Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
The post Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Nicole Cosgrove 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 hybrid pet is an exciting concept for many, leading many animal lovers to question whether dogs and cats can mate. After all, some dogs are undeniably cat-like and vice versa, and if two breeds as different as Chihuahuas and Mastiffs can have babies, why shouldn’t a similar-looking cat-dog pairing do the same? Though it may seem possible from some angles, dogs are too dissimilar from cats to get them pregnant.
It isn’t only the fact that we’ve never seen a cat-dog hybrid outside of cartoons that tells us this is unlikely, if not impossible. Breaking down their separate genetic backgrounds and physiology is all we need to see that a successful pairing could never work.
Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant?
While we know that wolves and dogs can mate and domestic cats can pair with more sizeable wild cats, household cats and dogs are simply too different to produce viable offspring.
Taxonomically, you would have to go as high as their shared order, Carnivora, to find the relationship since they come from different families, genera, and species. One study even found that seals had more in common with dogs than cats, and you can imagine how unlikely a dog-seal pairing would be!
The genetic and anatomical differences between dogs and cats don’t allow successful mating. For starters, dogs have 39 chromosome pairs while cats only have 19 pairs, a significant gap that would make breeding impossible.
The anatomical disparities would also affect the insemination process. For instance, tomcats have penile barbs that induce ovulation in the queen. Since male dogs lack these features, they can’t release a queen’s egg. Even if a dog’s sperm could reach the egg, the genetic differences would likely cause the egg to reject the sperm, and the female wouldn’t be able to carry a litter.
Why Do Dogs Hump Cats?
For dogs, mounting can be a far cry from a reproductive act. While mounting does occur during intercourse between dogs, the behavior can have various emotional or mental causes that have nothing to do with a sexual nature.
Dogs may hump when they feel excited, stressed, or generally overstimulated. You may catch your dog humping your cat as part of their daily play or if a conflict occurs between them and your dog is displaying anxiety.
Cats and dogs also have different mating rituals and communications, traits the other animal won’t pick up or act upon. While their anatomy alone would make intercourse unsuccessful, the two animals wouldn’t attract one another in the first place.
How Hybrids Work
Hybrids of two different species can exist in nature if they are close enough genetically. Generally, animals within the same genus are often close enough to create a cross. Popular examples include horses and donkeys to make mules or tigers and lions to produce ligers.
Both tigers and lions have 38 chromosomes. However, although female ligers can sometimes reproduce, male ligers are usually sterile.
Horses and donkeys can mate and create hybrids despite a difference in chromosome count, creating hybrids with an average number of chromosomes. Mules have 63 chromosomes because horses have 64 and donkeys have 62. Since mules have an odd number of chromosomes, these hybrids cannot properly perform meiosis, the splitting of cells that produce gametes (i.e., eggs and sperm) and are sterile.
Common Cat Hybrids
An extreme example of hybridization that seemingly works is the Savannah cat, a combination of wild servals and domestic cats. Though they belong to the same family, Felidae, they inhabit separate genera. The serval is part of the Leptailurus genus, while domestic cats belong to the Felis genus.
Nevertheless, these species bear the same number of chromosomes and are physiologically similar enough to reproduce. The Savannah cat can also procreate, though males are generally infertile until around the F5 generation.
The same is true for another hybrid, the Bengal cat. The domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat (of the Prionailurus genus) are close enough in body type and genetics to reproduce, but male offspring are also often sterile until later generations.
Final Thoughts
A dog-cat hybrid is an intriguing idea, but it is unlikely to be anything more than a fantasy for avid pet lovers. Cats and dogs diverged over 40 million years ago, developing into the contrasting forms and personalities we adore today. Just as cat people and dog people can be too different to get along, so too do these four-legged friends fill their unique spaces in the animal kingdom as polar opposites that only become more distinct with every new generation.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
The post Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Nicole Cosgrove 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.
