Quinoa Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipes
I love quinoa – I eat this super seed at least once a week because it’s grain and gluten free and it’s high in protein. And this is a people food that’s equally super for dogs. Quinoa has been linked to everything from preventing heart disease and cancer, as well as an antioxidant and can reduce the risk of diabetes. It really was a no-brainer to use it in my Quinoa Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipe (well that, and it does have quinoa as the title as the recipe!).Quinoa Grain-Free Dog Treat RecipesMakes 20 cookiesIngredients:1 1/2 cup quinoa flour3/4 cup buckwheat flour1/3 cup molasses1/2 cup water1/3 cup olive oil1 tablespoon honey2 eggsDirections:Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.Using a food processor, add quinoa and buckwheat and mix well. Add in molasses and honey. In a separate bowl, lightly beat egg and add the oil and water. Add this mixture slowly to the food processor until a dough ball forms. If the flour mixture sticks to the bowl, turn off the processor and use a spatula to get it off the sides.The dough should be soft, but not wet, making it easy to work with. Using a tablespoon, scoop mixture and roll dough into balls in your hands. Softly flatten with the balls of your hands and place on the cookie sheets.Bake for 30 minutes.Store treats in an airtight container in the fridge or the freezer.The dough wasn’t stiff enough to use cookie cutters, but I still had fun with the design. I just used a teaspoon for the dog pad and a dropper for the dog toes.
Healthy Hound Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipe
We love our dogs and we want the best of everything for them. This heart-felt sentiment is the inspiration behind the Healthy Hound Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipe. Using garbanzo bean and coconut flour, these homemade treats are grain free. Add the benefits of coconut oil, flaxseed meal and turmeric (which is used to detoxify and treat stomach ailments), and you’ve got yourself a healthy treat to give to the pooch who rules your heart.Healthy Hound Grain-Free Dog Treat RecipeMakes about 30 cookiesIngredients:1 1/2 cup garbanzo bean flour1/2 cup coconut flour1 teaspoon parsley1 teaspoon ground turmeric2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast2 tablespoons flaxseed meal1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)½ cup chicken broth½ cup coconut oilDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.In a small pot over medium heat, bring the chicken broth and coconut oil to a boil.In a large bowl, mix flours, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed meal, turmeric, parsley and garlic powder.Add broth/oil mixture to flour and mix well.On a piece of parchment paper, roll the dough into a ¼ to ½ thickness and cut with cookie cutters in desired shapes.Bake for 15-20 minutes on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Take out of oven and let cool. Store in airtight containers in fridge or freezer.Some pet parents don’t feel comfortable feeding garlic to their dogs, so feel free to leave it out. It won’t affect the recipe’s outcome in any way.
Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe
*Editor’s Note: Originally, we had posted this recipe as a grain-free do treat recipe, but had included gluten-free oats and rice flour in the recipe. We realize that these are considered grains and are gluten-free, so we’ve changed it to a gluten-free recipe. To make this grain-free, take out the rolled oats completely or substitute with 1 sweet potato, and use coconut flour instead of rice flour. Why Gluten-Free For Dogs?Gluten is a protein that is found in some cereal grains and wheat. But there are some gluten-free grains like corn, quinoa, rice and Amaranth Millet. Just like in humans, some dogs have gluten sensitivity and gluten-free treats are a nice way to give them some love.What are signs of a potential gluten sensitivity in dogs?If your dog does a lot of itching and scratching, particularly at his paws, he may be suffering from a gluten intolerance. Other signs of gluten intolerance in dogs include: Dull, poor coatRed, itchy pawsFrequent diarrheaWeight lossChronic ear infectionsConstant chewing or licking of pawsJust like you’d expect to do in human children, if your dog shows some of those symptoms, you’ll want to explore what happens if you go gluten-free with him. Long-term battling of gluten intolerance or allergy isn’t good for his dog gut. Good dog gut health is important to his overall immune system as a leaky gut will basically attack his own body. This can affect nutrient absorption and make it hard for him to thrive.How Do I Know If My