Whether we like it or not‚ bras are a part of many people’s everyday lives! In fact‚ 50% of the world’s population is women‚ so at least that many have to deal with them at some point in their lives. Shopping for these articles of clothing may be difficult‚ but once you get the hang […] The post 10 Un-bra-lievable Facts about Bras appeared first on Listverse.

Not everyone can be an Olympic gold medalist‚ win an Oscar or a Nobel Prize‚ or sell millions of records. But there is a way for people who lack such traditional talents to achieve something that will be recorded along with their name for posterity—breaking a world record. With a bit of creativity and hard […] The post 10 Ridiculous Times World Records Were Rejected appeared first on Listverse.

Click to Skip Ahead Risks Nutritional Facts Raw Bacon Considerations Most people enjoy a bit of bacon on their sandwich‚ with eggs‚ on a pizza‚ or in a pasta dish‚ knowing very well that it’s not the healthiest meat to indulge in. However‚ it’s crispy and tasty and hard to resist for many people. As much as your dog may enjoy the smell of sizzling bacon in the morning‚ it’s not a good idea to share some with them‚ even though they technically can eat it. The truth is that unless eaten cooked‚ with fat removed‚ in very tiny quantities on rare occasions‚ bacon has health risks for your dog. Thankfully‚ bacon isn’t toxic to dogs‚ and you don’t need to rush them off to the vet if they munched down a strip or two behind your back. However‚ it is not recommended to add it to your dog’s diet. If you need more convincing as to why your dog should swap bacon out for a healthier option‚ keep reading. Why Is Bacon Bad for Dogs? Bacon is a very fatty meat and is often cooked in oil. Foods that are very fatty can cause pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog has pancreatitis‚ it’s important to get it treated early for the best prognosis. Signs of this condition are vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ abdominal pain‚ and a loss of appetite. Over time‚ pancreatitis can destroy the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas leading to diabetes. When bacon is cooked at high temperatures heterocyclic amines form in the bacon‚ which have the potential to cause cancer. Bacon is also high in calories‚ which can contribute to obesity if eaten often. Obesity can shorten your dog’s life by around 1-2 years. It’s a serious condition that can increase the risk of health issues‚ such as hypertension‚ diabetes‚ cancer‚ joint issues‚ and heart disease. Image Credit: Bear Fotos‚ Shutterstock Is It Nutritious? Bacon is a pork product‚ and is a protein‚ although‚ there are much healthier protein options for your dog. Bacon does contain a few vitamins‚ minerals‚ iron‚ magnesium‚ potassium‚ and zinc. Bacon won’t offer your dog any additional nutrients that they don’t get from quality dog food and  the negatives far outweigh the positives. Leaner alternatives include cooked chicken or turkey breast which are safe for most dogs although dogs with food allergies may react to them. What About Raw Bacon? Image Credit: Antonius Ferret‚ Pexels Although raw bacon hasn’t undergone high temperatures to get it crispy and is free from cooking oil‚ it is still a highly processed‚ fatty meat that won’t do much good for your dog’s health. In fact‚ raw bacon has risks of its own. Raw bacon runs the risk of being contaminated with parasites‚ which will make your dog very sick if they eat it and become infected. Trichinella spiralis‚ which is also known as “pork worm‚” can infect your dog and cause vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ muscle pain‚ and inflammation. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella are bacteria in raw meat that can make your dog sick. Conclusion Dogs really shouldn’t eat bacon as it comes with risks‚ whether given cooked or raw. Pork bacon is high in fat which can affect your dog’s health negatively. Giving your dog raw bacon has its risks‚ too‚ because it could be contaminated with harmful bacteria or worms that will make your dog very sick. While your dog’s mouth may be watering for a bit of sizzling bacon‚ they are better off getting a healthier alternative. Sources Pubmed Pubmed VCA Hospitals Pet MD Featured Image Credit: Artit Wongpradu‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts &; Risks appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Safety Benefits Feeding Tips Disclaimer: Before changing your dog’s/cat’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 dog/cat 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. Bran flakes are a fibrous breakfast cereal made from the hard external layer of a wheat kernel‚ also known as the bran. Bran is mostly wheat and most dogs will tolerate this well‚ although some dogs have a wheat allergy or intolerance. Dogs can eat