Category: Dog Nutrition

Greenies vs Dentastix – Which one to buy? Which is better?

Alaaddin Sarac

Does your dog’s mouth smell awful? Does he have a dental problem? Unfortunately,

dogs cannot go to dentists if they have these problems, and the one who should take

care of it is you as the parent.

You doggie see you as his guardian angel, so you should take him to a vet if he is

suffering from any dental issues. He can be having halitosis, plaque, tartar, gingivitis,

and loose teeth. Not all these problems are worth going to the vet, but it is always a wise

idea to go and check if there is more to the problem.

Fortunately, there are very smart products called dental treats, and they work as

toothpaste on dogs. Currently, there are two brands that go shoulder to shoulder that

produces dental treats: Greenies vs Dentastix.

There is nothing fancy about how to use the treats. You just give it to your dog, he

chews it, and all the bad things on the surface of his teeth will be cleaned away.

Throughout the process, these treats also release the substances that make it harder for

bacteria and plaque to remain in your dog’s teeth and mouth.

Greenies vs Dentastix serve the same purpose, but as you can guess, there is a debate

on which one is better. That is why we collected all the necessary information for pet

parents who cannot decide which can win the Greenies vs Dentastix battle. We will

analyze both products and guide you through the best decision for your pup.

Pedigree DENTASTIX Treats
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Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats
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Greenies vs Dentastix: Greenies Overview

Nutro Greenies was the first brand to come up with a product like dental treats. It is also

very surprising that dental treats were available if a vet approves or if your dog got the

Veterinary Oral Health Council’s approval for it at the very beginning. You can buy and

find a dental treat anywhere today and without any approval.

Greenies produce dental treats that are highly soluble and easy on the digestive tract. In

addition, I think we should mention that Greenies have added vitamins and minerals for

the health of your pup. You can keep your dog happy while also keeping his mouth

clean.

What Greenies claim to offer is fresh breath, healthy gums, and teeth. There is no doubt

that Greenies can help your dog maintain a healthy mouth. Not only Greenies remove

plaque and tartar, it also fights the build-up of these unwanted dental residues. Many

dogs love Greenies and love to eat them.

Just like the other brand we have talked about, Greenies also comes in sizes that you

can choose according to the weight of your dog. If your dog is between 5-15 lbs,

Greenies offer Teenie treats. For the ones between 15-25 lbs, there is a petite option.

For medium dogs between 25-50 lbs, a regular option is offered and large dogs between

50-100 lbs should go for the large size.

Greenies vs Dentastix: What We Liked About Greenies

The first thing we liked about Greenies is that they work better than any other

dental treat when fighting bad breath. So, if the main problem with your dog is the

awful smell, Greenies can work wonders.

Who says that dental treats cannot be nourishing? Greenies are rich in vitamins,

minerals, and protein to keep fueling your dog with good stuff even when he is

cleaning his teeth.

Another very good aspect of Greenies is that they have the most size options

compared to any other dental product for dogs. You can get teenie, petite,

regular, large, and jumbo sizes depending on how big your dog is.

Unlike the other product we reviewed, Greenies have a chewy texture overall.

That is how it works and removes plaque and tartar and prevents the build-up for

a longer period of time.

Greenies come in only one flavor but it tastes amazing. Well, at least our dogs’

reaction says so. We think that having great taste as a dental product is very

important. Because you do not have many other choices if chewing treats fail.

Lastly, Greenies is made in the USA just like the other product we mentioned

before. It is quality and we recommend this dental treat to pet parents with

confidence.

Greenies might be a little pricey than other counterparts. However, you will get

the value of every penny you have spent on it because it works wonders on dogs’

dental issues.

Greenies vs Dentastix: What We Did Not Like About Greenies

Greenies are expensive. We do not deny that. You can see the difference of the

price if you compare it to the other products at the market. However, if you want

something that will offer a permanent solution for your dog’s dental issues,

Greenies is the best one you can get.

Greenies come in only one flavor. We are sure that you have came across

different brands that have many flavor options. Dentastix has four flavors

available and we would like Greenies even better if they had more flavor options

for pet parents. After all, dogs might be picky creatures sometimes.

If your dog is under 5 pounds, we are sorry but there are no Greenies suitable for

him. We think that no dog should be left behind, so, Greenies should do

something about it.

Unfortunately, Greenies contain gluten in their dental treats. Gluten can be

dangerous and harmful for some dogs if he has allergies to it, but overall, it can

be seen as a tummy-upsetter. Gluten is something we recommend pet parents

to avoid.

However, if your dog has no problem with it, Greenies is the best dental treat you

can get right now.

Greenies vs Dentastix: Dentastix Overview

Dentastix is produced under the brand of Pedigree. They come in two sizes, each size

especially for small, medium, and large dogs.

Small Dentastix should be fed to small to medium dogs once a day, and the pup should

be at least 22lbs. Large Dentastix should be fed to large adult dogs once a day, and the

pup should be at least 40lbs.

There are two sizes available, but they also come in many flavors so you can choose the

best one that your dog loves. These flavor options are beef, bacon, and fresh. Fresh

flavor is made of green tea and eucalyptus, and the purpose is the same as normal

toothpaste. It gives your dog fresh smelling breath.

Dentastix is very soft and chewy. When your pup bites the gum line, the cleaning of any

bad dental residues happens. However, sometimes dogs are so greedy that they

swallow all of the treat without it cleans their teeth.

Greenies vs Dentastix: What We Liked About Dentastix

Both products do amazing jobs when it comes to clean your dog’s teeth and save him

from bad breath. But to announce the winner of Greenies vs Dentastix battle, we have to

look at the things they offer. Let’s review the best aspects of Dentastix.

Dentastix has an amazing quality among the other products that serve the same

purpose, but what we liked about it the most is the price tag. You cannot possibly

get another dental treatment at the same affordable price and quality.

