(Picture Credit: Simoneemanphotography/Getty Images)

A trending topic among dog lovers is rotating their pups’ protein sources. This basically means you change the protein source of your dog’s food periodically: on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.

You might go from beef, to fish, to pork, and so on. With today’s dog foods, your options are limitless. But why should you change up your dog’s diet? And how can you do it safely?

Here’s what you should know about rotating your dog’s protein source.

Why Should You Change Your Dog’s Protein Source?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Experts recommend protein rotation for a variety of reasons.

Some believe prolonged feeding of the same food for long periods of time can lead to allergic reactions manifesting in a variety of symptoms, including itchy skin, hot spots, upset stomach and more.

Many dog parents also believe it adds variety to their pups’ lives and keeps them from getting bored with the same old food day after day.

Whatever your reasons for rotating your pet’s protein source, we’ve got a few tips for doing so safely.

Tips For Rotating Your Dog’s Protein

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

As always, you must ask your veterinarian first before you attempt to alter your dog’s diet. They can give you the most appropriate advice for your individual pooch.

With that in mind, here are some tips that you should discuss with your vet:

• Come up with a plan or schedule of how often you are going to switch your dog’s protein source with your vet’s guidance. Some experts suggest you switch weekly, while others say to finish your current supply of food before switching to ensure freshness.
• Make sure all dog food is sealed properly to stay fresh. If you use a plastic bin or storage container, clean it thoroughly after every bag of food, or residual fats and oils that settle at the bottom could grow rancid and contaminate new food.
• Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, and changing protein sources can upset their tummies. Follow the basic rules for changing any dog food by gradually mixing about 25 percent new food with their old food, and work your way up from there until you are at 100 percent new food. This is usually done over seven to ten days, but be sure to consult your vet.
• Keep an eye on your dog. Talk to your vet if your pooch shows signs of a food allergy: chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, skin rash, hives, gas, obsessive licking, obsessive scratching, and sometimes even nausea or vomiting. However, if your dog was having those issues, and those symptoms stop when you switch protein sources, you should also talk to your vet because they may have had an allergy to the food you were feeding them, and you may not have even known it!

Try It! You Might Be Surprised!

Here’s a protein rotation success story from one of our writers at DogTime.

A Shih-Tzu named George never slept through the night. He was always scratching and keeping his humans awake with his fidgeting, licking and squirming around.

When they began rotating George’s protein source on the suggestion of a clerk at their pet food store, he suddenly began sleeping through the night.

His humans always thought he was just a fidgety, squirmy, itchy boy, but it turned out that he was actually allergic to the chicken-based dog food they had been feeding him for years.

Try it out with your dog, and you just might be surprised. Although — we repeat because we can’t stress this enough — ask your vet if it’s safe, first!

Have you ever changed up your dog’s protein source? Do you switch their food on a regular schedule? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

The post Rotating Your Dog’s Protein Source: Why Should You Do It? And How? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Liliya Kulianionak/Getty Images)

Olive oil is a staple for many people in their diet. It’s found in kitchen pantries everywhere. So can dogs have olive oil, too?

The quick answer is yes, dogs can have olive oil. But there many things to consider when deciding to add olive oil to your pup’s diet. While there are many benefits to giving it to your dog, you need to take precautions.

As always, before adding, taking away, or substituting anything in your dog’s diet, make sure to consult your veterinarian to make sure it won’t harm their well-being.

Here’s what you should know about feeding olive oil to dogs.

What Are The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: chendongshan/Getty Images)

There are many benefits olive oil provides when added to a human diet. Dogs also reap similar benefits when they consume it.

• It can help your dog lose weight. The monosaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage weight loss by breaking down the fat inside fat cells, which helps get rid of belly fat and reduces insulin sensitivity.
• It’s good for their coat and skin. Olive Oil contains phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, which all help keep your pup’s skin moisturized and well-nourished. They also add shine and strength to your dog’s coat.
• It improves the immune system. The polyphenols and carotenoids found in olive oil can help improve their overall immune system. Adding olive oil can help your dog fight harmful pathogens which helps prevent your dog from getting sick.
• It’s good for the brain. Olive oil can help prevent cognitive decline associated with aging in pooches. It’s a great staple to add, especially for senior dogs. There have been a number of animal research studies which show olive oil boosts brain health in dogs.
• It’s a good source of energy. Adding a dose of olive oil can help improve circulation and breathing with dogs. By increasing blood flow, it can lessen the effects of asthma. Bulldogs and brachycephalic breeds can benefit from olive oil in their diet.

When Is Olive Oil Bad For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: Amax Photo/Getty Images)

Some doctors believe olive oil might have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tracts of dogs with especially sensitive stomachs. Avoid giving your dog any more olive oil if you notice them vomiting or having diarrhea after consuming it.