bran flakes‚ but there are some things you should consider before giving your pup any. Read on to learn more. Are Bran Flakes Safe for Dogs? Dogs can eat bran flakes in moderation‚ but there are some caveats. You shouldn’t feed your pup bran flakes that contain additives or sugar. They also shouldn’t eat bran flakes if they have raisins‚ as raisins are toxic for dogs. It’s important to know that while bran flakes provide wholesome nutrition‚ they cannot fulfill your pup’s nutritional requirements alone. If you choose to give them to your dog‚ use them as an occasional treat or a supplement to an existing healthy and wholesome diet. Image Credit: LightField Studios‚ Shutterstock Are Bran Flakes Healthy? Bran flakes are ok for dogs‚ provided they’re offered in small quantities. Adding large amounts of bran flakes to the diet will either lead to weight gain or‚ if you are offering bran flakes instead of a balanced pet food‚ take away from their other nutrient requirements such as protein. High in Fiber Because they’re made of whole grain cereals‚ bran flakes are a source of natural fiber for your pup. Fiber is a carbohydrate that is important to your dog’s gastrointestinal health. It promotes colon health and helps your pup maintain a healthy gut. It can produce healthy bowel movements and can be useful in relieving constipation and diarrhea. High-fiber diets also promote feelings of fullness for longer‚ so they’re great for weight loss. Image Credit: Moving Moment‚ Shutterstock High in B-Vitamins Bran is naturally high in B vitamins‚ a group of essential vitamins that are great for your dog’s overall health. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for brain health and is used for carbohydrate metabolism. Dogs not getting enough thiamine may exhibit signs such as lack of appetite‚ weight loss‚ and gastrointestinal upset. As the deficiency progresses‚ dogs may show neurological signs such as weakness‚ seizures and heart problems. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps with red blood cells and neurological functions‚ including brain and heart health. Dogs without enough B12 may suffer from a lack of energy‚ poor coat quality‚ and coat loss. Protein A 100-gram serving of bran flakes contains almost 10 grams of protein 1. Protein is an essential macronutrient that your dog needs for their body to function properly. It contributes to coat and skin health‚ muscle development‚ and tissue repair. Image Credit: Radomir Rezny‚ Shutterstock Source of Magnesium Magnesium is necessary for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. It also promotes a healthy immune system and helps keep your pup’s bones strong and healthy. How to Serve Bran Flakes to Dogs Bran flakes‚ as with any new food‚ should be introduced into your pup’s diet gradually. Choose plain and unsweetened bran flakes. Never give any to your pup that contains fruit‚ added sugar‚ or sweeteners. Offer them as occasional snacks or training treats. Final Thoughts Bran flakes are a supplemental source of fiber and nutrients your pup needs to thrive. You should never give your dog bran flakes with added sugars‚ sweeteners‚ or ingredients like raisins. As with all new foods‚ introduce them slowly to prevent gastrointestinal upset‚ and watch your dog for any signs of tummy upset after adding this high-fiber food to his diet. Remember‚ bran flakes should be used as a treat or supplement to a healthy and wholesome canine diet. Sources https://www.prospre.io/ingredients/bran-flakes-274283 https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/732658/nutrients https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs https://www.kingsdale.com/vitamin-b12-cobalamin-deficiency-in-pets Featured Image Credit: Diana Taliun‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Bran Flakes? Vet-Reviewed Benefits &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Benefits Considerations Risks Disclaimer: Before changing your dog’s/cat’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 dog/cat 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. Although each dog is unique and all new human foods should first be checked with their vet before being introduced‚ cabbage is generally a safe snack option in moderation. Just like people‚ this green‚ leafy veggie may not be at the top of your dog’s preference list with its bitter taste‚ but if they are eager to take a bite‚ it is safe to let them. Some dogs may not eat cabbage on its own but may appreciate it as a topper on their kibble to give it some extra flavor. Whether you serve cabbage cooked or raw‚ your dog can benefit from it. However‚ moderation is important as too much of this veggie can cause gas and discomfort in your dog’s stomach. Is Cabbage Beneficial to Dogs? Cabbage is in the same family as broccoli‚ Brussels sprouts‚ and cauliflower‚ which are all safe