Some dental treats or dental products for dogs generally focus on the bad smell

of breath. However, Dentastix does another good job at also removing plaque

and tartar. Moreover, it releases substances that prevent these bad plaque and

tartar to continue living in your dog’s mouth. That is why you can use this product

daily without any concern.

No matter which flavor you chose, all of them come with a mint flavor. So, as a

result, you dog will have a clean minty fresh breath.

Dentastix has a soft and chewy texture, which makes it really easy to eat even

your dog is a little pup. You can be sure that your doggie can break the treat

down, and will have no problem in terms of digestion.

Unlike other products that come only in one size, Dentastix has two package

sizes which are small and large for different sizes of dogs. That is something we

really liked because you cannot find a size option if you are looking for dental

treats for dogs.

Dentastix also comes with four flavor options. You can choose bacon, beef,

chicken, and fresh flavors for your pup.

Last but not least, Dentastix is an USA made product. That is why we can safely

recommend it to the pet parents who have been wondering which dental product

is better: Greenies vs Dentastix?

Pedigree DENTASTIX Treats
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Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats
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Greenies vs Dentastix: What We Did Not Like About Dentastix

Unfortunately, Dentastix only comes in one shape. We would really like to see

different shape options along with the flavor and size options.

When we compare Dentastix to other dental treats, it seems like this brand has

more artificial ingredients. You should think and look at the ingredients list before

you give it to your dog especially if he is sensitive or allergic to something.

Greenies vs Dentastix: What is in Greenies and Dentastix?

These two dental treats come from the same company but it does not mean that they

have the same ingredients or produced in the same way. The ingredients in any of the

products you are planning to give to your dog should be very important and you should

read that section beforehand.

Because you would want to make sure that your dog is getting quality and nourishing

ingredients inside his body. That is why we analyzed the ingredients of both products

below for pet parents.

Dentastix Ingredients

Luckily, Dentastix does not contain any grains, which is perfect for dogs with food

sensitivities. And there are natural ingredients like potatoes and chickpeas also, but

there are many more that pet parents complained about. Let’s see the ones that people

criticized:

Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Meat Derivatives, Iron Oxide, Smoke

Flavor. These all have different bad side effects. Most of them are considered artificial

preservatives or cancer causes. Sodium Tripolyphosphate is an artificial preservative, for

instance. It might make your dog nauseous and vomit.

Potassium Sorbate ais another preservative that can harm your dog’s eyes or skin. It is a

cancer cause and affects the immune system. The smoke flavor is an artificial one that is

definitely not coming from real meat. It can cause cancer.

Meat derivatives are the parts of the animals other than the real meat. It is usually the

cheapest alternative that the company can get. So, it seems like Dentastix does not

contain many innocent ingredients.

Greenies Ingredients

Greenies have many nourishing and natural ingredients in it. This product uses quality

ingredients for healthy teeth and gums while fighting with unwanted plaque and tartar.

Greenies promise pets that they will have a fresh breath without any dental problems

building up.

Greenies make dental treatment in dogs much easier because it is in a treat form. It is

also full of highly soluble ingredients and easily digestible.

Yet, this dental treat has whole wheat in it. If your dog is allergic to it, you must be

careful. It is also worth mentioning that Greenies meet the nutritional levels of Dog Food

Nutrient Profiles.

Conclusion: Greenies vs Dentastix - Which one to buy? Which is better?

Greenies and Dentastix are the most popular dental treats for dogs right now. So, it is

pretty understandable why some people are comparing these two. In this review, we

tried to conclude a commonly asked question: Greenies vs Dentastix – Which one to

buy? Which is better?

Well, the decision is all up to you now. Both are great products and have their ups and

downs. We advise that you read those things that we liked and did not like about each

product before deciding which one to buy.

We have reviewed two best dog dental treats for the pet parents who are in search of it.

We included an overview of both brands and talked about the pros and cons. Make sure

that you check it out.

Can Dogs Eat Tamales?

Alaaddin Sarac

If you’re preparing a delicious, yummy, dough stuffed Tamales for your family, there is a good chance that your dog will be as close as possible to the dinner table waiting to get his share. So, in that case, you might be asking, can dogs eat tamales?

Let’s give our short answer to that question. Even though tamales is totally safe for dogs, it is still a good idea to avoid it because some ingredients can be harmful and also the husk used to make tamales can cause choking hazard. So, we no to the question of whether dogs can eat tamales.

We will talk about that question in a detailed way, but let’s first define what tamale is and we will give further information about the nutritional value of it and the potential benefits and harms of it.

What is Tamales?

To give you some information about tamale, let’s talk a little bit about the origin of this food. Tamale is a Mexican food that is made by various ingredients. The ingredients can vary from recipe to recipe and it can contain beef, steak or pork, or cheese. Corn husk is used to wrap the ingredients and it is the only ingredient that doesn’t change.

Potentially Beneficial and Harmful Ingredients in Tamale

Protein & Fiber

There are a lot of ingredients used when making a tamale and you can use meat or vegetables to enrich the flavour. As for the meat, the most common ones are chicken, beef, steak and pork. All of them contain a lot of protein and your dog can benefit from them a lot.

In one serving, tamale contains 12 grams of protein which is essential for your dog to live a healthy life and thrive. Protein can be important for your dog’s body cells to grow and repair themselves. Also, tamale is also rich in fiber which can be helpful for your dog to have a health digestive system.

Vitamins and Minerals

The ingredients used in pamale also results in a lot of health vitamins and minerals that can help your dog to have a healthy life. Depending on the ingredients you use when making Tamale, it can contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and vitamin, all of them can be beneficial to boost your dog’s immune system.

Such minerals can also be essential to boost your dog’s immunity, helping growth and they can also help your dog to develop stronger bones and teeth, and promote fast wound healing.

Even though the things that we mentioned above can be beneficial to your dog, there are some ingredients in tamale that we believe are potentially not good for dogs.

