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Each year‚ a group of (mostly) ‘80s hard rock bands takes to the high seas onboard the Monsters Of Rock Cruise. Fans are treated to an experience like no other‚ eating in the same restaurants‚ swimming in the same pools‚ gambling in the same casinos as their favorite rockstars – and‚ of course‚ seeing them perform in concert on the ship. Personally‚ I’ve been attending Monsters Of Rock Cruise since I was 11 years old‚ with this year being my 6th MORC at 17 years old. As a young rocker‚ it’s an incredible opportunity to see many bands that I The post Monsters Of Rock Cruise 2024: Day One Review appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Almost 30% of Generation Z women identify as LGBTQ‚ according to a new Gallup survey. Could that possibly be true? Well‚ the Gallup survey‚ which also found that 22% of Gen Z overall identifies as LGBTQ‚ is no outlier. In recent years‚ data has clearly shown a rising number of Americans identify as LGBTQ‚ in no small part driven by an enormous percentage of Gen Zers who identify that way. A survey released in January by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 28% of Gen Zers consider themselves LGBTQ. Meanwhile‚ among high schoolers in 2021‚ only 74% said they considered themselves straight‚ according to a study released last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is driving this huge surge? One possibility is societal acceptance. Same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide by the Supreme Court in 2015‚ the same year former Olympian and reality TV star Bruce Jenner announced that he now identified as a woman and wanted to be known as Caitlyn. For Gen Z adults‚ which Gallup considers those 18 to 26‚ their youth was in an era of rapid change about LGBT views. Since 2012‚ more Americans than not have favored the legality of same-sex marriage‚ according to Gallup. Since 2009‚ more Americans than not have said they believe that gay and lesbian relationships are moral. Even now‚ while 55% of Americans say they believe it is immoral to change one’s gender‚ as Gallup phrases it‚ a strong minority (43%) says they think it is moral to do so. But widespread societal acceptance doesn’t seem to have so drastically affected other generations.  Among millennials‚ about 10% say they identify as LGBTQ. That number drops to 4.5% for Gen X‚ 2.3% for baby boomers‚ and 1.1% for the Silent Generation. This disparity is curious‚ and raises questions about the born-that-way argument about the innateness of LGBTQ identity. Wouldn’t Americans who had been hiding their identity now want to reveal it in light of current social views? HBO’s Bill Maher‚ no conservative‚ came under fire in 2022 when he reacted to a similar Gallup poll by commenting that people may be identifying as LGBTQ to be “trendy.” Eric Kaufmann‚ now a professor of politics at England’s University of Buckingham‚ tweeted that Maher was right to say that identity was “shaped by social trends.” Kaufmann’s deep dive into the data on young adults and LGBTQ identification showed several interesting points. First‚ looking at Americans under 30 in the General Social Survey‚ Kaufmann found that although 16% of them identified as LGBTQ‚ only 8.6% had engaged in same-sex behavior. “[I]n 2021‚ 6 in 10 young female LGBT identifiers and nearly 4 in 10 male LGBT young people only had partners of the opposite sex in the previous 12 months‚” Kaufmann wrote in a 2022 report for the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology. Bisexual women form a large percentage of Gen Zers who say they identify as LGBTQ in the latest Gallup poll: 20.7% of Gen Z women identify as bisexual‚ while only 5.4% identify as lesbian and 2.1% identify as transgender. But these women aren’t necessarily current practitioners of bisexuality. Citing the General Social Survey again‚ Kaufmann finds that 54% of bisexual women under 30 say they have had only male partners in the past five years. Jean Twenge‚ a psychology professor at San Diego State University‚ also zeroed in on bisexual women to explain the rise of the LGBTQ identity among younger Americans. “The changes are driven almost exclusively by an increase in bisexual people‚ particularly bisexual women‚” Twenge wrote in her 2023 book “Generations.” Twenge highlighted two possible reasons for the rise of female bisexuality. Citing social psychologist Roy Baumeister‚ Twenge wrote that “women have more ‘erotic plasticity‚’” meaning women were more open to a variety of sexual experiences. “So as the culture shifted toward more acceptance of LGB sex‚ women’s sexuality changed the most given their erotic plasticity‚” she added. That