Peppermint is never necessary for your dog, and it can be harmful depending on how much your dog is exposed to and any other ingredients in the product.

Peppermint Plants

Most dogs are unlikely to take a bite out of a peppermint plant in your house or yard, but some dogs are more adventurous than others. Chomping on a few peppermint leaves is unlikely to cause any harm other than possibly some stomach upset.

If your dog decides to consume an entire peppermint plant, he is more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Peppermint Candy

If your dog ate peppermint candy, check the ingredients for that exact product. A plain peppermint candy with sugar is not a problem for most dogs unless they eat a bunch of them.

Xylitol, or birch sugar, is a secret killer that may be lurking in peppermint candies. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and seizures. Depending on the dose and the size of the dog, consuming xylitol can cause death.

If the peppermint candy that your dog ate was sugar-free, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated, increasing both the aroma we humans love and, unfortunately, the risks for our dogs.

Licking or absorbing a small amount of diluted peppermint oil will probably have no ill-effects. Exposure to high doses or to undiluted oil can cause toxicity. This can occur if the dog licks the oil or if it is applied to his skin.

Symptoms of peppermint oil toxicity include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin irritation
• Weakness/lethargy
• Poor coordination
• Excessive drooling
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to peppermint oil or peppermint essential oil and he is showing any of these symptoms, contact a pet-poison hotline. The Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 are both excellent and have all of the latest information on toxicity in pets. These services do charge a fee, but it is worth every penny.

The hotline will guide you on what you can do yourself at home and will also be available to guide your veterinarian with treatment decisions.

What to Do If Dog Eats Candy Cane

If your dog ate a candy cane, check the box for a full list of ingredients. Sugar-free candy canes are the most likely to cause harm to your dog, so be on the look for xylitol or birch sugar.

If the candy cane contains xylitol, call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately.

If you are uncertain about the ingredients in the candy cane, call a pet-poison hotline. They will help you determine if your dog needs immediate care, a routine appointment during business hours, or if you can monitor at home.

If the candy cane does not have any toxic ingredients, you can keep an eye on your dog at home. He may experience a little stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea but may also be totally fine. Smaller dogs are at more risk of developing symptoms than larger dogs, and the amount of candy cane that your dog ate will also affect his risk.

The post Can Dogs Have Peppermint? appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Sometimes dogs get into trouble because family members are sneaking them too many treats, but other times the dog helps herself to the counter, table, or garbage can. Either way, these “treats” can lead to temporary and even long-term illness in your dog.

We suggest that, to ensure that you and your dog are both able to enjoy the festivities in the moment, you:

• Instruct guests to not feed the dog without your permission, especially dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities or a sensitive stomach
• Set aside tidbits for your pup so you know how much she is eating throughout the day
• Avoid fatty cuts of meat
• Avoid dairy products
• Stick to minimal seasoning on any food that you feed your dog
• Use baby gates to keep your dog out of food prep areas
• Consider crating your dog or confining her to another room if she is a known food thief
• Secure the turkey carcass and other garbage in a can that your dog either cannot access or cannot open

What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving?

Of course your dog can eat many plain unseasoned  vegetables, but in case you’re wondering about Thanksgiving staples that your dog can have in moderation, we’ve got you covered:

Turkey: Offer your dog a small amount of cooked meat. The skin is typically higher in fat and salt/seasonings, making it less ideal for your pup. Gizzards and organ meat are tasty treats for dogs who tolerate them, but they are also rich.

Ham: Allow tiny pieces of cooked ham, avoiding fatty areas. Ham is typically both fatty and salty, so just give your dog a taste.

Mashed potatoes: Plain mashed potatoes without too many things added in are safe for your dog, though she may not enjoy them, but skip the gravy.

Carrots: Your dog can enjoy carrots cooked or raw! Ideally feed ones that are not heavily seasoned.

Sweet potatoes: Offer to your dog plain, with minimal seasoning.

Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin is an excellent healthy treat for dogs. Offer a teaspoon or so if your dog has not had it before. You can even make your dog’s own pumpkin treats.

Pumpkin pie:   Pumpkin pie has a lot more sugar than plain canned pumpkin, but your dog can have a small taste.

Green beans: Plain, cooked green beans are an excellent snack for your dog.

Cranberries: Plain and cooked cranberries are safe for your dog. If your family uses the classic cranberry sauce recipe of just cranberries, sugar, and water, your dog can even have a small taste of cranberry sauce (don’t go too overboard because of the high sugar content). If you add additional ingredients to your cranberry sauce, your dog should skip this dish.

Thanksgiving for Your Dog: Caution

Always remember that, while there are many Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, err on the side of caution. Offer your dog small portions that do not have extra sugar or seasonings and avoid fatty foods.

The simplest option is often to set aside your dog’s “meal” ahead of time so you know exactly how much of each thing she will be getting. And if your pup has a sensitive stomach, save your carpets by not giving her any foods that she is not used to.

