Cooking Vegetables For Your Dog
July 19, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
While certain vegetables such as carrots can be served raw to your dog, most vegetables can benefit from some form of cooking to make them more digestible (softens the fibrous parts) and enhances flavour.
The best cooking method is to steam as it minimizes nutrients from leaching into the water. Plus, there is a slimmer chance of overcooking the vegetables, which may further destroy some of the nutrients. When cooked, cut into small pieces and serve at room temperature.
Baking or roasting would be another good cooking method, especially for pumpkins or sweet potatoes. You can also dehydrate thinly sliced vegetable strips using the oven (on low heat for several hours) to create your own dried food treat.
Vegetables can be a low-calorie snack packed with a good dose of fiber, vitamin and minerals and antioxidants. It is a natural, wholesome choice and a better option than most commercial treats in my opinion!
On a side note, there will be a nutrition workshop happening at Barking Babies in downtown Vancouver in August, be sure to stay tuned for more details!
Dog Treats
July 4, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
Giving out treats to your furry friend can be a great way to reward good behaviour, but giving too many treats can lead to weight gain since the calories can quickly add up!
It is recommended treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake – how much that will be varies depending on each individual dog (based on breed, size, their activity/exercise level, and age). In Vancouver, there is an overwhelming selection of dog treats in all the pet stores that I have visited, and I have noticed that not all treats are created equal, so be sure to read labels to find out the quality of the products. Or even better, make your own treats at home using natural, wholesome ingredients.
Need homemade treat ideas? Check out our previous posts for inspirations!
Berries for Dogs in Vancouver!
June 12, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
Next time you pick up berries from the grocery store or the farmer’s market for yourself, why not save a handful for your pup!
Berries are a rich source of antioxidants, which is beneficial for preventing cell damage. Berries are also high in vitamin C and fiber. You can feed fresh berries straight out of your hand, or bake them into treats or even serve them frozen as a crunchy snack in the summer.
Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are safe to feed, but never feed cherries, hollyberries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries.
Dog Nutrition Workshop in Vancouver
April 9, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
Come join us for an evening of fun at Barking Babies in downtown Vancouver on Thursday, April 24th at 7pm!
Our dog nutritionist will be conducting a workshop at Barking Babies covering the following topics:
• Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs
• The best dog treats
• Good and bad human foods for dogs
As a bonus, we will also have a short segment on human nutrition to help you spring clean your diet and discover some strategies to plan healthy meals and snacks for you and your dog!
Cost is $20 – register today in person at Barking Babies (1188 Homer Street in Yaletown, Vancouver) before all the spots are gone!
Check out our workshop flyer for more details.
Feeding your dogs in Vancouver
March 17, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
A good diet for your canine will help keep your dog looking and functioning at their best. Dog food producers incorporate different ratios of nutrient in their feed to obtain a certain purpose. Varying levels of nutrients may be beneficial to your dog’s gender, breed or age.
With a huge variety of dog food on the market it can be overwhelming selecting the correct food for your dog. Keeping track of traits such as energy level, skin and coat health and stool firmness can help determine if the feed is doing its job.
Spinach for Dogs in Vancouver!
February 19, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
As much as spinach is beneficial to humans, your dog may appreciate some too. Spinach contains Vitamin C and K which may help dog’s good bone health. An additional benefit of spinach is as an antioxidant to prevent retina damage and improve eyesight.
To prepare: steam or stir fry it to maintain the nutrients. Make sure to serve it to your dog in moderation and chopped well. Avoid giving spinach raw, as it is less digestible for dogs.
Always check with your dog nutritionist and/ or vet before changing your dog’s meal plan!
Prepare for a Ruff’ Winter in Vancouver and Toronto!
February 1, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
It is still cold in Canada, do not forget to keep you pooch well fed and well dressed! This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Colder temperatures can be taxing and may require your dog to spend more energy staying warm. Look into either giving your dog a little bit extra at meal times or gradually switching over to a higher calorie feed. If you are dealing with an indoor warrior don’t overdo it with the calories. You may risk plumping up your pup!
Apples for your Dogs in Vancouver
January 14, 2014 by admin · Leave a Comment
Apples are flavorful and refreshing treats to feed your dog. Just make sure to core, seed and chop them to avoid choking. Apples contain a good source of fibre, as well as, vitamin A and C which may help contribute to a good immune system and healthy coat for your dog. Just make sure before changing anything in your dog’s meal plan that you check with your dog’s nutritionist.
Reading labels for your dog in Vancouver
December 26, 2013 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reading nutrition labels is important for more than just you and your family, make sure you do so for your dog’s health as well! Considering switching feeds? Make sure you compare the calorie counts to avoid over feeding your pet. Some feeds have double the calories in the same serving size as another brand. Always check with your dog nutritionist before making any changes.
Yogurt for Dogs in Vancouver!
November 23, 2013 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yogurt is a great source of calcium. Dogs need strong bones and teeth just like humans. There is no harm in giving your dog some yogourt for a snack or a treat. Choose one without sweeteners and artificial flavors. Make sure the milk fat is no higher than one percent. You can even freeze them in ice cube trays for a summer time treat!
