Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa: Holiday Eats For Dogs

This is the time of year where everyone has something to celebrate. Whether you are young or old, Christian or Jewish, African American or Caucasian, traditions are a big part of December. And a big part of traditions is food. There are several iconic dishes that belong to each holiday. Even in all the kerfuffle of holiday dinner, there is still a spot for pets in the celebratory meal. However, there are traditional foods that you should avoid giving your dog. Here are some guidelines as to what you could and shouldn’t let your dog eat. Listed are dishes from each holiday.

KWANZAA:

Peanut Soup:

• Onions: You know that chocolate could be toxic to your dog, but did you know that onions can be just as deadly? Onions can wreak havoc on your dog’s red blood cells. After ingesting onions, those cells begin to clump and can’t carry oxygen. While this reaction does not happen exceedingly well, it is a good idea to avoid onions.
• Peanuts: Peanut butter, when salt and sugar free, are fine in small doses. However, actual peanuts, even when raw, can be toxic, like other nuts such as walnuts and macadamia nuts.

Fried Okra

• Okra: While it is not recommended to feed your dog okra, it is safe for him to eat. Some dog owners say that okra can help with digestive issues, but again, it should not be an every-day treat.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Jalapeños, along with some other peppers, disrupt a dog’s digestive system. Bell peppers are usually fine, but hotter peppers, like jalapeños, could be dangerous.

CHRISTMAS:

Meat:

• Turkey: For the most part, turkey is fine. Just make sure not to feed your dog any turkey skin or fat. Also, ensure that the meat hasn’t come into contact with onions or garlic, as both can cause deadly problems.
• Ham: Unlike turkey, ham is loaded with fat and has a high sodium level. Too much fat can be deadly for dogs; their digestive system is very different from humans. A small amount should be fine for most dogs, but in excess, it is too much for dogs’ bodies to handle.

Ginger: 

• Gingerbread: It’s mainly a people food, but a small nibble of a cookie won’t do your dog any harm. Just be sure to check for nutmeg in the ingredients, which can be harmful. 
• Ginger by itself: It’s actually beneficial in small quantities: it helps your dog’s immune system, helps with digestion, and can lower dogs’ cholesterol levels. Just remember to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before medicating your dog with ginger. 

HANUKKAH:

Potato Pancakes

• Latkes: This traditional dish features fried potatoes, which are fine in small amounts as with most other “people food”. However, certain recipes call for chopped onions or shallots, both of which are dangerous for dogs to eat. Make sure not to give your dog any onions. 
• Applesauce: When served in small portions, mainly because the amount of natural sugar is high, applesauce makes a great treat. Also, applesauce is rich in vitamin A. However, sometimes dogs experience diarrhea or vomiting after ingesting it.

Desserts:

• Kugel: On principle, dogs shouldn’t eat much cheese. Milk and cheese are tough on dog’s digestive system. Even with that aside, the ingredients of this dish such as sugar, sour cream, sour cream, and butter, make this dish unhealthy for dogs.
• Gelt: Chocolate? Big problem. Feeding any chocolate to your dog is dangerous. Chocolate is made from cocoa, which contains caffeine and another chemical called theobromine, which is the actual danger. Theobromine is also toxic to cats, but since they are such picky eaters cats rarely eat chocolate.

Remember: Even if your dog eats it, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for him.  

Anytime you're feeding table scraps to your dog, make sure it is in conjunction with his regular diet and make sure it isn't in excess. Dogs can suffer from a condition called pancreatitis when given too much fatty food. Pancreatitis is serious and is often fatal if not diagnosed quickly, and there are often very subtle signs, so it is important to avoid too much fat in the diet.

http://members.tripod.com/~Nancy_J/kwanzaa.htm

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/West-African-Peanut-Soup

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/onions_the_secret_killer

http://www.dogster.com/answers/question/are_you_supposed_to_give_dogs_peanuts-1701