Dog Has Gluten Intolerances?Your vet will likely want to rule any other issues out and will look for symptoms that accompany. They likely may run a blood test or look at a fecal sample to be sure nothing else is the issue and they may even want to to endoscopy if symptoms are severe. They will likely talk to you about allergy tests that can detect the difference between a true allergy and an insensitivity. It’s important to know the difference because an allergy could even be life-threatening.You could also do an elimination diet as you would with a human and that information can help you and your veterinarian decide what’s going on with your dog.I love making Oscar and the other office dogs homemade dog treats and was tickled when I came across this gluten-free dog treat recipe. I love that it’s made with simple, all-natural ingredients. Seriously, you would probably pay $10-$20 for these treats in an upscale dog boutique. But with this gluten-free dog treat, you’ll be going against the grain and making your dog a healthy and homemade treat that will save you big bucks.Gluten-Free Dog Treat RecipeMakes about 30-40 cookies1 banana, mashed1/2 cup of mashed blueberries3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter1 egg, beaten1 3/4 cup coconut/rice flour2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats1/3 cup of warm water1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together the banana, blueberries, peanut butter and egg until completely combined. In a medium bowl, add the flour and rolled oats and mix. Add the wet and dry ingredients together and combine until the dough forms. If the mixture is too dry add a bit of water to moisten the dough.2. Roll out your dough onto a piece of coconut-floured wax paper (the dough is sticky and the flour will help). Roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut out using a cookie cutter. Place cut out cookies on a non-stick baking sheet.3. Bake cookies for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Take cookies out of the oven and let them cool.4. Ask your dog to sit or perform a trick and give him a treat!If you made these treat, we’d love to know how they turned out. You can post pictures on our Facebook page or leave a comment down below.
Grain-Free Coconut and Banana Dog Treat Recipe
Coconut flour makes any treat gluten and grain free. Plus, who doesn’t like the taste of coconut – om nom nom! With the Grain-Free Coconut and Banana Dog Treat Recipe, we added a touch of coconut oil for added health benefits, as well as almond milk, which is lactose free and safe for dogs (unless, of course, they have an allergy to almonds). Add banana, peanut butter and banana to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a treat the whole family will want to eat.Why Grain-Free Treats?In the last several years, veterinary cardiologists have been increasingly disturbed by the number of dogs who suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a heart condition that decreases a dog’s heart’s ability to pump blood through its body. Some breeds, like Retrievers, are more prone to DCM, but cardiologists were concerned because they seemed to see more dogs of various breeds not previously having issue being diagnosed. The FDA actually opened an investigation in the matter. They found that 90% of the dogs with DCM they studied were on a grain-free diet and 93% of those contained lentils or peas. A relationship between grain-free diets and DCM hasn’t still been fully proven, but many vets have found that when dogs were taken off grain-free diets, their conditions resolved.Still, many dogs do benefit from the digestive help that a grain-free diet and treats can offer, so here’s a well-loved recipe.Grain-Free Coconut and Banana Dog Treat RecipeMakes about 20-30 cookiesIngredients:1 cup coconut flour2 egg1/3 cup natural peanut butter1 banana, mashed1 Tbsp honey1 Tbsp coconut oil½ cup almond milkDirections:Preheat oven to 300 degrees.Stir egg, peanut butter, banana, coconut oil and honey in a bowl and mix well.Stir in the coconut flour and mix well. Add almond milk as needed to help dough come together.Coconut flour recipes are crumbly, so you won’t be able to roll it out. Instead, scoop your tablespoon portions and place the balls on cookie sheets.Bake cookies for 20-25 minutes.Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.Now, how good did they smell coming out of the oven? Please let us know how your dog liked them by leaving a comment down below. And on a baking note, the coconut flour has a very different consistency than regular flour – it doesn’t hold together all that well. If you have any tips on how to keep coconut cookies from falling apart, please share them with us.
