Protein 2: Whitefish
The term Whitefish refers to any type of fish that has flaky white meat. Most whitefish such as cod and pollock are low in fat, but have a high amount of protein with lots vitamins and essential minerals. This makes it an excellent protein source for dogs. Whitefish is known for its high phosphorus content which is known to help maintain good bone structure and density in healthy dogs.
Whitefish contains lots of B vitamins–vitamin B12 essential for healthy nerve function and the production of new red blood cells, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), for proper protein metabolism. While vitamin B3 (niacin) aids in energy metabolism and helps support the immune system. Plus, whitefish contains nutrients known to promote help promote healthy brain function.
This poultry-free fish dinner combines high-protein, fish-based kibble with pieces of 100% raw whitefish for a balanced meal that is naturally rich in omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. The raw fish pieces have been freeze-dried using the latest technology making it a safe and a convenient way of offering pets crave-worthy taste with the benefits of raw protein as a part of their regular diet. Wellness CORE RawRev contains no artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives. This single-source protein recipe is a great food option for dogs with chicken-sensitivities or those who enjoy the taste of seafood.
As your mind races to figure out what to do, you decide that it’s time to get creative with the food that you have on hand. Chances are good that you have the ingredients for an “in a pinch” meal or two for your dog until you can purchase more regular dog food.
If you really want to have some fun, check out these recipes for more ideas on what to feed your dog in a pinch.
You can also cook some ground beef and add that in with some cooked or raw vegetables and plain brown rice.
Another quick meal, particularly for breakfast, is 2-3 scrambled eggs over vegetables and a cooked grain. Add some fruit to give your dog something sweet to munch on.
Life gets busy, so it’s understandable if you run out of dog food every once in a while. Surely, your dog won’t mind having some human food for a meal or two. Remember to keep those “in a pinch” meals healthy and get some regular dog food as soon as you can.
Packaged Dog Food Is Nutritionally Complete
Before you get cooking for your canine companions, an important note:
Good-quality commercial dog foods are nutritionally complete and balanced to provide the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals your dog requires.
The tips and recipes here will help you provide a healthy, dog-friendly meal “in a pinch”. These suggestions and meals, while all perfectly safe and healthy for your dog, are not 100% nutritionally complete and should not be fed for longer than 5-7 days – which should be enough time to get your dog back to their regularly scheduled feeding program.
Feeding Your Pets Too Much Chicken?
Dogs have a different digestive system from humans. This means that some foods that are safe for people can be harmful or even very dangerous for dogs.
However, many human foods are also safe for dogs and can provide important nutrients and health benefits.
Here, we look at which people foods are safe for dogs and which not to feed them.
While many people foods are safe for dogs, they should generally only eat in them moderation.
Carrots are a healthful food for dogs. Chewing on carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth and otherwise promote good dental health.
Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is beneficial for a dog’s immune system, skin, and coat.
Apples are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate a dog’s digestion. However, eating rotting apples can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs.
Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option for a dog with an upset stomach, as it is easy to digest and helps bind stool.
White rice can cause blood sugar levels to rise, however, so dogs with diabetes should only eat it in small amounts.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are safe for dogs to have in very small quantities.
Eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. This is because dogs have low levels of lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk.
Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerances include diarrhea or vomiting after consuming anything that contains dairy.
Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and good sources of protein.
Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog’s immune system, coat, and skin healthy.
The B vitamins in shrimp can also help maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation.
It is important to cook fish before feeding it to a dog, as uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites.
Plain, boiled chicken with no seasoning is a good option when a dog has an upset stomach.
Unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or sweeteners is safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
Peanut butter contains many beneficial elements, including vitamins E and B, niacin, healthful fats, and protein.
However, it is vital to check that the peanut butter does not contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Anyone who suspects that their dog has ingested xylitol should immediately contact a veterinarian or call an Animal Poison Control Center.
Popcorn contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are all important for keeping dogs healthy.
Make sure dogs do not eat any unpopped popcorn kernels, as this could cause them to choke.
However, they should only consume small portions of pork, as the high fat content is hard for dogs to digest, and it can cause inflammation and pancreatitis.
Cooked turkey is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be plain and unseasoned. Many commercial dog foods contain turkey, as it is a good source of protein.
Before giving cooked turkey to a dog, remove the fat first. Too much fat can cause pancreas issues in dogs.
Blueberries are safe for dogs to eat and a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which can provide a range of health benefits for dogs.
Research from 2012 suggests that antioxidants may help improve age-related issues in older dogs.
Dogs can eat bananas in moderation. They are full of magnesium, which is important for good bone health.
Cucumbers are a safe, low-calorie snack for dogs, and they can be a good option for those who are overweight.
Plain green beans are a good, healthful snack for dogs. They are a source of protein and also contain calcium, iron, and vitamin K.
Dogs can eat green beans cooked or raw. However, avoid seasoning and chop up the beans first to prevent choking.
Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, but it is important to remove all the seeds first, as these can block the intestines.
Chewing on the rind can also cause an upset stomach, so remove this too before giving the watermelon to a dog.
Watermelon has a high water content, so it can help keep dogs hydrated. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B-6.
Anyone who suspects that their dog has eaten something toxic should call a veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Avocados contain a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous. They can also be a choking hazard or block the intestines if a dog swallows them.
These products contain chemicals called methylxanthines, which are highly toxic to dogs. The chemicals can cause vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, seizures, and sometimes death.
Chocolate treats are available for dogs, but these contain a special chocolate substitute that is safe for them to eat.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants are all highly toxic to dogs. Even small quantities can cause kidney failure and, in some cases, death.
Also, refrain from giving dogs any product that may contain these foods, such as fruit cake or malt loaf.
Citrus plants and their fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain citric acid. While eating small amounts of the peeled fruit is okay for some dogs, it can cause an upset stomach.
Although not toxic, large amounts of cinnamon can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver disease in dogs.
A person should also limit how much coconut oil or flesh they give their dog, as these foods can cause upset stomach or diarrhea.
Dogs should not eat ice cream, due to its high sugar content. Also, some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Onions, garlic, and chives are all part of the Allium genus. They contain substances called organosulfoxides, which are toxic to dogs and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Raw meat can contain Escherichia coli and Salmonella, which are types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs and humans. Cooking the meat properly kills the bacteria.
In recent years, certain manufacturers have promoted the benefits of raw meat for dogs, and some boutique products contain it.
It is important to understand that raw meat diets pose health risks to dogs and may not provide a complete nutritional balance.
Eating raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency in dogs, which may affect the health of their skin and coat.
Too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination in dogs, as well as sodium ion poisoning.
However, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. It can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels.
The yeast in dough can cause it to keep expanding inside the dog’s stomach, which can cause bloating and lead to dangerous complications. The yeast also produces ethanol, and this can cause alcohol poisoning.
Never give a dog alcohol or products containing it. Alcohol is very dangerous for dogs and can lead to a range of serious complications, including coma and death.
Many human foods are safe and nutritious for dogs. However, a person should generally feed dogs these foods in moderation, as larger quantities can lead to health issues.
It is crucial to keep any foods or substances that are dangerous for dogs out of their reach.
If in doubt about a particular food, speak to a veterinarian before giving it to the dog.
Anyone who suspects that their dog has ingested something potentially harmful should immediately call a veterinarian or an Animal Poison Control Center for advice.