wasn’t just speculation that women were more game to experiment sexually with a member of the same sex: A 2021 CDC survey found that a quarter of sexually experienced high school girls said they had had a same-sex partner‚ while only about 10% of sexually experienced high school boys said they had. But Twenge also considered whether pornography had shaped younger women’s sexual experiences with men. Noting that some research had found Gen Z boys on average were first exposed to porn at age 9‚ she wrote: “If boys and young men are learning about sex from pornography‚ with its male-focused sex‚ is that why girls and young women are turning to each other for sex? Pornography-trained straight young men might simply not know what they’re doing when it comes to female sexual pleasure.” Or perhaps‚ more darkly‚ to be sexually excited such young men‚ desensitized by porn‚ may require violent actions such as choking a female partner or other degrading sexual actions toward her. It’s not surprising that young women may want to opt out of such behavior. Nor is it just bisexuality where women outnumber their male peers. Young women are also more likely to say they are transgender than young men are. In the new Gallup poll‚ 2.1% of Gen Z women say they identify as transgender‚ while only 0.9% of men do. Journalist Abigail Shrier noted in the book “Irreversible Damage” that research by physician-scientist Lisa Littman found that transgender girls tended to have friend groups with other transgender girls. “The prevalence of transgender identification within some of the girls’ friend groups was‚ on average‚ more than 70 times the expected rate‚” wrote Shrier in her 2020 book. In other words‚ are these young women genuinely struggling with their gender—or is this just a socially acceptable thing to explore? Is Gen Z ushering in a permanent shift of Americans’ sexual identities? “If current trends continue‚ it is likely that the proportion of LGBTQ+ identifiers will exceed 10% of U.S. adults at some point within the next three decades‚” writes Gallup in the report. That may happen. Or the more complicated realities underlying the data may result in Gen Z adults shifting to a more heterosexual identity as they age. How long will women who have sex with men identify as bisexual? If it’s been more than a decade‚ or 20 years‚ since their last sexual encounter with another woman‚ will they still consider themselves bisexual? Will the girls who identify now as transgender continue to do so‚ or will they join the ranks of Chloe Cole and other detransitioners who now say their identification as a male was a phase‚ not a permanent reality? These new numbers tell the beginning of a story—but they don’t tell the ending. We may be witnessing a fundamental change in American life‚ or we may be witnessing young Americans who like to experiment sexually. Time will tell. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. The post Unpacking the Gen Z LGBTQ Numbers appeared first on The Daily Signal.

These kittens have a bond‚ unlike others. The smaller cat relies on his brother and looks up to him always. Pagny and BruelChatons OrphelinsMontrealGeraldine‚ an animal rescuer‚ came to the aid of a family who had two kittens they could no longer care for. She offered to take the pair and get their adult cats fixed.One of the kittens was smaller and frail and didn't have much of an appetite. His brother stuck by his side to comfort him. Geraldine contacted her local rescue‚ Chatons Orphelins Montreal‚ and got the kittens safely into their care.The feline brothers‚ Bruel and Pagny‚ were joined at the hip‚ very close from the start. Chatons OrphelinsMontrealBruel‚ the smaller of the two‚ was very underweight and had to be hospitalized and treated for a fever‚ among other issues."He remained on a drip and medication for three days and finally recovered‚" Celine of the rescue shared. Bruel was just skin and bones and had a feverChatons OrphelinsMontrealWhile Bruel was at the clinic‚ he cried for his brother‚ longing for his company. Staff spent as much time with him as they could and tried to lift his spirit.With excellent care‚ he regained his appetite and put on some much-needed weight. When he was well enough to be reunited with his brother in their foster home‚ the two were over the moon. He missed his brother when he was at the clinic for treatmentChatons OrphelinsMontrealPagny raced over to greet his little brother Bruel‚ rubbing his face against him and showering him with affection. "They were so happy to see each other again."Bruel explored his new space while Pagny followed him on his heels. They curled up on the couch‚ wrapping their arms around each other like yin