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So, you’re considering adding chestnuts to your dog’s menu? Instinctively, this should be fine since chestnuts can result in better well-being. For a human, chestnuts offer Better digestive health, stronger bones, enhanced brain function and more.

But can dogs eat chestnuts and would it affect them differently?

The Effects of Chestnuts on Your Dog

Your puppy will probably agree that chestnuts should be on the menu. And so does the Veterinary Support Personnel Network and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

So, yes, chestnuts are ok for your dog and have no toxic effect. In fact, they can be a healthy treat for your dog! Nevertheless, you have to watch out for a few things first.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Chestnuts as Dog Treats

Chestnuts can certainly be a nice treat that you can let your dog enjoy from time to time as long as it’s moderated. 

Here are a few tips to consider when treating your dog with some.

Remove the Outer Layer

Always peel the hard outer layer before giving it to your dog as sometimes, if swallowed, it can cause choking. Peeling it off would make it easier for your puppy to enjoy safely.

Offer Little Portions

Try sticking to small portions as the amount of fat generally in nuts can be excessive for your dog. Large amounts can result in negative digestive effects for your dog and even vomiting.

This also gives you the chance to test whether your dog has any allergic reactions to chestnuts. If that’s indeed the case. Cut the chestnuts completely and Visit the nearest veterinarian as soon as possible.

Avoid Salted Chestnuts

Salt can be very dangerous for your dog. It can cause vomiting, depression, fever and more.

Consider Your Dog’s Fitness

Nuts naturally contain some fats. If your dog is already a little pudgy. You may want to consider another treat with less fat. As in this case, the negative effects of the extra weight exceed the nutritional values of chestnuts.

A Simple Way to Prepare Chestnuts

There are many safe ways you can prepare chestnuts for your dog. One common way of doing so would be by boiling, peeling and then crushing them. Then, You can use this puree without any spice, by mixing some of it with different kinds of meals for your dog.

Are All Types of Chestnuts Edible?

It’s also worth noting that not all types of chestnuts are edible. Certain types can be toxic such as “horse chestnuts”, also known as Conkers. Watch out for that. However, chances are if you’re buying it from your local store you’ll end up with edible chestnuts.

To Wrap it Up

Even though chestnuts have amazing health benefits for people. These benefits aren’t exactly the same when it comes to your little friend’s digestive system.

That doesn’t mean they’re bad for your dog’s health. Just maintain little portions, avoid salt completely and ensure that your dog can easily chew it by removing the outer layer.

So, can dogs eat chestnuts? Yes! feel free to go ahead and add chestnuts to your dog’s menu as an occasional treat. After all, food is a big part of your friend’s life and he/she will certainly thank you for adding some fun to the mix.

Most dog owners refer to their furry buddies as their “babies”. 

This sounds only fair since you feed them, potty train them, and give them bubble baths. Well, that’s what anyone would do to their tiniest, newest addition to the family. 

But let’s not get driven too far, because after all, not everything that works for your human baby could also work for your furry one. 

It’s a rainy day, and you take your puppy out for a walk. They get all excited in the mud. You return home and find nothing to clean them up with but baby wipes, and there’s no time for a bath. Sounds familiar?

Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Dog? 

To answer that question we should first know the main ingredients of baby wipes. 

As gentle as baby wipes are on human skin, it could be a bit tougher on dogs. Because most of the baby wipes we use are formulated to fit our skin need of moisturizing. 

Add to it some fragrance as well and some propylene glycol and it gets pretty toxic for your pooch.

It’s true that not all dogs’ skin reacts to the chemical ingredients in baby wipes. 

But unlike babies, dogs lick themselves, and if any of these chemicals were ingested, things could go far south for your dog.

What Are My Alternatives?

If you’re low on budget, you can start by bringing a clean towel, add some pet shampoo to it, and you’re good to go. 

But there’s a very important tip you should bear in mind. Quick clean-ups don’t compensate for real baths. Just like your baby can’t live without showering, your little pooch also can’t.