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dogs-milk-dairy-products/

http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/cooked-bones-for-dogs

http://www.examiner.com/article/dog-superfoods-the-long-awaited-conclusion-kale-and-human-awareness

http://www.sarahsdogs.com/qa/can-dogs-have-ham/

http://www.dogquestions.org/dog-treats/can-dogs-eat-ginger

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts

http://dogseat.net/can-dogs-eat-applesauce/

Rescue Animals Versus Pet Store Animals

Millions of families welcome a four-legged addition to their household every Christmas. Taking in an animal is a big deal. If a new pet is on your Christmas list, you know that there are many places that the wish could become a reality. But what you may not know is that you have to be careful where you look. While some places may have an attractive facade and a friendly ambiance, there are too many that do not treat the animals they keep humanely. And most of those places are pet stores. Here are some compelling reasons to adopt a rescue animal.

Price:

You don’t “adopt” a pet from a pet store. You buy one. Pet store puppies can be priced at over two thousand dollars. On the other hand, shelter and rescue dogs can be adopted for drastically less. In the Trumbull County Dog Pound in Ohio, for example, adoption fees in 2009 were less than twenty dollars. That’s less than one percent of the cost at a pet store.

Breed:

While it is true that many dogs in pet stores are pure-bred and/or pedigreed and the dogs in shelters have more mixed breeds or mutts, it is likely that those pure-bred, pedigreed dogs have been bred in a puppy mill. The fact that they are bred the way that they are can also result in genetic diseases and other problems. Even though the dogs won’t be pure-bred, your best bet is to find a local shelter. If a pure-bred dog is important to you, do some research and find a reputable breeder.

Puppy Mills:

What exactly is a puppy mill? It’s a huge breeding operation that has no concern for the animals; the owner just wants to make money. The females produce litter after litter by force until they can’t have any more puppies, at which point they are euthanized. The puppies are taken from their mothers after only five weeks and raised in horrendous conditions. Most of the puppies born in these places have been in cages their entire lives and have never been petted or played with. By adopting a shelter dog, you ensure that your money is being used to help shut down these terrible, inhumane practices.

Euthanasia:

4,000,000-5,000,000 animals are put down each year in the U.S.  This statistic includes perfectly healthy animals that were euthanized for reasons other than accepted scenarios such as terminal illness or fatal injuries: reasons like age, size, color or handicap. Many shelters have a no-kill policy: they do not use euthanasia on any pet under their care. Supporting shelters instead of pet stores brings down the number of animal deaths.

Health:

Another downside to buying a pet store puppy is that, due to the amount of trauma puppy mill dogs are put through, they don’t make good pets. They are, in fact, much more likely to suffer from genetic illnesses and other diseases that come from such poor living conditions, not to mention the possibility of anxiety or aggression. 

Exceptions:

Not all pet stores get their animals from puppy mills or other inhumane companies. If there is a small, family-run local store, they may find their dogs from local breeders, breeders who do not support puppy mills. So before you buy a pet from the pet store, remember to do your homework, or, even better, make the choice to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue house. Adding a four-legged friend to your home is rewarding for both you and your new pet. Just remember that rescue dogs need a home, too.

http://www.animalleague.org/expert-advice/adoption/articles/why-adopt.html

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/buying-vs-adopting.html

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-celebrates-national-adopt-shelter-dog-month-october

http://puppybehavior.org/rescue-shelter-vs-puppy-mills-pet-stores.html

http://www.consumertipsreports.org/buying_a_puppy_breeders_vs_pet_shops_vs_animal_shelters.html

Are There "Extras" In Your Dog's Food?

It is an accepted fact that freshly made organic foods, whether for humans or dogs, are healthier than store-bought. But not everyone knows why. There are plenty of chemicals and artificial ingredients in processed dog foods that can be extremely dangerous to dogs, such as pesticides, herbicides, artificial colors, and chemical preservatives. Each ingredient has its dangers to dogs and humans alike. 