and yang‚ and took a long nap‚ making up for lost time. The two brothers were so happy to be back togetherChatons OrphelinsMontrealThe two are completely inseparable. "Since the beginning‚ they have been very close. They sleep on top of each other. When you see one‚ the other is always nearby."They seek attention from their foster family and play and cuddle with them as a duo. After a flurry of activity‚ they nestle in a purr pile on the couch or the cat tree to recharge. Chatons OrphelinsMontreal"They are so affectionate and purr as soon as we cuddle them. They like to sleep on us‚ and sometimes it can last for hours."The two look nearly identical‚ with Bruel being smaller and having a darker coat. "Despite their resemblance‚ they have different personalities that complement each other perfectly." Chatons OrphelinsMontreal"Pagny is mischievous‚ curious‚ and playful‚ and Bruel is calm and sweet. The second we take out a feather toy‚ Pagny comes running‚" Celine shared."Bruel loves to play fight with his brother and follows him everywhere to see what he is up to. He is still a baby at heart and relies on his brother often." Chatons OrphelinsMontrealOn every new adventure‚ Bruel likes to watch and learn from Pagny before jumping in himself. When he feels confident‚ he winds around his people's legs‚ looking for pets. He prefers sleeping under the bed sheets and loves to be cuddled.They curl up beside the resident cat who grooms them and makes them feel loved. Bruel wedges between them‚ napping in paradise. The resident cat helped kitten-sit the two brothers Chatons OrphelinsMontrealThe kittens have a distinct meow that sounds raspy and "broken". "You can't mistake them for other cats. They are so close and bonded that they can't be separated."The endearing brothers have gone through life together‚ and they will stay as a pair as they journey to their forever home. Chatons OrphelinsMontrealShare this story with your friends. More on Bruel and Pagny and Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Kitten Shows Up Outside a Home on Her Own and is Determined to Move Indoors that Day

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On Thursday afternoon‚ CNN host Brianna Keilar was unfazed and gave no pushback when her guest‚ Dearborn mayor Abdullah Hammoud‚ accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a "fascist and a war tyrant and a war criminal" as the Michigan Democrat appeared to discuss President Biden's latest stands. As CNN noted on screen‚ Mayor Hammoud voted "uncommitted" to protest Biden in the Michigan primary. As the two discussed President Biden's handling of the war‚ and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calling for new elections to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‚ which Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called "grotesque" in its treatment of a democracy and an ally. Hammoud shot back: You know‚ we have been sounding the alarm about Benjamin Netanyahu for over two decades‚ knowing that he is a fascist and a war tyrant and a war criminal‚ and he has been one of the individuals who gloats about being able to stall peace and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. So certainly it makes a difference with who leads the Israeli government... At a rally last November‚ Hammoud called Netanyahu a "terrorist" as he called Dearborn a "city of resistance" to Israel. At that rally‚ the crowd chanted "Genocide Joe!" But Keilar just let Hammoud talk for 54 seconds‚ no need for "fact-checking in real time." He soon added: This is why it's extremely important for President Biden to utilize the leverage that he currently has and restricting military aid and being forceful in his calls not for a temporary ceasefire but a permanent and lasting ceasefire immediately. Those are the things that we're looking for from our President because that can make the difference today. Each morning‚ we wake up‚ and what we find is a kill count -- how many innocent men‚ woman and children had been killed by the Israeli government‚ by the IDF‚ utilizing American manufactured weapons. And we need to find that out immediately. Keilar just stuck to sympathetic notes: And of course we're watching starvation as well happen‚ and there's a lot of groups who are sounding the alarm about what should be coming here in the coming weeks. We've just started to see this‚ and it's expected to balloon if the aid doesn't increase dramatically. So‚ Mayor‚ you have a group of Palestinian Arab and Muslim American activists -- they declined to meet with senior White House officials in the Chicago area today. They said in a letter this morning to the White House there's no point in more meetings -- the White House "already knows the position of the aforementioned groups and our allies across the nation." I wonder what you think this means for the general election? Is this a sign that Biden cannot mend this break with Muslim and Arab Americans in the U.S.? Or do you think there is potential for him to do that? Hammoud implied Biden needs to fully support Hamas‚ or he's not going to win over the Muslims. "Well‚ I think‚ outside the context of the election‚ I think this is a very clear message being sent to the current president in the highest office in the world that your constituency is very extremely unhappy with the decision-making that you have endeavored upon since the events of October." Transcript follows: CNN News Central March 14‚ 2024 1:21 p.m. Eastern BRIANNA KEILAR: Right now‚ President Biden is on Air Force One on his way to Saginaw‚ Michigan‚ and the visit is part of a battleground state blitz he's on after giving his State of the Union address last week‚ and also after clinching enough delegates for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday. He's going to Saginaw for a reason. It's a community with a large concentration of black and Latino voters‚ and it is critical to the President's reelection hopes. So is Michigan's large concentration of Arab and Muslim Americans who are concentrated around Detroit a little further South. Many of those voters are upset with Biden -- and that is really putting it mildly -- for American support of Israel as it wages war in the Gaza Strip. In Michigan's Democratic primary last month‚ 13 percent of the voters cast their ballot for "uncommitted‚" many of them as a protest vote. Joining us now is the mayor of Dearborn‚ Michigan‚ Abdullah Hammoud. Ramadan Kareem to you‚ and I know‚ of course‚ that this holy month is feeling very different for your community. Can you just tell us what it's been like? MAYOR ABDULLAH HAMMOUD (D-DEARBORN): Thank you so much. Ramadan Kareem to all those who are observing the fast. You know‚ it's a somber month. This is the holiest month for Muslims around the world‚ and we spend time around our dinner table breaking fast with family and loved ones‚ but obviously with the war in Gaza‚ the innocent are being killed each and every single day. You can't help but sense a blanket of grief over the community. KEILAR: In recent weeks‚ obviously you've been hearing the Biden administration respond to that. You've had Vice President Harris calling in more forceful terms for a ceasefire. The President announced during the State of the Union that the military would be building a port in Gaza to deliver aid. He has been extremely critical of Netanyahu. He was caught on a hot mic -- I'm sure you heard that. What have you thought of what have been significant rhetorical changes at least? Has that gone anywhere? HAMMOUD: Certainly‚ you know‚ pressure works. You see that there is a difference in tone where there is now a recognition of Palestinian suffering. But what I would tell you is that words are not enough. What we want to see is actual change in policy. We want to see actually holding Benjamin Netanyahu and the most right-wing government in Israel's history to account. You know‚ you heard Senator Schumer's remarks today on the flood demonstrating that pressure works‚ calling for distancing and‚ in fact‚ the replacing of Benjamin Netanyahu as the prime minister as well as calling upon President Biden and utilizing our ability and our tool to restrict military funding as a means of trying to find ourselves towards a just solution for the Palestinian people. KEILAR: You mentioned what Senator Schumer said -- the Senate Majority Leader -- calling for new elections in Israel. Would that make a difference to you? Do you think it would make a difference who leads Israel in the type of war that would be prosecuted? And how much of a difference does that make to you that he specifically is calling for that? HAMMOUD: You know‚ we have been sounding the alarm about Benjamin Netanyahu for over two decades‚ knowing that he is a fascist and a war tyrant and a war criminal‚ and he has been one of the individuals who gloats about being able to stall peace and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. So certainly it makes a difference with who leads the Israeli government‚ but what's important is that‚ while elections can be called for -- elections can go into process‚ that doesn't change what's happening on the ground today. This is why it's extremely important for President Biden to utilize the leverage that he currently has and restricting military aid and being forceful in his calls not for a temporary ceasefire but a permanent and lasting ceasefire