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.

Well, you can feed your dogs these veggies, but it has to be in small amounts because feeding your pets large quantities of paprika can induce diarrhea or vomiting. And not to say that paprika is toxic, far from it. However, its spicy nature can irritate your pet’s digestive system, so moderation is key. Potential Risks of Paprika for Dogs While paprika may not be toxic to dogs, there are potential risks that come with feeding it to them: Capsaicin Content: Some paprika varieties contain capsaicin, a compound responsible for the spicy heat in chili peppers. When your dog eats…

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No, dogs should not eat gingerbread. Here’s why: Gingerbread contains ingredients that are harmful to your pup like nutmeg which causes neurological issues and lots of ginger which gives them stomach upset. Not forgetting the high sugar content from ingredients like molasses which leads to weight gain, dental problems, and even pancreatitis. I know this is a lot to handle especially when you want to share the experience of enjoying this sweet treat but sadly it poses more harm than good. Don’t worry I’m here to explain in detail:  What Are the Risks of Feeding Your Dog Gingerbread As I…

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Well, yes, but not without considering some things. Let’s get to it.  When Are Collard Greens Okay for Dogs to Eat? Though collard greens are not toxic foods, I recommend following these guidelines for the safety of your pup: Health benefits of collard greens for dogs Collard greens provide several health benefits for your dogs when they consume it in moderation or as part of a balanced diet such as: When are collard greens bad for dogs? Although collard greens are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, there are certain instances where they can be harmful: Safe consumption guidelines…

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You have to be joking, right? C’mon that stuff is a mix of meat and every trouble you can think of for dogs. That’s a big no from me. Why Raw Bacon is Bad for Dogs? Just in case you’re wondering why I’m dismissing raw bacon as a treat for your pooch, here’s why: What will happen if my dog eats raw bacon? I’ll tell you this for free – nothing good comes out of eating raw bacon although there’s a difference in their severity. Let’s take a look at the likely consequences based on how much your dog consumes:…

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Yes absolutely, dogs can eat nectarine but the key is moderation.   In my years of owning a dog and doing research on how to feed him, I’ve learned moderation makes things easy. When you feed your dog this treat in small amounts, you get the best of both worlds; the nutrients and no health risks. I’ll also advise you to prepare your nectarines well before giving them to your dog to save you the stress of running to your Vet.  What Makes Nectarines a Great Treat for Your Dog Like many fruits out there, nectarine can be a nutritious treat for…

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Well, this is interesting, isn’t it? A dog eating cat food is definitely a sight to see. Fortunately, dogs can eat cat food and get away with it. But there’s a catch – it won’t give them the nutrients they need.  Dogs eating cat food is a pretty common occurrence, especially if the cat’s food bowl is within their reach. Although I don’t endorse your dogs regularly feasting on it, an occasional munch here and there won’t hurt anyone.  How Safe is Cat Food for Dogs? Like I said before, if dogs eat small amounts of cat food on rare…

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I wouldn’t want to deny your dogs this delicious treat, so yes, you can feed chickpeas to your dogs. However, it should be in moderation. What are Chickpeas? Chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume from the plant species – Cicer arietinum. When you cook chickpeas, they have a buttery and nutty flavor as well as a firm texture. Chickpea is a staple ingredient in several Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines and is also an excellent source of protein, fiber, folate, iron, and phosphorus. Plus, there are several ways to eat it -…

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Are you kidding? That’s like asking me if dogs can munch on cold cuts. Thanks, but no thanks. Why is Lunch Meat Bad for My Dogs? Oh, I can think of a lot of reasons why lunch meat is a horrible treat: Are there any additional risks of lunch meat for dogs? You bet that there are. The mildest one is on a nutritional level and then there’s also the risk of choking thanks to the fat, casings, or tough pieces that could get stuck in their throats. What are the symptoms of lunch meat poisoning in dogs? If your…

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Yes, dogs can enjoy elk antlers as chews only as recommended by most veterinarians. However, your job as a parent is to supervise them while they are chewing it, especially if they have dental issues or are too enthusiastic.  Are Elk Antlers Safe for Dogs? Technically it goes both ways, they can be safe when you supervise how they chew it. But in cases, where they chew without supervision, there are certain risks you need to watch out for: Can Dogs Chew Elk Antlers Safely? In this section, I’ll break it into two parts. Firstly, I’ll show you the risks…

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C’mon, that stuff is poison to your dogs. Do you want to know what my advice is? Dogs and cold cuts shouldn’t be in the same sentence. That’s a big no from me.  Why Cold Cuts Are Bad for My Dogs There are a billion reasons I can think of but I won’t bore you with all of them. So, let’s just discuss a few: Are there any additional risks of eating cold cuts for dogs? If those reasons I gave are not scary enough, perhaps this might turn the tide. Because of the fat and casings in cold cuts,…

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To put it simply, onion rings and any other food containing onions are not safe for dogs to consume, so no they cannot eat onion rings. I know you’re curious because this snack is popular for its crispy texture and delicious taste. Ohh, when you remember how you dipped it in a batter or breading and its beautiful golden brown color after you deep fried it, the crunch on the outside and softer texture on the inside, this contrasting combo that makes you vow you must enjoy it at least 3 times a week. Trust me, I know how it…

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I cringed when I saw this question somewhere because if there’s any food your dogs should never have, it’s blue cheese. That’s because eating blue cheese can pose serious risks to your pets due to the presence of toxic substances and potential adverse reactions. Why is Blue Cheese Bad for Dogs? There are so many reasons I won’t recommend feeding your dogs blue cheese and these are some of them: Fungus: The blue mold (Penicillium roqueforti) used in making blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton produces a mycotoxin called roquefortine C. This mycotoxin can be toxic to dogs and…

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