The post Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Most dogs love vegetables, including tomatoes. They’re a healthy treat, although they probably aren’t as popular as green beans and carrots when it comes to canine veggie favorites.

How Much Tomato Can My Dog Eat?

To feed tomato to your dog, cut the tomato into small pieces, about a half inch in size. How many of these bite-size tomato goodies your dog can eat depends, of course, on the dog’s size. With small dogs, we would start with one or two bites; large dogs might start with three to four. There is no set “feed this many” rule. But, with all dogs, introduce tomatoes lowly because you don’t want to cause digestive upset. Dogs may react differently. Reactions like diarrhea and vomiting are signs that your dog has eaten too many tomato bites.

Note: There is always a chance of an allergic reaction, like with any other “new” food item, when you feed tomatoes. If your dog begins to pant abnormally, shows respiratory depression, tremors, or any kind of weakness, call your veterinarian immediately. If you can’t reach your vet, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. There may be a charge for the call, but it’s worth every penny.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes, also known as grape tomatoes, are a hybrid tomato believed to have developed naturally mixing a wild tomato and a garden variety tomato. They’re tomatoes, so the same “rules” for sharing them with your dog apply: in moderation, no stems or leaves, no green parts, and a tiny piece.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes Raw?

Yes, dogs can eat raw tomatoes, but no stems, leaves, or green parts, and always feed tomatoes in moderation. Honestly, most dogs are likely better off with raw tomatoes, as there are concerns with cooked tomatoes about added ingredients that could be toxic to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce?

Unless you’re making your tomato sauce—and know every ingredient included—we would avoid sharing tomato sauce with your dog. The concerns about common additives like garlic and onion are just not worth the risk. Many typical ingredients in tomato sauce are not acceptable for your dog, and most dogs prefer a small piece of a ripe raw tomato.

Overall, veggies like tomatoes can make good treats, especially for overweight dogs. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate (vitamin B9). Tomatoes are also a good source of fiber.

You may find tomatoes in the top 10 ingredients of your dog food, sometimes listed as tomato pomace, which is a byproduct of tomato processing. Tomato pomace is an inexpensive but healthy ingredient often used in your dog’s food. Tomato pomace contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

The post Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

But let’s go back to the reasons to feed canned food—reasons that may justify the cost for owners of certain dogs: 

• With at least 75% moisture, and as much as 85% or more, canned dog food is one of the best possible ways to make sure that a dog with kidney and other urinary tract issues consumes enough moisture. Dogs who are prone to dehydration or who are given diuretic medications benefit from a high-moisture diet.
• Canned foods are generally very low in carbohydrates, or contain zero carbohydrates. (Remember, dogs have zero nutritional requirement for carbs. They can obtain all of their nutritional needs from protein and fat sources.) This is most helpful when feeding dogs who have cancer. (Tumors use carbohydrates as an energy source, so you want your cancer-patient dog to consume as few carbs as possible.)
• The vast majority of canned foods are made with fresh (or fresh-frozen) meats instead of meat meal, which has been highly processed before its potential inclusion into a secondary food-production process. Overall, the ingredients in canned foods are subjected to much less processing than those in dry foods.
• Canned foods are more digestible than kibble, meaning, your dog will absorb more nutrients in the food. This helps dogs who have sensitive stomachs or other digestive issues.
• With their high meat content, canned foods are extremely palatable to most dogs, without the addition of sweeteners or other palatants. This, and the physical properties of loaf-style canned food (spoonable, spreadable, freezable), make it highly convenient for use in behavior-change or -maintenance applications (filling Kong or Toppl toys, lick mats, and other time-consuming food puzzles). Other people “top” their dog’s kibble with a bit of canned food, whether to help entice picky eaters or to just give their dogs something more delicious than kibble.

Best Canned Dog Food by Category

With all of these compelling reasons to feed canned, why don’t you? If the burden of having to choose an appropriate product from the overwhelming number of canned dog foods that are on the market is holding you back, maybe we can help!

Using the criteria we’ve always used to select and highlight foods (which you can view below) we’ve chosen at least three products to recommend in eight different categories, which, in turn, were chosen to highlight attributes that different dog owners might have foremost in mind for meeting their dogs’ needs. The categories are:

Some dogs need only an adult-maintenance diet, which generally contain lower amounts of fat and protein (and a few other nutrients) than puppies do, whereas growing puppies, pregnant or nursing moms, and highly active dogs need an “all life stages” food. (Remember, the nutrient requirements for growth [i.e., “puppy food”] and foods for “all life stages” are the same.)

Beyond those two basic categories, your dog might have specific needs for a limited-ingredient or grain-free diet, or one with lower amounts of fat or higher amounts of protein. Some human needs and priorities have been considered, too: Some owners feel strongly about feeding a diet that does not contain animals, and still others might have budgetary limitations; we have selections to meet those criteria, too!