and nutritious vegetable options for your dog to eat. They are also all low in calories‚ making them great snacks for overweight dogs. They can also be broken up into small‚ bite-sized pieces for dogs that are undergoing training and need plenty of healthy treats as a reward for their obedience. Cabbage is high in fiber‚ which is helpful in alleviating constipation or diarrhea. It improves digestion and helps keep your dog’s gut healthy. Fiber-rich foods‚ such as cabbage‚ will keep your dog feeling full for longer and will prevent them from overeating. This leafy green is also full of minerals and antioxidants‚ such as potassium‚ magnesium‚ and beta-carotene. These nutrients are necessary for helping with bodily functions but it is important to note that if your dog is already on a good quality kibble‚ they are already getting everything they need. Is All Cabbage Good for Dogs? Red and green cabbage are both safe and good for dogs. Red cabbage is a bit more nutritious of the two as it has more vitamin A‚ vitamin C‚ iron‚ and potassium. However‚ green cabbage is also nutritious‚ with it containing more vitamin K and folate. Red cabbage is also sweeter when cooked and might be the preferred option between the two for your dog. Why Is Too Much Cabbage Bad for Dogs? If your dog runs off with a cabbage and gobbles down the whole thing‚ you don’t need to rush them to the vet‚ as they should be okay. If it happens frequently‚ it could become more of a problem due to a chemical compound in the cabbage called thiocyanate. In large amounts‚ this compound can cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone in people‚ and may have a similar effect in dogs. Another problem that may arise if your dog eats too much cabbage is gas. A gassy pup generally ends up being an uncomfortable pup and one that can stink out a room. If you want to avoid bad smells coming from your dog‚ keep their cabbage consumption low. Although less likely‚ the production of gas from cabbage in some breeds can lead to bloat which is another reason to feed only small quantities. Ingestion of large amounts of cabbage might cause some gastrointestinal upset as your dog struggles to digest it. In addition‚ if the cabbage was decomposing it might contain mold or fungal toxins which can lead to problems. So‚ if your dog has gotten into a large amount‚ call your veterinarian for advice. Conclusion Dogs can safely eat red or green cabbage and will benefit from the fiber‚ minerals‚ and vitamins it contains. It can be fed cooked or raw and can be given as a topper‚ an addition to a meal‚ or as a snack. Although nutritious‚ moderation is key‚ as too much cabbage can lead to gas and discomfort in your dog’s stomach. Sources Pet MD NCBI NLM NIH FDC NAL USDA FDC NAL USDA Science Direct The post Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? Vet-Reviewed Benefits &; Risks appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Risks When to Take Your Dog to the Vet Safe Fruits Fruits to Avoid There are tons of safe fruits out there to feed your pup‚ but if you’re trying to find a way to get rid of some prunes‚ you shouldn’t give them to your dog. Prunes present a multitude of health concerns for dogs‚ so while they might be great for you‚ they’re not the best choice for your pooch. We’ve highlighted the reason why‚ came up with some safer options‚ and gone over a few other fruits you should avoid feeding your pup for you down below. Reasons Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat Prunes Prunes are dried plums‚ and while not toxic to dogs there are two main reasons why it’s a bad idea to give them to your pup. First‚ they contain very high and concentrated levels of sugar‚ which means it doesn’t take many prunes to create digestive problems for your dog. In addition to the high sugar content‚ prunes also contain a ton of fiber. While that might help humans with digestion‚ too much fiber can cause gas build up and other digestive problems for dogs. When you pair this with the high sugar content in prunes‚ it’s a recipe for disaster for your pup. The prune pits are toxic as they contain cyanide. They can also be a choking risk and lead to intestinal blockages. When to Take Your Dog to the Vet Image Credit: Roman Zaiets‚ Shutterstock While you shouldn’t feed your dog prunes‚ that doesn’t mean you need to rush your pup right to the vet if they eat one or two. Typically‚ small amounts of prunes (without the pit) don’t warrant a trip to the vet‚ but you should monitor them for negative side effects. If your dog has consumed prunes containing the pits‚ contact your vet. If you start to notice any of the following signs‚ play it safe and take your dog to the vet. Whenever you’re in doubt‚ take them in‚ as it’s better to take them to the vet and not need it than not take them to the vet when they need to go! Some signs that