It’s known that pet-care products, especially pet wipes, could be a little pricy, but anything for your fur baby’s well being is definitely worth the price. 

So let’s find out which pet wipes are worth your money.

Our Top Picks For Pet Wipes

Pet wipes are pre-moistened wipes that work as an alternative, to keep your pet fresh and clean between baths. 

To Sum Up

The answer to the main question is no. Baby wipes shouldn’t be used on dogs. They work perfectly for our skin needs, but not for our puppies. Use them only if you really have no other choice. 

No need to panic though, because there’s always a safe, affordable alternative to keep your pooch clean. 

You can use a towel with your favorite pet’s shampoo, or you can use the pet’s wipes. Those magic helpers are made specifically to meet the needs of our fur buddies’ skin.

Your dog is your pride and joy. We feel you. Yet, did you know that what you’re feeding him could be making him ill?  

Many dog owners, myself included, want the best for their dog so we craft an entire meal plan that resembles ours.

But dogs process foods differently than we do.

Dogs come from the ‘carnivorous canine’ family. They have sharp canines and a much shorter digestive tract than humans. 

They’re also known for their ability to break down fats during the metabolism process. That’s why the best way to keep our dogs healthy and active is to provide them with low carb dog food.

Benefits of a Low Carb, High Fat Diet

Fat is the most significant source of energy for your dog. It’s easier to digest, metabolize, and utilize than other nutrients.

Other benefits include:

• Provides muscles with loads of fuel for energy
• Helps manage bodily functions
• Regulates healthy cells, nerves, and tissues
• Works as an anti-inflammatory
• Gives food its delicious taste and smell
• Assists in the absorption of nutrients

There are so many benefits to providing your dog with foods high in fat because dogs don’t have to worry about chronic illnesses due to high-fat diets like us humans. Studies show that when we feed our dogs diets rich in fats, we’re helping them become robust and energetic.

So it would seem obvious that most, if not all, dog foods out there are high in fats, low in carbs. But that’s not the case at all. In fact, not only is it difficult to find foods high in fats and low in carbs, sometimes it’s not even easy to find nutritional labels that are truthful.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) doesn’t require pet food companies to put the percentage of carbs on their nutritional labels. This makes it hard to know what exactly is in the dog food you’re buying.

Health Problems Caused by a High Carb Diet

The way dogs break down carbs is similar to getting a surge of adrenaline running through your system over and over again. The reason for this is that biologically, dogs can metabolize carbs but they have no real use for them.

Dogs process carbs as glucose, causing their bodies to secrete large amounts of insulin to try and control all that glucose. This causes a spike in energy levels which increases dramatically before suddenly crashing. 

The process repeats itself until your dog is frazzled and worn out. Then, once that’s all over and, the extra bits of carbs still left in your dog’s system are stored as fat; the type that causes inflammation and obesity, not the healthy type that gets used as energy.

Other health problems include:

• Rough, prickly skin 
• A lackluster, dry coat
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammations 
• Obesity
• Several types of cancer

A Final Note on Low Carb Dog Food

It’s important to bear in mind that a balanced diet containing large quantities of fat with decent portions of protein, along with small amounts of carbs is essential to maintaining your dog’s optimal health and development. 

Providing your dog with a balanced, rich diet, enough water, ample exercise and lots of love will keep your pet happy and disease-free for a long time.

Dogs certainly can eat almond butter just the same way that they eat peanut butter. It is something to be given as treat and not something that would be part of their regular diet. In fact, any type of nut butter can be eaten by dogs with one or two exceptions. 

My dog loves to be given a treat just as much as I love having one. He loves to savor his treat, sitting in one of his favorite spots enjoying the finer things in life. It’s for this reason that I make sure that the treat my dog gets is nutritious, safe and tasty at the same time. 

Looking around for alternatives to peanut butter I came across almond butter, cashew butter and a host of other nut butters. However, almond butter seemed to be one of the best out of these for the occasional treat for my dog. 