In order to choose our favorites in each of these categories, and in addition to our usual selection criteria having to do with the candidates’ ingredients, we considered our own experiences with the companies. Have they invited us or allowed us to personally tour their production facilities or speak to their formulators?

We also took into account the companies’ demonstrated willingness to disclose to us their manufacturing location or locations and the qualifications of the person or people who formulated the companies’ products, and to provide us with technical information about their products, such as complete nutrient analyses and the results from any digestibility studies they’ve conducted.

Of course, it’s great if you don’t even have to ask for this information. Companies that publish complete nutrient analyses for their products on their websites will always get more consideration from us. Why every dog food maker doesn’t do this is beyond our comprehension.

Here are our top picks in canned dog food: 

Best Adult Maintenance Canned Dog Food

Rawz 96% Chicken & Chicken Liver Dog Food

Things we like:

• Clean, simple recipe; essentially just chicken and chicken liver (plus a vitamin/mineral mix)—and no carbs
• Expanded nutrient analysis available on company website
• Fenugreek seeds used as thickener instead of gums

First 10 ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, fenugreek seed, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, salt, taurine

• Protein: Min 11%
• Fat: 9%
• Calories: 446 Kcal/12.5-oz can
• Cost: $0.39/oz

Runners up:

• Nulo Gently Cooked Meals Turkey & Green Beans Recipe
• Open Farm Chicken & Salmon Recipe 

Best “All Life Stages” / Growth Canned Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen’s Butcher Block Turkey & Autumn Veggies Pâté

Things we like:

• Only human-grade ingredients are used and product is made in a human-food manufacturing facility
• Single-species source of animal protein
• Loaf style food easiest to use in time-consuming, enrichment toys such as lick mats, Toppls, and Kongs

First 10 ingredients: Turkey, turkey bone broth, turkey liver, spinach, apples, carrots, brown rice, pumpkin, agar agar, minerals

• Protein: Min 10.5%
• Fat: 5.5%
• Calories: 366 Kcal/10.5-oz box
• Cost: $0.40/oz

Runners up:

• Bixbi Rawbble Turkey Recipe for Puppies
• Lucy Kettle Creations Chicken & Salmon in Gravy

Best “Limited Ingredient” Canned Dog Food

Dave’s 95% Premium Meats Chicken & Beef

Things we like:

• Very limited-ingredient: Two animal species and zero carb sources
• “All life stages” food
• Moderately priced

First 10 ingredients: Chicken, beef, beef broth, chicken liver, agar agar, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, flaxseed, potassium chloride

• Protein: Min 9%
• Fat: 7.5%
• Calories: 354 Kcal/13.5-oz can
• Cost: $0.28/oz

Runners up:

• FirstMate Limited Ingredient Cage-Free Chicken Formula
• Essence LIR Ocean Recipe
• American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Duck Recipe
• Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Real Rabbit Recipe

Best Budget Canned Dog Food

Purina Beyond Beef, Potato, & Green Bean Ground Entrée

Things we like:

• Very simple formula
• Inexpensive without using meatby-products or food fractions
• Pâté style

First 10 ingredients: Beef, beef broth, chicken, liver, potatoes, green beans, guar gum, salt, minerals

• Protein: Min 8%
• Fat: 6%
• Calories: 450 Kcal/13-oz can
• Cost: $0.14/oz

Runners up:

• Inception Chicken & Pork Recipe ($0.20/oz)
• Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe ($0.19/oz)
• Fromm Adult Turkey & Rice Pâté ($0.19/oz)

Best High Protein Canned Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen’s Beef, Lamb, & Spring Veggies

Things we like:

• The food boasts high protein without a crazy-high fat content
• Food is made with all human-grade ingredients in a human-food facility
• Complete nutrient analysis available on company website

First 10 ingredients: Beef, beef bone broth, beef liver, lamb, carrots, broccoli, peas, agar-agar, quinoa, sunflower oil

• Protein: Min 12.5%
• Fat: 5%
• Calories: 298 Kcal/10.5-oz box
• Cost: $0.40/oz

Runners up:

• From Chicken & Rice Pâté (10% protein)
• Natural Balance Platefulls Tender Carrot, Potato & Beef Recipe (10.5% protein)

Best Lower-Fat Canned Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Stew Cage-Free Medley

Things we like:

• Made with human-grade ingredients in a human-food facility
• Fat is low but protein is still high
• Simple, meat-rich formula, no legumes

First 10 ingredients: Cage-free chicken, chicken bone broth, cage-free turkey, tapioca starch, cage-free duck, tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potato starch, salt, potassium chloride

• Protein: Min 10%
• Fat: 2%
• Calories: 243 Kcal/11-oz carton
• Cost: $0.36/oz

Runners up:

