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Search Results for: bell peppers

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Find Out WHICH Ones

January 21, 2022 by Debbie

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Which peppers can dogs eat? And specifically can dogs eat BELL peppers? In general, dogs can eat any kind of sweet peppers but should avoid the more spicy peppers.

Here we’ll explain which peppers are good and what their nutrient benefits are, how to prepare them, and which ones to avoid due to dogs having sensitive digestive tracts not designed for hot spicy foods.

Canine nutrition is important for a long, healthy life, it’s important to remember they have slightly different dietary needs from humans.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Green, Yellow, Red

Dogs can eat any color of bell pepper – not only green, yellow, and red, but also orange, purple, and striped ones! However, red bell peppers contain the most vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients, being especially high in Vitamins A and C.

In fact, did you know that red bell peppers have nine times the amount of beta-carotene as other colors of bell peppers? Something else useful to know: the riper the pepper, the more nutritious.

What About Bell Pepper Seeds, Stems, And Pith?

are peppers good for dogs

Eating the stems would be like eating wood! Dogs don’t have the right kind of grinding teeth for chewing bell pepper stems. They don’t have the digestive enzymes to process them, either. The seeds produce GI (gastrointestinal) upset in some dogs.

The pith is the soft, spongy, light-colored center of the pepper. Did you know that it’s also called the placenta because it attaches the seeds to the body of the pepper? It’s generally tasteless in bell peppers, but in the hot varieties, it’s where the most heat is concentrated.

Glands producing capsaicin, the irritating component of chili peppers, line the pith.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Indigestion?

Bloating and gas are two signs that might indicate indigestion. The gas might smell different from its usual odor. Some dogs might exhibit discomfort in the abdominal area. More severe cases can result in vomiting and diarrhea.

Many veterinarians recommend giving your dog cooked, pureed pumpkin — either canned or fresh — for a few days to help soothe the digestive tract and ease any offensive substances out the back door, so to speak.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers Raw?

Yes. Because raw bell peppers are crispy and crunchy, they may help satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew. Be sure to wash them well first to rinse off any residue of pesticides or soil that might contain parasite eggs. Using organic produce is always recommended but you still want to wash it to be sure it’s clean.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?

Canines are omnivores, meaning that they eat a variety of foods that include both animal and plant materials, but the bulk of their diet needs to contain protein and other nutrients that aren’t readily available in the right balance in most plants.

Dogs can eat bell peppers often, even daily, but in small amounts. Any new food needs to be introduced gradually over time so you can check for indigestion, allergic reactions, intestinal blockage, or any other problems. Large dogs can have up to half a bell pepper daily, while smaller dogs can have one to three slices every day, no more than a fourth of the pepper.

The Nutritional Benefit Of Bell Peppers

can dogs eat sweet pepper


Bell Peppers are full of Vitamins, minerals, beta carotene, and other good things that canines need. At the same time, they’re low in fat, sugar, sodium, and calories. After you read this, you’ll never ask “Can dogs eat bell peppers?” again!

  • Vitamin A: Good for eye health, skin, and coat
  • Vitamin B6: Necessary for a healthy nervous system
  • Vitamin C: Although an antioxidant that supports the immune system support, dogs’ bodies make their own vitamin C so they don’t need much from outside sources
  • Vitamin E: Aids in healthy skin, coat, and immune system
  • Vitamin K: Helps blood clot and form scabs to aid in healing
  • Carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene: Antioxidants; convert to vitamin A during digestion
  • Pantothenic acid: Vitamin B5; Plays a role in energy metabolism and synthesis of proteins and fatty acids
  • Capsanthin: A carotenoid that promotes eye health
  • Quercetin: Antioxidant; anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for arthritis and some heart conditions
  • Potassium: Mineral that helps transmit electrical charges in the heart, muscles, and nerves; also aids in maintaining appetite and energy
  • Magnesium: Mineral with many functions found everywhere in the body; helps metabolize protein and carbohydrates to produce energy and manufacture fatty acids; vital for bone and cartilage in joints.
  • Manganese: Mineral necessary for digestion and enzyme functions
  • Carbohydrates: Sugars, starches, and fiber that provide short-term and long-term energy as well as aid digestion

How To Make Stuffed Peppers For Your Dog

can dogs eat red peppers


Your dog is going to love you for this! Your dog adores you anyway, but will adore you more for a unique meal filled with a variety of odors, flavors, and textures, especially with the added ingredient of love! Dogs are like us in that they love variety, so that means you can also create variations on basic recipes.

For example, with this recipe, you can cut the stuffed peppers into nuggets to freeze for later. You can also add more protein by including hard-boiled eggs and any kind of boneless chopped, cooked unprocessed meat such as chicken, pork, or fish, especially salmon.

Felissa Elfenbein, in sharing her recipe, comments that “the one downside to stuffed peppers is that I’m a clumsy oaf. It’s pretty much impossible for me to eat them without spilling all over myself and dropping a good snack on the floor for my dogs to clean up.”

Dog-Friendly Stuffed Peppers

INGREDIENTS:

5-6 medium red or green bell peppers
3/4 cup uncooked rice or quinoa
1 lb. extra lean ground beef or turkey (or beans for the vegetarians in the crowd)
8 oz. roast red bell pepper sauce (make sure it’s pure roast pepper with no added seasonings)
½ tbsp. each fresh basil, oregano & thyme
Pinch of salt
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese [mozzarella contains less fat]

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove tops, seeds and skin from your peppers. Drop peppers in the water and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove and put in a cold water bath to stop the cooking process.

Cook rice or quinoa according to package directions and set aside. Brown turkey, beef or beans in a skillet. Drain off fat, and then stir in rice/quinoa, roast red pepper sauce, cheese and herbs.

Stuff peppers with your filling, being careful not to break the pepper. (If you do, you can wrap them with kitchen twine to ensure they don’t fall apart on the grill.) Store in refrigerator until ready to cook.

When you’re ready to cook, heat the grill to medium and place peppers directly on the grill. Cook until skin has browned (about 20 min), turning frequently. (If your grill is too hot, they’ll start to fall apart a bit. Just wrap them in foil and keep going)
Remove from heat and serve! Top with more roast pepper sauce, if desired.

Notes: If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 350. Put a little water in the baking pan and pour over some sauce. Bake around 45 minutes, covered with foil during the first half of baking time to prevent over-browning.

How to prepare peppers for your dog

  • Can dogs can eat bell peppers raw? Here’s how to prepare them: Wash them well to remove traces of pesticides, etc. Remove or puree the skin, then cut into pieces. Raw bits of skin can become trapped in the gums. This is less of a concern if you brush your dog’s teeth. If you remember a time when you had a paper-like sliver of pepper or peanut skin in your teeth, then you know how uncomfortable it can be.
  • Pureed bell peppers: Wash thoroughly, then remove the stems, pith, and seeds. Use a blender or food processor, adding meat or vegetable broth for extra nutrition and flavor. Serve as is or add to kibble.
  • Never: Never add seasonings except those that are vet-approved to be canine-friendly. Plants from the garlic and onion family, which includes leeks and chives, are toxic for dogs. You may have heard people laughingly assure you that “Oh, I give my dog that stuff all the time and he’s fine!” He’s not fine.
  • He can’t communicate the discomfort he may feel. In addition, a toxin may not kill but it may cause damage that adds up over time. It also can weaken the immune system so when your dog is exposed to a germ or a parasite, he’s unable to fight it off efficiently.
  • Cooked bell peppers: Cooking makes bell peppers softer and more digestible, but overcooking destroys some of the nutrients. Steaming is the best cooking method for preserving nutrition because there’s no boiling water to leach out the vitamins. Roasting is similar but often produces scorched areas that are tough to chew.

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers In Treats?

can dogs eat green bell peppers

Can dogs eat green peppers, you asked? By now you see that they certainly can, but red peppers are better for them. Here are two different recipes to share with other dog lovers:

Red Bell Pepper Dog Treats from DogTipper

INGREDIENTS:

3-1/2 cups rice flour
1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup minced carrots
1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 cup homemade chicken broth (without any onion or garlic)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash red bell pepper and discard the stem, pith, and seeds.
Add broth, eggs, yogurt, and olive oil to flour; stir slowly. Add chicken and vegetables, stirring until mixed.
Use a melon ball scoop or spoon to divide the dough into golf ball-sized balls. Roll, then flatten with the back of a fork on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely on a drying rack, then refrigerate.