immediately. Those are the things that we're looking for from our President because that can make the difference today. Each morning‚ we wake up‚ and what we find is a kill count -- how many innocent men‚ woman and children had been killed by the Israeli government‚ by the IDF‚ utilizing American manufactured weapons. And we need to find that out immediately. KEILAR: And of course we're watching starvation as well happen‚ and there's a lot of groups who are sounding the alarm about what should be coming here in the coming weeks. We've just started to see this‚ and it's expected to balloon if the aid doesn't increase dramatically. So‚ Mayor‚ you have a group of Palestinian Arab and Muslim American activists -- they declined to meet with senior White House officials in the Chicago area today. They said in a letter this morning to the White House there's no point in more meetings -- the White House "already knows the position of the aforementioned groups and our allies across the nation." I wonder what you think this means for the general election? Is this a sign that Biden cannot mend this break with Muslim and Arab Americans in the U.S.? Or do you think there is potential for him to do that? HAMMOUD: Well‚ I think outside the context of the election‚ I think this is a very clear message being sent to the current President and the highest office in the world that your constituency is very extremely unhappy with the decision making that you -- that you have endeavored upon since the events of October. You know‚ you talked about humanitarian aid -- over 27 people have now died of starvation and famine. And‚ while our President has proposed to establish a maritime port‚ that will take several months at the very earliest in order for that to be established. But what can be done today‚ there are congressional budgets that are going to be moving for the 22nd of this month where we can ensure that the agency UNHRA can receive funding from the United States which accounts for one-third of its funding to ensure that millions of people don't die of starvation and famine. And I think that's a policy position that the President can advocate for and can work with congressional leaders to adopt in the upcoming budget that will pass in less than 10 days from now. KEILAR: Mayor Abdullah Hammoud‚ we really appreciate your time. Thank you so much. and Ramadan Mubarak.

Disclaimer: Before changing your hamster’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before‚ especially when it comes to human food‚ make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every pet is different and requires an individual approach to nutrition‚ depending on their age‚ health‚ level of activity‚ and medical history. The guidelines offered in our article have been fact-checked and approved by a veterinarian but should be used as a mere guide on food safety‚ rather than an individual nutrition plan. Hamsters make excellent‚ low-maintenance pets for beginners and experienced rodent owners. To stay healthy‚ hamsters need exercise‚ a safe habitat‚ and a balanced diet. As part of a healthy meal‚ hamsters can eat zucchini‚ but only in limited quantities. Keep reading to learn how to include zucchini in your hamster’s diet and an overview of what they should eat each day. We’ll also let you know which foods your hamster should never eat. Hamsters and Zucchini: What You Need to Know Your hamster’s primary food should be a pellet diet formulated for rodents‚ which we’ll discuss later in this article. In addition to the pellets‚ you can offer vegetables and smaller amounts of fruit each day. While these items usually aren’t necessary if your hamster eats a quality pellet diet‚ they provide nutritional variety and enrichment for your pet. Zucchini is one of the many vegetables (although botanists will tell you it is‚ technically‚ a fruit) you can feed your hamster in moderation. Wash the zucchini thoroughly before feeding and chop it into small pieces. Image Credit: Victor FlowerFly‚ Shutterstock The Hamster Diet: An Overview In the wild‚ hamsters are omnivores‚ and pet rodents should follow a similar diet plan. Suitable pellet diets for hamsters should include a blend of protein‚ carbohydrates‚ fat‚ and fiber. Look for a diet formulated for hamsters. Your vet can help you determine how much pellet food to feed your hamster each day. The pellets should make up most of the daily calories‚ as they contain all the necessary nutrients to keep your hamster healthy. As mentioned in the previous section‚ vegetables and fruit should only be offered as treats or to supplement the pellets—never as the main food source. In addition to zucchini‚ other vegetables your hamster can enjoy