In my previous post, I discussed some ideas to create healthy dog food for the dog in your life.  In this posting I will share with you which foods not to share with the dog of your life.

Many times you may share the table scraps with your favorite canine to show that you care about them.  Most times, you may not be even thinking about what effects these foods may have on your dog.  The following are some foods to avoid giving to your dog and why:

Some foods to avoid which may be dangerous to dogs:

• Chocolate which can cause seizures in dogs.

• Coffee and tea can cause similar problems as chocolate.

• Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure.

• Nutmeg can also cause seizures.

• Raw eggs could contain salmonella, so they’re not worth the risk.

• Onions are not advised as they can interfere with blood circulation.

• Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to have tremors and lead to paralysis.

• There’s much controversy as to how much garlic (if any) is safe for dogs to ingest.

• Other food cautions include moldy foods, yeast dough and fruit pits. Many fruit pits contain cyanide

So be careful when sharing your food with your favorite canine.  We would like to be around for a long, long time.

It’s important that my fellow canines eat safe dog food for our health but most importantly…our beautiful shine.  Eating healthy dog food is important for “Crazy Beagles” like me to keep my energy high so that I can take advantage of any adventure that comes my way.
Between melamine (a type of plastic), a toxic preservative called ethoxyquin (associated with cancer), and fish by products with potential carcinogen in your dog food, what is a dog to do.  And then there’s the grain fillers that are often used to bulk out dog food. These fillers, things like corn and rice protein, have very little nutritional value for dogs and can make my fellow canines obese.  Also, many potentially dangerous ingredients aren’t even mentioned on dog food packaging.

My fellow dogs, let your owners know that you would like to have a healthier choice.  Creating your own dog health food and especially home made food is one of the easiest ways to make sure that there is no harmful additives going into your meal.

A suggested formula is 75% carbohydrates to 25% meat. A simple dog food recipe is to combine and cook brown rice, ground meat, vegetables, water and a small amount of brewers yeast. Dogs can’t digest vegetables very well, so they need to go through the food processor thoroughly before adding. Amounts of water vary depending on whether you want dry or wet food. Your dog food should be served at room temperature.

Ingredient ideas for dog food:

• Rice is a good carbohydrate for dogs. Brown rice is preferable as it has more nutrients.

• Brewers yeast which can be found in some grocers and health stores.

• Flour, such as corn flour, soy flour or whole wheat flour.

• Codliver oil or flaxseed in small amounts adds omega 3 and helps keep their coats shiny.

• Meats suggested to use are liver, beef, tuna, lamb or chicken. It’s easier to add to food if the meat is ground.

• Dogs also enjoy peanut butter and biscuits can be made with them by adding flour, bone meal and/or powdered milk, brewers yeast and even carrots. Peanuts are one of the few nuts that are safe for your dog.
• Some vegetables are ok such as carrots, broccoli and spinach, but they need to be put through a food processor first to aid in digestion. (Broccoli is not good in large amounts.)

• Bonemeal may need to be added to ensure they are getting calcium. Raw meaty bones are a good source of calcium. Powdered milk is also a popular ingredient in dog food.

This is a good start to making your dog healthy with healthy dog food.

I am wishing all of my dog friend friends a Happy Thanksgiving!  This is the time of year where we receive the best leftovers.

I am thankful for the wonderful family that takes care of me.  Though I may not have been the perfect beagle, they love me just the same…especially the “little gal.”