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  • A report on the CBD pet products market has been released

    ResearchandMarket releases CBD pet product report.

  • GROW & AlgoGroup join forces

    GROW & AlgoGroup to partner.

  • Why brands matter to consumers (including pet owners)

    Pet food brands, especially smaller ones, can benefit from understanding and meeting the needs and expectations consumers have for product brands.

  • Private equity group to buy Voff Premium Pet Food

    In February, Voff acquired Aristo Oy, a Finnish manufacturer of natural chews and treats with sales spanning across Scandanavia.

  • When They Brag About Waste

    A pet food ingredient supplier brags about the waste they sell to pet food.

  • Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

    5 Benefits of Carrots for Dogs

    Have you ever wondered if carrots are good for your dog? At Tom&Sawyer, we are committed to providing our pups with the best fresh, gently-cooked ingredients in every pet meal. 

    Carrots are well known for their bright orange colour and crunchy texture, but did you know that they can be a great (and healthy) addition to your dog’s meal?

    Here are the top 5 reasons why we are always ROOT-ing for carrots for your dogs:

    1. A great source of vitamins and minerals

    Carrots are an excellent source of multiple vitamins and minerals including:

    • Vitamin A
    • Biotin
    • Vitamin K
    • Vitamin B6 
    • Calcium
    • Potassium

    These nutrients are essential for your pup to thrive!

    2. Antioxidants for your pup’s overall health

    Do you know what gives carrots that bright, orange colour? Beta-carotene! This antioxidant is most known for its ability to be converted into vitamin A, which is used for vision and eye health.

    However, beta carotene, and the many other antioxidants found in carrots, have been researched for their many health benefits. 

    Antioxidants are thought to help prevent certain diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and obesity.

                                                                                   Photo by Justin Veenema

    3. Fibre for digestive health

    Carrots can provide both soluble (i.e. pectin) and insoluble fibres (i.e. hemicellulose). Together, these fibres slow digestion and may help prevent constipation and diarrhea. 

    Fibres also feed the microbiome, and a healthy gut = a healthy pup! 

    For more information on the role of fibres for your furry friends, check out our blog on dietary fibre for your pets.

    4. Improved immune function

    Consumption of carrots helps promote a healthy and functioning immune system due to the (many) nutritional contents of carrots! How? Carrots are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that help the immune system function and work hard to keep your pup happy and healthy. 

    5. Flavour and texture (palatability)

    Often an overlooked benefit of any ingredient is its addition to the overall flavour and texture of the meal. Carrots are typically a dog favourite because of their crunchy texture! 

    Adding carrots to our meals provides some additional flavour that dogs love as well! Look for carrots in our healthy Buddha Bowl recipe, or our Coconut Chicken recipe for those pups who need a lower fat diet. 

                                                                  Tom&Sawyer’s Buddha Bowl Recipe

    So, the next time you’re thinking adding a little colour to your dog’s meal, don’t forget to include carrots! 

    If you’re wondering what other veggies and fruits are good for dogs, check out these blog posts:

    Can my dog eat potato? 

    Benefits of blueberries in your dog’s diet 

    By:

    Hannah Godfrey
    Animal Nutritionist
    BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
    www.tomandsawyer.com

  • Stormberg Foods recalls dog treats for Salmonella

    On July 6, 2022, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that a sample they collected tested positive for Salmonella spp.

  • Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?

    Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?

    Eggplant: it’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it kinds of things.

    Some people absolutely love the taste, and others simply can’t stand it. Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, it’s a fascinating veggie, and it has a firm place in the food chain. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it makes a delicious addition to casseroles and parm.

    But, have you ever wondered: can dogs eat eggplant? 

    can dogs eat eggplant?

    Dogs and Eggplants: The FAQ

    As a treat, eggplant may not be the best pick. It’s not necessarily dangerous, but dogs aren’t usually keen on the taste. Cooking eggplants before serving will make them more palatable, but few dogs are going to put eggplant on their list of favorites.