Dehydrated Vegetable Dog Treats from Kiki Kane

You can dehydrate any dog-safe veggies and fruits but in this recipe we walk you through the processing technique for dehydrated bell peppers.

INGREDIENTS:

2 red bell peppers

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rinse all your veggies well.

Prep sweet bell peppers by removing seeds and white pith. Slice into 1/4″ strips.

On a large cookie sheet or sheet pan, place a clean dry tea towel or two layers of paper towels. Place veggies onto the dry towel, adding another towel on top and another layer of veggies on top of that until all the veggies are nestled in. Pat or squeeze gently.

Layer dried veggies onto dehydrator trays, taking care to make sure nothing is touching.

Dehydrate between 110-140 degrees for at least 8 hours.

You can use your oven instead of a dehydrator, set to the lowest possible setting. Start checking dryness at 4 hours and every 30 minutes or so thereafter.
When fully dehydrated, allow veggies to cool to room temperature, then pack loosely in an airtight container or bag.

Veggies dried crisp will last longer than veggies dried to the chewy state.
Chewy veggies should be eaten in the next couple of days or kept in the fridge ideally.
Crispy-dried veggies should last 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Can Dogs Eat Green Peppers?

Absolutely yes, but only bell or sweet peppers, nothing hot with capsaicin. Be sure to wash them clean of pesticides, agricultural wax, soil, and other contaminants.

Can Dogs Eat Jalapeño Peppers?

can dogs have jalapenos

Absolutely not! No! Never! All hot peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that is very irritating to mucous membranes in the eyes, nasal passages, mouth, and all along the digestive tract. It will definitely cause your dog pain, later if not sooner.

What About Chili Peppers?

No. Granted that people in Mexico, Indonesia, and other places feed their babies hot peppers from infancy on, but humans have different digestive systems.

Is Raw Or Cooked Bell Pepper Better For Dogs?

Raw peppers are crunchy and retain more nutrients but contain more indigestible fiber. Cooked peppers are easier to digest but heat breaks down the chemical bonds of some nutrients. Pooches who aren’t accustomed to eating vegetables or fruits might like cooked peppers, especially with a doggy gravy or sauce.

Can Dogs Have Peppers In Stir-Fry?

Yes to all bell peppers but no to any hot peppers and no to garlic and onion. Some cooking oils are very beneficial for canine health, and you can add most kinds of low-fat, unprocessed meats as well as clean seafood. Dogs enjoy many kinds of vegetables as long as they aren’t gas-producing or too starchy.

Can Dogs Eat Black Pepper Seasoning?

NO. Black pepper should not be fed to dogs because their digestive system isn’t designed to process it. Black pepper isn’t even related to bell peppers but is a dried seed from a totally different plant. When in doubt, remember that any food that bites, stings, burns, or fumes is not good for your dog.

How Many BTUs Are In Bell Peppers?

No pepper contains any BTUs, which are British thermal units measuring energy required to raise the temperature of water. However, in 1912 Wilbur Scoville devised a scale to measure the amount of spicy pungent heat generated by the capsicum in peppers.

The scale is based on Scoville heat units or SHUs. Bells, sweet banana peppers, and pimentos rank 0-100. The hottest peppers rank over 1,000,000 SHUs.

Do Dogs Need Variety In Their Diet?

Yes. Nutritionally they need variety to be sure they get an adequate amount of the right nutrients. Psychologically, as intelligent beings they need stimulation and new experiences.

BEST NATURAL DIET FOR DOGS

What’s The Difference Between Capsaicin, Capsicum, And Capsanthin?

Okay, so maybe this isn’t a frequently asked question but the answer might be helpful to know. Capsaicin is a compound made by plants of the Capsicum genus that causes a sensation of heat and stinging. In some countries, a bell pepper is commonly referred to as a “capsicum.”

Capsanthin is a natural red dye found in certain Capsicum species including red bell peppers, some chiles, cayenne, and paprika. It also is a nutrient promoting eye health.

Concluding Thoughts

are bell peppers safe for dogs

In answer to your question – can dogs eat bell peppers? – the answer is a big YES for several reasons. Being pack animals, and you being the pack, your dog loves to share activities and foods with you. It’s bonding.

We’ve discussed some ways you can give your dog bell peppers, but we haven’t suggested how much it would mean to your dog for you both to eat the same meal together. Bell peppers are good for both of you.

How To Boil Chicken For Dogs: How To Guide 2022 – Raw, Cooked, Organic + Recipes

June 11, 2022 by Debbie

The scent of cooking chicken wafting through your kitchen is maddeningly delicious, especially for your dog. You want to know how to boil chicken for dogs? Good question because you can’t just boil it. For your dog to get the best benefits from the chicken, there are some special things you can do. And we’re going to fill you in right now!

How to Cook Chicken for Dogs & Knowing What Is Organic Chicken

Knowing how to boil chicken for dogs starts with knowing how to choose the chicken. You always hear about “quality meats,” but what does that really mean? The canine appetite is pretty open to suggestions, but domesticated animals rely on humans to provide them with the best possible choices.

Choose a USDA (US Department of Agriculture) Organic chicken. In general, the definition of “organic” refers to raising animals or plants without artificial chemical additives. But a food label can claim to be organic even when it only contains a small percentage of organic ingredients. On the other hand, when certified by accredited agencies such as the USDA, it means that the farm adheres to strict guidelines for the entire lives of the chickens and submits to annual inspections.

The poultry must have access to the outdoors and have been raised without antibiotics or hormones. Certified feeds contain no animal by-products, genetically engineered grains, or plants grown with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Take advantage of local sources for chicken and produce whenever possible. Not only are you supporting your community’s businesses, but your food is fresher. The birds don’t need to be injected with solutions made of salt and preservatives to increase their market weight. You can physically see your chickens’ living conditions.

Raw vs. Cooked Food for Dogs

Because you love your furkids, you want the best for them. Provide them with a combination of nutrient-dense foods in the right balance and IT will make a big difference in their health. One of the most important goals for Happy Tails is teaching you how to prepare fresh ingredients in the right proportions.

An increasing number of pet lovers are discovering the benefits of a balanced raw diet. One type is the BARF diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Give pets what they would seek out in the wild in its freshest and most natural form.

Other people feel more comfortable cooking their pets’ dietary elements. Cooking causes changes, as you know. Boiling changes the texture of meat by breaking down protein bonds when allowed to continue cooking for 10 minutes. Cooking also makes some nutrients more easily digested and absorbed by elderly dogs or dogs with gut issues.

It’s okay to offer both raw and cooked foods when you follow USDA food safety rules. It’s not a matter of raw VERSUS cooked, but rather a matter of knowing how to use both methods of food preparation to feed your pooch a variety of healthful homemade meals. Your dog will love you for all of it!

How Long To Boil Chicken Breast For Dogs

boiled chicken for dogs

Check out our recipes below! The most accurate answer has more to do with the chicken than the timer, though. Locally sourced organic chicken meat is safe to give raw. Chain-store chickens, however, have usually been raised in factory-type conditions, fed antibiotics and hormones, processed with salty preservative injections, and transported long distances.

That kind of chicken meat should be boiled at least 10 minutes, longer if necessary, to fully cook it so no pink color remains and so the internal temperature measured with a meat thermometer measures 165F.

Is Chicken Good for Dogs?

Yes, chicken is really good for dogs. It’s a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Birds have been natural prey for canines for tens of thousands of years. White meat, found in the breast and wing meat, has more protein and less fat than dark meat. Dark meat, found in the thighs and drumsticks, has more fat but also contains more zinc and iron.

Chicken skin carries a lot of extra fat. If you offer clean raw chicken, white meat contains niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Knowing how to boil chicken for dogs is a valuable skill because you learn that you can add other foods rich in B vitamins like garbanzos (chickpeas), lentils, and other edible legumes. Chicken livers and gizzards are also great for your furry buddies.

