Author: Blessing Otoro

Blessing Otoro is a certified canine nutritionist with over 4 years of experience in helping dogs live healthy through well-planned diets. Blessing started her journey from the lovely companionship she shared with Sophie, her gorgeous pup and the desire to know the science behind her nutritional needs.

Yes absolutely, dogs can enjoy almond butter, but only in small amounts.  Giving it to them in moderation is important because their bodies are different from ours. Treats like almond butter are high in fat and calories and too much of this can cause weight gain and pancreatitis. Some almond butter also contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. As responsible pet owners, do not fail to check the ingredient list and only give your dog plain almond butter.  Just like with any new food, start with a small amount and watch for any allergic reactions or…

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No, dogs should not eat prunes (dried plums) A Sneak Peek into Prunes and Plums As a pet owner, you may be confused because you can’t fathom how the dried plumes otherwise known as prunes are not recommended for dogs, I’ve been there before. However, research has helped me really understand the difference between the two, so let me share from my knowledge bank with you: Prunes are the dried version of plums, they are the same fruits, it’s just that one is now in a dehydrated form due to the drying process. Now, this process concentrates all the natural…

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No, I’d strongly recommend against giving your dog, because of the presence of sodium, fat, and other harmful preservatives. What is Spam? I can guess what comes to your mind when someone says I’m having spam for dinner, don’t worry it simply means a canned pork meat made by Hommel Foods Corporation. Although pork and ham make up the majority of the ingredients in spam, it also contains ham, salt, water, potato starch, and sodium nitrate as preservatives. Is spam safe for dogs? You may be thinking “ oh it’s just meat, it’s practically harmless” . I’m here to tell…

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Absolutely, dogs can have some Cheerios but in moderate amounts and there should not be flavor on them at all. It may sound like I am being a buzzkill, but follow me. While they contain fiber due to being made from oats, they have very little of the proteins, healthy fats, and other nutrients that dogs need in their diet.  Is Cheerios a Safe Treat for Dogs? You are in the clear when it comes to plain cheerios, so as long as you pay attention to: Sugar Content:  For instance, Honey Nut Cheerios and other varieties always have sugars, which…

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No, as delicious as it is, I wouldn’t recommend Mac and Cheese for dogs because this dish contains pasta, cheese, and milk which poses a lot of problems for dogs. Why Is Macaroni and Cheese Not Ideal for Dogs? Here’s why this dish is not safe for your pup:  Digestive Issues: Many dogs do not have the enzyme (lactase) that properly digests lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. So, consuming dishes like this can cause diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach upset High carbs and Fatty Content: Mac and cheese is filled with refined carbs…

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To be honest with you, the answer is an absolute no, your dogs cannot eat raisin bread. From my research, I realize this food is toxic to their health and also causes kidney failure. Raisins and their Toxicity to Dogs Raisins, whether in their plain form, in trail mixes, or baked in the bread are still very toxic to your dog. Although, what causes this toxicity is not known but if you offer even a small amount of this food to your pet, trust me you’re risking kidney failure and I’m sure you wouldn’t want this. The potency of this…

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No, I won’t recommend potato skin for your dogs and it’s not for the reason you think. No, they’re not toxic, but they will mess up your pet’s digestive system.  Potential Risks of Potato Skins These are what makes potato skins an unwholesome meal for your pets: Solanine Content: Potato skins contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs in large quantities. While ripe potatoes contain low levels of solanine, green or spoiled potato skins may have higher concentrations which may cause solanine poisoning if your dogs consume more than the required amount.  Digestive Upset: Potato skins have a…

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Yes sure, they can. The Allure of Peanut Butter Cookies for Dogs Peanut butter is a favorite treat for many dogs, thanks to its irresistible aroma and flavor that appeals to them. When you combine it with other ingredients, it becomes even more enticing for them.  I  believe that the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter mixed with the sweetness of sugar and the cookie crunchiness creates a sensory experience that drives dogs wild with desire. Also, the fatty content of this treat gives it an extra dose of palatability that only a few dogs can resist.  Can Dogs Actually…

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Sure they can, but in small amounts. Although, you have to be careful due to the presence of certain components in these fruits  Okay to better explain what I mentioned above about the presence of certain components, stay with me. Mandarins have natural sugars, citric acids, and oils that can cause digestive issues for your dog if they eat too much of it. Also, the fiber content of this fruit can make them choke or block their intestines if they eat too much. Are Mandarins Safe for Dogs? To give you a clear understanding of how to feed this fruit without…

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Well, I’m not exactly a fan of feeding your dog bacons of any sort, even if it’s one as delicious as turkey bacon. However, as long as you can feed it to them plain, cooked, and in moderate amounts, it’s all good.  How Turkey Bacon is Made? For those who haven’t heard of this treat, turkey bacon is made from turkey flesh that has been cured, smoked, and cut into strips, giving it an uncanny resemblance to traditional bacon. But the interesting thing about this treat is it’s ideal for those who want their dogs to feed on leaner meat.…

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I want to point this out for the record – sausage is literally one of the worst meats for dogs. Why? I’m glad you asked. Sausage is high in fat, salty, and contains other ingredients that won’t agree with your dog’s stomach. So, it’s a no-go.  Why is Sausage Bad for Dogs? Here’s why you’ll get a resounding no every time you ask if it’s okay to feed your dog sausage: What should I do if my dog eats a sausage? First things first, observe your pet to see if they will show any symptoms. A small amount of plain…

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Of course, you can feed your dogs hamburgers, but… not so fast. Things to Consider Before Giving Your Dog Hamburgers But before you serve these delicious treats to your dogs, here are a few things that would be good for everyone to know: Plain meat: Meat is one of the malts that makes hamburgers, however since you are serving a puppy not an individual attempt to make sure there is no season in the meat. Serve this food straight up, for the safety of your furry friend. Avoid Dangerous Ingredients: Everyone knows that hamburgers are juicy and dogs usually love…

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