• Blackwood Chicken & Chicken Liver With Pumpkin & New Zealand Mussels (Min 1.5% fat)
• Hound & Gatos Pork & Liver Recipe (Min 3.5% fat)

Best Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Caru Classics Turkey With Lamb Stew

Things we like:

• No reliance on (and typical over-representation of) legumes to replace grain
• Amount of taurine on the guaranteed analysis
• Food is made with 100% human grade ingredients
• Moderate protein and fat levels

First 10 ingredients: Turkey, turkey bone broth, pumpkin, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, lamb, tapioca starch, lentils

• Protein: Min 5%
• Fat: 2%
• Calories: 258 Kcal/12-oz carton
• Cost: $0.42/oz

Runners up:

• Wellness Complete Duck & Sweet Potato
• Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe
• Nulo’s Small Breed Pâté for Puppy

Best Canned Dog Food Containing Alternative Proteins

Health Extension Vegetarian Entrée

Note: The advantage of canned dog food is its ability to provide a food with a high meat inclusion in a long-lasting, shelf-stable container. But for those who want to feed a canned diet, and don’t want to or can’t give their dog meat, here you go! 

• We prefer non-legume carb sources; our top pick contains only one legume.
• Of the canned vegetarian foods we found, this has the most protein at 7%

First 10 ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, water sufficient for processing, brown rice, carrots, olive oil, peas, blueberries, cranberries, kale

• Protein: Min 7%
• Fat: 2%
• Calories: 276 Kcal/can
• Cost: $0.30/oz

Runners up:

• Halo Holistic Adult Dog Garden of Vegan Recipe
• Natural Balance Vegetarian Recipe

Use Our Canned Dog Food Search Tools

With your dog’s specific needs in mind, we recommend searching among the pet food companies on our list of “Approved Canned Foods” (available to WDJ subscribers only). We’d also like to recommend using the tool to search our list of more than 800 individual foods and add as many filters as you want to find the most appropriate candidates for your dog. Looking for a higher-protein, lower-fat food without chicken or peas? Add the filters and search!

And don’t forget: One-size-fits-all recommendations don’t work when it comes to diet. Feed each of your dogs what works best for him. It’s great when you have more than one dog and they can thrive on the same variety of food, but don’t take this for granted.

(Note: Affiliate links are offered for your convenience. Whole Dog Journal is reader-supported. If you purchase food through links on our site we may earn a commission. Whole Dog Journal does not accept money for its food and product reviews.)

The post The Best Canned Dog Foods appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

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The post Whole Dog Journal’s Approved Canned Dog Foods appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Start With the Right Kind of Pumpkin

Plain pureed canned pumpkin is your primary ingredient. Try a made-for-dogs product like  Nummy Tum Tum Organic Pumpkin for Pets or use a single-ingredient canned pumpkin, such as Libby’s Pure Pumpkin Puree, Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin Puree or Lucky Leaf Canned Pumpkin. Canned pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and spices, is not recommended.

To make your own puree from fresh pumpkin, use small pumpkins sold for pie making rather than the fibrous jack-o-lantern pumpkins associated with October 31^st. Cut 2 small pumpkins in half, scrape the seeds out with a spoon, and place the pieces face-down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350ºF (177ºC) for 45 minutes or until the pumpkin is golden brown and fork-tender. Peel the skin off and place chunks in a blender or food processor, adding a small amount of water if needed. Pulse or blend the pumpkin until smooth. Alternatively, mash the pumpkin with a potato masher, press it through a potato ricer, or process it with a food mill.

Store pumpkin puree in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 7 days, or place it in a Ziplock freezer bag, press the air out, and freeze it for up to 6 months.

Basic Instructions for Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

When making pumpkin dog biscuits, combine dry ingredients with a mixer, food processor, or by hand, then add other ingredients to create a stiff or soft dough. Lightly grease cookie sheets or line them with kitchen parchment paper before baking to prevent sticking.

Stiff doughs can be rolled flat with a rolling pin (place dough between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap or on a floured surface before rolling) and shaped with a cookie cutter, pizza cutter, or knife. For dog-related cookie cutters, visit

LokiDokiDog Cookie Cutters, The Cookie Cutter Shop Dog Cookie Cutters, or

Cheap Cookie Cutters Dog Collection. You can also shape stiff dough as a log or cylinder, wrap it in plastic wrap, refrigerate until firm, then slice the roll into discs. To create small round pumpkins, roll dough into balls, pull up to create a little stem on top, and press vertical lines into the sides with a knife.

Soft doughs can be pressed into silicon molds, such as those sold by SodaPup or Etsy Silicone Dog Bone Molds.

Most dog biscuit recipes call for wheat flour, but gluten-free flours are widely sold. Blends containing almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, cassava flour, rice flour, or potato starch are designed to replace equal quantities of wheat flour. In the following dog biscuit recipes, use wheat flour or shop for a gluten-free or Paleo flour labeled as a one-to-one replacement for wheat flour.