Nutrition value of almond butter 

Almond butter packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. It is high in monounsaturated fats or healthy fats. It also contains iron, potassium, calcium and manganese and is an excellent source of Vitamin E. In addition, I found out that it is considered a fairly good source of phosphorus, copper and riboflavin as well as dietary protein. According to the USDA, one tablespoon of almond butter contains 98 calories. 

I compared almond butter and peanut butter and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that almond butter has a significant lead when it comes to Vitamin E and iron. Vitamin E promotes general health and wellbeing of canines and also helps to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. Higher levels of magnesium nourish the nervous system. These are all positive features that I would love my dog to benefit from. 

More advantages of giving your dog almond butter

Comparing almond butter to peanut butter and other nut butters will give you an idea as to the many advantages it has over the others. 

• Peanut butter is not something that is recommended for dogs on a regular basis as it can increase the incidence of acute pancreatitis. 
• Nut butters based on walnuts, macadamias and pistachios are most likely to be bad or even toxic to your dog. 
• Almond butter is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids and can be given to your dog on a regular basis in small quantities. 
• It is good for red blood cells in your dog. Vitamin B6 and the iron in almond butter ensure healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia. 
• The calcium in almond butter promotes strong bones and teeth and keeps them healthy.
• Almond butter is also a good source of selenium which is an antioxidant. 
• The immune system is boosted by the zinc present in almond butter. 
• It adds more fiber to your dog’s diet than other nut butters. 

Always choose safe almond butter products 

Giving my dog almond butter seems like a good alternative to peanut butter. This is mainly because it is healthier than peanut butter. However, you have to be careful when choosing the type of almond butter from the store. I always read the labels to check whether there are dangerous additives – I mean dangerous to dogs that is – in the almond butter. One example of an additive that is dangerous to dogs and not to humans is the popular sweetener xylitol. When you read a label if it says ‘sugar free’, ‘no added sugar’ or ‘reduced sugar’ more often than not it will contain xylitol. Xylitol is an additive that can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure and even be fatal to some dogs.  

All-natural almond butters are the best to give your dog straight from the jar or made into treats. You have to be careful of any type of flavoring or additive that makes it unsafe. 

How much almond butter to give your dog

One thing to keep in mind is not to overdo things. Too much almond butter can cause a string of problems for your dog as it will hinder the digestion process. This can even lead to intestinal distress in severe cases. If your dog shows signs of an upset stomach, has a loss of appetite or passes gas more frequently you have to take note as these are all signs of too much almond butter. Some dogs may even vomit at this stage. 

How to give almond butter and in what quantities

Almond butter can be introduced into your dog’s diet very slowly till his stomach gets used to digesting it. When I say slowly, I mean both small quantities and long intervals between each treat. This helps your dog’s digestive system to get used to it giving the best results health wise. 

If your dog is anything like my dog, you will be tempted to give that additional spoonful of almond butter when you see the joy with which it devours the treat. No, this is the time to be careful and ration how much of it is given. A good way to achieve this regimen is to make a treat with almond butter such as baked goodies. It is also a more convenient option for you to bake some crunchy biscuits that are good both for you and your dog to enhance that tea-time in the afternoons. One recipe that never fails is to make a batch of crunchy cookies using canned pumpkin and almond butter. 

This is the time to get creative. You can mix a little almond butter with the kibble and see the enthusiasm that your dog will show at mealtimes. Another alternative is to fill a chewable toy with the right amount of almond butter that is ideal for your dog so that he can enjoy it over a period of time. 

Great results with good care

Over a few weeks you will see the results in your dog’s shiny, healthy coat of fur and the spring in its step as the benefits of almond butter starts to show. 

Transporting pet cats is never easy as they hate to go on unexplored places and leave their comfort zone. However, a good cat carrier can make the journey more comfortable, for both you and your pet. The comfort and safety of your feline friend needs to come first whether you go for vacations, annual vet appointments, or for fun activities. The right cat carrier is a great accessory to have if you are a cat owner.

Cats are naturally rambunctious and inquisitive. They don’t just sit on the seat like dogs in a moving vehicle. If you allow them freedom in long distance travel, it could turn out to be quite dangerous for your furry friend. Your kitty needs to be in a decent carrier, whether you are going to the vet for a regular check-up or taking it for a long drive.