Grain-Free Almond Delight Dog Treat Recipe
Next up in my adventures in grain-free baking is almond flour. After baking with almond flour, my house smelled amazing! But it’s not just the smell that makes my Grain-Free Almond Delight Dog Treat Recipe a must-try – almond flour (or almond meal, as it’s also called) offers a good amount of manganese and vitamin E, a healthy serving of monounsaturated fats and protein, and is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. I’ve also added coconut old, quinoa flour and carrot to this recipe. Both almond butter and milk are included, but can be substituted with peanut butter and water.Why Grain-Free For Dogs?You might ask why so many dog foods and treats are labeled ‘grain-free’ and it’s because there’s a lot of science that supports grains leading to gut dysbiosis, obesity, chronic inflammation and more.What is a mycotoxin in dog food or treats? They’re basically the toxic byproduct of a fungus or a mold. Mycotoxins will contaminate grain crops before they are harvested or after they are stored (especially in mass quantities like feed ingredients often are). They are most commonly found in barley, wheat, corn, soybean and cottonseed as well as beets and peanuts. Mycotoxins can often affect other foods that are common ingredients in dog foods and treats: pearl millet, rice, sunflower seed sna dorghum.A well-known (and very dangerous) mycotoxin is aflatoxin. Experts consider it one of the most naturally occurring carcinogenic we know of. Think about how many dogs these days end up with cancers? Guess what a survey that took place in 2004-2013 found? Mycotoxin contamination in over 75% of the samples they took of grains and byproducts that were going to be used in animal foods.The saying, “You are what you eat,” may never have had more meaning. A major target for aflatoxins is in your dog’s liver. That’s a huge problem because that can create immunosuppression and toxicity–your dog’s liver is designed to filter and help prevent those things from happening. In the United States, human and pet foods are not allowed to have more than 20ug of mycotoxin per kg found. The problem is that grains typically contain several different types of mycotoxins that interact with each other as nasty toxins are prone to do and increased toxicity can occur. This exposure can build up in your pet over time.So what do many pet-parents do as an alternative? They look for low-grain or grain-free dog foods and treats. They look for ingredients that have been tested and verified and many make treats and foods themselves. Just like with this amazing recipe your dog won’t even even believe is that delicious. And you know what? They are that delicious–and human-grade ingredients means you can try them too. Just save some for your dog!Grain-Free Almond Delight Dog Treat RecipeMakes 20 cookiesIngredients:1 cup almond flour1 cup quinoa flour1 egg1/4 cup melted coconut oil1/4 cup almond or peanut butter1/4 cup almond milk or water1 shredded carrotDirections:Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.In a large bowl, stir almond and quinoa flour together. In a smaller bowl, mix egg, melted coconut oil, almond or peanut butter, carrot and almond milk or water.Combine the wet and dry ingredients together in the larger bowl. Mix until a moist dough forms.Roll dough into a ball and cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.Roll dough out onto parchment on counter. Using rolling pin, roll out to ½-inch thickness and cut out using cookie cutters.Place in oven and bake in oven for 20-25 until golden brown. Allow to cool and store in air tight container. Keep in refrigerator or freezer.Did you try this recipe on for size? How did it turn out? We’d love to see your creations – please post a picture on our Facebook page for us to ooooh and ahhhhh over!