1

Sodium

It is true that sodium is an ingredient used salt that can help regulating the blood pressure and blood volume. Everyone needs sodium for muscles and nerves to function in a proper way. However, sodium can also have and adverse effect in both humans and dogs when consumed in higher amounts.

That can be an issue because most tamales recipes contain a high amount of salt which can be a harmful to your in some cases. Containing a high amount salt in the diet of your dog can irregulate the blood pressure and it can also cause some other health problems.

Spices

Since tamale is a Mexican recipe, expectedly, there are a lot of different spices in it to make the recipe tastier. For instance, most recipes contain onion, garlic, salsas and other seasonings that can be harmful to your dog and that is another reason why we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat tamales.

The first thing that we should say about the spices is that since dogs have a different palate, they don’t taste the spices like we do. So, they don’t even taste it and still can cause some gastrointestinal problems and other health problems.

That is why it might be a great idea to avoid giving your dog tamales to prevent such problems if the recipe that you cook contains a lot of spices.

So, Can Dogs Eat Tamales?

Even though depending on the ingredients, tamales contain some nutrients that can be helpful to your dog, some ingredients in it convince us that they can also be harmful to dogs and that is the reason we say no to the question of dogs can eat tamales.

Another reason we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat tamales, the usage of corn dough in it. The main thing that concern us about corn dough is that most corn in the U.S.A. are GMO’s which is a good reason to avoid them at all costs and feeding to your dog.

Also, the corn husk used to wrap the food which can be a little worrying too, especially for small dogs. Because husk in tamales can cause a choking hazard which is another reason why we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat tamales. That will be especially true for small breeds since they have a smaller mouth.

We should mention that corn husk is not necessarily toxic to dogs. So, it is very unlikely that it will cause some problems when consumed in small amounts. However, you should avoid letting your dog eat them in higher amounts considering that your dog might choke on them.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Tamales?

In this article, we answered the question of whether dogs can eat tamales. We talked a little bit about the ingredients used in them and the potential benefits and harms of the ingredients.

To sum up, because of the some potentially harmful ingredients used in it, we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat tamales. Corn husk and other spices also can cause some health issues and that is why it might be a good idea not to feed tamales to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers?

Alaaddin Sarac

The banana pepper (also known as the yellow wax pepper or banana chili) is a medium-sized member of the pepper family that has a mild, tangy taste. That is the reason it is preferred by a lot of people. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat banana peppers?

To answer that question shortly, banana pepper is not toxic for dogs. So, you can give it to your pooch in small amounts. However, you should keep in mind that it is spicy and it can cause some food sensitivities in some dogs.

We want to give you further information about this issue by talking about the nutritional value of banana peppers.

Nutritional Value

Scoville Heat Unit is a good way to measure the hotness level of a pepper. When we look at the scale, we see that it has 500 heat units. So, it is fair to say that it is one of the mildest peppers around.

Comparing with other peppers can give you a better idea of the hotness level of the pepper. For instance, according to the same scale, jalapeno peppers are 40 times spicier than banana pepper.

Problems with Hot Peppers for Dogs

Even though they are not toxic or anything, banana peppers can cause a lot of problems for dogs including diarrhea, vomiting and upset stomach.

We should say that the reaction of every dog will be different depending on your dog and his breed. Some dogs are very intolerant to spices and others can consume a huge amount of them and can be fine.

So, even though dogs can eat banana pepper, since it is not toxic for them. However, it might be a good idea to avoid giving banana pepper since every dog is different and there is a chance that your pup has a bad reaction to it.

Another reason why we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat banana peppers, dogs while humans have 9.000 taste buds, dogs only have 1700 of them. The most important in a food for a dog is the smell not the taste.

So, they don’t even taste the spice in a food as much as we do, including eating peppers. That is a problem because your dog will not understand the bad effects of eating banana peppers. So, there is a chance that he can eat as many as he can without understanding the bad effects of it on him.

That is another reason we say no to the question of whether dogs can eat banana pepper. Because they can eat tons of them if they have a chance to and they can have the health issues that we talked above briefly.

1

So, Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers?

As we mentioned above briefly, even though we say no to the question of if dogs can eat banana peppers, they are not toxic to dogs. However, that doesn’t mean that your dog can eat as much as banana peppers he wants.

First, when we compare banana pepper to other hot peppers, we can say that banana peppers are mild and less hot than the other peppers. As for the nutritional value, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are very low in carbs. So, it is very unlikely that they will cause weight gain problems to your dog.

Also, banana peppers contain some very essential vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A can promote a healthy coat and make your dog’s coat shine. Also, vitamin C promotes a better immune system and it will reduce inflammation.

Other than that, being rich in minerals, banana peppers are very rich in some vital minerals. First of all, they contain a high amount of calcium and iron. Calcium in banana peppers can improve your dog’s bone health and iron is also very important for his health.

Besides the things that we mentioned above, like most peppers, banana peppers contain a reasonable amount of fiber. So, it can be essential for your dog’s gut health in some ways.

We listed the nutritional value of banana peppers above to give you an idea about the potential benefits of it to your dog. However, does that mean that dogs can eat banana peppers? The answer to that question is definitely no.

Because as we mentioned above, even though banana peppers is not toxic to dogs, banana peppers can cause some issues in dogs including stomach problems and vomiting. However, there is no reason to worry if your dog managed to eat some banana peppers of the counter because he will probably be fine.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Banana Peppers?

In this article, we answered the question of whether dogs can eat banana peppers or not. We talked about the potential effects on different dogs.

Keep in mind that every dog is different and you should be mindful of the effects on your dog after he consumes it. Generally, there is nothing to worry about and your dog will probably fine.

However, if you see that your dog starts to show some symptoms it might be a good idea to call your vet! We hope that you found our article useful!

can dogs eat cactus

Can Dogs Eat Cactus?

Alaaddin Sarac

Cactus is not among the plants that dogs eat. However, there is a chance that your pooch will find a way to get to the cactus you have in your home. In that case you need to know the answer to the question of whether dogs can eat cactus.