All recipes are adjustable, so if a dough seems too liquid, add a little more flour, finely ground oats or other thickener. Baking times are approximate because cookie thickness, oven temperatures, and ingredients vary. I used Cup4Cup gluten-free flour to test the recipes given here.

For recipes using peanut butter, try made-for-dog brands that don’t contain xylitol, hydrogenated vegetable oils, sugar, or molasses. Examples include:

• Paw Power Dawg Butter
• Buddy Budder Peanut Butter for Dogs
• Teddie Unsalted Peanut Butter for Dogs
• Dogtastic Gourmet Peanut Butter for Dogs

While baking dog treats, check the oven every 10 minutes and reduce or extend baking time as needed. Cool treats on a wire rack. Leaving treats at room temperature for a day or two helps harden biscuits to make them crunchier. Depending on ingredients, home-prepared treats may last several days to a week or more at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze in air-tight containers. For holiday baking, mix cookie doughs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until a few days before gift giving, then bake and gift-wrap.

Try These Easy Recipes

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits for Dogs

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour

Combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg yolk in a large bowl. Gradually add flour and stir until combined. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes by hand or with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 375^oF (190^oC) for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown.

Pumpkin, Carrot, and Coconut Biscuits for Dogs

• 2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut or almond butter
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup shredded dried unsweetened coconut

Combine ingredients, roll to 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick and shape with cookie cutters. Bake at 350^oF (177^oC) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until lightly brown.

Soft Pumpkin Treats for Dogs

“Soft” treats are appreciated by dogs with tooth problems. Most contain vegetable glycerin, a plant-derived syrup that acts as a moisturizer and preservative. Food-grade vegetable glycerin from Glycerin Supplier, Starwest Botanicals, and other manufacturers is sold online and in natural food stores. If you don’t have vegetable glycerin, substitute honey, which also works well in soft treats.

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated apple or 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or vegetable glycerin
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 cups gluten-free or equivalent flour

Combine ingredients and drop dough with a teaspoon to form mounds on prepared baking sheets, placing them an inch or more apart. Bake at 350^oF (177^oC) for 20 minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain soft consistency and prevent mold growth.

Frozen Pumpkin Treats for Dogs

Here are three simple variations:

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or regular yogurt that you strain overnight through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer to thicken it
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Pumpkin Banana Frozen Treats

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
• 1/4 cup melted or softened coconut oil

Mix ingredients and fill silicone molds or ice cube trays. Freeze for at least 2 hours, then remove treats from the molds or trays and store them in an air-tight freezer bag or container. Remove treats from the freezer a few minutes before serving.

Pumpkin Gummy Treats for Dogs

Gelatin is the key ingredient in sweet or savory gummy treats. Unflavored gelatin powder is available from Great Lakes Grass-Fed Gelatin, Knox Gelatine, and other brands. Soda Pup sells Dogtastic Jelly Shots Gelatin with holiday-themed silicone molds. Gelatin is recommended for aging joints, increased mobility, improved digestion, strong bones, and skin and coat health. Unfortunately, gelatin does not freeze well. Use gummies as training treats or as additions to your dog’s dinner. Adding more gelatin will create firmer gummies.

For your first gummies, sprinkle 3 tablespoons gelatin powder over 1/4 cup unheated coconut water, bone broth, soup stock, water, or other liquid and let it stand a minute or two until the gelatin is absorbed. Heat 1/2 cup of the same liquid until almost boiling, add it to the gelatin, and stir to blend. Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and stir gently. Pour into a lightly oiled silicon mold, loaf pan, or tray. Refrigerate until firm. Remove gummies from silicon molds. If using a loaf pan, remove the single slab of cold gelatin and cut it with a knife or cookie cutters. Refrigerate gummies, tightly sealed, for up to 2 weeks.

The post Easy Recipes for Pumpkin Dog Treats appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

Soft dog food is great for senior dogs because, compared to dry foods, it offers:

• Ease of consumption
• Higher palatability
• Hydration
• Increased digestibility
• Stronger aroma

Soft food does, however, come with the drawbacks of a higher cost, refrigerated storage, and a short shelf-life after opening it.

Variety of Formulations

Canned food comes in multiple formats, from patés to chunks in gravy and is formulated to meet every life-stage, from puppies to seniors. These formulations use a variety of different protein sources, from conventional proteins like chicken and beef, to novel protein sources, such as venison and rabbit. Veterinary formulations are also available for dogs who need specialized nutrition for health reasons, and there are foods formulated specifically for senior dogs.

Old Dog Dental Issues

Canned food is often easier for senior dogs to chew and digest compared to dry kibble. As dogs age, they can experience dental issues or reduced jaw strength, making softer food a more comfortable option than dry, hard foods.

For seniors with dental issues, eating hard food can be painful and may lead to reduced food intake. Often, dental cleaning or tooth extractions are needed to solve the problem, but feeding wet food can help provide some relief to your pet in the meantime.

