Sometimes it is fun to do a little research and find out some new foods that we can add to our dog’s diet. I like to try new treats with Gracie because it keeps her interested and can add a healthy twist to her doggie nutrition. I have also listed some useful tips when dealing with your dog’s upset tummy.
Rice is helpful substitution to add to your dog’s food when they are experiencing an upset tummy. White rice is easily digestible. When Gracie is having tummy trouble (depending on the severity) I either start adding some white rice to her food or I switch her food to Iams Intestinal Low-Residue. You can purchase this from your veterinarian.
Squash (like pumpkin) can be added to your dog’s diet if you are looking to firm up their stool. It is also a great source of beta-carotene. You can remove the seeds, slice it up and freeze it for a refreshing crunchy snack.
Air-popped popcorn, with no butter, oil, or salt can be a great snack for you and your dog while curling up to watch your favorite movie or TV show.
Lean meat, such as chicken, beef and pork (with no fat) is a great way to cook up a tasty alternative for training treats. Leans meats also provide a balanced source of amino acids which are the building blocks of muscle in your dog’s body.
Liver is available in most meat sections of your grocery store and is also a great training treat. Recently I cooked fresh liver, cut it up into small piece, used if for training with Gracie and she loved it. There is one important fact to know about your dog’s consumption of liver, which is that it is high in Vitamin A. Although liver is an excellent source of B Vitamins, you will need to limit your dog’s intake because of the high Vitamin A content. Too much Vitamin A can be toxic to dogs.
Pineapple contains mostly sugar but it also contains calcium and potassium. Frozen pineapple cubes can be a tasty treat for those hot doggie days of summer. Another interesting fact is that if your dog has a bad habit of eating their own stool (I know there are dog owners out there that struggle with this), adding a little pineapple to their meal can help. Once it is processed through the body, pineapple can cause their stool to taste horrible and prevent them from trying to eat it again.
Cottage cheese is relatively bland and high in protein and calcium. If you are looking to add some extra protein to your dog’s diet, this can be a good alternative. It is important to remember that cottage cheese is a dairy product and some dogs (such as Gracie) cannot handle dairy. Make sure you start with just a small amount to test out your dog’s tolerance.
Parsley can be great for keeping your dog’s breath fresh. If anyone is cooking homemade dog treats, just add a little bit of parsley to the recipe. It is also a great source of calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene.
Peanut butter is another great alternative to regular store bought dog treats or Kong stuffers. You can smear some peanut butter inside or on one of your dog’s favorite toys. One of Gracie’s favorite things to do is to lick the peanut butter container before I throw it away.
Carrots can be a fun snack for your dog. Gracie loves them. I just limit her quantity at one time, because they can be harsh on her tummy if she’s fed too many.
It is important to remember, everything is always better for your dogs in moderation. Keep in mind that too much of one type of food can have a tremendous impact on their diets. Extra foods should not make up more than 25 percent of your dog’s diet. Be sure to try out new foods one at a time until you are certain that they do not upset your dog’s stomach.