavior when they are young. This means discouraging them from jumping up and also ensuring they know how to behave properly around strangers.
Image Credit: belu gheorghe, Shutterstock
Do Great Danes Make Good Guard Dogs?
Great Danes are not known for being aggressive, but they can be territorial and very protective. Combined with their formidable size and intimidating bark, they can make good guard dogs. In most cases, if an intruder sees a Great Dane, they are likely to turn away.
Their friendly disposition may mean that they won’t necessarily be the best dogs for defending a property, but they can be a very effective deterrent for any would-be intruders.
Do Great Danes Make Good Pets?
There are some obvious challenges to keeping a dog that can grow to nearly 50 inches tall. They take up a lot of space and will not usually do well in apartments. Being an already massive creature, their propensity for spreading out means they tend to take up a LOT of space, and they also enjoy taking up a lot of their owner’s space too. If you don’t think you could cope with a 160-pound dog laying on top of you, the Great Dane might not be for you.
However, they can be trained, tend to be gentle with their family, and are incredibly loyal and protective. Potential owners need to know the challenges of owning a dog of this stature before owning one because it is a massive undertaking.
Conclusion
Great Danes are known as the gentle giants of the dog world. They are loving and loyal, very affectionate, and they can be protective of their families. Although they are not known for being aggressive, owners need to ensure they have appropriate training and socialization from a young age to ensure they are safe.
They have a bite force that is above average for dogs, although there are numerous breeds with more powerful jaws, and they don’t come close to the bite pressure of wild animals like tigers and lions.
Featured Image Credit: Tara Lynn and Co, Shutterstock
The post How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.