Olive oil also contains lots of fat and calories. If your dog suffers from pancreatitis, the extra fat might cause a flare-up.

While olive oil is considered safe and even beneficial for dogs, there are some potential side effects of adding it to their daily diet. Make sure to consult your vet before giving it to your dog.

How Much Olive Oil Should I Give My Dog?

(Picture Credit: imagenavi/Getty Images)

How much olive oil you give your pup depends mostly on their size.

If your pup is between 20 to 50 pounds, a teaspoon of olive oil is fine. If your dog is 90 pounds or more, then a tablespoon daily or weekly is good for them. Make sure to mix the olive oil well into their daily food.

Again, before changing or adding anything into their diet, make sure to consult your vet to get the maximum health benefits.

What do you think of adding olive oil to your dog’s diet? Has your dog ever tried it before? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? Is Olive Oil Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

“Can dogs eat pumpkin?” You may be asking this question if you want to share a fall pumpkin treat with your dog, or maybe you’ve heard pumpkin is good for an upset tummy. Humans can eat pumpkin, so is it safe for dogs?

The short answer is yes, your dog can have pumpkin. Not only is pumpkin a nice change of pace for your pup’s palette, it is also a healthy people food to add to your dog’s diet. However, you must be cautious and serve pumpkin to your dog safely and in moderation.

As always, you must ask your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your dog, even pumpkin.

How Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs?

Pumpkin is great for your dog’s health for a myriad of reasons. It is full of vitamins and nutrients that your dog’s body needs to function, including:

• Vitamin A: Helps your dog’s immune system and vision
• Vitamin C: Aids enzymatic reactions in the body and collagen synthesis.
• Alpha carotene and Vitamin E: antioxidants that regulate enzymatic activity and prevent damage to cells from free radicals.
• Calcium: Keeps your dog’s bones and teeth strong along with supporting cytoplasmic functions.
• Iron: Keeps your dog’s hemoglobin count up, aids the flow of oxygen at a cellular level.
• Lutein: Aids the health of the eyes, skin, and coat of your dog.

Pumpkin is also full of fiber, which can help dogs feel fuller faster without necessarily taking in too many calories. This makes pumpkin an excellent diet choice for dogs who need to lose a little excess weight.

Pumpkin can also aid digestion for dogs who are experiencing constipation or diarrhea. If your dog is experiencing these digestive issues, try giving your dog a tablespoon of canned pumpkin mixed in with their normal food.

What Type Of Pumpkin Is Safe For My Dog?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Plain, canned pumpkin is the best option when it comes to adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet. When shopping for canned pumpkin for your pup, be sure to get the plain pumpkin.

Canned pumpkin blends, such as pumpkin pie filling with nutmeg and cinnamon, spiced mocha chai pumpkin, or any of the other human canned pumpkin varieties that contain cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other spices can cause severe digestive issues for your dogs or prove toxic for your pup.

How Can I Give My Dog Pumpkin?

There are lots of fun ways to introduce pumpkin into your dog’s diet.

Pumpkin is a great addition to homemade dog food or dog treats. It can also be mixed in with your dog’s normal, store bought food.

However you choose to serve pumpkin to your dog, pay attention to healthy portions for your pup’s dietary needs. Always consult your vet if you’re considering introducing anything new into your pet’s diet.

Can Too Much Pumpkin Be Dangerous For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

It’s important not to go overboard with pumpkin in your dog’s diet, as too much could become toxic.

Pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotone, which dogs’ bodies convert into vitamin A. Too much vitamin A is highly toxic to dogs.

Don’t let this stop you from introducing this beneficial gourd into your pup’s diet, however. A couple of teaspoons for smaller dogs or a couple tablespoons of pumpkin for larger dogs each day is completely fine.

But again, remember to get your vet’s okay first.

If you want to take the guesswork out of what foods your dog can eat, you should try ordering fresh, custom meals for your dog delivered to your door from NomNomNow! Click here to get 20% off your first order!

Do you give your dog pumpkin? Do they enjoy it? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Is Pumpkin Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Many natural foods and supplements can be added to your dog’s diet that may provide some relief from the pain of arthritis. October 12th is World Arthritis Day, so it’s a good time to talk about this condition that affects humans and dogs all year round.

Diet becomes especially important for dogs with arthritis because excess body fat strains joints and bones, causing even more discomfort. Moderate exercise, massage, acupuncture, and medication are all tools in addition to certain foods that can help with arthritis pain.

Consult your veterinarian about all of these options before you make any dietary or lifestyle changes and form a plan that works for you and your dog.

Here are ten natural foods and supplements that may work as remedies for arthritis pain in dogs.

What other foods and supplements help with your dog’s arthritis? Have you tried any of these with success? Then let us know in the comments below!