World’s First Dog-Fox Hybrid Dies Under Mysterious Circ*mstances
The death of the first-ever confirmed dog-fox hybrid in Brazil is under government investigation. The São Braz Conservation Center, which took care of this unique hybrid species since its discovery in 2021, failed to notify the officials about the animal’s death. To make matters even stranger, the exact time and cause of the hybrid’s death are still unknown. The unusual creature, named “dogxim” was discovered after being hit by a car in 2021 and taken to the hospital in Rio Grande do Sul. Veterinarians treating the animals were puzzled by its appearance as they couldn’t figure out if the young female was a fox or a dog. Scientists conducted a series of tests to determine the animal’s genetic makeup. Their findings, published in the journal Animals, showed that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog of an unknown breed and a pampas fox, native to South America. Scientists noted that “dogxim” exhibited an unusual mix of fox and dog traits. The hybrid looked like a medium-sized dog with large, pointy ears, a black nose, and a long, thin snout. She had brown eyes and a thick, black-brown fur. Researchers were also surprised to discover that “dogxim” refused to eat dog food but accepted live rodents. Although it moved like a fox, the hybrid barked like a dog and sometimes enjoyed playing with dog toys.“She was an amazing animal, really a hybrid between a pampas fox and a dog,” said Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist who worked with the hybrid during its recovery. Ferrari described the hybrid as less aggressive than a wild canid but not as docile as a domestic dog. “She had a shy and cautious personality, generally preferring to stay away from people. Over the time she was hospitalized for treatment, I believe she started to feel safer.” When the scientists who studied and cared for the fox-dog hybrid asked for recent photographs of the animal in August, they were notified that the creature had died six months ago. Dr. Rafael Kretschmer, a cytogeneticist at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas who did the genetic analysis that showed the animal’s hybrid nature, told the Telegraph: “We are very sad about her death, especially because we do not have the answers about the exact date and the cause of her death.”“We only discovered that she died because I called Mantenedouro São Braz to request some recent photos of the hybrid. They informed me that she died approximately six months ago. They didn’t answer me about the exact date and cause of her death,” he added.Flávia Ferrari who studied the hybrid before it was transferred to the São Braz Conservation Center, added: “When she left she was healthy, there were no indications of any health problems. Health check-ups were carried out periodically, including blood tests.”As far as scientists are aware, no autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death.“The Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure (SEMA) investigates the death of a hybrid between wild graxaim and domestic dog, the target of scientific research which, since 2021, was under the care of the Mantenedouro de Fauna Silvestre São Braz, in Santa Maria, an enterprise registered and authorized by the state,” the spokesman for the Brazilian government told the Telegraph. “SEMA is investigating the circ*mstances of the animal’s death and informs that in the reports sent periodically by the entrepreneur, there was no communication to this department about the animal’s death.”The young female "dogxim" was the first ever recorded case of a fox and dog breeding in the world, and the hybrid was of unmeasurable significance to science.
When Nature Surprises: Crocodiles Push a Drowning Dog Out to Safety
Sometimes, nature can truly take us by surprise, providing stories that both shock and warm the heart. Recently, the whole world was stunned by an awe-inspiring animal-by-animal rescue that occurred in India and was written about in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. A stray dog, which was chased by a pack of other, feral dogs, accidentally fell into the River Savitri, situated in the Maharashtra state in India.However, the poor dog jumped from one danger into another. The river was infested by a group of fierce mugger crocodiles. Three of them quickly approached the struggling stray pooch. In most cases – as per the rules of nature -– this would spell a quick end for the dog: crocodiles are ferocious predators and eat anything and everything. But just then, a true miracle of nature happened: the crocs appeared to usher the dog back to safety off the shore.“These crocodiles were actually touching the dog with their snouts and nudging it to move further for a safe ascent on the bank and eventually escape," one of the Indian researchers wrote. “The muggers were well within the striking range and could have easily devoured the dog, yet none of them attacked and instead chose to nudge it towards the bank, implying that the hunger drive was absent."Exactly why the crocodiles chose to spare the dog and push it to safety remains a true mystery of nature. The mugger crocs, which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, are usually quite aggressive and voracious. But in this case, they were perfectly docile, much to everyone’s surprise. One unique theory proposed by the researchers is that crocodiles have empathy and emotional intelligence, something that was usually considered non-existent in crocs. Could this be true? Or was this just some weird fluke of nature? To make matters even weirder, the scientists in India discovered that these crocodiles have a strange obsession with marigold flowers. The working theory is that they prefer these orange blossoms because they have antimicrobial properties and they live in sewer-infested waters – it’s a little bit out there, but hey, we’re not experts on India’s mugger crocodiles.All in all, it appears, after all, that mugger crocodiles are much more than big violent brutes. Their shocking display of kindness stunned the world and is proof that, perhaps, these animals can show empathy like many other creatures. There is a lot we yet have to learn about these enigmatic creatures. It could be a bit difficult, however, because they usually tend to be hostile to humans. Some areas of coastal India and Sri Lanka have large populations of mugger crocodiles living near people. This leads to some of the highest frequencies of attacks on humans anywhere in the world. This caused many scientists to quickly dismiss the possibility of crocs having any form of empathy – but we like to think that in the case of this unusual dog rescue, it was a beautiful case of compassion in the animal kingdom rather than a coincidence.
