Twenty-six
things you may not have thought about—but need to!
Can something as simple as carefully reading a dog-food label add three
to five years to your pet’s life? Can the wrong bite of an ostensibly healthy fruit have nasty and lasting consequences?
Does your dog need a diet—and would you know if he did? For pups, as for people, scientists are constantly -re-examining
and revising the official live-longer-and-better guidelines.
APPLES
All the stuff in apples that makes them nutritional powerhouses for humans (fiber, vitamins
A and C, omega-3 and -6, antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols) works wonders for Rover, too—with a few exceptions.
The seeds contain a form of cyanide, which human systems can filter out but our four-legged friends can’t, and too many
apples can lead to diarrhea or, -because of their high sugar content, weight gain.
BONES
Although popular images, not every bone is good for Fido. Almost
everyone knows that easily-splintered poultry bones are hazardous for dogs. But improperly prepared beef and pork bones can
be just as harmful. Bones that are manufactured are not healthy for your dog. They are full of all kinds of known causes of
cancer, and your dog doesn't need them.
CANNED vs. DRY FOOD
Reviewing the literature on canned vs. dry might make one think the Hatfields and McCoys were at it
again. On the one hand, canned foods tend to have higher-quality protein and more of it and fewer preservatives and fillers.
On the other hand, the dry foods sold by reputable companies are just as nutritionally balanced as their wet counterparts.
Dry foods can have more meat by-products, but remember, Lady isn’t as squeamish about animal parts as we are. Kibble
lets dogs satisfy their urge to chew, and it’s good for knocking tartar off of teeth.
But some dogs have delicate gums or are missing teeth, which means, yes, that wet food is the way to go. Dry food tends to
be less expensive and is easier to store, but wet foods usually have fewer calories and carbohydrates. What to do? Go with
what suits you and your pets’ lifestyle, but always pick nutritionally balanced food, the highest quality you can afford
for large breeds.
DRINK!
Dogs should
drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, and of course, you know to always have fresh, clean water available.
And pooches usually regulate their intake; if you notice changes in drinking habits, see your vet, as this could indicate
health problems. Doggie sports drinks are available, and while it might be cute to share a post-workout quaff with Fluffy,
canines don’t need specialty drinks. (They don’t sweat out electrolytes as humans do.) As for dental rinses and
water additives, see your vet if you’re concerned about halitosis and plaque and get recommendations.
EGGS
Loaded with protein and a host of vitamins and
minerals, eggs provide blue-ribbon–worthy luxurious coats. Are raw eggs OK? Some say no, citing concerns of salmonella
poisoning and a biotin deficiency caused by a substance in whites. In contrast, others say yes (and give them the shells,
too), noting that salmonella is relatively rare in dogs and the yolks contain enough biotin to overcome any deficiency. Bottom
line: If you’re worried, go ahead and cook them.
FISH
Fish is an excellent source of protein for Scooter and can be a lifesaver for dogs with meat allergies.
-Although some raw-diet enthusiasts recommend sushi and even the occasional whole raw fish, some parasites can be extremely
harmful (notoriously one in salmon) that cooking quickly destroys. Just remember, all that beneficial fish flesh hangs on
a frame comprising scads of tiny bones, any one of which can do a number on a dog’s mouth and digestive tract.
GRAINS
Grains are an essential part of a balanced doggie
diet, and rice especially can be a godsend for a pup with digestive woes who needs a bland diet for a few days. That said,
the gluten in wheat is a noted allergen for some—symptoms include itchy skin and ear inflammation (dogs may shake their
heads in discomfort)—so foods containing oats and -barley may work better for Great Danes. If you suspect food
allergies of any type, see your vet.
HOW MUCH AND OFTEN TO FEED
If dogs ran the world, the Canine Cafe would be open 24 hours a day. Most people differ
from this. Some say , But though it’s tempting to show your love with extra helpings
or by making food available all day, overfeeding does no dog any favors. (Overweight Danes can suffer from the same ailments
as hefty -humans do.) I believe canines are not like Americans; they won't overeat. If you have food out for them all day
and feeding nothing else, they will maintain perfect body weight. There is
no precise answer as far as how much to feed a dog -because caloric needs vary with size (a Chihuahua doesn’t chow down like a -Mastiff), age, and activity level. One rule of thumb is that if Sir Barksalot is -energetic
and keeping his figure trim, he’s probably eating the right amount. Food packaging offers recommendations but remember:
Those are just guidelines. How often should you feed your pal? Great Danes shouldn't have to wait for food; they are too large
to wrestle with for their food. The last thing you want on your hands is a 200lb dog looking at you hungry. This is why
mostly all Dane owners agree to free feed. Great Dane puppies should get no more than 22% protein. We feed our puppies Large
breed adult food. Gluten is free, of course.
