Click to Skip Ahead What Is Marzipan? Why Is Marzipan Not Good for Dogs? What If Your Dog Eats Some Marzipan? What Human Foods Are Safe to Give as Treats? FAQ As dog parents‚ we love spoiling our pups‚ which we typically do with toys‚ walks‚ playtime‚ and cuddles. Also‚ finding them tasty treats that make them happy can make us happy in return. So‚ if you’ve been enjoying a piece of marzipan and are wondering if you can share it with your dog‚ know that while marzipan isn’t toxic‚ it’s not a healthy option for dogs‚ so it’s not recommended. Here‚ we explain why and what better treat options are available for your dog. What Exactly Is Marzipan? Marzipan is typically made with just three ingredients: ground almonds‚ confectioners’ sugar‚ and egg whites. It is more popular in parts of Europe than in most other areas of the world. Various countries have traditions around marzipan‚ and it is traditionally dyed and shaped into little sculptures. For example‚ marzipan is shaped into candy and coated with chocolate in France. In Germany‚ pink marzipan pigs are made specially for New Year’s Eve. Marzipan is made by grinding blanched and skinless almonds and combining them with sugar‚ egg whites‚ and sometimes almond extract‚ to kick that almond flavor into high gear! After everything is combined‚ it becomes a smooth and pliable dough that can be easily shaped and molded. Image Credit: HandmadePictures‚ Shutterstock Why Is Marzipan Not Good for Dogs? Marzipan is a sweet treat‚ which is partly why your dog shouldn’t be given any. While almonds do have nutritional benefits for humans‚ marzipan isn’t healthy for dogs because it’s too high in fat and sugar. Sweet Almonds Almonds have nutritional benefits but are also high in fat‚ so if they’re consumed too often‚ it can lead to obesity. They can also cause upset stomach‚ which can lead to: Vomiting Diarrhea Lack of appetite Drinking less water Lethargy Dogs excessively gulping and licking at the air and their chops There’s also the risk of a flare-up of pancreatitis‚ which can be quite serious if left untreated. While Marzipan is usually made with sweet almonds which are fine it is important to remember that bitter almonds contain high levels of cyanide which can be toxic to our pets. Image Credit: t_watanabe‚ Pixabay Sugar Too much sugar in a dog’s diet can potentially lead to obesity‚ pancreatitis‚ and gastrointestinal upset. A dog’s digestive system isn’t accustomed to sugar and has difficulty processing it‚ and marzipan contains a large amount of sugar. If the marzipan is made with the artificial sweetener xylitol‚ it’s toxic to dogs and must be avoided! Additional Ingredients It is possible that other ingredients are added to marzipan to make it delicious for humans but some of this could be toxic to your dog. These include chocolate‚ raisins‚ grapes and macadamia nuts. What If Your Dog Eats Some Marzipan? If your dog ate a little piece of plain marzipan‚ they will likely be fine beyond experiencing a bit of stomach upset. Marzipan is not toxic and shouldn’t cause any serious harm‚ especially if your dog only ate a small amount. Make sure you check for other harmful ingredients such as chocolate‚ xylitol‚ raisins‚ grapes or macadamia nuts. If they ate a large amount or the marzipan had some ingredients toxic for dogs‚ you should ask your vet for their advice. Image Credit: SeventyFour‚ Shutterstock What Human Foods Are Safe to Give as Treats? Food high in fats‚ sugar‚ and carbohydrates isn’t recommended for dogs. You can give your dog any of the following‚ albeit in moderation: Blueberries Bell peppers Carrots Green beans Pumpkin Watermelon Chicken (cooked‚ plain‚ with no seasonings) Peanut butter (no added ingredients like salt‚ sugar or xylitol) All these foods should be considered treats and only given to your dog in moderation. Anything that you feed your dog should be plain with no added seasonings. Remember‚ certain human foods are highly toxic to dogs‚ such as xylitol‚ onions‚ and garlic‚ which are frequently used in seasonings and as ingredients in other foods. Speak with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet and what is safe to feed them. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can Dogs Eat Almonds? Almonds aren’t the greatest snacks for dogs. Beyond the high fat that can lead to health issues‚ almonds are also a choking risk or can sometimes cause an intestinal blockage. They are frequently sold salted and seasoned with species that can include onion and garlic powder‚ which is also bad for dogs. What Kinds of Almonds Are Dangerous to Dogs? The worst almonds—for humans and dogs—are bitter almonds. These are not available in the U.S. because they are illegal to sell to consumers. Bitter almonds have a toxin that turns into cyanide when the body breaks it down. A dog suffering from cyanide poisoning will show the following signs: Rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Excessive drooling Convulsions Collapse Avoid bitter almonds‚ and always take your dog to your vet or the closest emergency clinic if they eat something toxic. Image Credit: kuvona‚ Shutterstock Can Dogs Eat Treats Made With Almond Flour? This is technically safe‚ though it depends on the other ingredients. That said‚ almond flour still has the high-fat issue that regular almonds have. If your dog has a small treat that contains almond flour and nothing else bad for dogs‚ it’s okay but not necessarily recommended. Is Almond Milk Safe for Dogs? A small amount of almond milk on rare occasions should be okay. However‚ manufactured almond milk tends to contain added sugar‚ which can lead to an upset stomach and weight gain over time. Almond milk tends to be less fatty compared to whole almonds‚ but it’s still not recommended for dogs. Conclusion Marzipan should only be eaten by humans. It isn’t toxic to dogs in most cases‚ but if they eat too much they can develop vomiting and diarrhea. So‚ keep your marzipan out of your dog’s reach‚ and the same can be said for any other sugary and fatty treats. Consult your vet before you add something new to your dog’s diet‚ and ask for advice about healthier alternatives. Sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3793392/ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/cyanide-poisoning/cyanide-poisoning-in-animals https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_xylitol_toxicity https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/onion/ https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/garlic/ Featured Image Credit: Gayvoronskaya_Yana‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Marzipan? Vet-Approved Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Hamsters are partial to munching on bits of fruits and veggies‚ but there are certain food items that should always be avoided. Onions‚ for example‚ should never be fed to hamsters because they can make them very unwell. Read on to find out why hamsters cannot eat onions and to learn more about safe and unsafe foods for hamsters. Why Can’t Hamsters Eat Onions? Just because hamsters eat a variety of vegetables‚ doesn’t mean every kind is safe. The reason onions are not safe for hamsters is that they contain compounds that turn into disulfides‚ which can result in a condition called hemolytic anemia—the destruction of the red blood cells. For the same reason‚ hamsters should not eat garlic‚ spring/green onions‚ shallots‚ leeks‚ or chives. What Is a Suitable Hamster Diet? Hamsters are omnivorous animals that require a diet consisting of quality hamster pellets (you can buy these in pet stores or online)‚ fresh leafy greens and vegetables‚ with some fruit in moderation. When picking hamster pellets‚ avoid colorful‚ muesli-type mixes‚ as these tend to encourage pickiness‚ meaning the hamster won’t get all the nutrients they need. As for fruits and vegetables‚ be careful not to go overboard because‚ in large amounts‚ these can cause an upset stomach. About half a tablespoon per day should be just about right. To add variety‚ you can cut a few fruits and veggies into tiny pieces and make a cute mini hamster salad! You can also give your hamster some fiber-packed timothy hay to nibble on as a supplement‚ as well as something to dig and burrow in. Care should be taken to ensure that the diet is balanced and varied so the hamster gets a good mix of nutrients‚ and you can treat them to protein-filled snacks in small amounts now and again‚ like mealworms‚ grasshoppers‚ crickets‚ tofu‚ lean chicken‚ or boiled eggs. Sunflower seeds are also common treats‚ but be careful as they are deceptively high in fat. Clean water should be on offer at all times. Image Credit: RaquelVizcaino‚ Shutterstock Which Vegetables Can Hamsters Eat? Though onions and other members of the allium family are off the