Wake Up! Your Morning Ritual Needs to Include Your Fur Kid
Let’s be honest. When that morning alarm sounds the first thing we do is reach for our device of choice to see which celebrity rules the headlines, what team made the playoffs, or what our friends have planned for the weekend. Right?Well, according to former lawyer turned animal communicator and TikTok contributor Nikki Vasconez, those crack-of-dawn moments should really be shared with your furry little sidekick rather than an electronic device. And it’s a sentiment echoed by the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Director, Doctor Mary Burch. She suggests spending an extra five minutes in bed (or your location of choice if your pet doesn’t snuggle in with you at night) for a little cuddle to start the day. For those of us with multiple pets, we’re not talking about group hugs here. She means quality one-on-one time with each of our critters to help them feel connected, loved, and appreciated by that VIP in their lives - you.Now, before you roll your eyes and declare your pet already feels those loving vibes each time you feed him, walk him, toss him a treat… there’s actually a lot more to this approach. Not only does taking these few minutes set your own day off in a positive trajectory but according to the American Psychological Association, research shows that “Overall, interacting with one’s own pet dog reduced owners’ distress. Such interactions, which occur commonly in daily life, may have the potential to alleviate distress on a large scale. Precisely how this works and for whom it is especially well suited remain intriguing open questions.”So, this a.m.-in-the-moment connection is not just beneficial to our pet’s emotional health but to ours as well. And while most studies refer specifically to dogs, other studies show that cats and even rabbits or other small pets can have a similar stress-relieving benefit. And it’s as easy as wishing your best buddy a simple good morning with a little hug or head scratch.For me, I have a dog dealing with PTSD who needs to be lifted off my bed each morning. We go down the stairs and stop at a picture of my grandmother to wish her a good morning, open the front door to wish our front yard a good morning, then a little cuddle and I let her down at the back door to run out for her morning constitutional. It’s a small ritual that helps build her connection with me and prevents her from disengaging with the world.How big a conversation is this for pet owners? Vasconez recently shared this philosophy on her TikTok account with a video that immediately went viral amassing more than 814,000 views and 56,000 likes. So, it seems pillow talk will soon trump last night’s celebrity gossip.
Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies
In countries where dogs aren’t microchipped, don’t wear tags, and usually run free, it’s challenging for authorities to determine which dog has already been vaccinated for rabies. A new mobile phone app could help improve rabies vaccination by identifying dogs using facial recognition technology.A team of researchers from Washington State University tested the app’s effectiveness in a rabies vaccination clinic in Tanzania, where they microchipped, vaccinated, and registered dogs. The idea behind this project is to take a picture of a dog’s face during initial vaccination. Then the picture needs to be entered into the database via the app, along with other important information, such as the dog’s age, sex, and coat color. When veterinarians return to the same area, they will take a facial photo of each dog they come across. If the app finds a close match in the database, it will notify the vet, who can then decide whether the vaccinated dog in the database is indeed the same dog they are currently examining. A vaccination team testing the app visited nine villages in Tanzania, where they photographed and vaccinated 1,420 dogs. After the initial check, 20 images were deemed unusable, leaving exactly 1,400 to work with. All of these photographs were added to the app’s database.Later, a different validation team visited the same villages, assessing 720 dogs via the app, not knowing which dogs were already vaccinated, and entered into the app’s database. Once again, some photos were deemed unusable for the study - 161 were rejected.Using those images, the app helped the team to correctly identify 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs. These findings were confirmed using microchips that were implanted under the dogs’ skin when they were vaccinated, as part of the study.“Because domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies, controlling human rabies globally requires the mass vaccination of dogs,” said Felix Lankester, WSU Associate Professor and the lead investigator of the study. Scientists are working to optimize the app’s registration process to minimize the number of rejected photos. “When carrying out mass vaccination, one of the major problems that we face is trying to identify which dogs have and haven’t been vaccinated. For example, microchips are too expensive to use at the scale needed to eliminate rabies, and collars can be removed by owners. We developed this app to see if facial recognition might work, and it’s showing great promise in helping us achieve that goal,” Professor Lankester added. The facial recognition algorithm used by the app is developed in collaboration with Canadian company PiP My Pet. It identifies a dog by looking at key features of its face and comparing it to previously stored photos of the faces of other dogs. Photos with the highest number of similar features are shown as possible matches, leaving it to the user to pick the right one.The app’s success depends on the image quality and information about each dog being properly recorded. Before unusable images and incorrect information about dogs were removed from the database, users were only able to match around 65% of the vaccinated dogs.For the time being, users must be online to use the app’s facial matching feature, but Lankester and his team are working to make the app operational even offline. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think with the investment, the technology can get there. I am excited by its potential,” Lankester said.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?
Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.
Does Your Dog Have A Better Social Life Than You Do?
Making friends as an adult can be challenging. If that statement speaks to you, you’re not alone – there are scientific studies supporting this. The struggle to meet and connect with people has only grown and been made worse with recent events. Many pet lovers have turned to their pets for the companionship they crave. But what about your pup? Are they also struggling to connect in this modern world? A recent poll of 2000 dog owners revealed that 60% of dog parents believe their pups have a lively social life. In fact, they report their dog’s social life is more active than their own! The poll was commissioned by PetSafe, focusing on the benefits of dog parks and creating a more dog-friendly world. They found that 39% of dog parents who regularly visit a local dog park, indoor dog park, or exercise area feel more connected to their community. This introduces a new consideration for local politicians and developers as they start to see the greater impact these spaces can have on the neighbourhood beyond just offering a place for dogs to exercise. Of those surveyed, 34% reported that their dogs are better at making friends than they are. Of course, that shouldn’t come as a surprise to most of us. After all, they are called “Man’s Best Friend” for a reason. The survey didn’t stop there. The questions then focused on better understanding the type of friendship our dogs create. Of those questioned, 43% said their dog met a reliable buddy, 52% met their best friend, and 49% met their doggy “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” Of course, not all reported friendships were as solid and wholesome. 62% of dog parents admitted that their dog has at least one “frenemy” at the dog park with whom their relationship can be a little complicated… Some days, they get along great, while others are a bit rocky. The best part? Studies have found that dogs who have strong social connections may live longer! But meeting friends and having that social time wasn’t the only reason dogs love spending time at the dog park. It wasn’t even the most popular reason. While 25% of dog parents said their pups loved going to meet and play with other dogs, 32% said their dog loved the experience of roaming freely off-leash more than anything else. If you’re considering establishing a dog park in your area, they also uncovered key insights from the pet parents surveyed. While 43% reported they preferred a dog park close to home, the same percentage (43%) said they would travel further to a better-maintained park. Pet owners reported that they wanted a space for their dogs that was free from loud or anxiety-causing noises (44%), more shade (28%), or a safe place away from other dogs (15%). Safety was a key concern, with 36% of dog parents saying they would travel further to visit a dog park where they felt that they (both owner and dog) were safer. Whatever your definition of the perfect dog park or exercise area is, 53% of those surveyed wanted to see their local community become even more pet-friendly. That is a stat that we can certainly get behind!
Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much
No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.
What is Seasonal Canine Illness?