Related Articles:

The post World Arthritis Day: 10 Foods & Supplements That May Help Dogs With Arthritis Pain appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: RossHelen/Getty Images)

The vitamin and supplement business for humans is a multi-billion dollar industry. Many pet parents also feel that, if supplements are good for them, they must be good for their pets, too. With Holistic Pet Day coming up on August 30th, maybe natural health solutions for your furry friend are already on your mind.

However, before giving out supplements to your pup like treats, you should consider if they’re something your pet actually needs. More often than not, if you’re feeding your dog high quality food, then they already get the nutrients they need to live a healthy, normal life.

There are, however, a few herbs, natural supplements, and people foods that you can give to your dog without breaking the bank or causing concern that your dog is getting too much of a certain vitamin. Of course, you must discuss these with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Here are five things you can bring to Fido’s food bowl to increase energy, make their coat shinier, and add some variety to their meals.

Remember, much like the human supplement industry, many supplements you can buy over the counter are not heavily monitored, studied, or controlled by officials. Products may say “all natural,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean “good for your dog.”

Be sure to talk to your vet about any supplements or human foods you plan on adding into your dog’s diet to be sure they’re right for them, and check the ingredients in your dog food. Your pup may already be getting the necessary nutrients they need!

Do you supplement your dog’s diet for a health boost? Which supplements should other dog lovers look into? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 Of The Best Dietary Supplements For Your Dog appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Chris Amaral/Getty Images)

Ah, bread — a treat as tempting to the olfactory senses as to the taste buds, and as tempting to dogs as it is to humans. But can dogs safely eat bread? You’re probably asking this if you want to share a bite of your sandwich or toast with your pooch, or maybe your dog accidentally snagged a bite of bread while you weren’t looking.

So, can you share a slice with your four-legged friend when they come begging? The short answer is maybe; it depends what’s in that slice.

Here’s what you need to know about whether you can share a bite of bread with your dog.

The Wonder Of Wonder Bread For Dogs

Experts agree that a small amount of plain white or wheat bread shouldn’t harm your dog, provided they don’t have a wheat allergy. But as with humans, it’s important not to over-indulge on this carb-heavy food that’s high in calories and low on nutrients.

Be sure to check the ingredient list carefully. You’ll want to avoid giving your dog anything with raisins, garlic, nuts, or xylitol — an artificial sweetener.

These have varying degrees of toxicity for canines and can cause anything from diarrhea to pancreatitis or even renal failure.

Are There Benefits Of Bread For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: vgajic/Getty Images)

Outside of being a tasty occasional treat, bread has fiber, especially whole-wheat or other grain-based breads, which could be a benefit to your dog’s diet if they’re lacking.

However, you must talk to your vet before adding bread as a regular nutritional supplement, as there may be healthier options.

Some people use bread to calm a dog’s upset stomach, but vets agree that plain white rice is a safer bet.

No Raw Dough, Though

While their ancestors may have eaten meat raw, one thing dogs should never eat raw is bread dough.

The warmth of a dog’s stomach acts as an oven of sorts, and once the dough enters, it continues to rise, bloating and distending the gut.

Even worse, ethanol, a by-product of the bread’s yeast, can make your dog drunk. If you know your dog ate raw dough, or if you see signs of alcohol toxicosis, like seizure, depression, weakness, hypothermia, unsteady walking, or even coma, then you must call your vet immediately.

So, the next time Fido is giving you puppy-dog eyes for a treat, you can consider giving them plain bread — just be sure to check the ingredients, make sure the bread is fully baked, and give a small amount.

Of course, petting need not be moderated.

If you want to take the guesswork out of what foods your dog can eat, you should try ordering fresh, custom meals for your dog delivered to your door from NomNomNow! Click here to get 20% off your first order!

Does your dog ever sneak a bite of your bread? Do they enjoy it? Then let us know in the comments below!

The post Can Dogs Eat Bread? Is Bread Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: K_Thalhofer/Getty Images)

Can dogs eat ice? You might be asking this because you are looking for a cold summer treat for your dog, or maybe because some ice fell out of the freezer door and your pup accidentally ate some ice. Humans can eat ice, but is it also safe for dogs to eat?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat ice. As long as the pieces are small enough to where your dog won’t choke, ice is perfectly safe for them. In fact, crushed ice makes a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog on those hot, summer days.

Of course, there are exceptions, as can be the case with dogs who have frequent dental issues, recent dental work, or sensitive teeth. So, as always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human food or drinks with your dog, including ice. Here’s what you should know about feeding ice to dogs.

How Is Ice Good For Dogs?

Giving your dog ice or putting ice in your dog’s water are great ways to make sure they’re staying hydrated. They can also cool your dog down on a hot day.

