For many years now, the dog has been a faithful and devoted friend to man. But the process of domesticating the animal led to the fact that it gradually began to share the lifestyle of its owner in everything. The dog’s diet now includes many foods that are not typical for its body. Her digestive system does not cope well with digesting and assimilating such food. This also applies to nuts. Many dogs perceive them as a treat, love them, and eat them with pleasure. From this article you will learn whether dogs can eat nuts and how to give them correctly.
The dangers of eating nuts
Veterinarians do not categorically prohibit the content of a certain amount of this product in the diet of animals. But they need to be introduced with the utmost caution, given the fact that not all nuts are beneficial for them. In addition, there are species that are prohibited for dogs to eat because they contain toxins and can be dangerous not only to their health, but also to life.
So, what danger can this delicacy be fraught with:
- May serve as an allergen. A dog may develop an allergic reaction after eating one or another type of nut.
- A large fruit can get into the windpipe, blocking the passages and thereby causing suffocation. The kernel usually has an oily surface, which makes it difficult to remove from the respiratory tract.
- If the nut is swallowed along with the shell or part of it, then intestinal obstruction or injury from sharp edges is likely.
- A mold fungus that affects the kernels, if it enters a dog’s body, can cause disruption of the nervous system or gastrointestinal upset.
- The high calorie content of oily kernels can cause the development of obesity or pancreatitis. Given this, they are allowed to be given to animals in very small quantities.
What are the benefits and dangers of nuts for dogs?
Many dogs beg their owners for nuts when they see them eating them. Good-natured owners usually do not refuse their pet, but they do not always know that nuts can be harmful to the animal’s body.
The body of a dog and a person works differently. What is good for human health can have the opposite effect on a dog and harm your pet.
We strongly do not recommend pampering your dog with nuts:
- This product has a high calorie content, which can lead to overweight of your four-legged friend.
- There is a high probability of getting urolithiasis due to the high concentration of iron.
- Nuts can often cause allergies, accompanied by itching and poor digestion with gas formation.
It is better to replace such a delicacy with a more gentle one. You can give fruit or a special treat from a pet store. But there are nuts that benefit the animal’s body, but not in large quantities.
Nuts allowed for consumption
Let's figure out what nuts our pets can eat. There is a fairly extensive list of types of nuts that, if consumed in small quantities, will not cause harm to the dog.
Pine nut
Pine nuts are the most beneficial for a dog's body. It is highly digestible and contains many nutrients. These are minerals - calcium, boron, copper, vanadium and vitamins A, B, D, E, as well as nicotinic acid. This combination of minerals and vitamins has a beneficial effect on the condition of the circulatory and endocrine systems. The amount of fruits eaten should be limited, since they are very high in calories and regular consumption of them can cause obesity.
Almond
Almonds are also on the list of allowed foods and are even useful in small quantities. The list of minerals contained in it is as follows: phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc. In addition, vitamins B and E. Including this fruit in a small amount in the diet has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and coat, and also strengthens teeth. But the content of a large amount of fat can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Of the products made from almond mass, your dog can be given a little almond milk, but only if there is no allergy. But almond oil is completely prohibited. Your dog should not eat bitter almonds because they contain cyanide, which is a strong poison.
Brazilian nut
It will not cause harm if the dog receives no more than one piece per day. Its high calorie content can cause excess weight and also lead to the development of pancreatitis.
Cashew
Cashews are beneficial because they contain large amounts of magnesium and calcium. This fruit has less fat content and is easier to digest. Cashews can be fed daily, but in small quantities, otherwise diarrhea may develop.
Peanut
Peanuts can be called a healthy product, naturally, provided they are fed within reasonable limits. It belongs to the legume family, and this explains its lower fat content. It contains a large range of nutrients: a large amount of vegetable protein; potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc; vitamins of group B, A, E, K; folic acid and amino acids. Eating peanuts has a good effect on the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine systems, and liver (it is a choleretic product).
Peanuts also have a number of negative qualities, so they should be given with caution. In some cases it may cause allergies. This is a difficult product to digest. It can cause bloating and increased gas production. It should never be given to dogs with kidney or liver failure.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be given to your dog. Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of microelements. In addition, their use is a good prevention of helminthiasis. It is recommended to give them peeled.
In any case, you should give nuts to your pet, observing a number of precautions. The basic rules are:
- It is better to give the kernels crushed. This will eliminate the risk that the animal will choke or a large fruit getting into the respiratory tract will cause suffocation.