    Eggplants

    Can Dogs Eat Eggplant With Egg?

    Yes! Dogs can eat eggplant with egg, and they may enjoy it.

    If you opt to serve your eggplant with some eggs, be sure to cook the eggs thoroughly. A raw egg may expose your pup to harmful bacteria and germs such as salmonella.

    Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Skin?

    Yes! Dogs can eat eggplant skin. Aside from the stem, — which is unpalatable but not necessarily harmful — dogs can safely eat any part of an eggplant.

    Can Dogs Eat Fried Eggplant?

    Yes, but only a very small amount. When frying spongy vegetables like eggplant, a lot of the oil ends up in the finished product. Dogs should very rarely eat foods high in processed oils, so it’s better to cook eggplant in another way if you want to feed it to your dog. 

    If your dog snags a piece of fried eggplant they will be fine, but avoid giving them fried items deliberately.

    Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggplant?

    Yes! Dogs can eat raw eggplant, but many dogs dislike the taste.

    dog eats raw eggplant

    How Can I Give My Dog Eggplant?

    To make eggplant more enticing to your dog, you’ll likely have to cook it. Baking, frying, and grilling are all perfectly safe ways to prepare eggplant for your pup’s plate. However, if you want to serve up something fancier, there are plenty of recipes out there for dog-friendly eggplant treats.

    cooked eggplants

    Eggplant Jerky

    If you’re looking for something unique, try out this recipe for eggplant jerky. It’s safe for dogs, and you might even enjoy it, too!

    To make eggplant jerky, you’ll need:

    • A dehydrator or oven
    • Eggplants

    This is a fairly simple recipe, but the prep work is a bit complicated. Follow along closely!

      1. Take your whole eggplants and trim off the ends.

      2. Cutting lengthwise, slice the eggplants into thin strips. A thickness of ⅛–¼ an inch is perfect. You can do this with either a mandolin or a knife. The thicker you slice it, the longer the eggplant takes to dehydrate.

  • Using a Dehydrator: If you have a dehydrator, the strips may be added directly inside for 3–4 hours at 135°F (57°C). For a crisper texture, leave the jerky in a little longer.

  • Using an Oven: If you don’t have a dehydrator handy, then an oven will work! After drizzling some olive oil on top and spread the slices out on a baking sheet. Bake them for 2–3 hours at 175°F (79°C). Once they’re crispy enough for you, remove them from the oven.

    1. Allow the jerky to cool down before serving it to your dog.

    Hopefully, your dog will love this new treat. If not, you’re in for some delicious eggplant jerky!

    While you can add seasoning (like a small amount of salt), it’s not recommended. Sodium isn’t something your dog needs very much of, so adding it to their treats isn’t a good idea. If you want to add a small amount of salt to help the dehydration process it will be totally fine, but remember that it should be way less than you would use for yourself. 

    Grilled Eggplant

    grilled eggplants

    If you want to take a simpler approach, then you can always grill your eggplant. To do this, set the eggplant onto your grill and allow it to rest for 30–60 minutes on low heat. It will eventually “collapse”. This is when many people would deem it to be ready, and it is ready to serve to your pooch.

    Again, go light on the seasoning, or better yet, no seasoning at all!

    What’s the Verdict?

    As long as the eggplant is not prepared in something that is harmful to dogs, pups are welcome to try a bite! Eggplant is safe for dogs to eat, but it’s a bit of an acquired taste. Many dogs do not particularly like the taste and texture, so don’t be surprised if your pooch turns their nose up at your offering.

    If you’re looking for a more enjoyable treat, then don’t hesitate to stop by our store! At The Dog Bakery, we stock only the safest treats, including our homemade baked goodies. We also have plenty of recipes and tricks on our blog, so be sure to drop in and visit!

  • Can Dogs Eat Pancakes?