your dog is sick and requires a vet visit include: Vomiting Diarrhea Decreased loss of appetite Fatigue Bloating Abdominal pain What Are Safe Fruits for Your Dog? While you shouldn’t feed your dog prunes‚ there are several fruits you can safely feed them when they want a sweet treat. Just keep in mind that all fruits are high in sugar‚ so you still should only feed them fruits in moderation and they may not be suitable for all dogs. Apples Most dogs love the taste of apples‚ and they’re also nutritious for your dog. They have nutrients like vitamins C‚ potassium‚ and antioxidants. When giving your dog apples‚ remove the core and seeds‚ and thoroughly wash the apple before feeding it to them. Bananas Bananas are a sweet and low-cost treat for your pup. Remove the peel‚ and then feed your pup a few chunks of banana here and there to keep them happy! Image Credit: JumpStory Cantaloupe Cantaloupe is 90% water‚ which makes it extremely refreshing for your pup to chow down on. Cantaloupe contains vitamins A and C‚ folate‚ and potassium‚ making it an excellent choice for your pup. Strawberries Strawberries are super sweet‚ and many dogs simply can’t get enough of them. Just ensure you remove the stems and thoroughly wash them before feeding them to your pooch. Watermelon Watermelon is another sweet treat that most dogs like. It’s full of water‚ so not only is it something your dog loves to eat‚ but it’s also hydrating and nutritious. Just ensure you remove any seeds and the rind before feeding it to your pet. Image Credit: eva_blanco‚ Shutterstock What Fruits Should You Not Feed to Your Dog? While there are plenty of fruits you can feed your dog‚ there are also quite a few you shouldn’t give them. We’ve highlighted a few fruits you should keep far away from your pup here: Avocado While dogs are not as sensitive to persin‚ a toxin found in avocados‚ that doesn’t mean you should give it to them. Avocados are also high in fat‚ which can lead to numerous health problems. The pit can also lead to intestinal blockages. Grapes Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic to dogs causing sudden kidney failure. Image Credit: bergamont‚ Shutterstock Wild Berries While berries from the store are usually safe for your dog‚ that’s not the case with wild berries. It’s extremely easy to misidentify a wild berry‚ and if your dog eats the wrong one‚ it can be fatal. Final Thoughts If you want to share some fruit with your dogs‚ there are plenty of safe options out there‚ just ensure you don’t give them prunes! If your dog already ate a few prunes‚ you likely don’t need to rush them straight to the vet‚ but whenever you’re in doubt‚ play it safe and take them to the vet just in case. If you have any questions about your dog’s diet your vet is your best source of tailored advice and information. Sources Pet MD Pet MD Raleighnc Vet Daily Paws UTSW Med ASPCA Featured Image Credit: Celiafoto‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Prunes? Vet-Verified Risks &; Alternatives appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Dangers Risks How to Act if Ingested Dogs are the curious sort and will sample just about anything—even if it’s bad for them. Mike and Ikes‚ the popular candy‚ may be safe for you but can be dangerous for your dog because they are unhealthy. Learn more about why Mike and Ikes aren’t a safe choice as a treat for your dog and what you should do if your dog manages to get one.   What’s in Mike and Ikes? Mike and Ikes are a type of chewy‚ fruit-flavored candy. Based on the list from the manufacturer‚ Mike and Ikes contain corn syrup‚ sugar‚ modified food starch‚ and unspecified natural and artificial flavors. They also have a food-grade wax coating to make them shiny. Image Credit: Daniel Wiedemann‚ Shutterstock Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Mike and Ikes? Some of the ingredients in Mike and Ikes aren’t toxic to dogs‚ but they’re not healthy for them.The high sugar content and the myriad of artificial colourings and preservatives in Mike and Ikes are not ideal for your dog’s health or digestive system. Some artificial ingredients‚ such as xylitol‚ are toxic to dogs. Though Mike and Ikes don’t specifically list xylitol as an ingredient‚ plenty of candy varieties—as well as some other foods—do contain xylitol. It is best to steer clear of candy for your pup to avoid the risk of giving your dog toxic substances such as xylitol.  If your dog ingests xylitol‚ you must contact your vet straight away.  It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar‚ leading to lethargy‚ weakness‚ lack of coordination‚ collapse‚ and seizures. Risks of Feeding Mike and Ikes to Dogs Mike and Ikes may not have xylitol‚ a feared ingredient found in an array of sweet foods and other products‚ but they’re not safe or healthy for your dog. Sugar There are 13 grams of sugar in just one package of the original flavor.  