Are Geraniums Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
The post Are Geraniums Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Misty Layne 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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Geraniums are a common favorite of gardeners everywhere, so if you have a green thumb, you likely have some in or around your home. These flowers look gorgeous and repel mosquitoes, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Plus, there are dozens of colors and varieties to choose from!
However, if you have geraniums in your garden or home and a canine companion, you need to be careful. Geraniums are toxic to dogs. While these plants likely won’t be life-threatening, they can have some fairly unpleasant side effects if your pup consumes them. Here’s what you should know.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Geraniums?
It’s not uncommon to find dogs nibbling on anything they can get their paws on. Our canine pals investigate the world via their mouths, so picking up random things from sidewalks or tasting flowers is often the norm for them. However, this behavior can be dangerous as not everything they get their mouths on will be safe.
In the case of geraniums, these flowers aren’t deadly to canines, but they can cause some unpleasant side effects if eaten. If your pup manages to scarf down any part of a geranium, you may see:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Anorexia
Lethargy
Skin irritation
It won’t be a fun time for your pup, so you should avoid having these flowers and your pet interact!
Image Credit: oksana2010, Shutterstock
Should I Contact My Vet if My Dog Eats Geraniums?
Whether you need to contact your vet depends on how poorly your dog reacts to the geraniums they consume. If your pet has a single bout of diarrhea or only throws up once, they should be fine. However, if your dog has thrown up more than once, seems extremely lethargic, is experiencing dermatitis, or doesn’t seem better after a few hours, getting in touch with your veterinarian is wise.
Your vet can let you know what further steps to take. They may recommend you keep watching your pet for another few hours to see how they feel or suggest you bring them in just to be safe.
That said, if you feel it necessary to call your vet, please do so. Better safe than sorry!
How Can I Keep My Dog From Eating Geraniums?
The number one way to keep your dog from consuming geraniums is, of course, not having geraniums in your home or garden. However, that may not be possible, so you will need to make your garden safe for your pup. How can you accomplish that?
For starters, you may want to install fencing of some kind to block off areas of your garden you don’t want your dog to explore. Let’s face it; you won’t always be out in the yard with your dog, so you need to ensure they aren’t able to reach any plant that could make them ill. If you don’t want to include fencing in your garden design, you could place netting or mesh wire around plants that are unsafe for your pet.
You can also put some raised beds in your yard for geraniums and other plants your dog doesn’t need to be around. Raised beds can help protect your pet from eating something they shouldn’t and your plants from an overly excited canine running around the yard.
Finally, you can try training your dog to only use a specific area of the yard to do their business or play in. This could take some time, but it can help to keep your pup safe from harm.
Final Thoughts
Geraniums are on the “not safe” list for canines. While these plants aren’t life-threatening to your dog, they will make your dog feel miserable if consumed. As such, if you have plants and dogs around, we suggest either avoiding geraniums or, if you do want geraniums, ensuring your pet can’t reach these flowers.
Featured Image Credit: two K, Shutterstock
The post Are Geraniums Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Misty Layne 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 a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
The post Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Nicole Cosgrove 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 hybrid pet is an exciting concept for many, leading many animal lovers to question whether dogs and cats can mate. After all, some dogs are undeniably cat-like and vice versa, and if two breeds as different as Chihuahuas and Mastiffs can have babies, why shouldn’t a similar-looking cat-dog pairing do the same? Though it may seem possible from some angles, dogs are too dissimilar from cats to get them pregnant.
It isn’t only the fact that we’ve never seen a cat-dog hybrid outside of cartoons that tells us this is unlikely, if not impossible. Breaking down their separate genetic backgrounds and physiology is all we need to see that a successful pairing could never work.
Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant?
While we know that wolves and dogs can mate and domestic cats can pair with more sizeable wild cats, household cats and dogs are simply too different to produce viable offspring.
Taxonomically, you would have to go as high as their shared order, Carnivora, to find the relationship since they come from different families, genera, and species. One study even found that seals had more in common with dogs than cats, and you can imagine how unlikely a dog-seal pairing would be!
The genetic and anatomical differences between dogs and cats don’t allow successful mating. For starters, dogs have 39 chromosome pairs while cats only have 19 pairs, a significant gap that would make breeding impossible.