menu for hammies‚ they can still indulge in a huge range of safe veggies and greens. Here’s a list for your convenience: Asparagus Cauliflower Broccoli Carrots Bok choy Spinach Chicory Cress Bell pepper Dandelion Clover Swiss chard Kale Basil Parsley Zucchini Pumpkin Collard greens Corn Squash Romaine lettuce Note: It’s wise to give veggies a wash before you feed them to your hamster‚ and don’t forget to only offer them in small quantities to prevent an upset tummy. Rotate veggies and greens for variety and balance. Image Credit: mordilla-net‚ Pixabay Which Fruits Are Safe? Plenty! Again‚ remember to feed fruits in moderation because‚ while they’re a great source of vitamins and minerals‚ they are also high in natural sugars. Fruit in large quantities opens your hamster up to developing health issues. In small amounts and as part of a varied diet‚ the following fruits are safe: Apples Pears Papaya Bananas Cranberries Blueberries Blackberries Raspberries Grapes Kiwis Mangos Melons Peaches Strawberries Plums Note: Remove any seeds‚ pits‚ stones‚ rinds‚ stems‚ or leaves before offering any of these to your hamster. Credit: PiotrLukasik‚ Shutterstock Which Foods Are Unsafe? As is the case with allium family vegetables like onions‚ a number of other fruits‚ vegetables‚ and miscellaneous foods are unsafe for hamsters. Some are toxic while others are likely to cause digestive upset. These include: Onions Leeks Garlic Chives Spring onions Uncooked kidney beans Raw‚ green potato Eggplant Hot peppers Rhubarb leaves Tomato plants Chocolate Iceberg lettuce Citrus fruits Fruit seeds‚ stones‚ pits‚ rinds‚ or leaves Spicy‚ sugary‚ or salty foods Packaged meats Bitter almonds Whole celery stalks (choking hazard) Salted peanuts Image Credit: Shutterbug75‚ Pixabay Final Thoughts Never feed onions or any other allium family member to your hamster because it could damage their red blood cells. Instead‚ stick with safe vegetables and greens like broccoli‚ Swiss chard‚ basil‚ and Bok choy. Making sure your hamster enjoys a varied diet is essential to keeping them as healthy and content as possible. Sources https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals https://www.petmd.com/exotic/nutrition/evr_ex_hm_what-can-hamsters-eat https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/small-pets/your-hamsters-diet https://www.rspca.org.uk/documents/1494939/0/ https://be.chewy.com/what-can-hamsters-eat/ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals Featured Image Credit: Bukhta Yurii‚ Shutterstock The post Can Hamsters Eat Onions? Vet Approved Nutrition Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.

Many adjectives can be used to describe the regal Shar Pei: serene‚ calm‚ independent‚ fearless‚ and loyal‚ just to name a few. In the eyes of their owners‚ the qualities of this unique dog are (almost!) infinite. Here’s another one: Shar Pei are laid back dogs that don’t require much exercise. They are content with a daily 30-minute walk or even a short Frisbee session in the backyard! Furthermore‚ you don’t need to live in a castle to welcome one of these magnificently wrinkled dogs into your life: A Shar Pei will easily adapt to life in an apartment or a small house. Read on as we discuss all this breed’s exercise requirements and provide you with great tips for keeping your Shar Pei in tip-top shape! Do Shar Pei Need a Large Amount of Exercise? The answer is no. That said‚ while Shar Pei are not high-energy pups like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers‚ they still require exercise to maintain their health and prevent boredom-related behavior problems. Additionally‚ it’s important to note that this breed tends to be slightly overweight‚ which can lead to a few health issues as they age‚ like arthritis. Regular exercise helps keep them fit and prevents these problems. How Much Exercise Is Enough for a Shar Pei? Adult Shar Pei do not require much exercise daily—a leisurely daily walk of around 30 minutes will make this breed happy. Puppies have more energy and may need shorter‚ more frequent walks and playtime. However‚ be aware that Shar Pei are not physically suited to overly vigorous exercise and can overheat easily. Are Shar Pei Good Running Partners? Shar Pei are not ideal running companions. They have a unique build with facial conformations such as a short nose and other anatomical changes‚ which can make them