Foods with a high sugar content pose the risk of weight gain and gut dysbiosis (when unhealthy bacteria within the gut over-populate‚ causing gasto-intestinal problems like diarrhea) in dogs. Dogs have evolved to eat a mixture of animal and plant material. The carbohydrates that dogs would’ve eaten in the wild would have been very minimal‚ possibly consisting of some fruits and the stomach contents of herbivorous prey. They don’t have the digestive system to cope with large amounts of highly processed sugar. Eating granulated sugar can cause stomach upset and an imbalance of gut bacteria in dogs‚ leading to vomiting‚ gas‚ diarrhea‚ and digestive discomfort. Over long periods‚ a lot of sugar can cause other issues for your dogs‚ like obesity and diseases associated with weight gain. Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc‚ Shutterstock No Nutritional Value Mike and Ikes have no nutritional value for humans or dogs‚ so there really is no benefit to giving them to your pup. Give your dog a healthy‚ more nutritious treat like a carrot or a green bean.  That way they get some nutritional benefit while they join in with snack time. What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Mike and Ikes? If your dog eats one Mike and Ike‚ it’s probably not going to cause a problem. But your dog’s reaction will depend on their size‚ current health‚ and how much they ingested. If you have any concerns or see any adverse reactions it’s best to contact your vet. Have the packaging on hand so that you can explain the ingredients to the vet. Conclusion Mike and Ikes may be a sweet treat for us‚ but they’re not an appropriate choice for your dog. You may not need to panic if your dog gets a hold of one or two but avoid feeding Mike and Ikes as a treat and always keep them—and all other candies—out of reach of your pets. If you have any concerns‚ contact your vet. Sources https://www.mikeandike.com/ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20xylitol%20poisoning%20in‚%2C%20incoordination%2C%20collapse%20and%20seizures. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sugar   The post Can Dogs Eat Mike and Ikes? Vet-Verified Dangers &; Safety Tips appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Dog Diet Considerations Ingredients Added Ingredients Disclaimer Before changing your dog’s/ cat’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 dog/cat 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. English muffins are leavened bread rolls. When plain they consist of flour‚ butter‚ sugar‚ milk‚ salt‚ and yeast. Plain English muffins are not toxic to dogs‚ which means they won’t cause any immediate ill effects if your dog has a small piece‚ but they are not considered healthy for dogs‚ and if they contain additional or alternative ingredients‚ you may need to avoid giving them altogether. Especially avoid those that use xylitol‚ an artificial sweetener and those that include toxic ingredients like garlic or even raisins. Also‚ be aware that processed English muffins may have many additional ingredients. Dog Diet Dogs are omnivores. They eat a combination of meat and plant-based ingredients. Generally‚ the protein in your dog’s diet should come from meat‚ with popular choices being chicken‚ beef‚ and lamb. Plant ingredients can offer further protein but will usually provide fiber‚ vitamins‚ minerals‚ and essential nutrients. Good quality dog food will have all the nutrition your dog needs to stay healthy. Dogs also love treats. Treats can be healthy‚ with good examples including carrot sticks or slices of peeled and cored apple. You can also buy and give commercial treats‚ but you should ensure that you adjust your daily feeding amounts according to the calories you are feeding in treats. Some human food can even be fed‚ albeit in moderation‚ as treats. A lot of human food has added salt or sugar‚ however‚ so you should feed these treats in moderation and always be sure to check the ingredients for potentially harmful and toxic ingredients. Image Credit: Zontica‚ Shutterstock Can Dogs Eat English Muffins? English muffins can be fed as a treat to your dog in moderation‚ assuming that there are no harmful extra ingredients in the muffins. Feed a very small amount of the muffin—you should only ever really give a small piece at a time. If your dog does steal a muffin from your plate‚ monitor your dog to check for signs of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Muffins and other baked goods consist mostly of carbs‚ and a dog’s diet should have limited carbohydrates. There are no real health benefits to feeding muffins‚ and the carbs and calories they include are considered empty because of this lack of nutritional benefit. Muffin Ingredients Image Credit: margouillat photo‚ Shutterstock Flour – Flour is usually safe for