10 Best Fruit For Dogs

1. APPLES

Apples are a great treat for dogs. They contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Fiber. Apples can even freshen your dog's breath but be sure to remove the seeds, which contain cyanide, and the core, which may be a choking hazard to your dog.

2. BANANA

Bananas are packed full of nutrients that are important for both humans and dogs so they make a great snack for your pup. Bananas contain Potassium as most people may know but they are also rich in Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Copper, Biotin, and Fiber. Bananas are also know to help ease minor diarrhea and increase growth of the healthy gut bacteria.

You can even use bananas to make a tasty "Ice Cream". Just freeze some bananas without the peel and when you're ready, throw them in the blender along with other fruit on this list or dog safe ingredients, like peanut butter, and you have yourself a banana "Ice Cream" that you can enjoy along with your pup.

3. BLACKBERRIES

Blackberries provide a good source of Antioxidants, Omega-3, and Fiber. Antioxidants are important in any diet because they offer many benefits such as: slowing the process of aging and protecting against cancer. All dogs can benefit from having berries in their diet since they all are great carriers of antioxidants.

4. BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are full of Vitamin C, Fiber, and just like Blackberries, they are packed with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals which cause cellular and molecular in dogs and humans alike. Some more benefits of antioxidants in dogs are the ability to help with skin allergies, asthma, and arthritis in dogs, so this is especially good for aging dogs.

5. CANTALOUPE

Cantaloupe is great for your dog in moderation. It contains high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, and Fiber. The high fiber content helps with your dogs digestive system and can prevent constipation while the Beta-Carotene promotes healthy eyes and good eyesight. Just make sure to remove the rind and seeds before serving to your dog as this may cause an upset stomach and may serve to be a choking hazard.

6. MANGOES

Mangoes are considered a very healthy and nutritious fruit and are packed with over 20 different Vitamins and Minerals. Among the top contenders is Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Fiber, and Antioxidants. This tasty fruit is a great way to boost your dogs immune system and is especially good for an older dog who may lack Vitamin C as this fruit contains double the daily recommended value. Make sure to remove the skin and the pit since it poses a choking hazard and contains small amounts of cyanide.

7. PEARS

Pears are a delicious treat for dogs in moderation. They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Fiber, Copper, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B6. Vitamin K is especially important for bone health so it is a good treat for dogs that are very active or are older and prone to weakened bones. Potassium is good for the heart and promotes healthy cardiovascular function. Low Potassium levels may cause Arrhythmia, which is an irregular heart beat. Make sure to remove the rind and seeds which contain small amounts of cyanide which is poisonous for dogs. 

8. RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are another berry that dogs can eat and that provides them with plenty of nutrients such as Vitamin C, Manganese, Fiber, Antioxidants, Potassium, and Folic Acid. One thing to remember is to not feed your dog too many Raspberries since these fruit are high in the naturally occurring sweetener Xylitol which is harmful to dogs if too much is consummed. Keep Raspberries as an occasional treat and give in moderation.

9. STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruit for humans and there's no wonder why. They are delicious and contain many beneficial properties for a healthy diet. Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Fiber, Antioxidants, and Vitamin K. Just like their cousins the blueberries, Strawberries help boost the immune system and have all the antioxidant benefits as the other berries such as reducing inflammation and helping the body fight off infections.

10. WATERMELON

Watermelons are low in calories and a great way to hydrate yourself with all natural sweetness since they are 92% water. Watermelons contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Potassium. Remove the seeds and the rind since the rind can cause internal blockage and even choking in some dogs. The seeds may be tolerated by bigger dogs but may also cause intestinal blockage in small dogs so it's best if the are removed.

For yummy Dog Treat Recipes using some of the dog friendly fruit mentioned above, check out these: 7 Delicious Dog Treat Recipes!

CBD Hemp Oil For Dogs

Disclosure: Irie CBD sent me a bottle of Hemp Oil For Animals to try out. This is my honest review based on my own dog's experience with the Hemp Oil. I am not a medical professional and I am not guaranteeing that you will have the same effects with this product.