The anatomical disparities would also affect the insemination process. For instance, tomcats have penile barbs that induce ovulation in the queen. Since male dogs lack these features, they can’t release a queen’s egg. Even if a dog’s sperm could reach the egg, the genetic differences would likely cause the egg to reject the sperm, and the female wouldn’t be able to carry a litter.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Why Do Dogs Hump Cats?
For dogs, mounting can be a far cry from a reproductive act. While mounting does occur during intercourse between dogs, the behavior can have various emotional or mental causes that have nothing to do with a sexual nature.
Dogs may hump when they feel excited, stressed, or generally overstimulated. You may catch your dog humping your cat as part of their daily play or if a conflict occurs between them and your dog is displaying anxiety.
Cats and dogs also have different mating rituals and communications, traits the other animal won’t pick up or act upon. While their anatomy alone would make intercourse unsuccessful, the two animals wouldn’t attract one another in the first place.
How Hybrids Work
Hybrids of two different species can exist in nature if they are close enough genetically. Generally, animals within the same genus are often close enough to create a cross. Popular examples include horses and donkeys to make mules or tigers and lions to produce ligers.
Both tigers and lions have 38 chromosomes. However, although female ligers can sometimes reproduce, male ligers are usually sterile.
Horses and donkeys can mate and create hybrids despite a difference in chromosome count, creating hybrids with an average number of chromosomes. Mules have 63 chromosomes because horses have 64 and donkeys have 62. Since mules have an odd number of chromosomes, these hybrids cannot properly perform meiosis, the splitting of cells that produce gametes (i.e., eggs and sperm) and are sterile.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Common Cat Hybrids
An extreme example of hybridization that seemingly works is the Savannah cat, a combination of wild servals and domestic cats. Though they belong to the same family, Felidae, they inhabit separate genera. The serval is part of the Leptailurus genus, while domestic cats belong to the Felis genus.
Nevertheless, these species bear the same number of chromosomes and are physiologically similar enough to reproduce. The Savannah cat can also procreate, though males are generally infertile until around the F5 generation.
The same is true for another hybrid, the Bengal cat. The domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat (of the Prionailurus genus) are close enough in body type and genetics to reproduce, but male offspring are also often sterile until later generations.
Final Thoughts
A dog-cat hybrid is an intriguing idea, but it is unlikely to be anything more than a fantasy for avid pet lovers. Cats and dogs diverged over 40 million years ago, developing into the contrasting forms and personalities we adore today. Just as cat people and dog people can be too different to get along, so too do these four-legged friends fill their unique spaces in the animal kingdom as polar opposites that only become more distinct with every new generation.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
The post Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts & Info by Nicole Cosgrove 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 Crab Apples? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Risks
The post Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Risks by Misty Layne 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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Have you ever been out on a walk with your pup in the fall season and seen tiny apples littering the ground? Those are crab apples (Malus sylvestris), an older version of European cultivated apple species. These small apples are tarter than your everyday Honeycrisp or Granny Smith and are eaten less often than normal-sized apples.
If you and your pet have seen these, chances are good your dog has also tried to pick one up to taste or eat it. But are crab apples safe for dogs to eat? Many believe they’re toxic to canines, and while it’s true that these apples (particularly the seeds) contain traces of cyanogenic glycosides, or cyanide, small amounts of crab apples aren’t much of a risk to dogs.
That doesn’t mean you should let your dog feast on all the crab apple goodness they come across, though! Here’s what you should know about dogs and crab apples.
Why Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples?
Although crab apple seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides—specifically amygdalin, which converts to hydrogen cyanide after being consumed and metabolized—the crab apple fruit is generally okay for dogs. This is because the amount of cyanide within the seeds of these fruits is incredibly minute; a medium sized dog would need to eat around 3 oz of apple seeds and chew them up to suffer from toxicity, which equates to roughly 200 apples. It’s pretty safe to say a dog likely won’t consume enough crab apples for the cyanide to cause an issue, so this fruit is generally deemed non-toxic to canines.