dogs to eat‚ as long as yours doesn’t have an allergy or intolerance. Milk – Milk and other dairy products are safe for most dogs‚ but some can suffer from lactose intolerance. If your dog is intolerant‚ they will likely suffer diarrhea if they eatanything with milk or other dairy products. Sugar – Sugar is not toxic to dogs‚ but too much can cause your dog to put on weight. Remember that dogs are smaller than people and it doesn’t take a huge amount of sugar to cause problems in dogs. With that said‚ sugar is better than synthetic sweetener alternatives like Xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and a small amount can cause severe reactions. Avoid “light” muffins that use sugar substitutes like Xylitol. Butter – Butter is another dairy product that as well as potentially causing potential upset stomachs‚ is also high in fat‚ which means that it can lead to obesity or excess weight gain. It shouldn’t really be given to dogs because it offers no benefits but has several risks. However‚ it isn’t toxic. Eggs – Eggs are not only safe‚ they are healthy and are often added to dog food and dog diets because they are high in protein as well as vitamins and minerals. However‚ the quantity of egg in a single muffin compared to the other ingredients means that your dog is unlikely to enjoy the health benefits that this ingredient offers. Yeast – Uncooked yeast can be bad for dogs. The yeast continues the fermenting process in a dog’s stomach and this causes the production of ethanol and carbon dioxides. Consuming raw yeast can lead to bloat and other potential problems. While the yeast should have been fully cooked in an English muffin‚ if the muffin isn’t fully cooked through‚ the yeast can pose a problem for your dog so if you’re making the muffins yourself‚ ensure they are fully cooked through. Added Ingredients Many muffins‚ especially store-bought‚ processed muffins‚ contain additional or alternative ingredients. Xylitol‚ as mentioned above‚ is toxic for dogs‚ and even a relatively small amount can cause toxicity. Some muffins also contain additional ingredients. Raisins and chocolate are toxic and you should avoid feeding these to your dog completely. Conclusion Dogs are omnivores‚ and they eat a combination of different types of ingredients including meat and plant-based. They can enjoy some human food as an occasional treat‚ but you need to check the ingredients to ensure there is nothing toxic. Ideally‚ even the treats you feed your dog should be nutritious and healthy‚ with common choices including carrot sticks and apple pieces. English muffins‚ which are baked goods‚ are not considered toxic‚ although they can be if there is any uncooked yeast left in the dough. They are full of sugar‚ however‚ and because they contain milk‚ they can also cause stomach upsets in lactose-intolerant dogs. If you intentionally feed English muffin to your dog‚ make sure you choose one that does not contain harmful ingredients like raisins or Xylitol and only feed a very small amount. Sources MSD Vet Manual VCA Hospitals VCA Hospitals Featured Image Credit: DronG‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat English Muffins? Vet-Reviewed Considerations &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Safety Safe Fish Types FAQ Sushi can be made with many ingredients; fish sushi is the most common‚ but vegetables‚ chicken‚ and other meats or proteins are also used. With this in mind‚ you might wonder whether sushi would be a tasty and healthy treat for your dog! Because most traditional sushi is made with raw fish‚ the answer to whether or not your dog can eat it is no; raw fish can be dangerous and is an unnecessary risk for your dog to take. Is Sushi Safe for Dogs? Sushi could theoretically be safe for dogs‚ but it depends on the ingredients. The base ingredients for most types of sushi are raw fish‚ rice‚ vegetables‚ and a seaweed sheet for wrapping. If you offered your dog homemade sushi containing dog-friendly vegetables (like cucumber) or well-cooked meat‚ they would likely be able to sample it. Sushi rice is traditionally made with seasonings and vinegar‚ but plain white rice can be used in its place. Seaweed (commonly Nori) is also safe for dogs to eat in small amounts‚ as long as it’s plain and without seasonings. Try to avoid seasonings as they can cause an upset stomach. Sushi from a sushi restaurant is usually traditionally prepared and seasoned‚ which would make it unsafe for dogs to eat regardless of the veggies or proteins. Seasonings include wasabi‚ pickled ginger‚ soy sauce‚ and salt. Pickled ginger and soy sauce contain large amounts of sugar and salt‚ which aren’t good for your dog. Wasabi isn’t outright toxic for your dog‚ but the spiciness of the paste can cause intense distress and gastrointestinal discomfort for them! Which Types of Fish in Sushi Can My Dog