Did you know that CBD Hemp Oil can be given to animals? I didn't know until I was introduced to Irie CBD's Organic Hemp Oil for Pets. Being intrigued about the health benefits and positive side effects this oil would have on my dog Bentley, I decided to do some research of my own. After reading many positive reviews and discovering all of the medical benefits of CBD, I decided to try the oil on Bentley and I will share my findings with you but first let's go over a few things.

 

What Exactly is CBD Hemp Oil?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in Cannabis and Hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannibinol) and CBD are the most abundant chemical compounds to be found in these plants, however THC and CBD have different effects on the body.

CBD Hemp Oil is made from the Hemp plant, not the Cannabis plant. Hemp is usually high in CBD and low in THC which is typically the opposite with Cannabis plants.

Unlike THC, CBD is considered to be non-psychoactive, meaning that it will not get you high, making this a perfect medical alternative for those who do not wish to feel the psychoactive effects including paranoia and anxiety that may come with the use of THC, which is a concern for use on animals.

CBD has been shown to help with aggression disorders, noise phobias, canine dementia, and aids in relaxation in dogs along with many other medical benefits to help prolong your dog's life and aid with pain management in ailments such as Osteoarthritis.

"A survey study conducted by AHVMA has reported that 61.8% to 95% of pet owners have endorsed the health benefits of CBD-laced treats, ranging from ‘moderate to excellent’. Some of the medical conditions that were relieved by these edible treats include pain, nervous system problems, inflammation, anxiety, nausea and/or vomiting, digestive system problems, tumors, seizures/convulsions, skin problems and phobias, including fireworks or thunderstorm phobias." - MarijuanaTimes.org

Medical Benefits of CBD On Animals

• Antiemetic - Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Anticonvulsant - Suppresses seizure activity
• Antipsychotic - Combats psychosis disorders
• Anti-inflammatory - Combats inflammatory disorders
• Anti-oxidant - Combats neurodegenerative disorders
• Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer - Combats tumor and cancer cells
• Anxiolytic/Anti-depressant - Combats anxiety and depression disorders

Our Experience With Irie CBD Hemp Oil

Bentley suffers from dry skin and tends to become really nervous and hyper when we go on walks around the neighborhood. She also frightens easily and occasionally vomits. I wanted to see if Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets would help with any of these problems so I decided to give it a shot.

Day 1

The recommended dose is 1-2 drops for every 10 pounds so I decided to start off with 1 drop for every 10 pounds and ended up giving Bentley 7 drops of the oil. I waited about 30 minutes before taking Bentley on a walk so I could let the CBD take effect. Bentley usually becomes very hyper when we go for walks, which I am not particularly fond of since I like to take my 2 year old with us. This time I did notice a decrease in the amount of pulling and nervous energy while on our walk. Bentley seemed to be more calm, which is usually how she behaves after tiring herself out. This was a nice change and we were able to stroll around the neighborhood at a slower pace and enjoy the walk versus just dashing through it.

Day 5

It has now become a routine to give Bentley her daily drops and everyday I look forward to seeing the positive behavioral impact that the drops seem to have on her. She is all around more calm and more relaxed than usual and not so anxious when I leave the house.

Week 1

After a week on consistently giving Bentley 7 drops of CBD Hemp Oil daily I saw a difference in Bentley's behavior. She is sometimes skiddish when around men but she seemed to be less scared when I took her around some of my male friends. She appeared to be more confident around them and didn't frighten over quick movements, as she tends to do with some men. Our walks have also become more pleasant and less about rushing through the neighborhood so this is definitely a positive factor that I personally am able to enjoy.

Week 2

After 2 week of giving Bentley the drops I noticed that Bentley's coat seems more shiny than usual and is also less dry which means less itching on her part. She has a small patch of hair that is starting to grow back that she itched away. I tried everything to cure her dry skin but nothing seemed to be working so I'm excited to see a positive change in her skin and coat.

 

About Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets

Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets is 100% Organic and contains the following Ingredients: CBD Hemp Extract, Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Vitamin E Oil, Fermented Cod Liver Oil, and Astaxanthin.

