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Pet Diabetes Email List.
Hello List....
I do not think rawhides will change blood sugar as they are not really
high in carbohydrates. Here's some info from the www.petplace.com
....
And is the question "Can Dogs Have Turkey Serious?" I missed that
whole thing. But yes they can. I prefer veggies and turkey
breast or chicken breast as treats for pets versus the high fat and salt-loaded
treats like Puperoni and Jerky treats, etc. But turkey does have
tryptophan in it which acts as a natural calming agent...that's why we
fall asleep after Thanksgiving. This amino acid is in an herbal anxiety
product called Nutricalm ( www.rxvitamins.com
) for which I prescribe for dogs who need a little downer without the drugs.
Rawhide is the inner layer of the hide usually from a cow. Many people
give pieces of rawhide to their pets as toys (often to keep them busy)
and to help their teeth. It is theorized that dogs like rawhide due to
their natural instincts as wild dogs. Historically, wild dogs attacked
and bit their prey, sank their teeth into the animals flesh and pulled
away on the hide to obtain the meat.
General Information on Rawhide
Rawhide may serve as a simulation to this wild instinct. Many dogs,
especially young dogs, have the natural instinct to chew. Rawhide may give
dogs and puppies the ability to chew an acceptable *toy,* while benefiting
from the mechanical action of chewing, which applies pressure on the gums
and teeth and scrapes the teeth while chewing.
It is important for a dog not to be able to chew off and swallow large
pieces as this may cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. It is also important
that the rawhide be large enough that the pet cannot swallow it whole.
If a large piece is eaten, it is usually digested with time and rarely
causes a surgical problem; however, it can make your pet uncomfortable.
When the rawhide gets small enough that it can be swallowed, it should
be taken away from your pet.
There are calories in rawhide. There is also protein and it is digestible
but is not considered a *food* item. Rawhide should only be offered in
addition to a balanced diet. Although there are mentioned benefits of rawhides,
the calories can add up. Moderation is the key. Some suggest that two hours
worth of chewing a day is adequate for most pets.
Pets with a history of vomiting, diarrhea, allergies and who are on
a special diet should not have rawhide until you check with your veterinarian.
The material in the rawhide probably is not a problem for most dogs, although
some can be allergic to it. The real problem is that some dogs have a tendency
to swallow too large a piece of the rawhide and it can get stuck in their
esophagus, stomach or intestines, and require surgical removal.
Dr. Jennifer
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Jennifers Corner
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