The short answer is even though cactus is not poisonous to dogs. However, the spikes can cause a choking hazard other health issues and that is why you should make it impossible for you to reach cactus. So, we can briefly say that dogs should never get close to cactus.

In this article, we will talk about the effects of cactus in dogs. To do that, let’s talk a little bit about the origin of cactus and give further information.

Origin of Cactus

Even though there is a common misunderstanding that cactus is only found in dessert. Cacti are native to the Americas, ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north—except for Rhipsalis baccifera, which also grows in Africa and Sri Lanka.

As you already probably know, its spike makes it not edible, at least without some preparation. The plant has its spikes for that purpose, to make it defendable against animals. If you wan to eat a cactus, you need to make some preparations including cooking.

As for the taste, we should mention that even though most cacti are not poisonous to dogs, they can taste very bad. So, you need to chose the cactus you want to eat very carefully.

Now that we gave some information about cacti, let’s talk a little bit about their effects on dogs.

So, Can Dogs Eat Cactus?

As we already mentioned in our short answer, cactus is not poisonous to dogs. However, it can cause some health concerns for your loyal companion. The main reason for that is that, as you already know, cacti have spikes.

So, it is not a good idea to keep them near our dogs. Because most dogs are very curious and they poke their nose into everything. So, when our dogs do that the spikes of the cactus can get into their skin.

Other than that, even though dogs don’t often eat cacti, you’ll never know what our loyal companions will binge into since they have a horrendous appetite. And the self-defence method of a cactus is not poison but spikes instead.

As a responsible parent of your pet, you need to protect your pup at all times and keep him away from any potential danger that can lead to serious health issues. That is the reason why you should never keep cactus near to your pooch.

And the fact that the cactus that in your house doesn’t have spikes doesn’t make it less dangerous. Because cactus plants are made of a fibrous material that can cause all sorts of issues such as skin irritation, nausea and stomach pain.

Now that we made it clear you should never let your pooch get near the cactus, let’s talk about the case when your pooch accidentally eats cactus.

can dogs eat cactus

What to Do When Your Dog Eat Cactus?

As we mentioned above, the first thing you need to do to keep your dog away from the cacti in your home. However, if your dog manages to eat cacti by any chance, there are somethings you need to do immediately to prevent further damage.

First of all, let’s separate the cacti in two different categories, the ones that have spikes and the ones that don’t have spikes.

If your pooch has eaten a cactus that doesn’t have spikes, you should know that there is nothing to worry about unless the system of your pooch has a reaction to cactus. These reactions can include skin irritation, vomiting etc. If you see those reactions, you should call your vet immediately.

Then, there is the cacti that has spikes which are much more harmful to dogs. Because when your pooch eat a cactus with spikes on it, there are some significant health issues that can happen such as choking etc. So, regardless of the fact that your pooch has some immediate reactions, you definitely have to call the vet without wasting any time.

In case your pooch had a physical contact with the cactus instead of eating it, it is a good idea to call your vet since it can have some damage on your dog’s skin. If it is possible, it might better to remove those spikes by yourself if you’re confident that you can do it.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Cactus?

In this article, we talked about the cactus and its difference effects on dogs. First of all, you should be relieved because dogs don’t eat cacti normally. So, there is a very little chance that your pooch will get near cactus by himself.

However, in case he does, cacti can be dangerous for dogs because they have spikes that can be harmful to dogs. Other than that, even if the cactus that your pooch eats doesn’t have spikes, it can be harmful to dogs since they are made of a fibrous material that can be harmful to them.

Another way a cactus can be harmful to dogs is that there is a chance that your pooch might step on it. So, the spikes can get into the skin and can be dangerous. In both cases it is a good idea to call your vet immediately to prevent further damages.

Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

Alaaddin Sarac

When you are cooking in the kitchen, your dogs might be enjoying giving you visits. They sometimes listen and leave you alone, but most of the time, things do not work accordingly. Your dog might eat that loquat he found on the floor or on the counter, but what would happen if your dog eats loquats?

Dogs can eat loquats, but they can only eat the flesh of this fruit. Dogs cannot eat the seeds or pit in the middle because it is toxic to them when it is chewed in large quantities. Apart from being toxic, the seeds are very big in size so they are a choking hazard for dogs.

 Loquat seeds can be toxic to dogs and other animals because of their content of cyanogenic glycosides. Generally, it is not recommended to let your dog eat loquats as a whole with the seeds still intact. If you take the seed out, your dog will be fine when he is eating loquats.

What are Loquats?

Loquats are tasty, productive, evergreen broad-leaved plants. They also go by the name of Japanese plums because they are native to Asia. Loquats are not toxic to dogs, so they can eat it. However, we do not recommend giving more than one of these delicious fruit to your dog because, as in any other fruit, loquats are high in sugar.

Loquats are around 60 calories per 100 grams. They are very high in fiber and Vitamin A. Loquats also contains vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Based on this nutritional information, we can say that loquats are low in calories and they are packed with different kinds of vitamins and minerals. If you offer it to your dog in moderation, he can eat the soft interior flesh of this fruit. But make sure that you remove the seed.

Also, we do not recommend replacing your dog’s kibble with loquats if you are planning to do so. Loquats have almost no protein that your dog needs.

Why Loquats Can Be Dangerous For Dogs To Eat?

Loquats are seen as a threat by some pet owners because they have seeds. However, The ASPCA does see loquats as toxic fruits to dogs. It is true that loquat seeds have chemicals known as cyanogenic glycosides and they are dangerous for dogs.

Cyanogenic glycosides are broken down into hydrogen cyanide and that is when toxication occurs in the body. But, small amounts of these chemicals do not pose a serious danger.

Your dog needs to eat a very large amount of loquat seeds to be intoxicated. Chewing the seeds also help to release harmful chemicals that can be found inside the seeds. So, too much of loquats can be a bad thing for your dog.