Antibiotics, Herbicides and Pesticides:

All of these have been linked to chronic diseases. The chemicals can build up in dogs' bodies and can be exceedingly harmful. All three contain carcinogens, chemicals that can cause cancer. They can also affect the endocrine systems. The endocrine system is responsible for secreting hormones throughout the body.

Animal By-Products:

Animal by-products found in store-bought dog food include feathers, hair, leather, and fecal waste. They are what’s left of an animal after the edible meat has been removed. The by-products are stored for a full day before they are distributed, and parts of animals that are condemned for human consumption are often used for making pet foods.

Artificial Colors:

While the effects of artificial colors haven’t been fully tested, they are believed to increase sensitivity to viruses and could cause cancer. Several dyes are commonly used in dog food: blue 1, blue 2, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6. Blue 1 is derived from coal tar, while blue 2 is made from heating indigo paste. The Dog Food Project has concluded that artificial colors are useless, since dogs don’t care about the color of their food.

Chemical Preservatives:

Synthetic preservatives could be toxic to dogs. There is a distinct difference between natural and synthetic preservatives. Natural preservatives are made from anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C or E.  The natural preservatives are generally considered safe. Most synthetic preservatives contain possible carcinogens. Synthetic preservatives can have many harmful effects on dogs, including but not limited to:

• Hair Loss
• Liver Damage
• Dehydration
• Obesity

“Filler” Foods:

“Filler” carbohydrates, like sugar and corn syrup, can lead to obesity in dogs. When dogs consume these carbs, they take the place of wholesome food. If there are fillers in your dog’s food, they will not get the nutrients that they need. 

Without all of these chemicals and additives, organic dog food has a definite advantage over commercial dog food. The removal of things like animal by-products and artificial colors can work wonders. The absence carcinogens, synthetic colors, and preservatives makes for a healthier dog. So watch out for these ingredients in your dog’s food. 

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food.html

http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/health/human.htm

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/animal-by-products/

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/dog-food-preservatives/

http://www.ehow.com/about_6301045_artificial-coloring-dog-food.html

Sweet Potato: a Superfood For Dogs

Many “people foods” are bad for dogs, but many others can be extremely beneficial. While foods like chocolate, cheese, and alcohol wreak havoc on their digestive systems, sweet potatoes can improve your pet’s health.

Sweet potatoes can aid digestion because they are high in fiber. Fiber affects the stomach and intestines by changing the way that nutrients and chemicals are absorbed into the blood stream. Foods that are high in fiber, like sweet potatoes, increase the amount of vitamins and minerals that can be properly digested and used in the body.

In addition to fiber, many other important components make up sweet potatoes. Vitamins B6, C, Manganese, Potassium, and Iron are all contained in sweet potatoes. Benefits of these vitamins and minerals include increased metabolism, strengthening of the immune system, helping blood clot, and increased bone mass.

Sweet potatoes are also a source of amino acids and antioxidants. Amino acids are important for maintaining healthy, strong muscles and decreasing the amount of fatty tissue in the liver and the pancreas. Antioxidants are vital for healing, fighting the effects of aging, and for the prevention of cancer. Sweet potatoes are even classified as an anti-diabetic: they help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower the insulin resistance in dogs and humans alike.

While it is true that sweet potatoes are good for many reasons, remember that they are a starch, and therefore can result in weight gain. Even though sweet potatoes seem like the super food, try to avoid the all-sweet potato diet. Also, the skin of the sweet potato can grow a type of mold that can be dangerous to ingest. Avoid using the skin of the sweet potato.

If you are looking for a tasty sweet potato treat for your dog, look no further than Shania Bakes’s “Gotti’s Sweetie Potato Moons”, which are chock full of organic sweet potatoes.