Like many other non-dog-specific foods, though, moderation is key, as crab apples may upset sensitive stomachs. Dog owners should still be wary of the risks of dogs having access to large amounts of fallen crab apples, leaves and stems in the yard or on walks.
Image Credit: Fabian Junge, Shutterstock
Benefits of Feeding Crab Apples to Dogs
Are there any nutritional benefits of feeding crab apples to your pup? Technically, crab apples have the same nutrients as regular apples but on a smaller scale. So, these tiny tart apples can offer your pet a bit of fiber, vitamin C, and even antioxidants. However, considering their size and the fact that a dog wouldn’t be eating a lot of them at a time, any nutritional benefits are negligible.
One plus of crab apples compared to regular apples is that this food has less sugar. This lack of sugar also doesn’t make these apples healthy for your canine companion, per se.
Risks of Feeding Crab Apples to Dogs
As we just mentioned, crab apples do have less sugar than regular apples but you still need to be mindful of the naturally occurring sugars they do contain. Any treat, including apples, should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet. This doesn’t mean your pup can’t have a crab apple or small bite of this (or another) fruit on occasion, but you should carefully monitor how much your pet consumes. Too much sugar in a dog’s diet can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other adverse health outcomes.
You also need to watch how many crab apples your dog eats at once. While it’s unlikely they’ll eat enough to suffer from cyanide poisoning, they could easily eat enough to upset their stomach. This is particularly true for pups with more sensitive stomachs, as just a few too many crab apples could cause them to suffer from a painful stomach ache or diarrhea.
Finally, you should be cautious with crab apples eaten off the ground because these fruits may be moldy, contaminated, or spoiled. After all, you have no idea how long they’ve been lying around! These things could make your pup severely ill, so check any fruit before letting your pet eat it.
Image Credit: Mariana Serdynska, Shutterstock
What Happens if My Dog Eats Crab Apples?
If you find your pup snacking on a crab apple or two, there’s usually no need for concern and you can monitor them for any adverse effects. At least, not unless they’ve gone on a crab apple bender, but chances of that are slim. However, if you are concerned they’ve eaten a large amount of crab apples, or the leaves, branches and stems, call your vet, just to be safe.
In most cases of a dog eating a few too many crab apples, you’ll deal with a pup with a tummy upset. If you aren’t sure just how many crab apples your dog ate or if things seem off somehow, keep an eye out for any of the following:
Tense, painful abdomen
Lethargy
Excessive diarrhea
Blood in stool
Excessive vomiting
Blood in vomit
Weakness
If you see any of these signs, you should get your pup to the vet right away!
Conclusion
While many believe crab apples are toxic to canines due to their trace amounts of cyanide, these tiny fruits are only poisonous if your dog consumes an overabundance of them (think hundreds). So, if you catch your dog snacking on a crab apple on your next walk, don’t panic! They should be fine. At most, your pup may suffer from an upset stomach and diarrhea.
However, crab apples aren’t necessarily the best snack for your four-legged friend. They should only ever be consumed in moderation, and the branches and leaves should be avoided. There’s also a risk of these fruits being contaminated or moldy if your pup eats them off the ground. Try to stick to dog-specific snacks for your pup instead.
Featured Image Credit: Mateusz Kropiwnicki, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Risks by Misty Layne 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 Edamame Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & More
The post Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & More by Misty Layne 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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Our canine companions always want some of whatever we’re eating, no matter what it is. And while it’s fine to feed your pet a bite of your food occasionally, it shouldn’t be done often, and you shouldn’t do so with all foods. Some food is simply not safe for dogs to consume. But what about edamame beans? Can dogs eat edamame beans?
Yes, dogs can eat edamame as they are non-toxic to canines. However, you shouldn’t feed your pet edamame beans in large quantities, or too often as there are a couple of minor risks involved with this food. Here’s everything you need to know before giving edamame beans to your pup.
Why Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans?