Canned Food Is More Appetizing to Dogs

In addition to being easier to eat, soft food may be more palatable due to its higher moisture and strong aroma. As dogs age, a decrease in their sense of smell can have negative impacts on their appetite. For dogs that have diminished appetites, or are historically picky eaters, selecting a strong-smelling food, such as a canned diet, may help entice your senior at mealtimes.

Benefits of a Wet Food

The higher levels of moisture in canned foods are not only beneficial for palatability, but also for hydration. Senior dogs are more prone to dehydration than their younger counterparts, so providing moisture during their mealtimes will help ensure they have the water necessary to maintain healthy bodily functions, including supporting kidney and urinary health.

Canned Food Is Gentler

Canned dog food can be gentler on the digestive system than conventional kibble, which is advantageous for older dogs with sensitive stomachs. Wet foods typically contain higher inclusions of meat ingredients, which are protein-rich and highly digestible. High-quality protein sources are important, especially for seniors who often struggle to maintain lean muscle mass. Finding a canned food that is formulated specifically for seniors can also provide additional benefits for our aging companions, as senior formulas are often enriched with nutrients to support joint health, decrease inflammation, and promote digestion.

Downsides of Soft Dog Food

Despite all the pluses to feeding soft food to senior dogs, there are some cons. Canned dog food generally has a shorter shelf life compared to kibble, especially after it has been opened. Proper storage and refrigeration after opening are necessary to prevent spoilage. This can result in increased food waste if your dog does not consume it quickly enough.

Feeding a diet of only soft dog food is more expensive than feeding kibble, which may make it cost-prohibitive, especially for those with multiple pets or large breeds. Because of the water content present in canned foods, the volume you need to feed to meet your dog’s energy and nutrient requirements is much higher than that of a dehydrated diet.

If your older dog—or any dog—stops eating, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to be certain he isn’t ill. And, while you’re there, talk to your veterinarian for help determining the best diet for your senior dog and their health needs.

The post Soft Food for Senior Dogs appeared first on Whole Dog Journal.

“Garlic is a tricky one because when used topically and sprinkled over food, it is great for dogs,” says CJ Puotinen, a long-time Whole Dog Journal contributor and author of books on holistic pet care. “It fights ear infections, internal infections, boosts immune systems, and lowers blood sugar. But it also contains thiosulphate.” That’s the concern: Thiosulphate can damage red blood cells in dogs.

How Much Garlic Can Your Dog Eat?

Many holistic veterinarians believe that feeding doses small amounts of garlic are not likely to pose problems for dogs. Be aware of iffy dosage recommendations: While a snippet of garlic may be OK for your dog, garlic powder is concentrated and dangerous for your dog.

The Pet Poison Helpline says symptoms of garlic poisoning include:

• Anemia
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Weakness
• Exercise intolerance
• Gastric upset

Why Feed Garlic to Dogs at All?

The purported benefits of feeding garlic to dogs may give you pause. For example, garlic is believed to combat high cholesterol in dogs. Maybe. But, if your dog is diagnosed with high cholesterol, you need to look at his diet. He’s probably eating too much fat. And a study from 2015 found garlic and onions can modify cancer risk.

Feeding garlic is highly dose dependent. “When used topically for wounds or ear infections, it’s harmless,” says Puotinen. When your dog eats it, that’s different. Puotinen writes that many veterinarians who prescribe garlic for dogs with fleas recommend 1/2 clove of fresh raw crushed garlic per 15 to 20 pounds of body weight. Again, safe in moderation.

Garlic for Warding Off Fleas

When introducing garlic to your dog, start with smaller amounts and increase gradually. Garlic doesn’t kill fleas, so adding it to your dog’s diet won’t make an immediate difference, but after a month of daily garlic, your dog should be far less attractive to fleas.

Of course, natural remedies like garlic for fleas are known to be limited in their effectiveness. If your dog is at a low risk of contracting fleas, it might help (check that dosage with your veterinarian, first, however). But, if you live where flea populations are high, you may want to consider a monthly preventative to kill fleas who jump on your dog and ward off flea infestations, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate.

A Toxic Reaction Is an Emergency

If your dog ever gets into something, garlic or anything else, and you are worried about toxicity, don’t take a chance. Call a pet-poison hotline for direction (there may be a charge):

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

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And, as we all know (but often prefer to ignore), most brands of popcorn include a lot of salt and fat. Your dog does not need salt or fat in his diet. And no caramel popcorn! That stuff is basically sugar- and butter-coated popcorn (humans probably shouldn’t eat it either!).

Do Not Overfeed Popcorn to Your Dog

Overfeeding popcorn can give your dog stomach upset and, if fed regularly, can contribute to weight gain and obesity. The kernels can become lodged in your dog’s teeth and irritate the gums (be sure you brush your dog’s teeth).