However, one thing which many cat owners seem to have trouble with is choosing the right size of the carrier. I know there are tons of carriers, cat backpacks and strollers available in the market and it can be a real task to choose the right one for your pet, which is why I am here to help you figure it out. I will share everything that may help you select the right sized carrier. 

In order to help your pet cat feel safe and make your journey less stressful, it is of utmost importance that you choose a carrier that has an optimum size. You can take into account the following factors while buying a comfortable carrier for your cat.

Choosing the Right Sized Carrier for Your Feline Friends 

If you want to make things easier, both for yourself and your cat, this might be a good place to start. Now, the question is ‘how big should a cat carrier be?’

As a general rule, you can figure out if a carrier is of the optimum size for your cat by simply checking out its height and width. If your kitty can stand up without bending and turn around in the carrier then this is the right size to take your cat to a local vet clinic or for short trips. 

However, if your purpose is long distance travel with your kitty then you need to consider a couple of other factors as well. Make sure the carrier has enough space to accommodate a food bowl and water bowl. It will be great for you and your cat if you can grab a pre-packaged cat carrier. Moreover, even though the carrier should offer enough space for your pet to turn around comfortably, it shouldn’t be so large that the kitty can bounce around inside it. Larger is not always the better choice when it comes to a cat carrier. Let me explain! If you get a large carrier for your cat then there is a very high chance that it will spring from one side to the other. It is also hard for you to carry a carrier that is too big.  I would recommend a size that will focus on your furry friend’s safety while traveling. So, the best way to figure out what size carrier to get is to measure your pet cat. 

Measure your Cat for choosing the right size:

Generally, the carrier must be larger than your kitty so that it can turn around without bending. However, to determine the right size of the carrier, measure your cat properly in these two easy steps:

1. Measure the length of your cat. Measure the distance from the top of its nose to the tip of its tail with the help of a measuring tape. Now, add four inches to these dimensions. The final dimensions are the right length for the carrier you need for your pet cat. 
2. Measure the height of your cat from the ground to the top of the head and add four inches to this measurement. The final dimensions are the best height for the right carrier for your cat. 

I can’t guarantee that you will get a cat carrier of these measurements but you can try getting one as close as possible to these dimensions. Make sure to check the interior dimensions while selecting the carrier. 

A carrier is a good way to take your cat with you to the vet but if you want to take them with you on a walk or if you get tired from carrying them with your hands you can avoid that by getting a cat backpack. If you want to get one you can check our list.

Using a Pet Crate Size Calculator

It might be a tedious task to measure your pet in order to choose the right size of its carrier. Fortunately, there is another way to find out the accurate dimensions that you require. You can use a pet travel crate size calculator that uses the weight of your cat to figure out the approximate size. All you need to do is to put the measurements in the calculator and it will calculate the approximate size. Here are easy steps to calculate the size of your pet:

1. Enter the length of your cat from top of the nose to the tip of the tail in the first field. 
2. Enter the height of your pet cat from the ground to the top of the head. 
3. Measure the distance between the ground and the elbow joint of the cat and put the result you get in the third field. 
4. Measure the distance between the ears of your cat and enter these dimensions in the last field.
5. Lastly, provide all the required information in their respective fields and you will get the minimum carrier size for the cat. 

Seeking Advice from Professionals

You can seek advice from pet specialists or a veterinarian. Professionals often know a lot about accessories like carriers, their brand, model, and size. Manufacturers can provide false information on their products just to increase their sales without thinking about the implications it can have on animals such as stress and discomfort. This is why it is always a good idea to consult with an expert before choosing a carrier for your cat. Take the carrier, introduce it to your kitty, and let it explore the new territory. If the carrier is not suitable for it, you can return it. 

This is my cat carrier size guide that you can use to find the perfect carrier for your pet. I hope this article helps you figure out the right carrier for your feline friend. For more interesting articles, stay tuned.