Edamame beans are safe for most dogs to eat as they are non-toxic to canines, and we know they are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately any nutritional benefits will be negligible since dogs can’t eat edamame in large quantities or often enough. Even so, as far as snacks go, edamame beans are a healthier choice for your pup than potato chips!
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
Benefits of Feeding Edamame Beans to Dogs
What are the potential health benefits edamame beans can offer your dog?
Edamame beans contain lots of healthy polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which are excellent for a dog’s health. Healthy fats such as these help improve the health of your pup’s coat and skin.
Dogs need plenty of protein in their diet, and edamame packs quite the protein punch. Just a half-cup of this food has approximately 9 grams of protein. However, you want to ensure you aren’t giving your pet an overabundance of protein on a daily basis, so stick to the general rule of 1 tablespoon of edamame beans for every 10 pounds your pup weighs, no more than once or twice per week.
Finally, edamame beans are rich in fiber, which is needed in a dog’s diet to help regulate the digestive system and keep it working as it should.
So, although your dog can only eat a small amount of edamame beans, they will receive small amounts of nutritional benefits if you choose it as a snack.
Risks of Feeding Edamame Beans to Dogs
Though edamame beans are safe for dogs to consume, they aren’t entirely without risks.
The main risk of edamame beans is that they’re soy, and some canines are allergic to soy. Obviously, if you know your dog has problems with soy, you shouldn’t give them edamame beans. But if you aren’t sure if your pup is allergic to soy, you should proceed carefully and keep a close eye on your pet when you give them edamame beans for the first time. If your dog is allergic, you may see signs like diarrhea, lots of scratching, vomiting, or rashes.
Edamame also contains fiber, as mentioned above. Wait, but isn’t that good? Well, dogs do need fiber in their diet, but if they’re getting an excess of fiber, it could cause gassiness, diarrhea, vomiting, or even bloating. Just be careful that adding a few edamame beans to your pet’s diet isn’t causing them to consume excess fiber, and they should be fine.
Edamame bean pods are tough, chewy, and stringy, which causes them to be a choking hazard, particularly for smaller dogs. Their toughness can also cause them to be difficult to digest, so they could cause digestive issues. Be on the safe side and remove the beans from their pods before giving them to your dog. In small dogs, you can smash the beans before giving them to your dog to reduce the chance of choking.
Finally, only give your pet plain edamame beans! Edamame beans that have been seasoned could prove dangerous to your pup. If they are very salty and your dog consumes a lot of them, they have the potential to cause salt toxicity. If they’ve been seasoned with something like garlic, they could be fatal, as garlic and other members of the Allium family are toxic to canines. And edamame bean snacks that have been highly processed will simply be unhealthy for your dog.
Image Credit: Beate Panosch, Shutterstock
How Should I Give Edamame Beans to My Dog?
You can serve this food cooked or raw as long as you’ve removed the tough outer shell of edamame beans and smashed them before giving them to your dog. However, if you cook the edamame beans, ensure you do not season them. This means no oil, no salt, no anything! Just boil them in water or steam them and serve them plain.
Also, remember that if you aren’t sure how your dog will react to soy, you should start with only a couple of edamame beans to see how your pet handles this new food.
Conclusion
Edamame beans are safe for most dogs, though they shouldn’t have this food in large quantities. If your dog is allergic to soy (or might be), this is a food you want to avoid. If you give edamame beans to your pet, they’ll receive some nutritional benefits, though you have to be careful of a few things when feeding them this food. Always serve edamame beans plain, remove the outer shell, and don’t feed your pet too many. As long as you give this to your pet in a safe manner, though, they’ll be fine and will likely enjoy the edamame beans!
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & More by Misty Layne 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 Dill? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Preparation Ideas
The post Can Dogs Eat Dill? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Preparation Ideas 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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Dill (Anethum graveolena) is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, and is safe to feed to dogs, in moderation. There is no evidence that indicates that dill causes problems in dogs, but it is always best to feed it in small amounts, just in case your dog does react badly to it.