While popcorn has fiber, it’s not what your dog needs.  If your dog needs added fiber due to loose stools, plain canned pumpkin is a much better way to go.

What Is Safe Popcorn for Dogs?

The rules for sharing popcorn with your dog are simple:

• Air-popped popcorn only
• No seasonings, salt, or fat in the popcorn
• Check the ingredients list for xylitol (also known as birch sugar), which is deadly to dogs
• Feed only in moderation—a couple of pieces are plenty

Healthy Alternatives to Popcorn for Dogs

Many dogs just want to eat what we’re eating, and, while we’ve trained them (hopefully!) not to beg, those soft beautiful eyes can pull at our heartstrings. If you want to toss your dog a healthy treat while you munch on caramel popcorn, consider giving him a few apple slices, part of a carrot (baby carrots are a delight!), or a couple of frozen green beans. These are healthy treats for dogs.

For training your dog, be sure you reach for the high-value, extra yummy treats like plain chicken or unseasoned beef or a commercial tasty treat. Even plain air-popped popcorn isn’t as big a reward and incentive to work as a piece of chicken!

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Apples are so naturally yummy that they’re often included as an ingredient in commercial dog treats. They’re healthy, too. Apples contain fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and more nutrients.

How Much Apple Can My Dog Have?

Limit apples to a couple of pieces/slices so you don’t risk digestive upset (maybe a tad more for bigger dogs and a bit less for the littles).

You can give the dogs the apple skin but not the seeds as they contain tiny amounts of cyanide. (Don’t panic if your dog does consume a seed or two because the amount of toxin in an apple seed is small; it’s just best to avoid them.) Don’t feed the apple core either, which could be a choking hazard.

Dogs love red apples, but they can eat green apples, too, like Granny Smiths. Be aware, however, that because green apples are tart, they may not be as well received by your dog as a sweet Red Delicious, for example.

Dogs Can Eat Applesauce

Dogs can eat applesauce, too, but choose unsweetened varieties because dogs don’t need added sugar any more than we do. And, be especially careful to read the entire ingredients list on commercial applesauce to check to be sure the applesauce doesn’t contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.  Xylitol may also be listed as birch sugar, wood sugar, and birch-bark extract, according to the Food & Drug Administration.

Interestingly, apple cider vinegar is sometimes added to a dog’s water or food to help digestion and promote beneficial bacteria.

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Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Some health conditions can lead to a loss of appetite. A dog with kidney or liver problems may feel nauseous and not want to eat. Many of these dogs will approach their meals, drooling even, but will turn and walk away.

Check your dog’s mouth for any sign of injuries such as ulcers, a stick or bone caught across the roof of his mouth – it happens more often than you may think! – or an electrical burn from chomping on a cord. Many of these dogs will act fine, at least for a while, despite not eating.

Some dogs just seem to be naturally finicky, like, this week beef is the favorite protein but last week only salmon would do. This is where it pays to know your dog.

Loss of Appetite in Breeding Dogs

If your dog is an intact male and you have an attractive girl in heat (basically ANY girl in heat is attractive), your boy may be perfectly healthy but in lust. This includes any bitch in the neighborhood, not just in your household.

For most males this will only last for a couple of days, right around when the female is in “prime time.” Provided he does not have any health problems that could be exacerbated by fasting for a few days, simply figure you are saving on dog food.

Another healthy-but-not-eating scenario can occur in a female who is pregnant and suffering from something similar to morning sickness. This tends to happen around two to three weeks post breeding. Generally, these females will eat something at some point during the day. Occasionally, even false-pregnant bitches will do this, too.

Adolescents

On to the non-sex-related anorexic dogs, although somewhat related. Adolescent males often will not eat well. Despite your most tempting offerings, they will walk on by. Meanwhile, they are burning up calories and can get quite thin. This is usually a stage somewhere in between 6 to 12 months of age. Most of them do eat something, but it can be very frustrating to owners. This too shall pass.

Canine Secret Eating

Then we get to the tricky non-eaters. First, be sure that someone else is not feeding your dog. Another family member, a kind neighbor, your cat (usually inadvertently on the cat’s part). Some dogs are such gluttons that they will eat these extras plus their own meals, but others admit they are full. This includes dogs who hunt and scavenge on their own. If your dog is out catching and eating squirrels or rabbits, he truly may not be hungry. It could also be a change in the dog’s bowl you haven’t noticed.

If your dog won’t eat, you have a small window of time to evaluate the situation, The better you know your dog, the easier it is to decide. Taking the dog’s temperature, pulse, and respiration and watching for diarrhea, constipation, and changes in urine output is wise. Keep your veterinarian in the loop if your dog is at all very young, old, or battling a chronic disease. We don’t want you to take chances, but you usually don’t have to panic either.

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What Is a “Sensitive Stomach”?