Processed poultry is not good for dogs. Hot dogs, sausage, canned meats, baloney, and other lunchmeats, as well as breaded frozen nuggets and strips, are made with unsafe amounts of fat, salt, preservatives, even sugar, fillers, and artificial coloring agents. You don’t know how old they are or what poultry parts were used during manufacture. See our post on Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni for more information.

Basic Canine Nutrition

Each species has its own nutritional needs. However, each individual has its own nutritional needs as well, depending on age, activity level, and health status. Canines are natural omnivores, adapted to eating a wide selection of meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grasses.

In the wild, the pups’ first solid food after their mother’s milk is her regurgitated stomach contents. The pack also consumes the stomach contents of its prey, along with eggs and small game such as rabbits, fish, lizards, amphibians, insects, grubs, and worms.

Here’s a run-down on general canine adult maintenance nutritional needs:

  • Protein: 10-20% of calories
  • Fat: 5.5% of calories
  • Carbohydrates: 30-60% of calories including soluble and insoluble fiber

Protein, fat, and carbs are the main groupings of nutrients. Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and other essential ingredients in smaller proportions. In general, a varied diet of fresh nutrient-dense ingredients will benefit your dog.

Homemade raw diets recommend the following:
– 50% raw muscle meat
– 10% organ meat
– 40% plant material with sweet potatoes and legumes.
+ Raw meaty bones

A variation suggests a slightly different ratio of 40% meat, 40% vegetables, and 30% grains. Quinoa, buckwheat, and barley are more nutritious and better tolerated than some other grains. Many include a digestible, clean-sourced vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure their pets get all nutrients in a balanced ratio. Adding a clean-sourced Omega oil is also very beneficial for coat, skin, brain and joint health.

As you can see, there’s a lot more in knowing how to boil chicken for your dog than just boiling water. It’s good practice to introduce changes slowly in small amounts at first to monitor for allergies.

Can Dogs Eat Boiled Chicken Bones?

CAN DOGS EAT CHICKEN BONES

You may wonder how our furkids’ ancestors survived for all those thousands of years eating bones. Today we hear warnings all the time about the dangers of giving them bones. The answer lies in what bones are made of. Bones are living tissue covered with a membrane and nourished with a blood supply like any other tissue.

To absorb shock better, bones are flexible. Wolf-dog ancestors in the wild didn’t hunt half-ton Angus bulls. They ate whatever they could catch. The bones were soft and wet and easy to chew. What’s more, the wolf-dog ancestors had jaw muscles and specialized teeth for crushing those bones.

Today our dogs’ jaw muscles aren’t accustomed to heavy-duty chewing. The problem with cooked bones is that the fat and collagen melt out of the mineral tissue, leaving brittle structures that splinter when chewed.

The answer to your question about how to boil chicken for dogs and feed them the bones is NO. Cooked bones are a big risk. Just because your dog ate some without consequences once doesn’t mean the next time will be the same. You can give your pooch raw bones with supervision. Read our Happy Tails post about raw chicken bones.

Is Bone Broth Medicinal for Dogs?

Benefits Of Bone Broth For Dogs

If you need to know how to boil chicken for dogs, consider making bone broth. You simply simmer bones for hours to extract the nutrients. Why make bone broth? Because it’s concentrated, it’s tasty and makes other foods more appetizing. The boiling kills extracts nutrients and it’s easily digestible.

When you make it yourself, you know exactly what goes into it. Bone broths can be made from the bony carcasses of chicken, turkey, duck, beef, bison, goat, lamb, or fish. Homemade is recommended over commercial.

If you opt for commercial bone broth, get in the habit of reading the labels and looking up unfamiliar ingredients. You want to avoid unnecessary salt, MSG, artificial coloring, preservatives or onions, garlic, and mysterious ingredients such as “meat meal” or “meat by-products.” Choose human-grade instead of animal-grade for cleaner ingredients. The most healthful broth comes from organically raised animals.

How To Make Your Own Bone Broth/Stock

boiled chicken for dogs

To make your own bone broth/stock:

  • 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of bones
  • 2 quarts (2 liters) of water to make a thick broth with lots of gelatin.
  • Fewer bones make a thinner stock
  • Denser bones such as those from cattle and bison need to cook longer
  • Bring to a boil
  • Lower the heat to a rolling simmer
  • Cook for 12-48 hours.

For your pets, don’t skim off the foam because it’s made from different proteins, fat, and other good things. In fact, vitamins A, D, E, and K cannot be absorbed by the body without the presence of fat. Unless you’re making gourmet dishes for humans, don’t worry about the liquid being cloudy.

Add whatever dog-friendly veggies 3 hours before finishing. Some people like to puree raw vegetables and add them at the end. To increase the nutritional value, add an omega fatty acid supplement such as salmon oil. Strain and store in the fridge or freezer. Be sure it isn’t too hot when you add it to your dog’s meal.

Nutrients in bone broth include the following:

  • Gelatin: Collagen cooked down into smaller molecules; supports joint mobility, immune system function, and gut health
  • Glucosamine: Supports joint mobility, immune system function, gut health
  • Chondroitin: Supports joint mobility and immune system function
  • Hyaluronic acid: Supports joint mobility and immune system function
  • Glutamine: Amino acid used for making proteins and other amino acids, and immune system support
  • Calcium: Maintenance of bones, teeth, muscles, nerves, heart
  • Magnesium: Aids in cellular energy production
  • Phosphorus: Maintenance of bones, teeth, metabolism
  • Potassium: Involved in electrical conduction in the nerves, heart, and muscles
  • Fat: Provides energy, insulation, and enables absorption of several vitamins
  • Water: Makes up 80% of your pooch
  • Collagen: Most common protein in the body, a component of connective tissue; made up of amino acids glycine, arginine, proline, and hydroxyproline; supports joint mobility, immune system function, and gut health

Can I Feed My Dog Boiled Chicken Every Day?

Yes, properly prepared chicken is fine for your canine buddies every day as long as it’s
part of a balanced and varied diet that includes different vegetables and other ingredients such as canned pumpkin, plain yogurt, and salmon oil.

One way of testing how to boil chicken for dogs is to cook the meat first, then add different chopped or pureed vegetables near the end of the cooking time as we mentioned above. You can serve this stew as a snack or as gravy with your dog’s other food.

How Much Chicken For Dog By Weight

Learning how to boil chicken for dogs is learning how much to feed. Before deciding to switch to homemade food, start out slowly by introducing different ingredients one at a time. A warning: your beloved pal is at high risk of turning bratty and spoiled when offered too much of your delicious boiled chicken!

Little dogs with their tiny stomachs are especially prone to gaining weight. One reason that boiled chicken is a good choice for a supplement or snack is that it is a clean food without additives or excess fat. The recipes below explain how to boil chicken breast for dogs.

Boiled Chicken Recipes for Dogs

can dogs eat green bell peppers

Boiled Chicken And Rice For Dogs

Many veterinarians suggest boiled chicken and rice temporarily when a dog has stomach or intestinal upsets because the mixture is easily digestible. When learning how to boil chicken for dogs, remove the bones either before or after cooking the chicken so you can make bone broth/stock later.

Remember that cooked bones are dangerous for pets because they can splinter! Boneless chicken breasts are quick and easy to prepare but you can cut up a whole chicken into pieces and freeze what you don’t need.

As described above, choose fresh, locally sourced, organically raised poultry to avoid toxins and artificial additives. Use long-cooking rice (short or long grain or brown rice) because quick-cooking rice has fewer nutrients due to processing.

  • Chicken
  • Rice
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Remove fat and any bones. Although deboning is easier after cooking, deboning beforehand will shorten cooking time.
  2. Place chicken in stockpot and cover with water.
  3. Bring to boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 10-30 minutes until meat is fully cooked.
  4. Saving broth, allow to cool, then ensure all bones are removed.
  5. Cube into 1/2-1 inch pieces depending on size of dog.
  6. Pour 2-1/2 cups broth back into pot; refrigerate remainder for another purpose.
  7. While bringing broth to a boil, rinse 1 cup rice several times until water is clear.
  8. Pour rice into boiling broth and bring back to a boil.
  9. Turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes (40-45 minutes for brown rice).
  10. Rice should be soft and slightly soggy. Allow to cool thoroughly.
  11. Mix rice and chicken with fork in ratio of 2 or 3 parts rice to 1 part chicken.