If your dog consumed only a few loquats, he might have an upset stomach but nothing more. If you think that your dog is getting crazy over some loquats, it might be a good idea to limit the intake. Because too much of any human food can end up in a serious sickness in dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

Is it Safe to Give Loquats to My Dog?

Loquats are not toxic for dogs, but that is only true for the flesh of this tasty fruit. Seeds of the loquat are not safe to eat for dogs because there is a chemical that is found inside, named cyanogenic glycosides.

If your dog eats the seeds in large amounts and chews them up, then they may turn poisonous. In fact, loquat seeds are around one quarter in size. That means if you have a small pooch, there is a real danger of choking or gastrointestinal blockage.

This might cause intense diarrhea and if it permanently disables the digestive tract, surgery may even be considered necessary. Still, it does not change the fact that your dog will probably be fine if he only eats the soft portion of the fruit. Because ASPCA registers loquats as a safe food for dogs to eat. 

But, there is not really a significant benefit of feeding dogs with loquats instead of their regular kibble, so we say you should limit your dog’s intake of loquats if he is having too much compared to his real food.

What Might Happen If My Dog Eats Loquats? What are the Possible Side Effects?

Your dog might get an upset stomach if he has never eaten a loquat before. This applies to any kind of fruit or human food for dogs. If dogs eat loquats, there is also a risk of gastrointestinal blockage because of the seeds.

Your dog’s body could also give a warning with vomiting when something is wrong. However, vomiting could be happening because of many factors. We recommend that you visit a vet right away if your dog started to vomit after consuming loquats.

The poison present in loquat seeds is called cyanide. If your dog is having a cyanide poisoning, the symptoms would be difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, fatigue, and death – if large amounts were eaten by your canine companion. The fruit itself is not dangerous.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

 Loquats are native to Japan, but nowadays it can be found anywhere. Loquat trees are very high and the fruit of the tree might fall. It is a perfect opportunity for dogs to eat something they should not eat.

It is really common for dogs to eat fallen fruits from the ground. Because loquats smell delicious and they are the perfect size for dogs to chew. However, loquats should never be consumed as a whole, because the seeds are toxic for dogs.

Even more, the size of the seeds might cause a gastrointestinal blockage. But it does not mean that dogs cannot eat the soft flesh of the loquat fruit. If you take out the seeds, it is perfectly fine for dogs to eat.

But do not overshare loquats with your canine friend. Do not forget that fruits are high in sugar, and loquat is not an exception.

Can Dogs Eat Daikon?

Alaaddin Sarac

Daikon is a radish that you can come across in many places nowadays. If you also have some daikon radish at your home, you might be wondering whether it is possible for your dog to eat it or not.

To answer your question in a brief way; yes, dogs can eat daikon in moderation. Daikon radish can serve as a great source of vitamins and minerals that can make your dog maintain his health while also supporting his immune system. 

 Daikon radish can help dogs with their digestion process and it is a great tool to assist dogs to sustain strong muscles. It is packed with lots of beneficial nutrients such as fiber, Vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and many more.

There are many ways to serve daikon radish to your dog and it is considered a healthy snack. You can mix it up with your dog’s regular food after dicing it, or let him have it as chips after slicing them thin.

However, never forget that you should provide daikon radish to your dog in moderation. Too much of any kind of radish would give dogs digestive problems.

Can My Puppy Eat Daikon? What Will Happen If My Dog Eats Too Much Daikon?

Puppies can also eat daikon, but you should consider his tiny body and give it in moderation. Puppies are more sensitive, so you should be extra careful when you try to feed them daikon radish.

Puppies can have upset stomach and diarrhea if they eat too much of any kind of human food, so it would be the best idea to serve daikon occasionally.

In general, daikon is fine for dogs. It is low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals. You can also serve it raw or boiled, according to how your dog prefers to eat it. We do not recommend giving pickled daikon to dogs as they are made with lots of salt. Watch for any ill effects after you feed your dog with any kind of human food.

What is Daikon?

Daikon is a kind of radish that you can find mostly in Asia during winter. It looks like a carrot but in white color with a long root. Daikon radish is used in Asian cuisine in different meals with different cooking methods. You can also find pickled daikon in the market.

 Daikon can be eaten with or without its skin. It is used sliced for garnish or pickling, diced for meals, or it can even be grated for baked food. Green parts of daikon radish can be used in soups and salads.

Nutritional Facts of Daikon

Daikon goes by many names: white radish, Japanese radish, Chinese radish, winter radish, and luobo. It is a popular radish in Asian cuisine that has a regular shape and can be eaten according to preference.

Daikon is an outstanding source of different nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Moreover, vitamin C and folate have the highest levels in this type of radish.

There are several powerful antioxidants that daikon has which can boost health and provide immunity against some sicknesses. In addition, daikon offer glucosinolates, which are important compounds that split down to create isothiocyanates.

Studies show that these compounds provide strong cancer-fighting properties. Eating lots of vegetables like daikon radishes can be protective against colon and lung cancer.  Daikon is a highly nutritious vegetable, and it has lots of plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

If you add more vegetables of any kind to your dog’s diet, it can improve his health. Daikon in particular can provide protection against a wide range of illnesses in dogs. Just make sure that you are making your dog eating it in moderation so that he would not have any digestive issues.

Daikon radish

Should I Serve Daikon Radish to My Dog?

If you know the health benefits of radishes, then you must already know that daikon is full of protein, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. However, dogs usually do not like to eat radishes because of its strong and spicy taste.

If your dog is an exception and he likes to eat daikon, he can eat a small amount of it without a problem. Generally speaking, daikon is safe for dogs to consume as a treat if they like the taste.

It is also an interesting fact that daikon radishes contain protein. Instead of giving your dog meat all the time, you can also provide them with daikon. Like many other vegetables, lots of fiber can be found in daikon along with vitamin C and potassium.

If your dog is suffering from dental issues, chewing on daikon could serve as a natural way to clean his teeth.