The term “sensitive stomach” refers to a variety of gastrointestinal issues that can impact dogs of all breeds, age, and size.

Common symptoms of sensitivities include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort

While the underlying cause of sensitive stomachs can vary, potential factors may include food sensitivities or allergies, dietary changes, stress, gastrointestinal illness, and underlying medical conditions. If your dog is displaying chronic digestive issues, have him evaluated by your veterinarian to first rule out treatable illnesses or medical conditions.

Choosing the Right Dog Food

If illness is not to blame for the digestive upset, many owners and veterinarians turn to diet modification to try to alleviate symptoms. But what is the best dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs? Choosing the right diet can be tricky, solid strategies to help you find the right food for your dog, include:

Highly Digestible Ingredients: When looking for food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, be sure to prioritize diets made with highly digestible ingredients. Select a diet made with high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and try to avoid foods that utilize artificial additives and preservatives, as these ingredients can be harder for sensitive stomachs to tolerate.

Limited Ingredients: Many dogs with sensitive stomachs can benefit from diets that are made using limited ingredients. These diets typically contain a small number of high quality, readily digestible ingredients that may help reduce the risk of triggering digestive upset.

Novel Protein Source: These diets also often feature novel protein sources, which can be beneficial for sensitive dogs. Many food-related sensitivities are linked to intolerances to the protein source that is used.  Novel protein sources, such as venison, kangaroo, alligator, duck, and rabbit, are less likely to elicit an allergic response compared to conventional proteins like chicken, beef, and lamb.

Hydrolyzed Proteins: As well as novel proteins, hydrolyzed proteins may be used. Hydrolyzed proteins have undergone processing to break them apart into smaller, highly digestible components. These smaller components, amino acids and peptides, are less likely to trigger digestive upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Supplementing Probiotics

Probiotic supplementation can help maintain digestive health and alleviate symptoms often associated with sensitive stomachs. Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as “good bacteria,” that confer health benefits to the host animal when consumed. Probiotics help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can be disrupted in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Probiotic supplementation can:

• Restore the healthy balance in the gut by increasing the populations of beneficial strains and suppressing the harmful bacteria populations that can contribute to gastrointestinal upset.
• Reduce the severity and frequency of gastrointestinal upset in dogs and promote smoother digestion by supporting the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food.
• Support immune function, with about 70% of the immune system located in the gut. Probiotics can function as immune modulators, reducing inflammation and potentially alleviating symptoms associated with food sensitivities.

Finding Probiotics for Your Dog

Some high-quality dog foods are formulated with added probiotics already in them; however, many owners opt for a probiotic supplement for their pet.

When selecting a probiotic for your dog, consider the strain and species. Probiotic species such as Bifidobacterium animalis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, among others, that have been shown to be beneficial for digestion and GI upset.

When using probiotics, remember that long-term use is key to their efficacy. It takes time for the probiotic colonies to become established, outcompete the harmful bacterial colonies, and pass along benefits to our pets. Continued supplementation can ensure their health and stability in dogs, as can prebiotic fiber supplementation.

A word about prebiotic fibers: Prebiotic fiber can be added to the diet to support the health of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) living in the gut by providing them with a food source. By promoting the growth and activity of the probiotic bacteria, prebiotic fiber helps to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can alleviate digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas. A gut microbiome facilitated by prebiotic fiber supplementation supports better digestion, absorption of nutrients by the dog, and overall improved immune function. Look for food that contains added prebiotic fibers such as Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or chicory root (a source of inulin). Other ingredients, such as oats, barley, and sweet potatoes are natural sources of fibers that support digestive health.

When choosing a supplement for your dog, Whole Dog Journal recommends looking for the seal of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) to best ensure the product you’re considering contains what the label claims.

Commercial Diets

A variety of diets on the market are formulated specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These diets often incorporate one or more of the strategies discussed in this article. In general, these diets are formulated to be highly digestible and often incorporate prebiotic fibers, probiotics, contain limited ingredients, and often use a single protein source. Depending on the manufacturer, feeding trials and clinical studies may have been performed to show efficacy.

In severe cases, veterinary-formulated diets may be necessary to manage symptoms and provide relief for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These vet-recommended diets are formulated to address underlying digestive issues or medical conditions and may require a prescription.

The Healthiest Food for Sensitive Stomachs

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, finding the right food is essential for supporting their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Selecting foods that are easily digestible, contain novel proteins, use limited ingredients, and utilize a single protein source may help to reduce the chance that your pet reacts negatively to them.

However, remember that every dog is an individual and a variety of strategies may be needed to properly manage symptoms. If you think your dog is having difficulties with a sensitive stomach, a change in diet may make all the difference. As always, a consultation with your veterinarian may save you time and money in determining the best strategy to meet your dog’s individual needs.

Subscribers can consult our dog food databases online and search for foods that contain specific ingredients. We have databases for dry, wet, and freeze-dried/dehydrated foods.

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