Ok, can anyone post up what is safe to give to dogs, I give mine sardines now and again, a little natural yoghurt and sometimes egg

What is bad and what is good?

liver cake they love it

Where do I get this from?

I make it myself  very easy there are a number of recipes but I put a pack of liver probably 8ozs ish a couple of eggs two, three cloves of garlic a mug of flour any type you fancy and wizz the lot up in a food processor if it is too stiff add water. Then bake on very low for an hour or so untill look spongy and cooked slice up and freeze for use as you or you doglets want.
You can substitute salmon or sardine if you like.

Tuna Cake
1 small tin tuna in sunflower oil (or in brine, but drain thoroughly and add equivalent amount of sunflower oil yourself)
3 eggs
1 crushed clove garlic, or a good pinch of garlic granules/powder
1 tsp Oregano (optional, but I find it helps make it smell stronger & more appealing)
Plain flour
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Mix tuna, eggs and garlic.
Add enough flour to make it into a paste.
Spoon into plastic container so mixture is about 1cm thick.
Microwave on full power for 7 mins.
When cool cut into cubes. Can be frozen.
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There are other recipes if you Google, including one using porridge oats instead of flour for gluten intolerant dogs.

Andrea

I've noticed that all your posts relate to food!!  Is everything ok, do you have some worries about what to feed?

If you google safe foods for dogs, you'll get lists of "what is bad and what is good".  There are some that cause concern only if fed in large quantities.  For instance broccoli is on some lists as a no, but I feed the stalk trimmings to mine once in a while and it does no harm.  Garlic is another that apparently should not be fed in high doses but conversely is great in small regular amounts, and is often given for medicinal purposes.  Chocolate is a definate NO in any amount.

There are however some rather daft lists that suggest you should not feed raw meat to your dog - what utter nonsense!!  I also saw string on one list: plainly bonkers, they might as well have added mobile phones, or slippers to the list.

Hmmm - maybe you are wiser getting your advice here.  The www is health and safety folk gone mad :)

Hi dogsababe

I think I am just paranoid about foodsand what to feed. Some people think grani free is better which I agree (now) but others think grans and carbs are fine

I am much more knowledgeable now I have been on here and put my queries to bed

In terms of healthy treats for dogs, this is purely because I want to treat them but I don't want them to put on a lot of weight and after watching a programme on giving them treats from the supermarkets i.e. pedigree garvy bones and markies I was shocked at how many calories were in these. Hence why I was looking for healthier natural treats

They do however, absoluitely love bulls pizzle haha

Re treats it sometimes just depends on what you are wanting to use the treat for

High value (tiny) treats given whilst training often have to be 'swapped' for food otherwise you could end up overfeeding your dog but a certain amount of 'junk' is ok.  I train with a variety or items about my person; from packet ham to home made liver cake, greasy sausage to dry biscuits.  I think I get better responses if my dogs don't know what coming out next and it means I can feed a wide range of things in tiny amounts that I'd never give in big amounts.    Gravy bones, if I were to use them, would be broken into at least 3 pieces.  I work on pea size bits and just feed in multiples if they've been marvellous.  One of mine can hear the training box being opened from 300 yards! :)

Other treats which you give for 'time out' or recreational needs should be long lasting and present no risk if you aren't watching them eat.  BIG rewards can be larger and not given as frequently - I use fish skins, carrots and Bonios for these larger treats.  All home medical procedures such as nail clipping, ear washing, teeth cleaning, wound inspections etc are rewarded with fish skins and these are their number one passion and all the bettter for not being freely given.

> Gravy bones, if I were to use them, would be broken into at least 3 pieces.  I work on pea size bits and just feed in multiples if they've been marvellous.

I've used them in this way too, and 'normal' supermarket treats - for everyday pocket-treats.

For training more difficult things, the value goes up - always pea-sized pieces - to hot dogs, tuna cake, liver cake, ham etc. It needn't be expensive and it needn't put the weight on a dog, for example I bought a pack of hot dogs from Tesco recently for 99p, (not tinned) and cut them into bits, then froze in small portions in bags. I still have some in the freezer, they went a long way! I just take out what I need when I need - ditto the tuna cake which took no time at all in the microwave, and also has the virtue of not being crumbly.... and keeps for longer in the pocket or treat bag.