• http://blog.sitstay.com/benefits-of-sweet-potato-
• http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/2013/11/sweet-benefits-of-sweet-potato-for-dogs/
• http://www.keepthetailwagging.com/6-benefits-of-sweet-potatos-for-dogs-samsyams/
• http://www.rawtothebones.com/benefits-raw-dog-food-diet-potato/
• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vitamins-and-what-they-do.html

All About The Bakes

Shania Bakes is a small business dedicated to the production of cat and dog treats made solely from the goodness of organic ingredients. In addition to our tasty alternatives to processed pet food, we also offer gift bags and baskets, including Shania Bakes treats, natural Rufflestiltskin pet toys, and other pet items.

All of our products are completely organic; the only exception are the treats containing bacon or other meat products. Our treats are labelled if they contain non-organic meat. If your pet has an allergy or a sensitivity to certain foods, we can accommodate. We can also modify the treat thickness or size. Feel free to ask: every batch of treats is baked fresh.

During the holiday season, we offer specific bags and baskets. In addition, it is always an option to build custom baskets. On our site we keep on inventory so you can create your own basket. Our bags and baskets are a great way to celebrate a new pet adoption, a pet birthday, and even give as a holiday present for your pet. The price starts at $10, not including shipping. These bags and baskets include special, all-natural dog and cat toys made by Rufflestiltskin, out of recycled natural materials.

You can purchase treats and gifts online through etsy.com, by email to shaniabakes@gmail.com, via Private Message on our Facebook page, or by calling 516-847-5012. Our products are also available at select local vendor fairs. To find out more, make sure to like, follow, and favorite our pages!

We deliver to most parts of mid- to western- Suffolk and eastern Nassau, with an extended delivery area during the holidays. If you live in these areas, delivery is free. Ask us if you are on the Free Delivery map. We ship a 2-day Priority all over the United States for a small fee. This fee is determined by product and quantity ordered. There are discounts for multiple item purchases, and shipping to Long Island and the Five Boroughs is discounted. Just ask us!

Subscribe to Shania Bakes Recurring order Plan (SB ROP) for yummy organic treats delivered right to your door without you even having to remember to order. These are available monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly; plus, there is a $2 discount off of the regular price of the treats with every order.

Our product can be ordered for delivery at any time. We usually need one or two business days to get the items baked fresh, created, and shipped, although special inventory items require a longer order and ship time. Over the holidays, however, we accept special orders for our “Holiday Special," and we will  ship the weekend before the holiday or the day before. If the item needed sooner, ask and we will accommodate the date change. We recommend ordering and paying for your purchases far in advance of the delivery/ship date as possible to ensure we have enough in our inventory to cover your order.

Aside from the many baskets and donations Shania Bakes has made throughout the year to animal rescues, schools and other charitable organizations, we also offer the option to “Buy a Bag” for a local rescue. For just $5 (our cost), an extra-large bag of Shania Bakes treats will be delivered to the rescue of your choice. In addition, we update a special Pinterest board once a week: a board featuring dogs and cats available for adoption and/or foster.

Above all, Shania Bakes is about our pets. Our journey began with Junior, who was diagnosed with canine epilepsy at the age of four. While looking for a way to help him, we started to make him his own special food made from organic ingredients. Before long, friends showed their interest, and soon we started Shania Bakes. Our mission is to give delicious alternatives to processed pet foods, exchanging unhealthy sugars and preservatives with all-organic foods.

Food For Thought: 5 Reasons to Go Organic

"Shania Bakes" was created after Junior, our now 6-year-old pit bull and "Shania Bakes Quality Control Expert", was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four. Having never known dogs could have human illnesses like epilepsy, we began researching to learn why dogs get epilepsy and how we could help Junior. After learning about the hidden risks in many commercial dog foods and treats, we began creating organic recipes and baking Junior his own special treats. Our friends became interested as well, and we decided to create "Shania Bakes" and share our tasty organic dog treats with everyone.

Despite the many studies and science articles showing that organic foods are healthier than non-organic foods, many pet owners are still reluctant to switch from processed foods to organic. So here are some compelling reasons to go organic for your dog. 

