If your dog looks pleadingly at you whenever you go into the kitchen, then Christmas time is probably going to be torture for the poor pooch! But if you want to let him in join this festive season, we’ve got just the recipe – a doggie Christmas cake that he can enjoy so he doesn’t feel left out!

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain flour
• ¼ cup wheat germ
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup molasses
• ½ cup canola oil
• 2 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 apple, cored and chopped

Preparation

1.      Preheat the oven to 180C. Oil a 12-cup cake tin with vegetable oil and flour.

2.      In a bowl, mix the flour, wheat germ, baking powder and cinnamon and set to one side. In another large bowl, mix the molasses and oil, then add the eggs one by one, beating until blended. Add the vanilla with ½ cup water. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mix until smooth then fold in the chopped apple.

3.      Add the batter to the tin and place in the oven. Bake for around 30 to 40 minutes, allowing to cool before serving.

NOTE: Store leftovers in an airtight container for no more than 3 days, or wrap in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 60 days.

Dog Recipe sourced from: SeeFido

Image sourced from: Daily Mail

We’ve searched high and low and found you the best do-at-home doggie treats to spoil your furry fella.

Peanut Butter Bones
•    1 package dry yeast
•    ½ cup lukewarm water
•    1 cup mashed potatoes
•    1 cup milk
•    ¼ cup molasses
•    ½ cup chicken stock
•    1 cup chunky peanut butter
•    1 cup whole-wheat flour
•    ½ cup rye flour
•    ½ cup rice flour
•    1 egg
•    2 cups plain flour

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. In a large saucepan, mix together the potatoes, milk, molasses, stock, and peanut butter. Heat, stirring frequently until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Add yeast mixture. Gradually blend in the egg, wheat, rye, and rice flours. Add enough white flour to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 12 mm thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 6mm apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again and cut additional biscuits.

Bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool overnight. Makes several dozen bones that freeze well.

Breath-Freshening Mint Treats
•    1 cup ground yellow cornmeal
•    1 tbsp vegetable oil
•    3/4 cup chicken broth (low or no sodium is best)
•    1 egg
•    1 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
•    2 tbsp minced fresh mint

Preheat oven to 175C. Measure cornmeal into a small bowl then, in a saucepan, bring the vegetable oil and chicken broth to a boil. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cornmeal, then allow the mixture to cool to the touch. Spray the baking sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. Once the cornmeal mixture is cool to the touch, stir in the egg, cheddar cheese and fresh mint. Shape into 2 or 3cm balls, then flatten into cookie shapes and bake for 30 minutes.

Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool and continue to dry in the oven for one hour.

Images by mongol and pietroizzo

As a general rule, dog food should comprise: 1/3 protein from meat, eggs, or dairy products; and 2/3 grains and vegetables. Here are some recipes to get your started:

Divine Doggy Dinner
The pet community suggests this tasty dinner for your dog:

• 1/2 pound of ground beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb
• 1/4 cup of cooked rice
• One small potato
• 1/4 cup of green beans

Preparing and Cooking a Homemade Divine Doggy Dinner

1. Begin to prepare this homemade dog food dish by cooking the meat, which should be browned in a pan on the stovetop. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, drain away the fat.
2. Next, cook the rice. You can substitute rice with wild rice for added nutrition. Once cooked, add the rice to the cooked meat and set these ingredients aside.
3. Cut the potato and beans into bite sized pieces and place inside a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes and beans are tender. Once cooked, drain away the excess water.
4. Add the potato and beans to the mixture of meat and rice and allow the meal to cool before serving. This recipe will make two medium sized meals.

Vicki S. Shavis from www.dog-care.com has this great recipe for doggy stew:

Beef or Lamb Stew for Dogs
Ingredients:

• 1 lb low fat beef or lamb
• 3 potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 2 Tblsp Olive Oil
• 2 celery sticks
• 2 pints chicken or beef broth

Directions:

1. Brown meat in saute pan in 2 Tblsp oil. Cook till brown.
2. Stew the meat in broth for 45 mins. Add vegetables. Cover.
3. Simmer for 45 mins. until all are softened.
4. Cool and serve.

At  www.allrecipes.com we can learn how to make home-made dog-biscuits!

Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 240 g whole wheat flour
• 140 g cornmeal
• 20 g salt
• 80 ml vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 235 ml water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal and salt. Mix in the oil, egg and water to make a soft dough that is not too sticky. You may add more flour if needed. Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until nicely browned and firm. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Further reading:
www.HealthyRecipesforPets.com

http://dog-care.suite101.com

www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-food-recipes.html

www.healthierdogs.com/dog_food/home-made-dog-food-raw-dog-food-recipe

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Homemade-Pet-Food/Detail.aspx

Feature Image by direz

Here are some health problems that can occur:

• Heart and Respiratory Disease
• Diabetes
• Liver infection
• Heat intolerance
• Skin Problems
• Gastrointestinal Disorders

So how does your dog become overweight? The largest cause of obesity is not surprisingly from a lack of exercising and eating more than its necessary.  Calories that the dog isn’t burning during the day, is transformed into fat.  Overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Feeding your dog leftovers or giving regular snacks or treats often contributes to obesity.

To check if your dog has a weight problem you can touch his ribs with a flat palm of your hand. If you have a little bit of problem to feel his ribs then your pooch is probably overweight. If you want your dog to lose weight you should exercise him regularly and give him food that is low in calories. Your vet can also help set a weight goal for your dog and recommend how much food he or she should eat each day. A special diet may also be arranged. The food should be calculated to satisfy your dogs hunger and provide them with all the vitamins and minerals they need, while at the same time helping them to lose weight.

Just remember to talk to your vet before you put your doggie on a diet!

Looking for a little inspiration? Check out the latest Dog Diaries members’ Christyn & Chloe’s Weightloss Challenge – Christyn has been helping Chloe lose weight so far Chloes gone from an astounding 61 kg to 46.5 kg already and they’re still going strong! You can also see all of their progress and updates in the Doggy Doodling section of the Forum.

Therre are numerous factors that can influence your dog’s appetite. Frequently, male dogs will refuse to eat when in the presence of a foxy female friend and they are sexually aroused. Warm weather can also impact your pooch’s appetite and on these hotter days many dogs prefer to eat at night when the temperature is cooler. It’s also very important to create a calm and peaceful environment around your dog when it’s eating form the food bowl, so it doesn’t have to fight for their share or guard their bowl from competing dogs. The taste and consistency of the food can affect your dog’s desire to eat and there are huge individual variations of what dogs like.

Here are someways to help increase your dog’s appetite:

• Make sure that the food is warm, as this can improve both the taste and consistency of their meal.
• Switch frin canned food to home cooked food, or vice versa – see what works with your dog.
• Give your dog dry food that is high in energy levels and nutrition.
• Lubricate the food bowl with liver pate or something that you know they like and that will add desirable smells to the food.
• Some dog wants to eat several minor meals during the day. Others want the food to be out there so they can eat whenever they feel hungry. But remember you should only do this with dry dog food.

Read more about the topic here:

How to Treat Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Monitoring your Dog’s Appetite

Dog Loss of Appetite

Unless your dog has a medical problem, daily exercise is always recommended. However, before embarking on a new fitness regime for you and your dog we would advise a quick trip to the vet to find out the types and amount of exercise best suited for your dog.

Walking

You don’t need to go all out when exercising as the most simplest of activities, like going for a walk, can do wonders for both you and your pup. Take them for a long walk twice a day – this is not just a quick stroll around the block where you turn back as soon as they have done their business, rather something more like a half hour out and about. Apart for the fitness benefits, a long walk gives your dog the opportunity to discover new smells and you a much needed mental timeout. Take them to the local dog park and give them the chance to get off the leash and run at their own pace, rather than what is guided by you.

Cycling

Only cycle with your dog if they are fit, obedient and easy to train. This is a great activity if your dog needs more exercise than they get from their daily walks. Before you start make sure your dog can sustain a walk of around 11km/hour and that there is a bike track in your area that is safe and clear of traffic. While doing this make sure you consider your dog’s paw pads, particularly if they are running on pavement. Over time paw pads will toughen up but in the early days take it easy. Also, monitor your pace and your distance (work up to doing long distances over time). There are special attachements for you to hook your dogs lead up to your bike so make sure you buy the proper equipment.

Fetch

Fetch is a great way for your dog to work out, especially when you’re feeling a little lazy. You can however amp it up a bit and get more of a work out by getting more involved. If you have the space you can work on your tennis shots, by bringing along a tennis racket and hitting balls around the park. This will also help satisfy their natural instinct to chase and retrieve.

Be careful not to over-exert your dog and watch for these warning signs so you know when to call it a day:

• rapid panting
• drooping tongue
• hesitation before fetching a ball
• weight shifting
• staggered walking
• muscle tremors
• limping

Also, be sure to bring along some water for them to keep them hydrated and on hot summer days opt for an early morning or late evening workout session.

If you are looking for a more structured approach to your workouts, then this site has some great guides for interval training for your dog.

If your dog is overweight and you’re looking to shed some kilos too, why not think about setting up some kind of “biggest loser” type challenge for you and your pooch? Weigh yourself weekly and keep a record of your progress.