Introduce in usual dog dish in small portions. Follow veterinarian’s directions regarding returning to usual feeding.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Chicken-and-Rice-for-Dogs

Debbie’s Homecooked Stew for Dogs

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups water, broth, stock, or bone broth
  • 2 cups cubed sweet potato
  • 2 large chicken breasts or beef equivalent, cut into 6 pieces
  • 2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, carrots, kale, spinach, and/or collard greens – any of the leafy cooked greens are an excellent source of vitamins/minerals)

Instructions:

  1. Place ingredients in slow cooker in order listed, covering completely with vegetables.
  2. Cook 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
  3. Remove from slow cooker, shred chicken, and stir into sweet potato/veggie mixture until evenly distributed.
  4. Store covered in fridge for up to three days or freeze in single-serve portions.
  5. Double or triple the recipe for large dogs.
  6. Stir Nutritional Supplement into each individual meal before serving.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat grilled chicken?
This is one of those “yes, but” questions. Yes, your dog can eat grilled chicken and other meats but without bones or sauces. Moreover, grilling dog-safe vegetables without added fat will make healthful additions to their meal. Remove hard-to-chew skins and charred bits.

Can dogs have burned meat?
Can dogs have boiled chicken? Yes, but it’ll burn if you don’t watch the pot. Burned chicken and other meats not only lose their nutritional value but also undergo chemical changes into toxic substances. Acrylamide is the main culprit. If you cut away the charred portions and remove all the bones, it should be safe.

What’s the difference between broth, stock, bouillon, consommé, and soup?
“Broth” and “stock” are commonly used interchangeably, and commonly argued about. Don’t sweat it.

Ingredients:

  • Broth is made from simmered meat and/or vegetables, then clarified.
  • Stock is simmered bones and/or vegetables. Stock is usually strained and cooked down and used as the base for soups and sauces.
  • Bouillon is a highly flavored paste or cube used to enhance the taste of other foods.
  • Consommé is concentrated and clarified broth or stock served as a side dish or entree.
  • Soup is liquid food in many forms.

Can dogs eat the foam on bone broth?
The foam from simmered or boiled bones and meat is protein, fat, and other nourishing ingredients. It’s very nutritious but chefs don’t like it because it makes the bone broth cloudy and lumpy.

Final Thoughts

Now you not only know to boil chicken for dogs, but you know how to boil water, too! With emotional support from your furry buddy backing you up all the way, you can’t go wrong. Dogs know when you’re doing things to help them, so all your efforts help strengthen the bond you share with your beloved canine friend. The next thing is to train your dog to howl in joy with you when you holler out loud, “I KNOW HOW TO BOIL CHICKEN FOR DOGS!”

Happy Tips: Holistic Thoughts

Prana, The Life Force In Home Prepared Food

It’s a thing for animals as well as people. If you’ve heard of chi energy in Chinese medicine or the chakra energy centers first described in India thousands of years ago, then you already know a little about integrative healing. In Ayurvedic thought, prana refers to the lifeforce and vital energy within each individual being. One of the ways to promote it is to focus on intention, gratitude, and love, pausing to appreciate what’s happening when we prepare food for our loved ones. Dogs, horses, humans, everyone.

Resources

Safe poultry practices from the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry

Learn more about the B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for dogs:
https://www.barfworld.com/WhatIsBarf/DogFoodasNatureIntended?af=1631

Finding a vet that practices integrative medicine:
https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? How To Make Canine Friendly Options

May 18, 2022 by Debbie

Humans feel a basic need to eat together and to feed each other. The term “break bread” means so much more than breaking a loaf of bread into smaller chunks — it means sitting down with members of our tribe and bonding. You consider your animal companions to be part of your tribe. So, can dogs eat pepperoni?

As meaningful as it is to share the same “loaf,” sometimes it isn’t safe. For example, loving parents don’t give taffy or peanut butter toast to their infants. Out of love, they share a safer food. That’s exactly how it is with pepperoni for your beloved pooch.

Is Pepperoni Bad for Dogs?

is pepperoni bad for dogs

One of the best habits you can develop is reading labels. Not only does it gets easier with time, but you’ll be surprised what you learn about products you used to feel safe using. Labels make it much easier to choose more healthful foods to feed your furry buddies.

As tasty as it is, pepperoni and many other processed types of meat contain a large amount of sodium. Sodium chloride is the chemical way of describing table salt. It can raise blood pressure which increases the risk of heart and kidney damage.

Without available water, too much of it causes salt poisoning, an often fatal condition of severe dehydration. Pepperoni also contains preservatives that are known carcinogens. Other ingredients include artificial coloring, fat, sugar, and spicy seasonings that irritate dogs’ digestive systems.

To avoid diarrhea or even pancreatitis, steer away from hot chilis, paprika, mustard, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, onions, and garlic. So, can dogs eat pepperoni? You know they’d LOVE to eat it, but it is definitely bad for them. Now, on to sharing some nutritional alternatives.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese Pizza?

can dogs eat pepperoni pizza

If you substitute some of the ingredients, then yes! Dogs’ digestive systems and nutritional needs are different from ours, as we’ll discuss in a moment. When you learn to substitute the milk products in the cheese, the carbs in the crust, the acid in the tomatoes, the spices and sugar in the sauce, and the fat and salt and chemicals in the pepperoni, then it’s all systems go.

Great “cheese” substitutes for your dog’s pizza:
Don’t say “Eeewww!” You know some of the things dogs eat. . . . . .

  • Bananas
  • Carrots (cooked or raw)
  • Cauliflower
  • Eggs
  • Oatmeal (cooked)
  • Peanut butter (without toxic xylitol sweetener!)
  • Pumpkin
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Squash of all kinds (Read our Happy Tails post on zucchini.)
  • Sweet potato
  • A coarse or smooth mash made of one or more of the above

Check out some great recipes at the end of this post.

Can Dogs Have Milk & Cheese?

Although nursing puppies need their mother’s milk, their bodies stop producing the enzyme lactase. Lactase enables them to digest the milk sugar lactose, which they no longer need once they begin eating solid food. In addition to being lactose-intolerant, many dogs are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk. Equally, important an allergy often extends to other dairy products such as cheese.

Cheese loses much of its lactose during the ripening or fermentation process, so different types contain different amounts. For dogs without milk allergies, eating small amounts of cheese is good as long as it’s free of acquired mold, sugar, toxic artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, and other additives. Plain organic yogurt is best.

Cottage cheese is less processed but contains more lactose. Some types have added milk. Mozzarella is an acceptable choice because it contains less fat and sodium (salt) than most other types of cheese.

Parmesan cheese, common on pizza, is very high in sodium. What’s more, the yellow powdered crumbs commonly sold as grated Parmesan cheese are usually manufactured with the addition of salt, cellulose powder (refined wood pulp to provide an inert bulk filler), and potassium sorbate (a chemical salt used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and other products). Furthermore, the labeling is unclear as to whether “100% Grated Parmesan” indicates “100% Parmesan” or “100% grated.”

What’s Wrong With Cheese?

can dogs eat parmsean cheese

What are the signs of lactose intolerance & milk allergy? Any or all of the following within about twelve hours of consuming milk products:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Vomiting

Plant-based milk and cheese can provide a safe and nutritious substitute for cow and goat milk. You always want to read the label to avoid added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. The artificial sweetener xylitol is toxic, as are macadamia nuts and chocolate. Given that, acceptable milk substitutes in moderation include:

  • Coconut
  • Hemp
  • Rice
  • Cashew
  • Almond

Why no peanut milk? According to the National Peanut Board, peanut milk is in the works.