1. Longevity

We all know that our dogs can only be with us for a short time, an average of 15 years. Eating organic food can increase a dog’s life span by several years, not to mention giving them more time with less risk of diseases as they age.

2. Reduces Health Risks

The more organic food is included in dogs’ diets, the more natural vitamins and minerals are introduced into their bodies. These nutrients boost their immune systems and help keep them healthy. But inside regular, processed dog foods, there are plenty of things that can make your dog sick. Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on the back of your dog’s food bag? One of the first ingredients on that list is meat by-product, which is a colloquialism for any part of the animal leftovers that are not meant for human consumption: the entrails, the internal organs, the skin, sometimes even leftover meat that has been spoiled. If you wouldn’t or shouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it to your pets?

3. Better Taste

Several studies have been done on humans comparing organic food and processed food to see which tastes better. The conclusion was that organic food does, in fact, have a better taste. The same applies to dog food. Instead of giving your dog kibble that’s scrapped together, jammed full of preservatives and artificial flavors, why not give them something made with fresh, flavorful ingredients?

4.  Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Since organic food has no fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives, it contains more nutritional value than processed food. And because organic food is more nutrient-dense, dogs don’t need to eat as much to get the proteins and vitamins they need. This leads to a much lower chance of your dog becoming obese.

5. Fewer Digestive Issues

Organic food is free of most of the chemicals that can lead to gas, diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting. With those chemicals gone, dogs are less likely to have such disorders. Organic food is also much more easily digested than its processed counterparts. For example, corn syrup is used to sweeten most dog food. Most people recognize corn syrup as a danger, and they are right. Too much of this sweetener over a period of time can cause diabetes, obesity, and hyperactivity, even in dogs.

Switching to organic foods is a big step towards keeping your furry companion at his peak. For healthier, more tasty meals and, potentially, a longer, healthier life for your dog, make that switch now. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/natural-organic-dog-food.html#Known_Effects_of_Ignoring_Natural

http://madpets.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-post-top-5-reasons-to-feed-your.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MadAboutPets+%28Mad+About+Pets%29

http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-living/organic-living/the-top-five-benefits-of-natural-organic-pet-food-for-your-dog.html

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/animal-by-products/

Shania Bakes' New "Thanksgiving in a Bag" or "Giving Thanks Doggie Basket" treats made with all-organic ingredients such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberries! A great addition to your dog's holiday feast.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/shaniabakes

Eat This, Not That: What to and What Not to Give Dogs at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The smell of food cooking, the bustle around the house, the clink of glasses after a toast. Even the dog gets to eat some of the feast. But be careful what you feed him, because many foods can be toxic to your furry friend. Here is a list of dishes that you should avoid, along with some that you and your pet can enjoy.

AVOID

Turkey:

Raw or undercooked turkey can contain salmonella, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you’re going to give your dog turkey, make sure it is white meat, lean, and properly cooked. Feeding your dog turkey skin is harmful as well. Dogs’ stomachs can’t handle it. Too much fatty food can inflame their pancreas. This is known as Pancreatitis, and some symptoms include dehydration, lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Alcohol:

A big no-no. Ethanol, a chemical toxic to dogs, is a main ingredient in alcohol. Ethanol can cause diarrhea, seizures, and comas, all of which could lead to death.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg has mild hallucinogenic properties that can give your dog seizures. While pumpkin and sweet potatoes by themselves are good for dogs, make sure you don’t use nutmeg when you make them.

Dairy Products:

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they are allergic to an ingredient in milk. Stay away from milk, butter, cream cheese, ice cream, and cheese.

Chocolate:

Most pet owners know this one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Chocolate is the most common cause of canine poisoning. Even in small amounts, it can be fatal. Why is chocolate so dangerous? The cocoa that is used to make it contains a chemical called theobromine, which dogs take a very long time to digest.