Eat? The only types of fish in sushi that are safe for dogs to eat are cooked fish! Dogs shouldn’t consume any raw fish‚ including those used for sushi. Raw fish is dangerous for dogs to eat due to potential pathogens‚ some of which could make your dog (and even you) very sick. Both salmonella and listeria are at risk of being passed to your dog from raw fish and can cause severe diarrhea‚ vomiting‚ lethargy‚ fever‚ and dehydration. Bacteria can sometimes cause few effects in dogs but still be easily passed on to us. Families with young children or immunocompromised people should be particularly careful‚ as the risk of serious illness is much greater. Worms Another unpleasant reality of eating raw fish is that it can spread worms. Worms‚ flukes‚ and other parasites can be found in different kinds of fish commonly used for sushi‚ so much so that “salmon poisoning” is the common term given to an illness in dogs caused by eating raw salmon or trout. These fish swim upstream and contract a parasitic worm (Nanophyetus salmincola)‚ which spreads the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca and makes dogs very sick. The common signs of salmon poisoning to look out for include the following: Vomiting Diarrhea Blood in poop Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy Eye and nose discharge Tremors Seizures Any flukes in raw fish are swallowed by the dog and stick to the walls of the intestine‚ where the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infection. If not treated within 2 weeks‚ salmon poisoning is usually fatal. However‚ treatment can be effective and combines antibiotics and symptomatic treatment of the bacteria’s effects on the body. Image Credit: Di Studio‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions Does Sushi Have Any Benefits for Dogs? Unfortunately‚ sushi is one of those foods that holds more risk than benefit for dogs. While cooked fish benefits dogs in moderate amounts‚ raw fish is not recommended. The individual components of sushi are moderately beneficial‚ such as the fiber in white rice and vitamins in seaweed. However‚ even vegetable sushi often contains ingredients unsuitable for your dog to eat‚ such as pickled ginger and vinegar. Are Any Raw Foods Safe for Dogs Although you may have noticed several raw dog food companies have become popular recently‚ it’s safer for your dog to stick to standard wet food and kibble. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and most veterinarians do not recommend feeding raw meat or fish to dogs. Like raw fish‚ raw beef and poultry contain pathogens that can potentially make you and your dog sick. Image Credit: nehophoto‚ Shutterstock Final Thoughts Sushi is a delicious delicacy for people‚ but our pups should stay clear and not be given any to eat. While certain types of vegetable or cooked fish sushi would be safer for dogs to eat‚ traditional raw fish sushi is potentially harmful and should never be offered to your dog. Raw fish can pose a risk to your pup due to possible pathogens like bacteria or worms‚ some of which can even be a risk to you! For these reasons‚ it’s best to avoid letting your dog sample sushi; stick to cooked fish and vegetables on the side if you want to treat them on sushi night! Sources AKC FDA Vetmed VCA Hospitals Web MD Featured Image Credit: Ivan Samkov‚ Pexels The post Can Dogs Eat Sushi? Vet-Verified Safety &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Risks Dangers What To Do If Ingested FAQ Caramel is a sweet candy that has been around for a long time; some believe the first forms of caramel originated around 1000 AD! The sugary confection is commonly enjoyed drizzled over desserts or eaten as a hard candy‚ but can our dogs enjoy it with us? Considering caramel is made almost entirely out of sugar‚ dogs really shouldn’t eat caramel. Excessive sugar is bad for dogs‚ and even one bite of caramel could lead to some gastrointestinal problems. Why Is Caramel Bad for Dogs? Caramel isn’t toxic to dogs (unless it contains ingredients like xylitol)‚ but it’s not a healthy treat to give them. Caramel is usually made of mostly sugar but can also contain butter‚ condensed milk‚ and other unnecessary ingredients. All these combined make for an incredibly sweet treat‚ which can cause problems for your pup‚ even if they only eat a small amount. Large amounts of sugar all at once can affect a dog’s gastrointestinal system‚ whereas large amounts of sugar more regularly will lead to weight gain and the problems associated with being overweight. Gastrointestinal signs that you might see after feeding your dog a highly sugary snack such as caramel include: Bloating Abdominal pain‚ sometimes shown by your dog being unable to get comfortable‚ or lying stretched out with front legs on the ground and bottom up in the air (prayer position). Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or explosive) Vomiting Gas Many caramel recipes also contain large amounts of butter which is almost entirely made up of fat.  If fat is eaten in large amounts‚ not only can it lead to problems associated with obesity‚ but it can also lead to a painful condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and is often associated with a high fat diet in dogs. Signs of pancreatitis are lack of appetite‚ vomiting‚ a painful abdomen and lethargy. It is very important to take your dog to the vet if you notice these signs. Image Credit: Mumemories‚ Shutterstock The Dangers of Chocolate and Xylitol Another danger of caramel is that some brands might contain toxic ingredients. Store-bought “sugar-free” caramel candies commonly contain xylitol‚ which is a sugar substitute that’s incredibly toxic to dogs. Doses as low as 34 milligrams (mg) per pound of body weight 1 can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)‚ where higher doses of greater than 227 mg/lb can cause liver toxicity and death 2. Chocolate is another food toxic to dogs that’s commonly combined with caramel. Chocolate contains theobromine‚ which stimulates the central nervous system and can cause potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias (incorrect rhythm) and central nervous system dysfunction.  Dogs are much more sensitive to theobromine than humans‚ because they can’t break down and excrete the theobromine very well‚ meaning that this toxin builds up in the bloodstream. This makes dogs much more sensitive to chocolate toxicity than humans.  While chocolate is rarely fatal to dogs‚ it’s important not to let your dog have any‚ and to call your vet if you think your dog has had some chocolate. Image Credit: Edgar Feliz‚ Shutterstock What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Caramel? If your dog eats caramel‚ it’s essential to determine whether it has any toxic ingredients. If the caramel was store-bought‚ it’s more likely to have xylitol if labeled “sugar-free.” If the caramel contains chocolate or xylitol‚ head to the vet as soon as possible. Bring any packaging you can with you when you take your dog‚ as your vet may need to use it to decide on the best course of treatment for your pup. If the caramel is homemade or doesn’t contain anything toxic‚ it’s best to call your vet and ask for advice. They might advise you to bring your dog in for an assessment (mainly if they ate a lot)‚ or they could say to monitor your dog for any signs of illness at home. If your dog suffers from any health conditions such as diabetes‚ you must seek advice from your vet; excessive amounts of sugar can worsen some health conditions and the fat content of caramel can lead to pancreatitis. Image Credit: antoniodiaz‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions Is Any Caramel Safe for Dogs to Eat? Unfortunately‚ no type of caramel is safe for dogs to eat. Sugar is always unhealthy for dogs‚ and caramel is almost always packed full of it. Sugar-free caramel is also dangerous to give to your dog. Your dog may be okay after eating a small amount of caramel (as long as it has no toxic ingredients)‚ but it’s not recommended to give it to them. What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Caramel? While your dog would enjoy caramel because it’s so sweet‚ many healthier alternatives still give them a sweet treat. Fruits such as blueberries and strawberries are very sweet and offer a healthy boost of vitamins and antioxidants that are much more beneficial for your dog. An even better way to provide a dose of sweetness is by offering your pup a sweet vegetable‚ such as green beans or carrots; they’re lower in sugar but still naturally sweet and satisfying! Image Credit: Anke van Wyk‚ Shutterstock Final Thoughts Caramel isn’t toxic for dogs‚ but it’s harmful due to the amount of sugar it contains. The large amount of sugar in caramel can give your dog gastrointestinal problems‚ even if only a small amount is eaten. The amount of fat and calories in caramel can also cause serious problems‚ so it’s important never to feed it to your dog. Caramel is often combined with toxic ingredients such as chocolate and xylitol‚ as well as being high in fat‚ so make sure you keep all caramel and caramel confections well out of your dog’s reach! Sources https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167974/nutrients https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#:~:text=Yes%2C%20chocolate%20is%20toxic%20to‚theobromine%2C%20as%20well%20as%20caffeine. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/chocolate-toxicosis-in-animals?query=theobromine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1215566/ Featured Image Credit: nelea33‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Caramel? Vet-Reviewed Dangers &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.