ICE CREAM
Dogs are generally lactose intolerant, yet for some reason, they love dairy products. A spoonful of ice
cream—or -frozen yogurt, which has less lactose than ice cream—now and then shouldn’t bother Barney (but
do keep an eye on him to see if he -experiences any tummy distress). Also, be sure the ice cream doesn’t contain harmful
ingredients to dogs: chocolate, coffee, raisins, and certain nuts, to name just a few.
JERKY
The FDA has cautioned against feeding dogs chicken
jerky from China. Some U.S. companies issued voluntary recalls of jerky treats because of fears of melamine-tainted gluten,
also from China. But there are lots of safe jerkies, and dogs go wild for it. Also, tossing King the occasional piece of for-humans
jerky while you’re sitting around the campfire won’t hurt him. Just be sure it’s not the spicy or flavored
kind. And you could also try making your own: Recipes abound online.
KIBBLE
Making your kibble (a.k.a., dry food) is a great way to monitor ingredients for fillers,
preservatives, and other additives and tailor your dog’s food to his specific likes and needs. (Use rice flour.) Recipes
are all over the Internet, it’s easy and economical to make (buy supplies in bulk), and kibble lasts a long time in
the freezer. Remember, though, that Great Danes have specific nutritional needs, so do your research. Puppies only
need 22% protein.
LABELS...and
how to read them
If you want to
be sure you’re feeding your dog the best canned or dried food, you need to read the label carefully. Terms like “gourmet,” “super-premium,” or
“natural”
don’t tell you anything about what’s in the food. Still, the -ingredients do have to meet standards set by the
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). According to how much they make up the total food mix, ingredients
are listed in descending order.
MOLDY FOOD
Your dog should be the only sprouting fur in the kitchen, but
don’t freak out if Jiggs gets at some old bread. It turns out a little mold won’t hurt him (as one online poster
noted, think of what else dogs put in their mouths). Still, like humans, dogs can have mold allergies, and some molds can
cause severe problems, so keep the lid firmly on the trash can.
NUTS
Never give your dog -walnuts or Macadamia nuts! Both are highly
poisonous for pups (a toxin in macadamias can lead to tremors and hind-quarter paralysis). Cashews and peanuts are better,
but nuts, in general, are high in calories and phosphorous (which can lead to bladder stones in dogs), and they’re often
salty. And none of that is suitable for Bowser. An occasional peanut or cashew is refined, but do make it a special treat.
ORGANIC FOOD
Are you thinking of going organic with your best friend’s
diet? Here are a few things to keep in mind: Organic foods often use human-grade protein sources and generally have fewer
fillers (corn and wheat and their by-products) and no synthetic preservatives, pesticides, food coloring, or other additives—thereby
reducing the number of potential allergens in your dog’s diet. They typically contain whole grains instead of bulk fillers,
which aid in weight control and digestive healthand boast superior nutritional quality, reducing skin irritation and
boosting coat sheen. So what’s the downside? Well, apart from the expense of
organic foods, as of this writing, pet foods are certified as organic according to guidelines established for human organic
foods. Read food labels closely to make sure your pup’s getting all his essential nutrients. Plans are in the works
to bring organic pet food standards in line with pets’ needs, but until that happens, do scrutinize the small print.
You can follow the progress on the -Association of American Feed Control Officials website (aafco.org).
PUMPKIN
This festive gourd is a miracle food for dogs.
Suitable for both diarrhea and constipation, canned pumpkin (not raw, not the sugary, spicy pie filling) is loaded
with fiber and beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Don’t give Buddy a lot of it—too much A is
highly toxic to dogs—but a couple of teaspoons a day for little pups, or a couple of tablespoons for big boys, should
keep them right on track.
QUICK TIP
To keep Scruffy from chewing on electrical wires or anything wood, make them unpalatable by coating them with a mixture
of rubbing alcohol and hot sauce.
RAW MEAT
And so the raw food debate rages on… All parties would agree, though, that fresh raw meat would
be a great source of quality protein for Spike. However—and this is big, however—the meat most of us have access
to isn’t pristine. Salmonella is a significant concern, especially in raw poultry (not to mention the danger posed by
chicken bones). All natural meat carries the risk of microbes and parasites, including E. coli. And we’re not just talking
about dogs being at stake here; humans are also vulnerable through handling the meat and also through cross-contaminated surfaces.
While many feed their dog's raw meat to no ill effect, take care to purchase the highest quality available. If you go this
route (and you will not be alone, as the natural movement is gaining more and more adherents), be sure your ingredients are
fresh, watch out for bones, and keep a close eye on your pal’s total needs.