"Vitamin E Oil Extract acts as an anti-oxidant and natural preservative.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil was once a standard supplement in traditional European societies, helping to provide fat-soluble vitamins A and D, as well as omega 3 fatty acids in a bio – available and highly digestible format. All of these nutrients are important components to good health and are dependent on each other for proper assimilation.

Astaxanthin is a powerful, naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that's found in certain marine plants and animals. Often called "the king of the carotenoids," astaxanthin is recognized as being one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It is of particular significance, because unlike some other types of antioxidants, astaxanthin never becomes a pro-oxidant in the body so it can never cause harmful oxidation.  It is a super charged antioxidant, so it naturally reduces free radicals in the body. But besides that, it also significantly reduces the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation."

 

My Final Thoughts About CBD Hemp Oil

After using Irie CBD Hemp Oil For Pets for 2 weeks I can say that the effects of the CBD Hemp Oil have been positive and I am going to continue to give the drops to Bentley. I'm excited to see what other benefits will come from giving her the drops with the progression of time and her age.

I'm particularly fond of the idea of her skin problems being a thing of the past so I do hope that these drops are the cure-all for this condition. I am also delighted that our walks havebecome less strenuous and more relaxing so I also hope that this desired effect continues with use.

Overall I am pleased and I recommend that anyone that has a dog that suffers from medical conditions try CBD Hemp Oil and see the positive changes that this all natural alternative medicine can have on your pet.

Have you tried CBD Hemp Oil? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below and if you haven't let us know if you'd be willing to after learning about all of the positive effects and medicinal properties the oil possesses.

Why You Shouldn't Give Your Dog Chocolate

Halloween is right around the corner and that means lots of chocolate and candy everywhere. While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, this is not the case for our furry friends and is actually toxic to your dog and can cause illness and death in some cases.

In order to keep your pet safe in case of accidental consumption of chocolate there are a few things you should know.

So Why Is Chocolate So Bad For Dogs Anyways?

Chocolate contains Theobromine and Caffeine which are stimulants that affect the cardiovascular and nervous system and cause an increase in blood pressure. While the effects are harmless in humans, dogs have a harder time metabolizing Thebromine which allows the substance to build up in the dog's system to toxic levels. The higher the cocoa content, the higher the Theobromine content, and the more toxic it is to your dog. The smaller the dog, the less chocolate it will take for the poisoning effects to occur.

What To Do If You Think Your Dog Ate Chocolate

If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate take action immediately and call your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680). If you know about how much chocolate your dog consumed provide that information along with your dog's weight and demeanor so that your Veterinarian may guide you in what actions to take. Usually, if it has been less than 2 hours since the dog consumed the chocolate, inducing vomiting may help the Theobromine from reaching your dog's bloodstream and causing a toxic reaction. Since some warning signs and symptoms do not show up right away and may take up to 6-12 hours to show up, make sure that you act quickly.

Some Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention Are:

• Vomiting
• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• Agitation
• Heavy panting
• Muscle tremors
• Staggering
• Seizures
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

How To Protect Your Dog From Chocolate Poisoning

Keep all chocolate, sweets, cookies, or anything with cocoa, raisins, or Xylitol, which is a common sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, away from from dogs preferably in a high cupboard where only responsible adults have access to them.

Educate everyone in the household about the dangers of chocolate, especially children who might want to share their treats with the dog.

Always be cautious about leaving anything that may be toxic to your dog lying around especially around the Holidays as this is when we tend to have more sweets.

Make sure that everyone in the household is aware of the classic signs and symptoms of chocolate poisoning and knows what to do if they suspect it.

If you leave your dog with others, make sure that you stress the importance of keeping sweets away from your dog.

Never reward your dog with chocolate or candy.

Orvis created this wonderful Info-graphic: Dogs, Chocolate, and Candy that you can Print out and Share with anyone that owns a dog to ensure safety for not only the Holidays, but year round.

