It is a momentous occasion for the Canadian city of Toronto‚ as it welcomes a pair of bald eagles nesting for the first time in recorded history‚ highlighting the city’s growing environmental commitment. Karen McDonald from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority notes‚ “These eagles are a testament… If we didn’t have healthy waters and a healthy food web‚ I don’t think they’d be here.” Bouncing back from the brink of extinction Bald eagles were once demonized as pests‚ and they experienced extensive extermination on top of the devastation caused by the toxic chemical and commonly used insecticide DDT. DDT was introduced in the 1940s and made its way up the food chain‚ drastically weakening the shells of eagle eggs by the early 1960s. Michael Drescher‚ an environmental planning expert at the University of Waterloo‚ reflects on the grim reality‚ stating‚ “It was a very sad and very low point for the population.” The prohibition on DDT and eagle hunting was a watershed moment for the current environmental movement. Drescher emphasizes eagles’ adaptability‚ noting‚ “Other species on the brink of extinction… are much harder to help.” Bald eagles: endangered no more Bald eagles were removed from Ontario’s endangered species list in May‚ which is being hailed as a watershed moment. However‚ worries have arisen regarding potential dangers as a result of recent amendments to the Endangered Species Act. Karen McDonald underlines the link between decades of investment in ecological restoration work and a thriving ecosystem‚ saying‚ “For decades‚ we’ve invested heavily in ecological restoration work… it’s paying off.” Decades of investment in ecological restoration efforts are finally yielding rewards‚ as seen by the return of bald eagles to Toronto’s open spaces. McDonald’s perspective emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and a functioning ecosystem. Beyond eagles: a wider reemergence of wildlife The bald eagle’s reappearance is part of a bigger story of renewal. From a 42-inch muskie in the port to the re-emergence of northern river otters‚ Toronto’s ecology is showing signs of recovery. Karen McDonald expressed her delight in observing the resurgence of diverse creatures‚ saying‚ “To see these animals returning‚ it just warms my heart.” Balancing act: protecting eagles from human intrusion The charismatic nature of eagles raises concerns about possible disturbances. McDonald expresses concern about the eagles’ sensitivity to human meddling‚ highlighting the importance of striking a balance. She goes on to say‚ “Eagles are really charismatic species‚ and people have this intense desire to connect with nature.” Optimism takes off: Toronto’s symbolic victory While the eagles’ future in Toronto is unknown‚ their presence represents the city’s dedication to cleaning up contaminated rivers and industrial sites. McDonald remains positive‚ underlining the Eagles’ potential with the appropriate level of respect. “If people show them the respect that they deserve‚ I feel like they’ve got a real fighting chance here.”The post Toronto’s skyline soars: return of bald eagles signal urban environmental victory first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

UCLA Health conducted a landmark study that revealed the transforming potential of Kundalini yoga for older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study‚ published in Translational Psychiatry‚ demonstrates how this holistic technique extends beyond memory augmentation‚ providing a comprehensive strategy that rejuvenates brain circuits while counteracting aging and inflammation biomarkers. The Alzheimer’s conundrum Alzheimer’s disease is a persistent neurodegenerative disorder that disproportionately affects women. Longer life expectancy‚ hormonal changes following menopause‚ and heredity all contribute to an increased risk. With no cure in sight‚ prevention is key‚ particularly in the early stages of the disease. Kundalini yoga: a holistic intervention Kundalini yoga‚ a mind-body practice that includes physical postures‚ breathing methods‚ and meditation‚ has emerged as a viable intervention. Dr. Helen Lavretsky and her team at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior investigate the role of Kundalini yoga in preventing cognitive decline in postmenopausal women at high risk for Alzheimer’s. A rigorous study approach The study included 79 postmenopausal women aged 50 and up who reported subjective cognitive decline and cardiovascular risks. They were divided into two groups for the 12-week intervention‚ which included Kundalini yoga and memory-enhancing exercises. The Kundalini yoga group met weekly for 60-minute sessions‚ while the memory training group worked on memory methods. Comprehensive examinations‚ such as cognitive tests‚ subjective memory evaluations‚ mood assessments‚ and blood samples for gene expression‚ offered a comprehensive picture of Kundalini yoga’s impact on cognitive health. The results: yoga’s resonant impact Participants in the Kundalini yoga group showed substantial cognitive and neurobiological benefits compared to those in the memory training group. Memory performance and subjective memory assessments improved significantly‚ suggesting a possible intervention for subjective cognitive decline. However‚ it is important to highlight that‚ while Kundalini yoga participants improved their subjective memory‚ they also suffered a decrease in delayed recall capacity during the 24-week period‚ which was not detected in the memory training group. Beyond cognitive outcomes Kundalini yoga’s influence went beyond cognitive functioning. The study discovered a reversal of aging and inflammation-associated gene expression patterns‚ implying a larger influence on biological processes connected to aging and neurodegeneration. Dr. Lavretsky went on to say‚ “That is what yoga is good for — to reduce stress‚ to improve brain health‚ subjective memory performance‚ and reduce inflammation and improve neuroplasticity.” Tolerability and feasibility Notably‚ Kundalini yoga showed excellent levels of adherence and low side effects‚ indicating its tolerance and feasibility as an intervention. This supports the practice’s promise as a safe and effective technique for improving cognitive health in older persons at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Next steps and room for improvement Despite the hopeful results‚ the study admits some limitations‚ such as a small sample size and a short period. These considerations may have an impact on the generalizability of the findings and the capacity to draw firm conclusions about the long-term effects of Kundalini yoga on cognitive health. Dr. Lavretsky recommends combining yoga with memory training for greater overall advantages. “Ideally‚ people should do both because they do train different parts of the brain and have different overall health effects‚” she went on to say. This collaboration could provide a comprehensive approach to cognitive health in older women. A pathway to cognitive wellness This study opens the door to further holistic interventions for Alzheimer’s prevention‚ with Kundalini yoga emerging as a potent tool. As we discover the power of mind-body activities‚ the path to cognitive wellness becomes clearer‚ providing hope and real answers for people at risk of Alzheimer’s. Source study: Translational Psychiatry— Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for Alzheimer’s diseaseThe post Is Kundalini yoga the perfect holistic intervention for older women at risk of Alzheimer’s? first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

A roundup of mysterious‚ paranormal and strange news stories from the past week.

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.