SUPPLEMENTS
Yet another area where there’s a lot of debate, although
the evidence on supplements is pretty straightforward. If Zipper is getting nutritionally balanced meals and is energetic
and fit, he probably doesn’t need supplements. But if you think he isn’t getting enough nutrition
from his food, supplements can be the way to go. Keep in mind that minerals, especially, should never be given to pups unless
prescribed by a vet. Calcium, so good for -human bones, hinders bone formation and can damage maturing
joints and cartilage in puppies, and too much zinc can be toxic. Vitamin A
can damage blood vessels; excess D can lead to muscle atrophy. Also, supplements can interact with or hinder the absorption
of vital nutrients in foods or reduce prescribed medications' efficacy. Dogs on special -diets—raw, vegetarian, or vegan—may
need vitamin or mineral supplements, as will many dogs who eat solely homemade foods, but that’s something for your
vet to determine.
TREATS
Who’s
a good dog? Every single one of them, and they all deserve a treat now and again. And that’s the key: now and again.
A cornerstone of many training methods treats provide almost as much joy to the giver as to the recipient. But unfortunately,
like most beautiful things in life, they come with a catch: Even healthy snacks have calories, so make sure you count goodie
calories as part of your pup’s daily intake. And remember that sometimes the things that make tasty treats are salt
and fat—another reason for moderation. When choosing snacks, keep your dog’s particular nutritional needs and
dietary restrictions in mind, along with his flavor preferences. A quick online search will turn up lots of easy, healthy
recipes for homemade treats, many customizable to various dietary restrictions.
USE A MEASURING CUP
Alas, humans aren’t the only animals getting
more expansive, and obesity in dogs leads to the same kinds of problems that it does in us: diabetes, increased cancer risk,
and liver disease—to say nothing of the toll it takes on joints. One solution, along with lots of exercises,
is strict food portion control. Don’t eyeball—as one expert noted, your eyes are bigger than your dog’s
stomach—use a measuring cup. And serving sizes recommended on the packaging are just guidelines. If Spot is packing
on the pounds while eating the recommended amount, use a smaller measuring cup.
VEGETARIAN DIETS
Even the most committed vegetarians and vegans must allow
that dogs are true omnivores who derive essential nutrients—not just protein—from meat. That doesn’t mean
that there aren’t healthy, thriving, vegetarian dogs. But they’re healthy and thriving because their conscientious
owners make a concerted effort to ensure their pups are getting from other sources what they’d traditionally get from
meat. Just one example: Dogs get essential amino acids from the heart; a vegetarian dog will need to get these from quality
supplements. And about that protein? Eggs are a terrific non-meat source of protein, and dogs love them. For vegans, there
are lentils and legumes and brown rice, and supplements for vegan diets. Whichever route you go—vegetarian or vegan—you
must keep your vet informed so that she can head off any vitamin or other nutritional deficiencies at the pass. Two good sources
for advice on raising a meatless mutt are Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal’s website (peta.org).
WEIGHTY MATTERS
Obesity is the most severe medical problem facing Great
Danes in the U.S. today. Scientists delicately advise owners to look for things like a slight increase in the fat over
the rib cage, an unusually rounded abdomen, or subtly jiggling flank folds as signs that a dog is moderately overweight. But
of course, what they’re saying, in essence, is that deciding whether Snowy is headed for maximum density comes down
to a commonsense assessment. STOP FEEDING THE SNACKS; YOU'RE KILLING YOUR DOG! Consult your vet if you’re
concerned; the chart he’ll use as the deciding factor looks something like the one here.
X: AS IN, BANNED!
GLUTEN! THE
NUMBER ONE KILLER OF GREAT DANES, THEIR STOMACH CAN'T HANDLE THE STUFF! Better
off feeding poison over a long period.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some ordinary people foods that should
never be pup foods: avocados, alcohol, baking soda and powder, caffeine, chives, chocolate, corn cobs, fruit pits and seeds,
garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts and walnuts (see “Nuts”), milk and milk-based products, mushrooms, nutmeg (and
other spices), onions, raisins, rhubarb leaves, tomatoes (mainly stems and leaves), xylitol (found in many candies and gums),
and yeast dough.
YUCCA
A
natural wonder for the canine world, when yucca root is steeped into liquid or ground to a powder and added to Blackie’s
food (just 1/4 teaspoon or so), it helps soothe tender joints and—due to its substantial anti-inflammatory powers—alleviates
pain associated with hip dysplasia and arthritis. It also eases digestive problems and can calm itchy skin caused by allergies.
Grind it yourself or get the root or supplements at health food stores or online. As with any natural aids, ask your vet about
interactions with prescription medications and specific dosage.
ZINC
If your otherwise healthy best friend eats a balanced diet, she shouldn’t need zinc
supplements. But even avoiding the supplements doesn’t mean zinc toxicity can’t occur; it does, especially in
puppies, who eat everything—including pennies minted after 1982 (yep, they’re zinc on the inside now). Symptoms
include vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia, which can be diagnosed only by your vet—to whom you should take your pet pronto
if you suspect she’s ingested anything zinc because, left untreated, zinc toxicity can lead to kidney failure.
In the end, it's your dog, and you do what you feel comfortable doing.