Train Your Dog that Pizza Means to Wait for a Reward

Don’t ever feel obligated to give your dogs everything you eat even though they want it. Instead, offer them a substitute treat. Since you’re their pack leader, it’s your responsibility to oversee their health and to teach them manners. They understand that they don’t always eat the same food you’re eating at the same moment you do. At least they understand if you train them. Foods dogs shouldn’t have:

  • Avocados: A fatty acid called persin is toxic to many animals.
  • Caffeine: The stimulant that humans love is toxic to many animals.
  • Chocolate: Even small amounts contain stimulants.
  • Fat in excess: Contributes to obesity and even pancreatitis.
  • Grapes and raisins: Cause kidney failure in many animals.
  • Macadamia nuts: The exact cause is unknown but these nuts are toxic to dogs.
  • Milk products: Certain sugars and fatty acids are difficult for canines to digest.
  • Onions: In the same family as garlic, they can cause anemia.
  • Sodium: Not only causes dehydration but can lead to sodium poisoning.
  • Sugar: Leads to weight gain, tooth decay, and even diabetes.
  • Yeast dough: Eaten raw, it rises, ferments, and not only can bring about alcohol poisoning but also painfully bloats and blocks your pet’s digestive tract.

Let your pizza and other meals become a cue for them to wait for a delicious reward of another kind of treat. Can dogs eat pepperoni? They don’t need to.

Training Yourself

Most professional dog training programs emphasize consistency, repetition, and positivity. Your dog will pick up on what to expect from you as the pack leader. Resist being manipulated! You MUST train yourself to be consistent no matter how cute or demanding your pooch is. You are the Top Dog.

Train yourself to get in the habit of repeating rewards of small healthful treats, affectionate petting, or toy play immediately after your dog exhibits the desired behavior. And make the training fun so your furry student will enjoy training sessions. Something else: you love your dog or you wouldn’t even be reading this post.

It’s only natural that you’d want to share your pizza ecstasy with your best buddy. But dog psychology is a little different from human psychology. Let’s explore that a little more.

Dog Psychology 101: How Dogs Think

dog psychology

Dogs’ ancestors survived through teamwork and strengthening pack relationships. This meant repeatedly sharing meals and engaging in activities together to reinforce the pack bond. Today you can enjoy mealtimes together without sharing specific foods. You can engage in such activities as brushing, taking walks, playing, sleeping, and providing emotional support to each other during times of crisis.

Modern canines have evolved to become very observant and communicative with their human companions, so you don’t need to resort to aggressive alpha methods of training. So, can dogs eat pepperoni? The pepperoni itself won’t be as meaningful to your fur pal as it is to you: no happy memories of family get-togethers, social outings, celebrations, and so on.

What’s meaningful to your pup is that you provide love, inclusion, and food . . . . The Right foods for him or her.

The Meaning of Sharing

Do dogs want to eat everything you eat? You know they think they want everything you eat. Can dogs eat pepperoni? Not exactly but sort of. You can offer safe meat alternatives such as homemade jerky. You can make a pooch-perfect red sauce to substitute for pizza sauce by pureeing a few edibles such as red bell peppers, carrots, strawberries, and beets.

To learn more, read our Happy Tails post on beets. You can enjoy any of these same foods alongside your own pizza. Smelling them on your breath will make your dog happy because you’re both eating the same thing.

What Is the Natural Canine Diet?

In the days before dogs separated from their wolflike ancestors — the days before partnering with humans — their natural diet was very different from the way it is now. Depending on the season and location, individuals caught and ate a wide variety of small animals including rabbits, beavers, rats and other rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, eggs, insects, and earthworms. They also ate carrion.

When the pack hunted together, they brought down any available larger game. In addition to the muscle flesh, most organs were consumed as well as stomachs and stomach contents. The offal, along with fecal material, provided extra nutrition. Bones were always part of the meal. Our dogs’ ancestors also ate herbs, vegetables, grasses, and fruits such as blueberries, apples, and pears.

When pups were weaning off their mother’s milk, their first solid food consisted of what she regurgitated from her own stomach. Foraging for food was an ongoing job. The pack members burned a lot of calories searching for food, sometimes not eating for days. You wanted to know “Can dogs eat pepperoni?” Wolves didn’t.

What Foods Are Best for Dogs?

In light of revelations about processed pet foods, many pet lovers are turning to natural diets. One is called “BARF:” Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It recommends a balanced formula of fresh, clean ingredients sourced from animals and plants that meet each pet’s known nutritional needs.

The ideal BARF diet for dogs contains 70% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organ, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit. Using raw ingredients, the food is nutrient-dense without any fillers, dyes, preservatives, or other unnecessary additives.

There is no “one size fits all” dog food recipe: puppies, pregnant and nursing females, older dogs, underweight or overweight individuals, and the presence of certain medical conditions mean that a specialized nutritional balance is necessary. Remember to introduce any new food to your pet slowly to prevent digestive upsets. Buy fresh, organic ingredients from local sources.

A note about raw bones: in the wild, canines and other carnivores gain many nutrients from eating the bones of prey. We’ve been taught from childhood that bones are dangerous for dogs. The fact is that COOKED bones are very dangerous because they’re brittle and prone to splinter. Raw bones, especially the bones of young animals, offer many benefits:

  • Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous
  • Amino acids and protein
  • Fatty acids
  • Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E
  • Blood-forming minerals in the marrow including iron and copper
  • Prevention of plaque formation and tooth decay
  • Emotional enrichment by satisfying the natural instinct to chew

When you provide a BARF-type diet the right way, you’ll notice that your buddy will have more energy and feel more satisfied because proper nourishment affects every organ system. Now you know the answer to your question, “Can dogs eat pepperoni?”

See our post on Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones!

paw prints

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni Made With Turkey?

Dogs can safely eat very small amounts of turkey pepperoni occasionally, just like traditional pepperoni, but it is bad for them. Although turkey pepperoni contains less fat, it contains much more sodium. The type of meat won’t matter, but the amount of salt, sugar, fat, spices, preservatives and artificial colors will. Therefore, baloney, hot dogs, salami, and even homemade sausage are all bad for dogs.

What Is The Difference Between Cured And Processed Meat?

Cured meats have been fermented to prevent spoilage and preserve nutrients. You might be familiar with other fermented foods such as cheese, wine, sauerkraut, tea, chocolate, sourdough bread, kombucha, and miso. Pickling is another method of preservation using brine, or saltwater.

On the other hand, industrial processing involves the speedy addition of chemicals to extend the shelf life of the product, make its appearance more appealing to customers, alter its texture, and add to its bulk.

Can Dogs See The Red Color Of Pepperoni And Pizza Sauce?

Canine vision is different from ours in several ways. Red appears as dark brown or dark gray to them. In terms of color, the world to them appears in hues of blue and yellow. However, they have sharper vision in dim light than humans do, they notice motion more quickly, and they have wider peripheral vision. They rely much more on their sense of smell to identify things including pepperoni and pizza sauce.

What’s The Difference Between Cannelloni And Cannoli?

Originating in Sicily, cannoli are tubular shells of deep-fried pastry dough filled with a mixture of ricotta or mascarpone cheese, sugar, marsala wine, and sometimes orange or lemon zest, then dusted with powdered sugar.

Canneloni are thick lasagna pasta tubes stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, covered in tomato sauce, and baked. Can your dogs have them? Sure, if you substitute dog-friendly ingredients to make “canine-elloni” and “canine-oli.”

Recipes for Dogs

Can dogs eat pepperoni? They won’t need to with these healthy and mouth-watering recipes!

dog recipe

Pupizza! Homemade Pizza Treats for Your Dog

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 medium organic sweet potato, slightly cooked and chopped.
  • 1 medium organic red bell pepper
  • 1-1/2 cup organic cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup organic spinach
  • 1 organic chicken breast
  • 1 egg from a free-range source
  • 1 tsp organic canola Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Bake chicken breast, then shred and set aside.
  3. Increase heat to 400F.
  4. Combine oats, egg, canola oil, and sweet potato, then blenderize or use food processor.
  5. Roll sweet potato dough in a round shape 1/2 – 1/4 inch thick On parchment paper.
  6. Bake 15-20 minutes.
  7. Chop and blenderize red bell pepper until smooth to make pizza sauce. Drain excess water and set aside.
  8. Blenderize cauliflower to make “grated cheese.”
  9. Microwave cauliflower for 5 minutes and set aside.
  10. Do the same with the spinach.
  11. Remove baked dough from oven, then create pizza with the red bell pepper sauce, cauliflower, spinach topping, and then chicken.
  12. Bake another 15-20 minutes until edges are browned and cooked through.
  13. Cool the pizza and serve!