We often talk about the health risks associated with the most extreme temperatures – heat stroke during the summer months and hypothermia in the winter. But we have to remember that there are risks and concerns throughout the entire year – including the possibility of developing Seasonal Canine Illness during the brightly colored season of autumn.If this is your first time hearing about this seasonal illness in dogs? Don’t worry; We have you covered! In this post, we’ll take a close look at the most important details you need to know about this illness as a dog parent, including what it is, the most common symptoms to watch out for, available treatment options, and tips for keeping your pup safe.What is Seasonal Canine Illness in Dogs?Unlike many other health conditions we face, Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is relatively new, with the first case reported in 2010. But being newer doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take it seriously, especially with the growing number of us spending time outdoors in the woods to see the changing fall colors – which is where this condition is believed to be contracted.As with any new illness or health condition, a lot about SCI remains unknown. Initially, it was believed that it was caused by algae or fungi in woodland areas, both triggers that could be more prevalent during the fall months, which would explain the timing. However, these potential causes have since been disproved. This has left veterinarians and researchers searching for a new explanation.After comparing many cases of SCI, another potential answer has been brought to light – many of the dogs diagnosed with this illness were exposed to harvest mites.This could be the revelation experts are looking for, or it could be a coincidence. So, what DO we know? SCI is a rare condition. However, there is enough of an increase in cases every autumn for veterinarians to refer to the condition as fall-specific. Dogs that contract the illness will show signs approximately 1 to 3 days after spending time in a woodland area.What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Dog Illness? There are no vaccines or preventatives to protect your dog from SCI. Instead, the best thing we can do as dog parents is learn the warning signs we should watch out for. You can get your pup to a veterinarian for early treatment by recognizing an illness early. The most common symptoms of Seasonal Canine Illness include: Vomiting (Often Containing Blood)Diarrhea (Often Containing Blood)Loss of AppetiteAbdominal Pain and SensitivitySevere DehydrationFeverMuscle TremorsLethargyRash on the Legs and Underside of the Body (Occasionally)Research has found that as low as 2% of SCI cases are fatal IF the dog receives prompt treatment. However, data shows that fatality could increase to as high as 20% if left unaddressed. If you notice any signs your dog may have SCI, contact your veterinarian and make an appointment as soon as possible.
Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years
A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.
42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!
Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”
Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say
Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?
Everyone likes a nice, relaxing massage – no doubt about it. It helps us unwind, soothes sore muscles, and can promote the release of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. So why shouldn’t our four-legged friends enjoy the same perks as we do? That’s right, dogs can enjoy getting a massage as well, and can also provide a range of benefits for our four-legged besties, the same as it does for us.What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?Canine massage can offer several benefits to dogs, both physically and emotionally. Just like us, our dogs can be tired, sore, grumpy, or sad. And a good massage can really help them shake it off and feel more at ease and relaxed. But people often wonder if there are any additional benefits for dogs who enjoy a massage – apart from it feeling nice, that is. And the answer is yes! Here are just some of the advantages they get from a massage:Stress and Tension Relief:A nice soothing massage can help relax tense muscles and reduce stress in dogs. This is especially beneficial for dogs that may be anxious or nervous.Better Circulation:Massage can enhance blood circulation, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and tissues. Improved circulation can aid in the healing process and contribute to overall well-being.Pain Relief:Massaging sore or tight muscles can help alleviate pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal issues.Better Flexibility and Range of Motion:Regular massage may enhance a dog's flexibility and improve their range of motion. If you have a senior dog or a dog recovering from injuries, a massage can be of great help with improving their overall mobility.Better Joint Health:Massage can contribute to the health of joints by promoting synovial fluid production, which lubricates and nourishes the joints. Senior dogs can benefit from regular massages either to treat existing joint issues or to prevent them in the first place. Pet-Owner Bonding:Massage provides an opportunity for bonding between the dog and their owner and can improve and strengthen your relationship. It can also help with socialization, especially for dogs that may be timid or have trust issues as it will help them relax when petted.A Stronger Immune System:Some experts suggest that massage may stimulate the lymphatic system, potentially boosting the immune system's function in dogs. While there aren’t any extensive studies done that could confirm this, it would be great if a “side effect” of canine massage is better overall health!Spotting Health Issues:Through massage, you may identify lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that may require veterinary attention. Regular massage can help in the early detection of potential health issues on time to provide the right treatment.Postoperative Recovery:Dogs recovering from surgery may benefit from gentle massage to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing process. Just don’t apply too much pressure or any pressure on the incision site – and be sure to get your vet’s approval (and possible instructions) before doing anything on your own,It's important to note that while a dog massage can be beneficial, it should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care or, in some cases, without the go-ahead from your pet’s vet. Before starting any massage regimen, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a professional canine massage therapist, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, learning proper massage techniques is crucial to ensure that you are providing a safe and effective experience for your dog.