    There are few things like a pancake. They’re light, fluffy, and full of delicious flavors. When prepared correctly, they’re also an amazing way to keep dogs busy! They may not be the healthiest treat in the world, but pancakes are a rare treat that your pups will adore.

    dog&pancakes

    Are Pancakes Good for Dogs?

    First of all, pancakes are not a healthy snack for dogs. Regardless of how they’re made, they’re packed with excessive calories, sugars, and oils. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t feed your dog a pancake as a treat. As long as you ensure that the pancake is free of any ingredients that may harm your pup, you’re welcome to share your fluffy breakfast bites with your pup.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes? The FAQ

    Now that we know that pancakes are a safe rare treat for dogs, let’s dig deeper into the topic.

    As humans, we tend to add a lot of toppings to our pancakes. Not all of these are good for dogs, and some of them should be avoided. To make sure your dog is snacking safely, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions that people have about feeding their dogs a pancake.

    doggy pancake chef

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Butter?

    Yes, but we don’t recommend it.

    As delicious as a buttery pancake is, it’s extremely fatty for a dog. If you plan on feeding your dog a pancake, hold the regular toppings! There are plenty of healthy sides — such as fruits, vegetables, or meat — that you can serve alongside the pancake, but butter isn’t one of them.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Cinnamon?

    Yes! A little bit of cinnamon is okay for dogs to eat, and many will enjoy the additional flavor. If this is your pup’s first encounter with cinnamon, be sure to keep an eye on them. While cinnamon isn’t dangerous, it may cause intestinal upset in some dogs.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Honey?

    Pancake & honey

    Yes! Honey is safe for dogs to eat, but, like pancakes, it should be given in small quantities. A few drops of honey on top of a fluffy pancake is perfect for a dog.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Peanut Butter?

    Yes, but make sure there’s no xylitol.

    It’s a well-known fact that dogs love peanut butter, and it’s perfectly fine to feed your dog some peanut butter with their pancake. In fact, peanut butter is a much better alternative to regular butter.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Sugar?

    Yes, but in extreme moderation.

    Like people, dogs are prone to health problems if they eat too much sugar. Dogs are also more prone to these issues, so it takes less sugar to make them ill. Because of this, you’ll want to be very careful about giving your dog a sugary pancake.

    While the best option is to avoid sugar altogether, a little bit of sugar isn’t bad, nor will it hurt your dog. However, if your pup has any preexisting conditions, it’s worth withholding the sweet stuff. As always, your best bet is to contact your trusted veterinarian before you give your dog anything new. They’ll be able to tell you if they think there will be any problems, and they may even have serving suggestions!

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes With Syrup?

    Pancake&syrup

    Yes, but only a little bit!

    Like sugar, syrup is one of those very occasional treats. In general, you should probably hold the syrup, but a tiny drizzle for a rare treat isn’t likely to hurt your dog. It will, however, load them up with plenty of sugar and fats, so be sure to take them out for some exercise afterward!

    It’s also important to know that syrup has the potential to include ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Xylitol is the most immediate concern, but other additives may cause stomach aches. Because of this, you’ll want to thoroughly vet your syrup. If you’re absolutely set upon adding a little drizzle, seek out pure maple syrup.

    Can Dogs Eat Pancakes Without Syrup?

    Yes! This is the safest way to feed some pancakes to your pup.

    Plain pancakes may be unhealthy for your dog, but they are far from the worst thing to give them. A rare plain pancake makes for a delightful breakfast, and your pups will thank you for the treat!

    Treat Safely

    man&dog having pancakes

    No matter what you give your dog, make sure it’s safe first!

    At The Dog Bakery, we’re dedicated to providing dogs everywhere with treats that are guaranteed to be safe! In addition to the many pup-friendly treats and baked goods in our store, we also have plenty of tips and recipes on our blog, so don’t be a stranger!

  • Pakistani pet food market in turmoil from import ban

    The Pakistani pet food market has been growing by double digits a year, but a new ban on imported products is leading to price hikes and could slow growth.