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Humans only: If desired, add salt, pepper, and garlic for a delicious and healthy pizza!
Check out our Happy Tails post on Peppers For Pooches.

https://holisticpetwellness.co/recipe/pupizza-homemade-pizza-treats-dog/

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dog recipe

Pooch Pizza!!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup coconut or rice flour or other flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup fresh unsalted chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400F.
  2. Coat a deep-dish pan with high-temperature cooking oil, butter, or lard.
  3. Whisk or beat flour, basil, parsley, and oregano in a large bowl until incorporated.
  4. Whisk egg in a separate bowl with chicken broth.
  5. Make a small well in the center of the dry mix, slowly pour in wet ingredients, and combine.
  6. Flour the top and roll out dough with a rolling pin or your hands until flat, smooth, and round.
  7. Transfer to the pizza pan, pressing the dough down around the sides by hand.
  8. Top with unprocessed meats, low-fat cheeses, vegetables, pup treats, mashed sweet potato, or whatever else fits your pooch’s “person(dog)ality”.
  9. Only use fresh ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat.
  10. Bake 30 minutes or until crust and cheese are browned.
  11. Cool completely.
  12. Cut into slices and serve.
  13. Time it so you can eat together!

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pooch-Pizza-for-a-Dog

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dog recipe

Homemade Dog JERKY ~ Yummm!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Lean meat, 90% meat with 10% fat
  • Organ meat like liver
  • Water
  • Cinnamon
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Grind meats.
  2. Mix a few teaspoons of spice or spices per pound of ground meat with 2 tablespoons water.
  3. Mix into the meat with hands.
  4. Flatten meat mixture by hand or with rolling pin to 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Score into strips with knife or pizza cutter.
  6. Use a dull knife to transport jerky strips to wire rack on top of baking sheet or to dehydrator trays.

Oven: If your first time making jerky, use oven. Preheat to 180-200F.
Arrange strips on rack on top of a baking sheet or pan. Line sheet with foil for easier clean-up.
Placing tray in oven, prop oven door open with wooden spoon so moisture will escape during drying.

Dehydrator: Place jerky strips on trays.
Turn on high, around 160F.
Dry 3-5 hours.

  • JERKY NOTES: Dry jerky till strips bend and crack but don’t break when bent.
  • Cool for 5 minutes.
  • Test again by bending. If still moist, keep dehydrating.
  • When dry, use scissors to cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Store in refrigerator.
  • To store longer, use a vacuum sealer to keep in the freezer for several months.
  • Safe for humans but bland-tasting.
  • Poultry meat ok to use but safer when dried in oven. Internal temperature should reach at least 165F.

Benefits Of Spices:

  • Cinnamon contains antioxidants; aids in regulating blood sugar; helps correct bad breath.
  • Turmeric is beneficial for general health, aiding in heat, joint, and brain function; may help with weight loss.
  • Ginger is good for the digestive system; eases nausea.

Final Thoughts

Can dogs eat pepperoni? To recap, pepperoni is one of several human edibles that is better substituted with canine-compatible foods. Pepperoni isn’t even good for people! By training your furry pal to wait respectfully instead of hounding you, you can strengthen the bond between you when by offering a healthful treat. Establishing and maintaining a relationship built on trust will help give you both many years to share together.

paw prints

Other Posts Of Interest

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken? Bone Up On The Real Story!
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Bones? Why They Should!
Can Dogs Eat Olives? Best Olives For Dogs & Medicinal Uses
Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Find Out WHICH Ones

Resources

How the minds of dogs are similar to and different from wolves and humans:
https://www.thelabradorsite.com/dog-psychology/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPsychology%E2%80%9D%20refers%20to%20the%20science,interactions%20of%20wolves%20and%20dogs.

Basics of canine nutritional needs:
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

More about cured vs. processed foods:
https://health-in-hand.co.uk/2018/09/24/cured-vs-processed-meat-theres-a-world-of-difference/#:~:text=Processed%20meat%20has%20none%20of,increase%20risk%20of%20heart%20disease

Can Dogs Eat Olives? Best Olives For Dogs & Medicinal Uses

March 18, 2022 by Debbie

Can dogs eat olives? If you have canine companions, then you know that dogs can eat about anything they want. They make a habit of trying at every chance they get! Maybe what you’re really asking is, “Are olives okay snacks for dogs?” The short answer is yes.

You asked the right question by asking about snacks. Olives pack a lot of nutrition, as we’ll describe in a moment. They’re tasty and filling, too, so they give your pooch the feeling of being well-fed. We’ve got a few recipes for you to try, but first, let’s find out more about olives.

What’s Special About Olives?

Olives are so special that women have been named after this Mediterranean fruit for centuries. Even Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oyl is named for them! People have been cultivating them in the Mediterranean for over 7,000 years, although remnants of olive pits with barley and fruit dating back 19,000 years have been discovered in Israel.

If dogs were with any of those people, then undoubtedly some dogs ate some olives. In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Athena’s gift of olives to the god Poseidon was more valuable than the horse he implored to give her.

However, the olive not only represented food, but its precious oil meant medicine, perfume, and fuel for light and heat, ultimately representing wealth and power for mankind. And dogkind.

Can Dogs Have Olive Oil?

can dogs have olive oil

Positively yes! Olive oil has several health benefits you should know about. It contains “healthy fats” including omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid as well as antioxidants including vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols that support a healthy immune system.

The nutrients from a teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight twice daily will promote brain function, cardiac function, and healthy skin and coat. If your pooch has never had it before, consider checking with the veterinarian first and then starting slowly.

Using EVOO is best — Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You can also use olive oil as a skin moisturizer by mixing 5-10 drops in a cup of water and massaging it into your dog’s coat daily until it’s looking good, especially during cold or dry seasons. Continue thereafter as needed.

Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?

Olives are nutritious, especially black olives. Are black olives poisonous? No. Are black olives toxic to dogs? No. Be sure to remove the pit. The only problem with olives is that salt is used in the curing process, but we’ll tell you how to de-salt them in a moment.

Can Dogs Eat Kalamata Olives?

First, you might be wondering what a kalamata olive is. It’s a cultivar, or an olive type, from southern Greece, big and brown and meaty and very nutritious. It contains hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant valued for its ability to regulate blood cholesterol levels.

Olives are like grapes in that climate makes a difference in the nutritional value and taste of the fruit. Yes, your dog can have kalamata olives as an occasional snack when you remove the pit, but be aware that they contain a large amount of sodium.

Can Dogs Eat Green Olives?

can dogs eat green olives

Yes, but green olives aren’t as nutritious as the black ones and they contain more sodium. Can dogs eat olives with pimentos? You’re really asking, “Can dogs eat pimentos?” The answer is yes! Check out our post on dogs eating bell peppers!

What’s important to remember is that many strongly flavored plants such as onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs, potentially causing digestive distress in small amounts and death in large amounts.

Can Dogs Eat Olives and Garlic?

Olives, yes, garlic NO.

How Many Olives Can Dogs Eat?

One. Two. Occasionally. Without the pit and without any stuffing except pimento.

Will Olive Pits Hurt My Dog?

are olives bad for dogs

YES. They’re sharp, hard, and indigestible. Depending on the size of your dog, the pit can lodge itself in the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing pain, damage, and/or blockage.

Can Dogs Have Olives from a Jar? Can Dogs Have Olives from a Can?

Yes, the olives are good, but the problem is in the liquid. The brine is full of sodium (the major component of salt). Dogs require much less sodium than humans; too much causes overload that can result in dehydration, high blood pressure, or fluid buildup, especially if your pet has heart, kidney, or liver problems.

You Can Take the Olive Out of the Brine but Can You Take the Brine Out of the Olive?

Can Dogs Eat Olives in Brine? The answer is YES after you unsalt them! Here is the general technique to desalinate (unsalt) your olives:

  • Drain and rinse olives.
  • Place in a bowl.
  • Cover with water.
  • Replace water hourly.
  • Repeat several times.
  • Taste for saltiness.
  • Store unused olives in olive oil (EVOO not necessary). When olives are gone, the oil can be used for cooking.