- Treats should be given in small quantities and not daily, but periodically, as a reward.
- You should not give nuts to animals with allergies, or with abnormalities in the pancreas, stomach and intestines.
- Attention should be paid to proper storage of fruits. The appearance of mold makes the nut unsuitable for dogs to eat. Fried, sweet or salty kernels should also not be given.
If possible, nuts should be replaced with special dog treats or pieces of fruit. This is more beneficial and safe for the dog’s body.
I have been interested in the issue of adding coconut oil to dog food for a long time, I have collected enough interesting and informative information and I successfully use it for my dogs. An American friend of mine once advised me of an interesting article on an American website about dog nutrition. I translated it for you. I will be glad if this information is useful!
Coconut oil is extremely popular these days. You can use it as a healthy supplement, for cooking, as a homemade toothpaste or deodorant, to soften your skin, or to improve the condition of your hair.
Because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, many people also use coconut oil for a number of medicinal purposes.
While supplements can be a confusing topic for many dog owners, you are probably aware of the benefits of supplementing Omega-3 oils such as fish, fish oil, krill oil, flaxseed oil or phytoplankton for your dog. These foods contain essential fatty acids, which, as the name suggests, are as important to your dog's health as they are to your human's.
But other oils also support dog health, and coconut oil is one of them. The fats in coconut oil are considered "conditionally essential," meaning that under certain circumstances (such as pregnancy and early growth) they are essential.
Coconut oil is not an Omega-3 oil, but it still has many health benefits for your dog. Keep reading to find out how it can improve your dog's well-being.
What is in coconut oil?
Coconut oil is made up of over 90% saturated fat. All fats and oils are composed of triglycerides. Coconut oil is composed primarily of medium chain triglycerides. All triglycerides are made up of individual fat molecules called fatty acids. Coconut oil contains 64% medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
Breaking it down further, the MCFAs in coconut oil consist of 48% lauric acid, 8% caprylic acid and 7% capric acid, plus myristic and palmitic acids.
Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids). Most of the health benefits of coconut oil come from MCFAs, especially lauric acid.
Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their antifungal effects. Additionally, the body can effectively metabolize MCFAs to provide an immediate source of energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss.
In dogs, the MCFAs in coconut oil help normalize thyroid function, helping overweight dogs lose weight and dogs with inactive lifestyles feel energized.
According to Dr. Bruce Fife, a registered dietitian and naturopathic physician and president of the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil gently boosts your metabolism, provides higher levels of energy and vitality, protects you from disease, and speeds up wound healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves your dog's skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.
6 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs.
1. Leather
- Clears skin from conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin.
- Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health.
- Makes the coat smooth and glossy, eliminates dryness and brittle hair. Gets rid of dog smell.
- Prevents and treats fungal infections, including candida.
- Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing.
- When applied topically, it promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, burns, and bites.
- Relieves and heals dry, cracked pads and elbow calluses.
2. Digestive system
- Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- Helps with digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis.
- Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs.
3. Immune system
- Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal substances that prevent infections and enhance immunity.
- May reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Endocrine/metabolic system
- Regulates and balances insulin and may help prevent or control diabetes.
- Promotes normal thyroid function.
- Increases energy and helps reduce weight.
5. Musculoskeletal system
- Helps build strong bones
- Reduces inflammation and may help with arthritis pain.
6. Brain, eyes, ears and mouth
- Promotes good nerve and brain function and prevents dementia.
- Helps cleanse eyes and ears when infected (melt the oil and then use it as eye drops, or put in ears to cleanse).
- Improves oral health and can be used to clean teeth.
Is coconut oil safe for dogs?
Dr. Bruce Fife, author of Coconut Therapy For Pets, says coconut oil is extremely safe for all types of animals, from dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, as well as cows and horses.
Research shows that coconut oil is well tolerated even in toxicity studies where researchers fed huge amounts of coconut oil to animals.
Unlike some other oils that can become toxic when heated, coconut oil is very heat stable, even at high temperatures. Due to its stability, it oxidizes or goes rancid slowly and has a shelf life of about two years.
Which coconut oil should I buy?
Choose Virgin or Extra Virgin coconut oil (they're the same thing), preferably organic and sold in a glass (not plastic) jar. There is another form of coconut oil called RBD, which means refined, bleached and deodorized. It's best to avoid RBD because it is heated and filtered, causing some potential loss of nutrients... but it may be an acceptable solution for dogs that simply don't like the taste of coconut oil, since it has a more neutral flavor.