3 Ways Your Dog Can Beat The Heat This Summer!

 

We all know that the summer sun is strong and can make it hard to cool down but these 3 tips should help make summertime more enjoyable and cooler for your furry friend! 

1. Get A Kiddie Pool

We all know that summer is the best time to go swimming and it sure does feel great to relax in the cool water. Many dogs actually enjoy swimming too but if you don't have a swimming pool don't worry because the next best thing and one that won't break the bank is the perfect solution for you, your kids, and your dog. Kiddie pools are inexpensive and can be used over and over as long as you keep it fairly clean. Your dog will love wading around in the cool water on a scorching day - hey maybe you can join in on the fun too. Now that's a WIN-WIN!

2. Make Frozen Dog Treats 

Who doesn't love a nice frozen treat on a hot summer day? Ice cream anyone? Well you can easily make some frozen treats that you can enjoy with your dog. Making dog treats doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as freezing fruit. There are a multitude of recipes on the web, some of which are extremely easy and others which take more time, so you are sure to find one to suit your needs. Here are a few ideas that are human and dog friendly, aka- YOU CAN EAT THEM TOO!

A super easy way to cool you and your dog down that is also delicious is with frozen watermelon. Just cut the watermelon into bite sized pieces, freeze, and voila!

You can even take it a step further and pour blend watermelon and water, pour into a fun mold, and freeze. You can even use these as ice cubes for your drink. 

How about some yummy peanut butter and banana? Just cut pieces of bananas, dip them in peanut butter and freeze, and you have another yummy treat you can enjoy with your pooch. 

 

 

3. Freeze Your Dog's Toys

This one is probably the easiest summer tip of all. All you have to do is pop your dog's favorite toy in the freezer for a couple hours and you're done. You can even go ahead and freeze a small pillow for yourself and you can both relax and stay cool in the hot summer days. 

 

 

 

Now all you need to do is go out and enjoy your summer! 

How A Craft Dog Food Has Inspired me ($7 Coupon Inside!) #InspiredByCrafted

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Ideal Balance® CRAFTED, but My Pit Bull Friend only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Over the last few months you may have noticed me raving about Bentley's new dog food by Hill's Ideal Balance™ Crafted® and I have every reason to brag a little about it. The truth is, most people don't look at the ingredients in their dog food and my goal is to get you to start noticing exactly what you dog is eating.

Hill's dog food is:

• Made in Small Batches
• Oven Roasted
• Grain Free
• Made with Gluten Free Ingredients
• Perfectly Balanced Nutrition

Hill's has done a wonderful job with their Small batch Artisan Crafted dog food which has been Oven roasted in a Homemade style. It features ingredients that I feed to my family, like chickpeas and chicken, and has inspired me to cook as often as possible and even take a cooking refine my skills in the kitchen.

What I learned in my cooking class is that creating food is a form of artwork and to be able to make a masterpiece you must first start off with the best materials. That is why choosing natural ingredients is a key in making a delicious meal. The second thing I learned is that food is not just something we eat but it conjures up feelings and emotions. Not only does food take over all of your senses but it can also take you places. Taking a bite of a delicious meal can bring back long lost memories like your childhood Sunday dinners or Grandma's homestyle cooking.

I learned that masterpieces take time and can't be rushed and this is so true about food. Making sure each component is added at the right time and cooked to the perfect temperature is what gives the meal life and flavor. Just like a lasagna that must be assemble piece by piece but when it you take a bite of the finished product it is like symphony with different ingredients all coming together in harmony, complementing one another in the perfect balance of flavor.

The final thing I learned is that food is the essence of life. It has the ability to create a better and healthier you if you make conscious decisions. This is why I would like you to please look at the labels of dog food when shopping. Food can keep you healthy or make you sick and it is the same for your dog. Some things you can look for which are included in Hill's pet food are:

1) Lean Protein- which keeps your dog slim, trim & healthy

2) Grain Free & Gluten Free iron rich legume which helps maintain healthy muscle for an energetic & healthy lifestyle

3) Flavorful natural herbs which provides a flavorful accent to the food your dog will love

4) Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids which improves skin and coat.