FAQ

Can Dogs Eat Raw Olives? Can Dogs Eat Olives Off The Tree?

Yes, as long as the pit is removed. Raw olives are exceedingly bitter and your dog may not like the taste. If you have a small dog that likes them, slice them so they don’t get stuck.

Why Are Black Olives In Cans And Green Olives In Jars?

Black olives are ripe, and the canning process is meant to cook and sweeten them. Green olives are unripe and uncooked, so the packing process that retains their fresh flavor uses glass jars. Both curing methods use salt.

Where Are Unsalted Olives Sold?

The curing process to remove the natural bitterness of olives involves salt, vinegar, or lye. Internet research can provide current resources as well as information on purchasing raw olives.

What Happens If My Dog Has Too Much Sodium?

Although dietary intake of too much salt (sodium) is rare in healthy dogs, symptoms of salt poisoning can be serious in puppies, older dogs, pregnant females, and dogs with medical conditions. Contact the veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

Can Cats Have Olives?

Cats can have olives if they choose to eat them, but they’re not very nutritious to the feline digestive system. What’s more, in addition to the high salt content, olives can cause an upset stomach. If the pit is consumed, it can block a small cat’s intestines.

Benefits of BARF

Before we share some delicious and nutritious dog treat recipes with you, we want to offer you information on the benefits of BARF. No, not about barfing, but about Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods. Many dog lovers are finding that their companions thrive when provided with a fresh, natural, unprocessed, balanced diet that includes the right amounts of the right nutrients.

You know that many pet food companies cut corners by adding artificial ingredients such as dyes and preservatives along with minimally digestible forms of processed leftover food sources. We know you love your dog and want what’s best.

Recipes for Treats to Use For Training And Bonding

dog recipe 2

Olive Oil Dog Biscuits
Adapted from: https://www.mcevoyranch.com/blogs/recipes-and-more/olive-oil-dog-biscuits

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of whole wheat flour (You can substitute a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour which works well in this recipe)
1 cup rolled oats ½ cup wheat germ *Optional if you are baking gluten-free
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup peanut butter – no additives, unsweetened (If you prefer not to use peanut products, you can substitute banana or pumpkin puree here)
⅓ cup McEvoy Ranch California Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 large eggs
Water to bind the dough (chicken or beef stock can be used here, too, or substitute vegetable stock if your pal is a vegetarian)

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INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 300F.
  • Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine all dry ingredients: flour, oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds and cinnamon. Combine all wet ingredients: peanut butter, olive oil and eggs.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  • Add water or stock as needed to form a thick dough that holds together but is not sticky.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead together.
  • Pat into a flat round or rectangle and roll approximately ¼ “ thick.
  • Cut into desired shapes and place on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
  • Gather scraps together, roll and cut again. (I have it on good authority that our little pals are just fine with the odd scraps as well as the perfectly cut shapes). Bake 40 to 60 minutes.
  • The biscuits will not color but you can touch-test them to see if they are firm. They will be nice and crunchy if they are firm to the touch when you pull them out of the oven. Cool and share. Tails will be wagging!

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Adapted from: www.wholefully.com/healthy-homemade-dog-treats

YIELD
2-3 DOZEN TREATS, DEPENDING ON COOKIE CUTTER SIZE

PREP TIME
20 minutes

COOK TIME
30 minutes

TOTAL TIME
50 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 cups (372 grams) whole wheat flour
1 cup (75 grams) wheat germ
1/2 cup (43 grams) ground flax seed
3 large eggs (153 grams, weighed out of shell)
1/2 cup (106 grams) olive oil
1/2 cup (122 grams) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (122 grams) pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and flax seed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, applesauce, pumpkin, and honey until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Form the dough into a disc.
  • On floured parchment paper, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thick.
  • Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and place them an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are deep golden brown and very hard.
  • Cool completely on a rack before letting your pup enjoy.

Notes
If the dough is sticky or hard to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes and/or knead in an extra tablespoon or two of flour.

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

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Pet-Friendly Woof Loaf
Adapted from: www.popsugar.com/pets/Homemade-Pet-Loaf-34073136

INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup oats
2 eggs
3 hard-boiled eggs

Notes from HappyTails: If desired, add 2 rinsed, chopped black olives (preferably after desalinating)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
  • In a bowl, mix together the lean ground turkey, chopped carrots, and peas.
  • Both are healthy for cats and dogs, giving them the nutrition they need for strong eyes and good digestion.
  • Add the oats and eggs. Mix until the loaf mixture comes together. Oats help your pet’s coat shine, and eggs offer extra protein. Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil and then add half the mixture to the pan.
  • Place the three hard-boiled eggs along the center of the loaf and then cover with the other half of the ground turkey mixture.
  • Pop in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Cut a half-inch slice from the cooled loaf and offer it to your pet. He’ll be woofing for seconds! If feeding a slice to your feline, it’s a good idea to chop it up before adding it to her feeding dish.

Yield
Makes 12 servings
Total Time
45 minutes

Final Thoughts

Can dogs eat olives? YES! And so should you! Together! Without the salt! See a few recipes below.

Milan Kundera (The Unbearable Lightness of Being): “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.”

More Related Posts

  • Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Down Under? Yes And No
  • Can Dogs Eat Plums? Life Is The Pits!
  • Can Dogs Eat Zucchini? This Veggie Packs A Powerful Punch
  • Where Should You Attach A Leash to A Choke Chain Style Collar?
  • How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? Ultimate Chi~Wee~Wee Guide

Can Dogs Have Kiwi? Down Under? Yes And No

March 3, 2022 by Debbie

Can dogs have Kiwi? If you’re talking about those flightless floofy birds, then the answer is both NO and YES! Check out the link at the end of this post to read the sad/happy story about how dogs are helping save New Zealand’s unique but endangered birds.

What you’re really asking is, “Can dogs eat kiwi fruit?” The answer is yes, but … Don’t worry, though, because we’re going to explain the “but” part and tell you exactly how your dog can get the best health benefits from this nutritious fruit. We’ll tell you what other fruits dogs can have, and we’ve even got some kiwi fruit recipes just for pooches.

What Kind of Food Do Dogs Like to Eat?

You already know that your dog wants to eat whatever you’re eating. At the very least, she wants you to give her some of what you’re eating even if she doesn’t like it. Descended from wolf ancestors, canines are pack animals and require bonding with other members of the pack.

Since you’re the pack leader, you’re strengthening the tribal membership when you share food with your dog. Domesticated dogs have learned to use this to their advantage, especially by turning on the cuteness, although you can use that to your advantage, too.

More about that later. Through the process of domestication, dogs have become omnivores, meaning that although animal protein is their most preferred primary source of nutrition, they also eat different plants including vegetables, fruits, and grasses in smaller amounts. Can dogs eat kiwi among the plants in their diet? Keep reading.

paw prints

Dogs have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. However, did you know that for each scent receptor a human has, dogs have around 50? Their sense of taste is also different from ours. They can’t taste salt very well, but they can taste water with special receptors on the tips of their tongues.

FUN FACT: Taste buds extend to the back of their throats where more receptors for sweetness are clustered. Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, and unlike us, they can taste it with their whole mouth!

Given their instinctively omnivorous diet, they thrive on fresh, natural, unprocessed foods provided in the right balance. That’s why it’s beneficial to give them nourishing treats that are low-fat and low-sugar. All that being said, each dog’s food preferences are as individual as humans’ food preferences are.

What Are Dogs’ Nutritional Needs?

Just as kiwi birds eat roly-poly bugs and worms, canines seek animal protein and fats. Some studies indicate that they generally prefer beef and pork over chicken and lamb. Other studies show that a diet high in meat promotes more effective digestion and absorption than diets that are carbohydrate-based.

Canine energy requirements vary through the lifespan: puppies, nursing mothers, active adult dogs, and those healing from illness or injuries need more calories than inactive, overweight, and older dogs. Feeding a balanced diet is important because it means that necessary vitamins and minerals are available in a digestible form.