We only recommend offering human food to dogs only when they want to eat it themselves. Do not try to give something to your dog just because you think it is healthy.

If you are planning to serve daikon radish to your dog, make sure that you give him a small quantity at the beginning. It is always easier to adjust according to how he responds to this vegetable if you start with small amounts of daikon.

Do not give daikon to your dog to substitute his meals. Dice it in bite-size pieces to make it easier for your pup to eat it. You can also add it over your dog’s kibble, so it can act as a supplement in your pooch’s diet.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Daikon?

Daikon is a great source of vitamins and minerals just like any radish. If your dog especially likes the taste of this healthy vegetable, you can serve it to him as a treat without having any problems.

Daikon can be thinly sliced if you want to offer it as a crunchy snack to your pup. As a pet parent, you can also dice it to sprinkle over his regular dog food to spice things up.

In conclusi̇on, daikon is perfectly healthy food to give to your dog. Make sure that you offer it in moderation.

french toast

Can Dogs Eat French Toast?

Alaaddin Sarac

Who doesn’t love french toast for breakfast? Even though it is not the healthiest breakfast, it is definitely very delicious. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat french toast?

To answer that question briefly, no dogs can not eat french toast. Because it contains some ingredients that are harmful to dogs such as flour, gluten, and syrup. So, it is a good idea to avoid giving it to your pooch altogether.

To elaborate this issue, let’s talk a little bit about the ingredients of french toast and their potential benefits and harms to dogs.

Ingredients

Milk is one of the most common ingredients used when making french toast. It is not that harmful to dogs and it can even be beneficial in small quantities. Because milk is a great protein source if your likes the taste of it.

However, there are some things in milk that make us concern. For instance, it contains sugar that can be problematic for dogs in higher amounts. Other than that, lactose intolerance is very common among dogs. If your dog has such a condition, it is a good idea to never give your pooch milk or any other diaries.

Eggs

Egg is another thing that is used commonly in french toast. And it is also not harmful for dogs and it is even very beneficial for tail-waggers. Because like milk, egg is also very high in protein content. Eggs also contain many essential amino acids and fatty acids. When boiled or cooked, they make excellent treats or dietary supplements for dogs.

Sensitivity to eggs in is not very common in dogs. However, it is still a good idea to be careful about the after effects and call your vet in case you see any bad symptoms in dogs.

Bread

As you already know, bread is the inevitable part of the french toast. If you don’t already know, let us inform you that bread is very harmful to dogs. Dogs can’t eat bread since they can’t digest it properly since they are not evolved to eat bread.

Other than that, bread has some ingredients that are harmful to dogs such as wheat flour and gluten. Most dogs have gluten sensitivity and that is why your dog can have encounter some health issues such as skin conditions, dermatitis and other food allergies.

That is why we never suggest feeding bread to your pooch. If your dog accidently eats bread, it is a good idea to watch out for the after effects. If you see some symptoms like vomiting, skin irritation and fatigue etc. it is a good idea to call your vet.

french toast

Maple & Corn Syrup

The reason we wanted to include maple syrup among the ingredients is that it is also used commonly by a lot of people when making french toast. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that maple syrup used in french toast is harmful to dogs.

There are two different kinds of maple syrup available in the market today. The first one is made of the natural one made of tree sap. The other one is a cheaper one and corn syrup and other artificial flavours used in it.

Another common ingredient in maple syrup is corn syrup. It is an artificial sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute by the manufacturers. The reason manufacturers prefer it instead of sugar is that it is cheaper than regular sugar. However, the common belief is that it is even more harmful than the regular sugar because it is processed more.

So, Can Dogs Eat French Toast?

The things that we mentioned above already probably gave you a good answer. No, dogs can’t eat French toast because of the harmful ingredients in it. Because french toast is made of some ingredients that can have negative effects on dogs.

For instance, a common ingredient in French toast is the maple syrup. That can be very bad for dogs because of the high sugar content in it. Other than that, most of the maple syrups in the market contain some artificial flavours and even corn syrup which should never be in a dog’s diet. Therefore, we suggest avoiding both maple syrup and French toast in your dog’s diet.

Other than that, bread is inevitable part of a breakfast made with French toast. Most pet parents know bread is very harmful for dogs because of a couple of reasons. First, it is harmful for dogs because of its high gluten content. Most dogs have a gluten sensitivity that can cause some issues for our loyal companions. Dogs that have such condition can have some health issues such as allergies or other skin irritations. Gluten is bad for dogs because their system’s has not adapted well to digest gluten.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat French Toast?

Many pet parents want to share the food they eat with their dogs and French toast is not an exception. That is why we hear a lot from the pet parents of our loyal companions that whether dogs can eat French toast.

In this article, we took a look at the different ingredients used in French toast and its their potential harms and benefits to our loyal companions. We tried to explain this issue in a detailed way and enlighten you about this issue.

We believe we made it enough for our readers that dogs can’t eat French toast. Because there are a lot of harmful ingredients in it that make it harmful for dogs. We hope that this article were helpful to you!

fig newtons

Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons?

Alaaddin Sarac

Fig newtons are a pastry filled with fig fruit. Fig is loved by a lot of people that is why fig newtons are also loved by a lot of people. There is no doubt that fig newtons are delicious and our dogs love fig newtons too because of their sweet taste. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat fig newtons?

Our simple answer to that question is no, dogs can not eat fig newtons. Because they are filled with sugar and other artificial sweeteners that are very harmful to our loyal companions. That is why it is good to avoid them completely.

After giving our short answer, let’s talk about the nutritional value of fig newtons and their potential harms of them. So, what are the nutritional content of fig newtons?

Nutritional Value of Fig Newtons

Sugar

Every pet parent knows that sugar is not good for the human health. Why would we assume that this situation is different for our loyal companions? It’s not, because dogs are carnivores and their diet should consist of a high protein diet.