You can always increase the amount you feed over time, once you know your dog doesn’t react badly to it. Dill is packed with antioxidants and a host of vitamins and minerals. Some sources even suggest it works well to freshen the breath, although if your dog does have stinky breath, it’s always worth getting your vet to check their mouth for any signs of dental disease.
Is Dill Safe for Dogs?
Dill is non-toxic to dogs but as with any food, you should always start by feeding small amounts to ensure your dog doesn’t react badly to it. If you are feeding something that contains dill, always check additional ingredients to ensure they are all safe for your pup.
If your dog likes the flavor of dill, you can sprinkle a little on top of meals or prepare a dill tea and it will provide a nice dose of antioxidants as well as various vitamins and minerals to benefit your pup’s health.
Image Credit: PosiNote, Shutterstock
Benefits of Feeding Dill to Dogs
As well as being non-toxic, dill offers several health benefits to dogs.
Good for Digestion – Dill has anti-inflammatory and anti-flatulence properties. It has been used in traditional medicines to help with colic in young children. If your dog suffers from gas, constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive concerns, a sprinkle of dill leaves could help.
Freshens the Breath –Giving your dog dill seeds to chew is thought to improve their breath. However, dill won’t help bad breath caused by dental problems or infection.
Packed with Antioxidants – Kaempferol and vicenin, which are both found in dill, are powerful antioxidants. In particular, kaempferol has been shown to help combat certain types of cancer (in humans) and it also works as an anti-inflammatory.
Nutritional Value – Ensuring your dog has a balanced diet helps ensure their good health. While complete dog foods offer recommended levels of vitamins and minerals, dogs can benefit from having extra of some of these important ingredients. Dill contains vitamins A and C as well as copper, folate, iron and manganese.
How to Prepare Dill for Dogs
As well as offering health benefits to your dog, and being non-toxic, dill is easy to prepare and feed to your dog. There are several ways you can add it to your pup’s diet.
Feed it Fresh – Simply tear or cut a few dill leaves up and put them on top of your dog’s food. It does have a distinctive taste, which means your dog might not like the flavor, but this is the simplest way to feed the herb.
Prepare a Dill Tea – Boil up some water, put a handful of dill leaves in the boiling water, and then let it cool. Strain the leaves out, if your dog doesn’t like them, and either give the cool tea as it is or pour it over your dog’s dinner to enhance the taste and the health benefits of the food.
Add It to Other Supplementary Foods – If you prepare bone broth or other liquid supplements at home, add dill to the ingredients you use to give the supplement an extra boost. It takes hours to make bone broth, but it doesn’t require much intervention, and throwing a handful of dill leaves in could help improve your dog’s breath and digestion.
Image Credit: allian, Shutterstock
Other Beneficial Herbs for Dogs
You can feed various herbs to your dog, but you should always check that it is safe to feed.
If you’re looking for herbs that are high in antioxidants, rosemary is a good option. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants.
Chamomile is another ingredient that is thought to be helpful in reducing anxiety naturally, and it has the added benefit of being a muscle relaxant so is good for dogs with muscular pain. If your dog likes the flavor, you can add a small amount of ground ginger to homemade dog treats, as it can reduce nausea.
Can Dogs Eat Dill Pickles?
Although the dill and the cucumbers are not toxic and both individually offer health benefits to dogs, you should not feed dill pickles. The cucumbers are pickled in a vinegary brine solution that has high levels of sodium and is acidic. Dill pickles can cause stomach upsets so are best avoided.
Dill pickles are often also prepared using additional ingredients like garlic, which is toxic to dogs.
Image Credit: Tamakhin Mykhailo, Shutterstock
Can Dogs Eat Parsley?
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is part of the same family as dill, but it is not safe to feed to your dog. It contains a class of chemical organic compounds known as furanocoumarins. These compounds can cause sunburn and dermatitis if consumed in large quantities. Parsley offers similar nutritional benefits to dill, so it is safer to feed your dog dill rather than parsley.
Featured Image Credit: anmbph, Shutterstock
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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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