We’d love to hear how you exercise your dog!

Acupuncture is one of many forms of traditional Chinese medicine which are based on Qi, pronounced “Chiв”. Qi is energy that circulates through your body along defined pathways called Meridians. The energy is blocked when disease is present and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the urine. Injecting special medicine through placing needles over the skin, into Meredian points stimulates the flow so Qi can return to normal.

In dogs and other animals, acupuncture is most commonly used for:

• musculoskeletal problems: hip dysplasia, arthritis
• urinary problems: incontenance, chronic renal failure
• respiratory & intestinal problems: asthma, chronic vomiting, recurrent diarrhea

Many find needles terrifying and the same goes for canines. Some will take them in better than others. If your dog panics, don’t force them to go through with acupuncture, there’s alternative methods out there.

Scientists have even developed herbal medicines especially for dogs. The difference between herbal and Western medicine is that herbal treatment views bodies as a whole (mind, body & spirit) rather than just focusing on the disease for a quick fix. The frequent use of antibiotics can permanently weaken your dog’s immune system and lead to more health problems so many owners are choosing to give their dogs herbal teas and tablets.

For both humans and dogs, the power of herbs can:

• boost the immune system
• detoxify the body and organs
• calm nerves
• add nutritious value to you and your dog’s diet

Your local vet may stock herbal medicine and offer acupunctural services or can definitely recommend a clinic that will.

Image courtesy of markhillary

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is in the same family as caffeine. This substance is toxic to dogs as it causes hyper-excitability, increased heart rate, increased urination, muscle tremours, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Fortunately, a dog needs to take in a fairly large amount of theobromine for it to cause a toxic reaction. Since different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, the reaction your dog could have will depend on the type of chocolate it ingests as well as the weight of your dog. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most lethal types of chocolate for dogs.

For more information you can visit this site, which gives you an idea of what a toxic dose for your dog might be. The common mistake that most dog owners make is that they think their dogs are unaffected by the chocolate and that the side effects don’t occur for several hours.

There is no cure for ‘chocolate poisoning’. The best thing to do is to contact your veterinarian should your dog experience any of the above symptoms.

Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog is overweight, however, you can do a preliminary assessment yourself by examining his body. In particular, look at his abdomen: you should be able to feel his ribs when passing a hand gently over them. An obese dog will be broader in the area just behind the ribs than in the chest when viewed from above, so that it appears as if he has no distinct waist. Visible fat deposits will also accumulate at the base of the tail, across the hips and along the spine. Depending on the severity of the condition, your dog may also develop a waddle or sway when he walks.

If you think your dog is obese, it’s a good idea to confer with your vet about starting pooch on a diet that will be appropriate for his breed, size, and age. This is because there are a number of conditions that can emerge if a dog becomes malnourished through unhealthy dieting. There are, however, some things that you as the owner are able to do to help your dog lose weight.
One of these is to step up your dog’s exercise routine. Prolonged walks or runs and play sessions are enjoyable, will keep both of you fit, and are a chance to bond with your pet. Exercise increases caloric usage by the body and converts it to energy rather than fat. Your pup will also appreciate the mental stimulation and therefore will be less likely to succumb to stress or boredom.

It also helps to control your pet’s feeding schedule by being stricter on yourself. Just because he has an empty bowl, doesn’t mean it needs to be instantly refilled! It’s fine if you want to give him treats every now and then, but foods such as carrots, green beans, egg whites or even air-popped popcorn are preferable to chips, ice-cream and so on.

Sources and further reading:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/healthy-dog-treats/page1.aspx
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/obese.html
http://www.purinaone.com.au/Article/articledetails.aspx?id=772
http://www.ehow.com/how_2000316_tell-if-dog-obese.html

Dog owners are prone to shopping for dog food at their local supermarket without thinking twice about it’s nutritional value. Commercial dog foods not only have low nutritional value but also contain preservatives, by-products and artificial foods and colours which are puppy-poisonous.

Chances are that the meals you buy are causing your dog to suffer from malnutrition so knowing what’s healthy is especially important. In providing your dog with nutritious meals, you will find it becoming less lethargic and also decrease it’s chances of developing illnesses.

Dr. Will Falconer gives the natural raw diet the thumbs-up, recommending fresh and natural human ingredients which aren’t difficult to digest. His “Plan for dogs” is something worth checking out. This website contains a raw food recipe whereas this one here contains information backed up by health and scientific research on the benefits of and necessity for raw food.

There are some foods you absolutely must not feed your dog and you can find a list of them here.

So have a look and start improving your dog’s health by firstly feeding it the right foods. A healthy pup will be a happy pup!