Since I get to enjoy the beauty making delicious homemade meals for my family I obviously want my dog to enjoy the same standard of quality food when it comes to her dog food and Hill's Ideal Balance Crafted dog has hit the nail on the head for me. They have taken each and every aforementioned point into consideration and implemented it into their dog food so that my Bentley can enjoy the masterpiece that is food and since I want the best for my dog this is my ideal dog food for her.

Afterall, who doesn't like seeing their dog smile? 

Something else I've been inspired to create is a new food bowl for Bentley. Check out this awesome tutorial on just how to create your own raised dog food bowls!

Here is an exclusive coupon so your pet can enjoy some delicious homestyle food!

Follow Hill's for updates, coupons and more information on:

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Now get to cooking,

Benefits of Adding Supplements to Your Dog's Diet

Many people benefit from the use of supplements in their diet to get all of the nutrients they need to optimize their health and it's no different for animals. In fact your dog may greatly benefit from additional nutrients added to their diet.

I get asked many times what I feed Bentley and an vital part of her diet is Krill-Oil, Mutli Vitamins, corn free dog food, lots of exercise and even more Love. I believe that in order to optimize your dog's health and increase their vitality there are certain steps you can take just as you would for your own health.

First off I want to discuss the Krill Oil which I find to be a great addition to any dog's diet. Krill Oil is one of the most important things you can add to your dog's diet and the reasons are plenty.

What is Krill Oil?

Krill Oil comes from a tiny shrimp like animal and it contains Omega-3 Fatty acids which is an essential fat that is very important but not one that the body can make on its own so it is important to add it to your diet. Most commercial pet foods contain high levels of Omega-6 but not enough Omega-3, which is far more beneficial, due to cost levels.

Benefits of Krill Oil

• Reduces inflammation

• Supports healthy skin & coat

• Supports healthy immune system

• Provides cognitive and joint support

• Aids with dry skin and dander

• Reduces autoimmune diseases including: Arthritis, Heart disease, Kidney disease, and Brain disease

I give Bentley 2 Krill-Oil Omega-3 Soft Chews daily.

Multi-Vitamins for Dogs

If you are like most people and do not home cook your dog's meals then you can benefit from adding a Multi-Vitamin to your dog's diet. Cheap dog food doesn't contain enough of the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to thrive. Some of the benefits of adding a Multi-Vitamin to your dog's daily diet include:

 

1) Healthier Skin and Coat

2) Increased Energy

3) Strengthened Immune System

 

Essential Vitamins Your Dog Needs

• Vitamin A: Essential for eyesight.

• Vitamin E: Helps body create red blood cells.

• Vitamin B-12: Promotes cell growth.

• Calcium: Strengthens teeth and bones.

• Vitamin D: Helps body absorb calcium

• Iron: Helps transport oxygen throughout body.

• Potassium: Heart Health

• Vitamin C: Boosts immune system

I give Bentley 1 Multi-Tabs Plus Vitamin/Mineral Supplement daily.

My Results

Since putting Bentley on a healthier path with the addition of Krill Oil and Multi-Vitamins I've noticed that her coat is shinier and she has more energy to burn as well as her endurance. She last longer on walks and hikes and doesn't tire as easily as before. I thought I would share an exclusive offer with my readers since so many of you have asked me to share my tips with you.

Want to try Supplements for your Dog?

I've teamed up with HealthyBreeds to offer my readers an exclusive deal of 10% off any Supplement for your dog with code: bentley10 until August 30th 2015. Take advantage of this offer and try adding supplements to your dog's diet and see the results for yourself!

Disclaimer: As with any new diet it is best to consult with your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns and if your dog suffers from allergies make sure you read the ingredients list carefully. Supplements work to help your dog's immune system but do not act to cure any existing disease but may act as an aid so please do your research. Vitamins should not be substituted for a lacking diet but instead added to a balanced diet to promote optimal results. I am not a doctor, I am simply sharing my results and these may vary from person to person.

 

Let me know your results!