include the following: Carrots Squash Leafy greens Basil Cucumber Serve fewer fruits than vegetables since they are high in sugar. Fruits such as apples (peeled and cored‚) pears‚ berries‚ and mango are all okay to offer. Your hamster should also eat animal-based protein‚ such as boiled eggs or mealworms. What Other Treats Are Okay for My Hamster? Hamsters may enjoy whole grain treats‚ such as plain crackers or sugarless cereal. They can occasionally eat seeds or nuts but don’t rely on a seed mixture instead of the pellets as their primary food source. Seed-based diets are typically high in fat and lack key nutrients. Unfortunately‚ hamsters generally love the taste of seeds and nuts and will neglect their more nutritious foods to eat these treats if they’re available. Feed your hamster seeds and nuts only on special occasions. Image credit: Anna Sobolewska‚ Shutterstock What Foods Should Hamsters Never Eat? We’ve already discussed why you should limit the number of seeds and nuts your hamster eats. Here are some other foods you should avoid entirely: Dried fruit (high in sugar) Citrus fruits Garlic Onion Chocolate Conclusion Hamsters can eat zucchini as part of a balanced diet‚ but only in moderation. You can serve a variety of safe vegetables and fruits to supplement your hamster’s regular pellet diet and Timothy hay. In addition‚ make sure your hamster has clean‚ fresh water. You can ask your vet to help you determine the ideal diet for your hamster since each species may have specific nutritional requirements. If you’re concerned your hamster isn’t eating enough or consuming too much‚ talk to your veterinarian. Sources  “What Can Hamsters Eat?” “Hamster Diet Guide: Which Foods Can Hamsters Eat?” Featured Image Credit: JumpStory The post Can Hamsters Eat Zucchini? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts &; Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Health Benefits Health Risks Canned Yams Tips for Serving Your Dog Yams Other Veggie Options Most dogs are voraciously curious and glad to eat anything you put in front of them‚ while others are more discerning and pickier. Choosing a diet can be challenging for picky eaters‚ leading you to seek out some lesser-known foods for your dog to try. For instance‚ can dogs eat yams? Yes‚ dogs can eat yams if prepared correctly‚ and they’re even packed with both flavor and beneficial nutrients! Before you load up your dog’s bowl with yams‚ it’s important that you fully cook them first. There are a few methods of doing that. Let’s dig into how to prepare those yams for your dog‚ the benefits of yams‚ and more handy dietary tips for including yams in a healthy canine diet. Are Yams the Same as Sweet Potatoes? No‚ yams aren’t the same as sweet potatoes‚ but dogs can enjoy both of them just fine if they’re cooked. Yams aren’t as sweet as sweet potatoes and have a rougher‚ scalier brown skin versus the lighter‚ smoother sweet potato. Both are tubers that grow underground. Try growing some yourself if you happen to have a green thumb and the yard space. With some patience and a big enough garden‚ you can have veggies for you and your pup all year round! It’s important to know what the visual difference is between yams and sweet potatoes because many grocery stores stock yams that are actually a variety of sweet potato. The difference isn’t that big of a deal‚ but it’s best to be cautious when selecting your dog’s food. Image Credit: BearFotos‚ Shutterstock Health Benefits of Yams for Dogs Yams are a rich source of dietary fiber‚ vitamin A‚ potassium‚ manganese‚ and more. They’re also low in fat and fairly low in sugar‚ making them great for overweight dogs or voracious eaters. They shouldn’t make up a large part of the diet‚ but a small portion of cooked yams regularly can promote good digestion and confer other health benefits too. Let’s wade a little deeper into some of the precise health benefits that yams have to offer your dog within a balanced diet. Health Benefits of Yams for Dogs: Fiber: Yams are starchy foods that help your dog feel more full‚ but fiber also keeps their digestion flowing smoothly and slows absorption of sugars which can help regulate blood glucose levels. Antioxidants: Yams contain antioxidants including beta-carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C. Potassium: Yams are high in this essential electrolyte. Do Yams Pose Any Health Risks to My Dog? Sort of‚ but only when raw. Raw yams are hard to digest and contain substances that are toxic to dogs such as tannins. Always cook yams before offering them to your pup. As with any veggie‚ yams are best used as a side or treat along with a complete‚ balanced dry food. They’re not strictly necessary