ALL CLEAR

Cranberries:

Vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, antioxidants- what’s not to love? Just make sure it’s not canned or jellied.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy:

As with turkey skin, gravy is very fatty and could make your pet very ill. However, as long as you serve it with no butter or gravy, a small amount of mashed potatoes is okay.

Pumpkin:

It’s best fresh and not canned, but pumpkin is very good for a dog’s digestion. Pumpkin is full to the brim with vitamins, fiber, and beta carotene.

Apples:

Raw apples are a great source of vitamins and omega-3s. Cut out the core before you offer them to your dog— the seeds contain amygdalin, which is a form of cyanide.

Sweet Potatoes:

These are actually healthier than regular potatoes, and dogs love them. Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamins, and carotenoids.

Be careful with the trash: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, toothpicks, and skewers. Pets can ingest some of the wrapper when they lick them clean. This could give them intestinal obstructions. Additionally, avoid giving them hot food. If its too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. 

Do not give bones to your dog. The small ones are a choking hazard, and the larger ones can crack his teeth, break into pieces and, when swallowed, can cause internal lacerations.

Have a great Thanksgiving, humans and dogs alike!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/foods-are-hazardous-dogs

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/table-foods-pets.htm

http://www.pawnation.com/2013/11/25/thanksgiving-food-dogs-and-cats-can-eat/1

http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/thanksgiving-foods-safe-for-dogs

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/

http://www.rd.com/home/thanksgiving-foods-that-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs/

http://www.boston.com/community/pets/blogs/pet_chatter/2012/11/the_top_thanksgiving_foodsare.html

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts

Better Flour Alternatives for Dogs- Spotlight Coconut Flour & Rice Flour (co-starring Tapioca Flour)

 Always on the hunt for the best ingredients to create our treats with, Shania Bakes, has been playing with flour.  While Wheat flour is the least expensive and most commonly used flour in most dog foods and treats, there are healthier alternatives.  Not only are there healthier alternatives, but many add a unique and tastier flavor to foods we prepare for our pets.  The past few weeks have been devoted to our researching and experimenting with Coconut and Rice flour.

Initially, we were looking to use Tapioca flour and determine how it affected the flavor and consistency of our treats.  Our research found that tapioca was regularly mentioned as one of the healthier flours for pets.  Tapioca flour provides a healthy non-GMO, Gluten free, and safe alternative to other flours.  Unfortunately, we could not find Tapioca flour in the store and chose to not wait for it to be delivered.  Instead, our attention was turned to Rice Flour and Coconut flour.

Coconut flour is extremely healthy for dogs (and humans).  This flour is gluten free and contains many natural minerals and the fatty acid, Lauric acid, which benefits many different areas of a dog’s health.  As you may remember, with our Junior’s epilepsy, we are regularly looking for natural ways to introduce more fatty acids into his diet.  Lauric acid is beneficial to the immune system and can help strengthen a dog’s immunity.  In addition, the other minerals in Coconut flour are known to be beneficial to the digestive system, metabolism, and thyroid function.  In addition, the coconut flour can add a naturally sweet flavor to the food or treat.  While baking with coconut flour, we have found that it is better to cook the treat or food for less time than when baking solely with wheat flour and the coconut flour can help make a treat softer and chewier.  At this time, we have not baked with just coconut flour, but we supplement it in with either wheat flour or rice flour.

Rice flour was our dark horse.  We saw it on the shelf and knew it was considered to be a healthier alternative to wheat flour, but we were unaware of the specific benefits.  Considered a more digestible form of carbohydrate, rice flour is also gluten free.  Although we initially used white rice flour, we have found organic brown rice flour and plan to incorporate this into our treats.    Made from the inner grain of the rice, brown rice flour is (according to Bob’s Red Mill) “high in protein, iron, fiber, Vitamin B, and is rich in manganese”.  These are all vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our pets.