So, what is the place of sugar in a dog’s diet? To be honest, there is no place for a sugar in a dog’s diet. If your dog regularly eats sugar there is a good chance that your dog will have some health problems such as weight gain and diabetes.

It is true that a little bit of sugar would destroy your dog’s health completely, but, to avoid any potential problems, you should avoid giving him sugar regularly.

Wheat Flour

Another common ingredient in the fig newtons is wheat flour which is another ingredient that is harmful to dogs. The main reason for that is that fig newtons contain gluten which should never be in a dog’s diet because it is very harmful to dogs.

Because the system of dogs are not built to digest any grains and gluten. That is why, you can have encounter some health issues such as skin conditions, dermatitis and other food allergies.

Even if fig newtons were not harmful to dogs, it is still not a good idea to feed your pooch food that contains wheat flour because it is just empty carbs that will cause fat and weight gain which can cause some late life problems.

Corn Starch

Corn starch is the by-product of corn processing. It is used as a thickening agent in processed foods to bind the pieces together. It has virtually no nutritional value. It is just empty carbs and it can cause sugar spike in dogs which will give them fatigue.

Corn Syrup

A lot of corporations replace sugar with corn syrup in their products or they add it next to sugar. Because it can be a sugar substitute and it is cheaper than sugar. Your dog’s system will process it as regular sugar which will cause a sugar spike. Arguably, it is even more harmful to dogs than sugar because it is processed more than regular table sugar.

fig newtons

Artifical Flavours

Many manufacturers use artificial flavours in their products to give them a better taste that and fig newtons is also a product that has artificial flavours in them. Flavorings can compensate for flavor loss during processing, substitute for ingredients, lower production costs and increase shelf stability. That is also the reason it is also found in fig newtons.

Another reason artificial flavours is used in fig newtons is to prolong the shelf life of their products. There is no doubt that any artificial flavour is not good for dogs because they are not natural. So, it is very harmful to our loyal companions.

Fig Newtons are Highly Processed Food

Most people know that products that come in packages are a highly processed foods. As you probably already know, consuming any kind of processed food in high amounts is not a good idea. Feeding our dogs fig newtons is not a good idea either.

If you want to understand whether a food is processed or not, taking a look at the ingredients is a great idea. If you see a lot of ingredients that you don’t know, or you feel like you’re in a chemistry class, then, there is a good chance that product is processed. It is a good idea to avoid any processed food in your dog’s diet.

So, Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons?

We assume that all the reasons we mentioned above already convince you not to feed fig newtons to your dog. But if it isn’t still clear to you, let’s talk a little bit more about the potential effects of feeding fig newtons to your pooch.

First, fig newtons contain sugar which can cause some serious health issues both in humans and dogs such as diabetes and weight gain. Other than that, it is a good contains wheat flour which contains gluten. As your already know, gluten allergy is very common among dogs and it can contain some health issues such as skin allergies, dermatitis and other health problems.

Another reason why we think that dogs eating fig newtons is not a good idea is that fig newtons contain corn syrup which is a sugar substitute that manufacturers prefer to use instead of sugar. It is arguably more harmful to dogs than regular sugar because it is even more processed.

Other than that, fig newtons contain high amount of artificial flavours which can be harmful to dogs. Lastly, fig newtons are high processed that should never take a place in a dog’s diet.

To sum up, even though it will be fine in small amounts, it is never a good idea to feed your dog fig newtons. However, if you’ve already fed your dog fig newtons, there is nothing to worry about but it is a good idea to contact your vet if you see some symptoms in your dog.

Amaranth

Can Dogs Eat Amaranth?

Alaaddin Sarac

Amaranth is a pseudo-cereal that is not technically classified as a grain. That is also the reason it has been gaining a lot of popularity among people because it is grain free. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat Amaranth?

To give our short answer to that question, no, it is a not idea to feed your dog Amaranth. Even though it is not a grain it is very similar to it. So, although it is fine in small amounts, it can be very harmful to dogs in excessive amounts since they are carnivores.

To further explain our short answer to the question, let’s talk a little about what Amaranth is and its potential benefits and harms to our loyal companions.

What is Amaranth?

Amaranth is a group of more than 60 different species of grains that have been cultivated for about 8,000 years. These grains were once considered a staple food in the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilizations.

As already mentioned above, Amaranth is not technically a grain. It is a pseudo-cereal that is also grain free. It is also grain free and its fiber and antioxidant content is much higher than other grains such as wheat. That is also the reason why it has been gaining a lot of popularity lately.

But the fact that it is a better option for humans than more common grains doesn’t mean that it is a good choice for dogs. There are a lot of reasons that makes us think otherwise which we will get to below.

But before that let’s talk a little bit about the nutritional value of Amaranth to get a better idea of this grain.

Gluten Free

Amaranth is different from the more common grains because its gluten free. That can make pet parents think that it is fine for dogs. However, even though it is gluten free and not technically a grain, its nutritional value resembles a lot to the conventional grains. That is one of the main reasons make us believe that it is not a good idea to include in a dog’s diet.

Amaranth

Antioxidants

Another thing that differs Amaranth from the more common grains is the higher antioxidant content of it. It is true that it contains more antioxidants than other grains, however, there are a lot of other food that your dog can get his antioxidants from such as organ meats like liver and kidney.

So, Can Dogs Eat Amaranth?

Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to say yes to the question of whether dogs can eat Amaranth. It is true that Amaranth is not a grain. However, since dogs are carnivores, it is not a good idea to include food other than meat and organ meat. Some vegetables and fruits can also be beneficial but the same thing can’t be said about Amaranth.

The main reason for that is that Amaranth has a high glycemic index. What that means is that it will increase your dog’s blood pressure to higher levels which can cause some health issues such as diabetes and weight gain. This is because dogs are not evolved to digest anything other than meat and meat organs which makes them unable to digest Amaranth.