at all in your dog’s diet‚ and you should stop serving them if you notice any adverse signs. Check with your vet before adding them to your dog’s diet‚ especially if they have any underlying health concerns or special dietary requirements. Image Credit; SeventyFour‚ Shutterstock Are Canned Yams Safe for My Dog? Like most canned foods‚ canned yams aren’t formulated with dogs’ dietary needs in mind. They typically contain added sugar that’s not good for dogs‚ and extraneous preservatives or added ingredients could be harmful to your dog too. While the convenience of precooked canned yams is tempting‚ it’s best not to chance it with your dog’s health potentially at risk. Tips for Serving Your Dog Yams While dogs will chow down on fresh food without considering how it was cooked‚ it’s up to you as their pet parent to prepare it in the healthiest way possible. Digestive systems vary from sensitive eaters to steel-stomached dogs akin to goats that eat everything‚ and only you know your dog’s tolerance for new foods. Let’s check out how to best prepare yams for your pooch below. Yam Serving Tips for a Healthy Dog Diet: Cook the yams before serving by boiling‚ steaming‚ or roasting them. Mash or dice the yams up into manageable chunks that your dog can easily chew and digest. Don’t add salt‚ pepper‚ or other seasonings that can be unhealthy for your dog. Avoid using butter or unhealthy cooking oils that can seep into the yams. Introduce yams with a tablespoon at mealtime along with a slightly reduced portion of regular food. Observe your dog for any gastric signs after they eat yams for the first time to determine if you can feed them regularly. Image Credit: Primestock-Photography‚ Shutterstock What Other Veggies Can My Dog Enjoy? Yams are far from the only veggie that your dog can munch on at mealtime with their kibble‚ and most dogs enjoy some variety in their diet. Let’s skim over some possible choices to introduce to your dog along with yams. Other Popular Veggies for Canines: Green beans: Dogs love green beans‚ and they’re good sources of iron‚ protein‚ fiber‚ and other nutrients. Carrots: Raw or cooked carrots make really good healthy treats for dogs and most dogs love them. They contain beneficial nutrients including beta-carotene‚ fiber and potassium. Squash: Steamed squash or zucchini is a savory-sweet way to add some fiber‚ vitamins A‚ C‚ and B6‚ plus a laundry list of other vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower: Rich in vitamin C‚ B6‚ K‚ fiber‚ potassium‚ manganese‚ and more‚ cauliflower can be a great side in your dog’s diet. Image Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Cooked yams are a delicious and nutritious way to introduce veggies to your dog’s diet‚ offering valuable dietary fiber and an array of vitamins and trace minerals. They’re great for keeping your dog full for longer‚ but avoid feeding a large amount of them or serving them raw. Sources WebMD https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-yams# PetMD Featured Image Credit: HUIZENG‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Yams? Vet Approved Facts &; Nutrition Tips appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Nutritional Perks Other Safe Beans for Your Dog Beans to Avoid FAQ The decision on what to feed our dogs is an essential aspect of dog ownership. While we all want to treat our furry friends with snacks and variety‚ there are some foods we should approach with caution. Among those foods are kidney beans. Can dogs eat them safely? The answer is not a simple yes! While raw kidney beans are toxic to dogs‚ cooked kidney beans in small amounts are usually fine. Let’s dive further into the details. Nutritional Perks of Kidney Beans Dogs can eat cooked kidney beans offered in moderation. Kidney beans‚ which belong to the legume family‚ are nutrient powerhouses. They offer protein‚ antioxidants‚ vitamins‚ and fiber‚ all of which can be beneficial to dogs when given appropriately. Antioxidants: Kidney beans are a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from the damage caused by harmful free radicals‚ and are important in keeping your dog healthy. Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting‚ Vitamin K also aids in metabolizing calcium‚ and has a role in cardiovascular health. Minerals: The likes of iron‚ phosphorus‚ magnesium‚ potassium‚ and manganese in beans are essential for growth and overall metabolic health. Folate: As a B vitamin‚ folate is essential for normal metabolic functions and the production of red blood cells. Dietary Fiber: Fiber is indispensable for a dog’s digestive health‚ aiding in regular bowel movements. Low-Calorie Count: Being low in calories‚ beans may be an excellent occasional treat for diabetic dogs or those on a weight-loss regime. Always consult with your vet first before offering them. Image Credit: Igor Dutina‚ Shutterstock Other Safe Beans for Your Dog While beans are generally nutritious‚ not all types are suitable for your dog. The safe list includes: Lima beans and butter beans Black beans Green beans or string beans Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans Pinto beans Lentils Red kidney beans White beans‚ navy beans Soybeans (including edamame) Beans to Avoid Certain beans come with risks and are best avoided for the safety of your pup: Raw beans: Lectin Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is found in high amounts in raw beans‚ especially kidney beans. Cooking dramatically reduces the levels of PHA. Consumption of raw beans can lead to signs like abdominal pain‚ diarrhea‚ loss of appetite‚ lethargy‚ and vomiting. Contact your vet straight away if your dog has ingested raw beans. Canned kidney beans: The preservatives and excess sodium used in canning can be harmful to dogs. Baked beans: These often contain sugars‚ spices‚ and other ingredients that are tough on a dog’s digestive system or toxic to them. Broad beans or Fava beans: High in PHA‚ even when cooked‚ these beans aren’t safe for dogs. Refried beans: Seasonings and additives‚ especially garlic‚ can be toxic to dogs. Adzuki beans: While great for human consumption‚ these can cause digestive issues in dogs. Chili beans: Ingredients like seasonings‚ onions‚ and tomato paste can cause stomach upset in dogs. Coffee beans: Due to their caffeine content‚ these are highly toxic to dogs. Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures‚ Pixabay Frequently Asked Questions How Many Cooked Kidney Beans Can I Give My Dog at Once? It’s always best to start with a small amount‚ especially if it’s the first time. A few beans mixed in with their regular food can be a good starting point. Monitor for any unusual reactions and adjust the serving size accordingly. Always consult with your vet before adding new foods to your pet’s diet. My Dog Accidentally Ate Raw Kidney Beans. What Should I Do? Raw kidney beans contain harmful toxins. If your dog has consumed them‚ it’s best to consult your vet immediately. Watch out for signs of abdominal pain‚ diarrhea‚ lethargy‚ or vomiting. Can I Mix Kidney Beans With Other Foods in My Dog’s Meal? Yes‚ kidney beans can be mixed with other safe foods. However‚ remember the 90/10 rule: 90% of your dog’s diet should come from their regular dog food and only 10% from treats or other foods. Are Canned Kidney Beans Safe for Dogs? Canned kidney beans might contain preservatives and excessive sodium which can be harmful to dogs. If you choose to feed canned beans‚ ensure they are low-sodium and free from added spices or chemicals. Image Credit: Mikhailov Studio‚ Shutterstock How Often Can I Treat My Dog to Kidney Beans? Think of kidney beans as an occasional treat rather than a staple in their diet. Once or twice a week in small amounts should be fine for most dogs. Can Kidney Beans Replace Meat Protein in My Dog’s Diet? No. While kidney beans are a good source of plant protein‚ dogs primarily need animal-based proteins. Beans can complement their diet but should never be the primary protein source. Is It True Kidney Beans Can Cause Gas in Dogs? Yes‚ overconsumption of beans can lead to gas and stomach upset in dogs. That’s another reason to introduce them slowly and in moderation. Conclusion Feeding our furry friends the right foods can sometimes feel like navigating a culinary maze. Kidney beans‚ when served cooked and in moderation‚ can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet‚ offering them protein‚ fiber‚ and antioxidants. But just as with any treat or supplementary food‚ moderation is key. It’s essential to be mindful of potential risks like raw bean toxicity and the upset stomach that can result from overconsumption. It’s heartening to know that our dogs can safely enjoy some of the wholesome foods we do. Yet‚ always remember that their dietary needs differ from ours. While beans can be a delightful occasional treat‚ a balanced diet rich in animal proteins remains paramount for our canine companions. Consulting with a veterinarian and keeping their specific health needs in mind will ensure our pets remain happy‚ healthy‚ and full of tail-wagging energy. Sources Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans? What You Need To Know — Pumpkin® Phytohaemagglutinin – Wikipedia   Featured Image Credit: Amawasri Pakdara‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans? Vet Approved Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.