prone to overheating. They are best suited for leisurely walks and moderate play sessions rather than high-intensity activities like running or strenuous hikes. That said‚ the Shar Pei is also a fairly adaptable breed‚ meaning they can do well with an active owner. Image Credit: Pixel Shot‚ Shutterstock What Are Fun Exercises for Your Shar Pei? If you want to keep your independent Shar Pei engaged and entertained during exercise‚ pick activities like agility training‚ rally‚ tracking‚ obedience classes‚ and puzzle toys. These should do wonders for your furry friend’s mind and body. Tailoring Exercise to Your Shar Pei’s Needs The exercise requirements of Shar Pei may vary from one dog to another. Here are a few factors to consider when tailoring an exercise routine for your Shar Pei. Age You should adjust the exercise routine of your Shar Pei as they age. Puppies are tiny balls of energy and require more playtime and shorter walks. Adult Shar Pei have moderate energy levels and can manage slightly longer walks‚ while senior Shar Pei may need gentler playtime and shorter walks to cope with their aging joints. Health The health of your Shar Pei plays a significant role in determining their exercise needs. If your dog has underlying health issues‚ such as hip dysplasia or breathing problems‚ you should seek advice from your vet so they can help you develop a suitable exercise plan for your pup. In some cases‚ swimming can be an excellent low-impact exercise option for Shar Pei with joint issues. Image Credit: Martyna Nysk‚ Shutterstock Temperament Each Shar Pei has their own unique personality. Some may be more active and playful‚ while others may lean toward a more laid back lifestyle. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences‚ and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. If your Shar Pei loves fetch‚ incorporate it into their daily routine. If they prefer sniffing around during walks‚ let them explore at their own pace. Weather Weather conditions can impact your Shar Pei’s exercise routine. These dogs are sensitive to extreme heat due to their facial conformation (brachycephalic)‚ which can make them prone to overheating. On hot days‚ opt for early morning or late evening walks when the temperature is cooler. Conversely‚ in cold weather‚ consider providing your Shar Pei with a doggy sweater to keep them warm during walks. 3 Tips to Keep Your Shar Pei in Top-Notch Shape Here are three tips to help you care for your beloved Shar Pei. 1. Choose a Diet Adapted to the Needs of Your Pup Nutrition is the cornerstone of your Shar Pei’s health. Since these dogs tend to gain weight quite easily‚ though‚ you must control the size of their portions and offer them a diet adapted to their age and activity level. Avoid giving them too many treats‚ especially if your Shar Pei is the couch potato type! 2. Take Care of Their Wrinkled Skin Image Credit: VP Photo Studio‚ Shutterstock Those adorable wrinkles on your Shar Pei’s face are part of what makes them so unique. However‚ these wrinkles can also trap moisture and dirt‚ leading to skin infections and dermatitis. Clean and dry your Shar Pei’s skin folds regularly to prevent such problems. Be gentle‚ and use a dog-safe hypoallergenic wipe or solution recommended by your veterinarian. 3. Make Sure to Socialize Them Early Shar Pei are generally known for their independent nature‚ though they still need socialization to thrive. Since they tend to be wary of strangers and other dogs‚ it is essential to start their socialization as early as possible to avoid dominance problems later. Therefore‚ you should engage your Shar Pei puppy in regular social activities as soon as possible‚ such as frequent contact with other friendly canine companions and visits to the dog park. Final Thoughts The Shar Pei is not the most energetic pup out there! That doesn’t mean you can let them laze around all day‚ of course. But since a leisurely walk of less than an hour is usually more than enough to meet their exercise needs‚ you’ll have plenty of time to snuggle up on the couch to watch your favorite series together! Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/shar-pei Featured Image Credit: David Raihelgauz‚ Shutterstock The post How Much Exercise Does a Shar Pei Need? Vet Approved Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.

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