For example, termites can digest the carbohydrate cellulose found in wood, but dogs and humans can’t. Many overweight dogs are unhealthy and perpetually hungry because even with full stomachs, they aren’t getting enough of the right kind of nutrition.

Many dog lovers have found that feeding their pets BARF improves their health. “Whaaaat?” you’re asking. “BARF” stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.” It refers to fresh, unprocessed, clean food of the right variety in the right proportions.

Along those lines, they feed their dogs home-grown veggies and fruits from their own gardens, free of harmful additives, toxic pesticides, and fresh as fresh can be. Can dogs have kiwi as part of a BARF diet? Yes!

What Is Kiwi Fruit?

To better answer your question — can dogs eat kiwi — first let’s explain what kiwi fruit is. The Chinese have been eating it for thousands of years. Servicemen in New Zealand during World War II liked the “Chinese gooseberries” growing on woody vines. Technically the fruit is classified as a berry because of the way it develops from the flower.

Why Would Anybody Want to Eat a Kiwi Fruit?

When you first see the brown, hairy-looking thing you wonder how it could be edible. But the inside looks like emeralds! It tastes as sweet as melon.

can dogs have kiwi

Yes! Use the succulent kiwi flesh, minus skin and seeds, as an occasional supplement or treat.

Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?

As we’ve mentioned, canine and human systems are different but kiwi provides many vitamins and minerals. Can dogs have kiwi? We’re going to explain how.

Can Dogs Eat A Whole Kiwi Fruit?

No. While large dogs can easily fit a whole kiwi into their mouths, they run the risk of choking on it. Additionally, the skin and seeds aren’t safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Have Kiwi Skin?

They’re physically able to eat it but it might irritate their mouths or cause choking. Canines can’t digest the tough, fibrous skin. Although fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps push it along, too much causes diarrhea, cramps, gas, constipation, or even dangerous obstructions. While pureeing and cooking are two methods of helping soften indigestible fiber, the doggie digestive system is better off without kiwi skin.
What should you do if your dog devours some? Use the BEAM method of monitoring your pet:

What Is BEAM? A Tool To Evaluate Your Pet

  • Behavior: Eating, drinking, and pooping
  • Energy: Changes from what’s usual
  • Attitude: Sleepiness, hiding, abdominal pain, attempts to communicate with you
  • Mood: Increased aggression, depression, withdrawal

What Happens If a Dog Eats Kiwi Seeds?

Like apple seeds and peach pits, kiwi seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin which is metabolized into cyanide. A few won’t hurt but too many will make your dog sick. How many are too many? It depends on the size, age, and physical health of your dog.

How Much Kiwi Can My Dog Eat?

Kiwis contain a lot of sugar. Dogs consuming too many carbohydrates easily gain weight. In addition, sudden ingestion of too much sugar can produce spikes in blood sugar that are dangerous for dogs with diabetes.

What If My Dog Eats Too Much Kiwi Fruit?

If your pooch eats more than a few slices, it’s BEAM time for you: make time to observe his behavior, energy, attitude, and mood for several hours, especially if the skin and seeds were consumed. Holistic Veterinary resources are found here American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Kiwi?

Golden kiwifruit is a cultivar, meaning a specially developed strain of kiwi. It has sweet yellow flesh, fewer seeds, and almost no fuzz. Yes, your dog can eat it, but since it has more sugar, less is better. They can taste how different each cultivar is.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Kiwi?

can dogs have kiwi seeds

Yes, cut into pieces without skin or seeds.

Kiwi Dog Food (It’s Not What You Think)

It’s not made with kiwi fruit! It’s a brand from New Zealand. Did you know that New Zealanders call themselves kiwis? We’re not advertising, but letting you know about it to prevent confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fruit Good For Dogs?

Although dogs don’t eat much fruit in the wild, they do ingest it indirectly by eating their prey’s stomachs and intestines.

What kind of fruit can dogs eat?

A few beneficial fruits include:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Kiwis (of course!)
  • Pineapples
  • Strawberries.

Organic fresh fruit is more healthful than canned. They should be served in moderation, cut into pieces, and free of hard seeds and tough skins. Since little dogs have very narrow gullets, blueberries are safer when squashed.

What’s the Best Way to Introduce a New Food to My Dog?

Start with a small amount in a calm environment. If the BEAM observation technique (see above) reveals no problems after at least a day or two, then repeat with a little more.

Since you know the answer to the question “Can dogs have kiwi?” you can introduce the new food by taking the time to eat it together and create a positive sharing experience.

Why Do I Need to Wash Fruit for My Dog When He Eats Gross Things Outside?

For the same reason that you need to wash fruit for yourself and the ones you love: you want to remove bird droppings, animal urine, pesticide residue, parasite eggs, slug slime, and bacteria.

How Do I Wash Fruits and Vegetables?

Even though you’ll be peeling the kiwis, it’s still good to wash the fruit first and then wash your hands afterward. Can dogs have kiwi? The answer is CLEAN Kiwi! Contamination is like glitter in that some of it always sticks around and spreads. Here are four ways to wash produce:

How To Wash Produce

  • Soak in saltwater for 20 minutes, then rinse.
  • Soak in a bath of 1 teaspoon baking soda (also called bicarbonate of soda or bicarb) added to 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then rinse.
  • Soak in 1 part vinegar (any type) with 4 parts water for 20 minutes, then rinse.
  • A less effective shortcut is running the produce under the tap for 20 seconds.

Dog Recipes with Kiwi
Remember that these treats are meant to be a supplement and training reward rather than a meal substitute. Because they contain no preservatives, uneaten portions should be refrigerated or frozen. Finally, be sure your pet isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients.

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dog recipe 2

Kiwi Chicken Dog Treats
https://doggydessertchef.com/2015/02/18/kiwi-chicken/

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup Water

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick.
With a straight edge, score the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid (a pizza cutter will work).
Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned at the edges.
Allow to cool. Break into pieces and refrigerate.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken treats? Oh, yes!

*********************************************

dog recipe 2

Tomato Mint Kiwi Chicken Dog Treats

https://doggydessertchef.com/2016/06/05/tomato-mint-kiwi-chicken/

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/2 tablespoon dried mint leaves
1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface until 1/2 inch thick.
Cut with a cookie cutter of your choice and place on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
Makes 3 to 4 dozen.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken tomato treats? Oh, yes!

*********************************************

dog recipe 2

Frozen Kiwi Strawberry Banana Dog Treats

https://doggydessertchef.com/2015/07/19/frozen-kiwi-strawberry-banana


Ingredients:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 banana
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 1/2 cup water, divided

First Layer:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup water
Add kiwi and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Second Layer:
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup water
Add strawberries and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Third Layer:
1 banana
1/2 cup water
Add banana and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Instructions:
Pour an inch or so of your first kiwi layer mixture into the bottom of each cup.
Place in freezer and allow to freeze for an hour or more.
Repeat pouring the layers, allowing them to set an hour or more in between until they are all used.
Freeze for 8 hours to allow them to fully set.
Run warm water around the mold to remove the popsicle.
Makes 4 popsicles.

Can dogs have kiwi popsicles? Oh, yes!

*********************************************

Final Thoughts

Now, about dogs helping save kiwi birds in Zealand: two German Shorthaired pointers are working for the New Zealand Department of Conservation to locate kiwis and their nests. Can dogs have kiwi? Neo and Beau are helping prevent their extinction so the whole world can have kiwi. T

hese two beloved pooches may actually hold the future of the endangered birds in their paws. Or in their sniffers. As ambassadors for conservation efforts throughout the country, they’re ambassadors for the canine species as well. Check out their story here, and then go treat your own doggos to kiwi treats. They deserve it.

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Where Should You Attach A Leash to A Choke Chain Style Collar?
Be Your Own Dog Trainer For Beginners Start NOW
How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? ~ Your Ultimate Chi~Wee~Wee Guide

Resources

General Information about Canine Nutritional Needs
https://www.nap.edu/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

The BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
https://www.barfworld.com/ingredients

Food Safety at Home — a guide for anyone of any gender who prepares food)
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/food-safety-home

How to Wash Produce
https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/05/22/how-to-remove-pesticides-from-vegetables-and-fruits-2/

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