And that is a recipe for health issues that we mentioned above. So, we always suggest our readers to feed their dogs a high protein diet that is full of red meat and organ meats. That doesn’t mean that dogs can’t benefit from carbs that come from carbohydrates such as vegetables and fruits. However, we can’t put grains or even Amaranth in the same category.

That is why we believe it is a good idea to avoid it to provide a healthy life for your tail-wagger. It wouldn’t be harmful to your dog in small amounts if you use Amaranth in foods that you make but it is not a good idea to make it a regular habit of it.

When you feed Amaranth to your dog, it is always a good idea to check for the after affects. If you see some symptoms such as vomiting, it is a good idea to call your vet.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Amaranth?

All the reason we listed above makes us confident that it is not a good idea to feed Amaranth to your dog. Because even though it is not technically a grain its nutritional value is very similar to it. It is true that amaranth contains more fiber and antixodants than other grains but it has similar glycemic index to ther grains which is very harmful to dogs.

The reason it is potentially harmful to dogs is that it is digested like a grain which makes it turn to sugar. That is bad news because consuming a lot of products like that can make diabetes and weight gain.

Therefore, our suggestion for you is to avoid Amaranth altogether if it is possible. It won’t be harmful to your dog in small amounts. But it is a good idea to check for the effects when you feed it to your pup.

Can Dogs Eat Altoids?

Can Dogs Eat Altoids?

Alaaddin Sarac

Altoids are a brand of mints, sold primarily in the United Kingdom. The brand was created by the based Smith & Company in the 1780s, and became part of the company in the 19th century. And who doesn’t love mints, right? They refresh the breath and can also change the bad taste of our minds. Is that the same for dogs? Can you refresh your dog’s breath by giving him Altoids? Can dogs eat Altoids?

Let’s start by giving our short answer to that question. No, dogs can not eat altoids because they contain a lot of harmful ingredients to dogs such as sugar, artificial flavors and even xylitol which can be toxic to dogs. So, it is a good idea to avoid giving them to your pup altogether.

To answer the question of whether dogs can eat Altoids in a more detailed way, let’s first take a look at the ingredients and find an answer to that question.

Ingredients in Altoids

Sugar

Every pet parent knows that sugar is bad for dogs and most altoids contain sugar. You should never give your dog sugar because it can be very harmful to him in many ways that we will talk about below.

First, consuming sugar on a regular basis has the similar effects on both humans and dogs which is weight gain. Another threat that waits dogs that consume sugar regularly is diabetes. Also, as you already know, sugar can be harmful to teeth.

This does not mean a little bit of sugar would shake your pup’s world; however, you should be aware of how much he is getting so that you could avoid aforementioned health consequences.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is an artificial sweetener that is used in sugary foods and even low quality dog foods. It is not sugar but it is arguably more addictive and more harmful than sugar because it raises the blood sugar more than regular sugar.

We always suggest our readers to avoid any food that contains corn syrup in them and Altoids contain corn syrup. Otherwise, there is a great chance that your dog will have some health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another ingredient in Altoids which can be troublesome. It is true that some fats are necessary for dogs including butter and olive oil. So, it might be a good idea to include them in a dog’s diet. On the other hand, some oils can be very harmful to dogs and even toxic to them.

Some essential oils are poisonous to dogs. This includes oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. These oils are toxic whether ingested by mouth or spread on the skin.

Xylitol

After the bad effects of sugar has been realized by people, companies started to find sugar substitutes in their products and xylitol is one of them. Xylitol is a very harmless ingredient for humans but it is deadly for dogs.

So, even though giving Altoids that contain sugar to your pup can be acceptable in very small amounts, it is not acceptable to give the one with xylitol for dogs in any case.

Can Dogs Eat Altoids?

Artificial Flavors

Every company adds some artificial flavors to their products to make them taste better. Flavorings can compensate for flavor loss during processing, substitute for ingredients, lower production costs and increase shelf stability. And that is why it is also found in Altoids.

It is probably not surprising when we say it is not good for dogs either. Artificial flavors can trigger allergic reactions, skin sensitivity and other health issues.

Highly Processed

As most of the products that come in a package, Altoids is highly processed food. To understand whether a food is processed, you should just look at the ingredients. If you see a lot of ingredients that you don’t understand, that product is probably processed.

This is mostly done to increase the shelf life of a dog food and it has some negative consequences. So, it is always a good idea to void products that are highly processed in your dog’s diet.

So, Can Dogs Eat Altoids?

All the ingredients that we mentioned above clearly shows that dogs can not eat Altoids. Because most of them contain sugar, which can cause diabetes and weight gain. Other than that, they can contain corn syrup which is worse for both humans and dogs.

As a sugar substitute, the manufacturer prefers to use xylitol. Even though it is perfectly safe for humans, it can be toxic to dogs. So, you should never give your dog a product that contains xylitol.

Other than that, altoids is a highly processed food which is another reason to avoid it altogether.

How to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath?

As we mentioned above, giving your dog Altoids to freshen his breath is not a good idea. So, what should you do to freshen your pup breath?

Firstly, brushing your dog’s teeth is a very beneficial thing to do. Because not only it is a great way to freshen your dog’s breath, also it will keep your dog’s teeth healthy for a longer time.

Other than that, giving your dog’s some fresh fruits is another way of keeping your dog’s breath fresh. Carrots and apples are great for doing that. They are also healthy snacks that you can give your dog.

Another fruit that you can add your dog’s diet that to freshen his breath is parsley. Just adding a little of parsley is a great way to freshen his breath.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Altoids?

Mints are a great way to refresh our breaths. So, it is natural to think that they can be also effective for dogs. Because dogs also can have a breath that needs to be refreshed. However, all the reason we mentioned above make us believe that dogs can not eat Altoids.

Because they contain some harmful ingredients to dogs such as sugar, artificial flavors and even xylitol which can be toxic to dogs. So, if you want to freshen your dog’s breath, it is a good idea to find an alternative including brushing your dog’s teeth, adding some healthy vegetables and fruits to your dog’s diet such as carrot, apple and parsley.