Although carbohydrates are not a natural part of a dogs diet, they have become necessary additives to create dog foods and treats.  Maximizing the healthiness of the carbohydrates we feed our pets can be accomplished by knowing the differences in flour and other carbohydrate based additives and fillers used in pet food and treats.  Rice Flour and Coconut Flour are just two of the healthier alternatives available.

Safely Treat Your Furry Buddy This Holiday Weekend!

It is a holiday weekend upon us, so I think it is a good time to see which of our Holiday meals we can share with our dogs.  Easter and Passover offer us humans the opportunity for family and good food.  Everyone sets a different table, so I will discuss just a few of the more popular Easter and Passover meals.  If you don’t see your family favorite discussed, comment below or send us a twitter message!

As a reminder, it is ok to share some table food with our furry babies on special occasions, but we need to be careful about giving them raw meats and eggs.  We also want to make sure that unless we have created a Vet approved “human” food diet for our dogs (and cats!) we want to limit the amount of table food we give our pets.  Leftovers should be a special treat and NOT used to replace a proper dog food diet (unless Vet approved as stated above).

What is Easter without hard boiled eggs?  The best part about our Easter eggs is that they are cooked and not raw.  Raw eggs can cause deficiencies in a dog’s biotin level.  Biotin is also known as Vitamin H and helps with cell growth and production of fatty acids.  Hard boiled or cooked eggs can provide dogs with necessary protein, riboflavin, and selenium.  Riboflavin is beneficial for dog breeds who are prone problems with their eyes, cataracts, and will also help with anxiety and will help strengthen the digestive system in dogs.  Selenium is beneficial to the immune system in dogs.  Sharing our hard boiled Easter eggs with our dogs is a healthy treat for our furry friends and may help keep them off the bunnie’s trail.

Every year, our household begins to dream of our Easter lamb around the time Lent starts.  Properly cooked lamb is healthy for our dogs, but we need to be mindful of the seasonings we use.  We use garlic t season our lamb.  Garlic in small doses is not harmful for dogs, but it can be toxic in large doses.  If possible, it may be a good idea to cut a small piece prior to seasoning and let it cook with the lamb.  If this is not possible, if a lot of garlic is visible on the lamb, it may be helpful to try to take some garlic off the ham before serving your dog.

We ALL do it.  Ham bones, lamb bones, bones, bones, bones.  That is what our dog REALLY wants, and it often is a great way to keep the dog baby occupied while the family enjoys some quiet time, especially if guests are in the home.  Serving a dog cooked bones is not recommended as the bone has lost most of its nutritional value during the cooking process and the cooked bone is softer and can splinter more easily.  The best bet is to  ask the butcher or local grocery store for any leftover uncooked bones.  If this is not possible, keep a close eye on your dog as he enjoys his bone and do not leave the bones with the dog overnight.

Green beans is another Easter favorite (usually with mushroom sauce and onions).  While green beans are a safe and healthy treat for dogs, the onions are like garlic and should try to be avoided.  

Green beans, on the other hand, are a great source of Vitamin K, C, and manganese.  In addition, green beans are a source of fiber.

Please make sure that while the unfurry babies are enjoying the Easter Bunnies gifts and candy, please make sure that your furry babies are not finding unsupervised baskets of candy and chocolate or rogue candies on the floor.  Chocolate can cause severe stomach upset for dogs and can be toxic.  Sugar is not healthy for dogs either and should be avoided.  Keep the dog’s treats to the healthy and safe variety this holiday.

While I have never attended a Passover dinner, I do know that brisket is a common delicacy on the table.  Brisket is a safe food for dogs, but like other meats, it should not be served raw to your pet.  

I have touched on a few basic holiday foods, but I mostly wanted to let everyone know that we can treat our dogs to a Holiday meal and be guilt free.  No need to hide from the doggie police after filling their bowls with some holiday treats!  Just please make sure that you make sure the foods you treat them with are safe.

Shania Bakes wishes everyone a safe and yummy holiday weekend!