What is toxic to dogs?
While you love your dear dog and want him to have the healthiest of diets, it's important to know which foods to consume and which must be avoided at all costs.  In fact, there are specific foods which are toxic to dogs.  Whether its grapes or cabbage or extensive table scraps or bread dough be aware of the list below as toxic food for dogs...in other words, what not to feed!

We'll start with human food.  Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.  In addition, it can result in nutritional deficiencies especially if fed in large amounts.  Simply stated, it's best to avoid since this could be toxic to dogs.  That's why it's called baby food and not dog food.

Table scraps in large amounts could be classified as toxic food for dogs.  Why?  Because they're not nutritionally balanced.  They should never be more than 10% of your dog's diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat and bones should definitely not be fed.  Cooked meat and cooked fats are carcinogenic to dogs.

Bones from fish and cooked bones can obstruct the digestive system.  Not good!

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and caffeinated drinks are bad.  They contain caffeine which could be toxic and impact the heart and nervous systems.

Citrus oil extracts result in vomiting.  Stay away!

Grapes and raisins contain unknown toxins which can do damage to the kidneys.  Definitely considered toxic food for dogs.

Large amounts of cooked liver cause Vitamin A toxicity, which impacts muscles and bones.  Yet another item which is toxic to dogs.

Macadamia nuts, like grapes and raisins, contain unknown toxins.

Spoiled food and garbage - just don't go there.  Definitely considered toxic for dogs.

Mushrooms can result in shock and cause death.

Alcohol can result in coma and death. 

Bread dough can result in a bloated belly and then disorientation and vomiting.  Since it yeast that hasn't risen yet, you do not want it to expand in Fido's belly, much less get stuck in the intestines!  This, like the other items on the list, could be toxic to dogs.

Onions and garlic, whether it's raw, cooked, or powder in large amounts have the ability to damage red blood cells and cause anemia. 

As for chemicals, dogs need to be kept away from all antifreeze spills since this could be hazardous and toxic to dogs.  While the sweet smell and taste may be attractive to his sensitive nose, if your dog consumes any amount of antifreeze, rush him immediately to the veterinarian.  (Check your garage and driveway for spills and clean these up before your pet has a chance to smell and potentially ingest this!)

Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener contained in chewing gum and candy.  Seizures, lethargy and weakness are the result if dogs consume significant amounts of this chemical.

Ibuprofen, like antifreeze, may smell sweet.  Dogs will eat it if they're found lying on the floor and don't be surprised if your dog tries to chew threw a bottle to eat the entire contents.  This is definitely toxic to dogs.  It causes ulceration and perforates the lining of the stomach, and decreases the blood flow to the kidneys.  Yet again, toxic to dogs.

And keep the above mentioned foods and chemicals in mind to prevent your dog from consuming toxins.  At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets' health and well being.  For more information about foods and chemicals which are toxic to dogs or if you think your dog could have ingested a toxic substance please contact your local vet as soon as possible.


Hope this helps found it on the net
Claire x

i use treats from fish 4 dogs the dogs love them and they are strong in smell.

For showing I use Frankfurters! Doggies love 'em. I cut them in half lengthways and in half lengthways again. Then chop them up so you have lots of quarter circle treats. I freeze them once I have chopped them up and they dont take that long to defrost and if you shake the container then they break up so you can get out what you need and then pop the rest back. I also agree about liver cake - it stinks but they love it!

I also give my girls sardines as a very special rare treat and tuna. Always buy in oil and not in brine though.

Dried tripe, smells dreadful but they love it. Remember to empty your pockets thought or like me you'll go back to a coat you haven't worn for sometime & oh the smell!

my dogs main treats are liver treats - they get liver cake for their birthdays but generally it is liver treats, I place the liver into a pan with water and garlic and simmer for about 5 mins, then take it out and cut into small pieces and place on a baking tray and cook quite high for about 10-15 mins - you get hard tasty (I think they are tasty :)) treats which my dogs love :)

Thanks for all of the info, will definately give liver cake a go!