Coconut oil will usually look white in a jar, but it may thin out at room temperature.
How much coconut oil should you give your dog?
As a daily supplement up to 1 tsp. per 5 kg of dog weight per day. Start with ¼ of this dose to avoid loose stools, then gradually increase until you reach the recommended dose.
For therapeutic or medicinal purposes, you may need to double the dosage above - but again, gradually, gradually! until the dog's digestive system adjusts to the extra oils in its diet. You may want to consult your veterinarian about the optimal dose for your dog's size and health.
Some dogs love to lick coconut oil off a spoon (or your hands), but others prefer to mix it into their food. Adding it to food can also help prevent digestive upset when you first start giving coconut oil to your dog.
Note. Because of the essential fatty acids in Omega-3 foods, your dog still needs them, as well as coconut oil. Coconut oil can be given on other days or at different meals separately from Omega 3 so your dog receives the benefits of both types of oils.
(Translation by Mozgovaya S.A. for partial or full copying, provide a link to the source site amorecavalier.ru)
Which nuts are prohibited for consumption?
There is a whole list of types of nuts that are prohibited for dogs. They should not be given to dogs under any circumstances because they contain toxic substances or are very difficult for the body to absorb.
Walnuts
Walnuts are prohibited for dogs, although they contain a large amount of beneficial minerals. Large amounts of phosphorus can cause bladder stones.
When walnut kernels become moldy, the entry of mold particles into the body leads to neurological disorders in the form of seizures and paralysis.
Walnuts pose another danger. A dog can swallow a large fruit whole, causing intestinal obstruction.
Pistachios
Pistachios have several dangerous properties. A high percentage of fat content creates a risk of developing pancreatitis. Ajar valves are often the gateway to infection of the core and penetration of molds containing toxins. A large amount of salt on the shell, when licked by the dog, causes unpleasant consequences in the form of fluid retention in the body.
Hazelnut
Many owners ask whether they can give their pets hazelnuts. It is a source of large amounts of iron. This is not beneficial for animals, as it can cause urolithiasis.
Macadamia
Macadamia is an Australian nut. It is completely unsuitable as food for dogs because it contains toxins that can cause severe poisoning, even death. The main symptoms of macadamia poisoning are tachycardia, unsteady gait, weakness, body tremors, and fever.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains toxins that cause neurological manifestations: tremors, convulsions, paralysis and can be complicated by coma.
Acorns
Acorns pose a great danger to dogs. They contain a strong toxin that, if ingested, can cause severe kidney failure. This can cause the death of the animal.
Which individuals are contraindicated for nuts?
There are several categories of dogs in whose diet the content of this product is undesirable:
- An older puppy can be pampered with small quantities of pine nuts, peanuts or cashews. They are better absorbed by the body. It is not recommended to give nuts to very young children.
- Pregnant females should not eat nuts, as the increased burden on the body may make it difficult to digest heavy foods.
- A nursing mother can be given several kernels daily to enhance lactation. It is necessary to choose a safer option for them: cashews, peanuts or pine nuts.
- Nuts are prohibited for individuals who are allergic or have kidney and gastrointestinal diseases.
You can avoid unpleasant reactions from your pet’s body to eating nuts by controlling their quantity, as well as by not allowing prohibited types to be consumed. If this happens and there are symptoms of poisoning, you must immediately contact a veterinary clinic, avoiding self-medication.
Coconut oil and milk in your daily diet
Alternate dairy drinks with coconut milk. Puppies and nursing bitches can drink it 3 times a week, 100 grams. Pregnant and elderly pets less often - 1-2 times a week, 100 grams. If your dog doesn't like coconut milk, replace it with butter.
When adding coconut oil to your diet, you must strictly adhere to the dosage. Single serving – 1 teaspoon per 10 kg of animal weight. In this case, the first application is ¼ of the dose, and during treatment the volume of the supplement is doubled. This serving size is measured for a dog of any age (puppy, adult, elderly) and any condition (pregnant, lactating).
Porridge, cottage cheese, vegetable and fruit salads are seasoned with oil. Active dogs (beagle, poodle, cocker spaniel) can be given the product 3 times a week. Calm, slow-moving pets should receive this calorie supplement much less frequently - 1-2 times every 10 days.