Putting ice in your dog’s water bowl or giving your dog ice chips instead of a big bowl of water can also be ways for them to stay hydrated without taking in water too quickly, which can lead to a potentially deadly condition called bloat in some breeds.

You can even add an appropriate amount dog-safe herbs, like mint, to help keep your dog’s breath fresh.

How Can I Safely Feed Ice To My Dog?

(Picture Credit: Photoboyko/Getty Images)

Always ask your vet before feeding human foods and drinks to your dog. Your vet can tell you if your dog can handle ice.

In order to keep your dog safe, make sure to give your dog small pieces of ice that they will not be able to choke on. To be safe, it’s best to stick to crushed ice, especially with smaller dogs.

Like when you fill your dog’s water bowl, be sure to use clean water to make the ice cubes you plan to feed to your dog.

Also, even with larger dogs, avoid big or incredibly dense, hard pieces of ice. If your dog likes to chew, a particularly tough piece of ice could easily chip their teeth.

You can add ice to your dog’s water, but some dogs prefer to just have ice separately. See what your dog prefers!

If you want to take the guesswork out of what foods your dog can eat, you should try ordering fresh, custom meals for your dog delivered to your door from NomNomNow! Click here to get 20% off your first order!

Does your dog enjoy ice as a treat? Do you use any dog-safe ingredients to flavor ice for your pup? Share your recipes in the comments below!

DogTime participates in the NomNomNow affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on NomNomNow.

The post Can Dogs Eat Ice? Is Ice Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Can dogs eat tomatoes? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat tomatoes, but there are some big exceptions and things you should know before you give them to your dog.

It’s important to note that tomatoes are in the nightshade family, and parts of them contain substances that are toxic in high amounts. Poisoning from overeating tomatoes is rare in dogs, but it can happen, especially if dogs get into gardens with unripened tomatoes, which are more dangerous.

In general, plain, ripe tomatoes that are free of stems and leaves are safe for dogs to eat, but you should always consult your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your dog.

Here’s what you should know about feeding tomatoes to dogs.

How Are Tomatoes Good For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients that are good for dogs if consumed in appropriate quantities. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which is good for digestion.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and promote strong bones; beta-carotene, which can improve cognition; vitamin A, which helps with vision; and vitamin C, which is good for skin.

They also have minerals such as folate and potassium, which help with blood pressure and muscle health.

When Are Tomatoes Bad For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

The green parts of tomatoes, including stems and vines, as well as unripened tomatoes, contain a toxin called solanine. Generally, they have small amounts of solanine that won’t harm dogs. However, when eaten in large quantities, they can cause problems.

This is a concern for dog parents who have tomato gardens where there may be many unripened tomatoes where dogs can eat them. If you have a tomato garden, keep your dog away from it.

The most common sign of tomato poisoning in dogs is gastrointestinal upset, but dogs may also suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, an abnormal heart rate, and other symptoms. If you see signs of tomato poisoning in your dog, get to the vet.

Products that contain tomatoes, such as sauces, soups, or juices, may be unhealthy for dogs, especially because they often contain salt, sugar, artificial flavors, or other ingredients that are harmful. It is best to avoid giving your dog these products.

You can even make your own tomato products, instead, so you know what’s in them. A little bit of these items will probably not cause much harm, but there’s no point in risking your dog’s health.

As with almost all foods, there is a risk your dog may be allergic to tomatoes. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition. If you see signs such as coughing, sneezing, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or other allergy symptoms, stop giving tomatoes to your dog and contact your vet.

Some dogs have medical conditions, like acid reflux or gastrointestinal issues, that tomatoes may aggravate. It is always best to ask your vet before giving your dog any new kinds of foods to make sure your pup can safely eat them.

How Should You Give Tomatoes To Your Dog?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

If your vet tells you it’s okay to serve tomatoes to your dog, make sure you choose ripe, red ones that have the stems, leaves, and vines removed.

Serve them to your dog fresh without any additives like salt, as these can be harmful to dogs. Make sure you know the source of the tomatoes too, so you can avoid pesticides and herbicides that can make your dog sick.

If you serve your dog a tomato-based product like sauce or soup, check the ingredients for anything that can hurt your dog. It’s best to stick to fresh tomatoes that you prepare, yourself, just to be safe.

You can also take the guesswork out of what to feed your dog by ordering fresh, custom meals delivered to your door from NomNomNow! Click here to get 20% off your first order!

Do you ever give your dog tomatoes? Does your dog enjoy them as a treat? Let us know in the comments below!

DogTime participates in the NomNomNow affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on NomNomNow.

The post Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Are Tomatoes Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Can dogs eat peaches? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat peaches, but before you serve your dog some of this yummy fruit, there are some things you should know.

Now is an especially good time to learn about dogs and peaches, as August is actually National Peach Month! These fruits are loaded with beneficial nutrients that can be good for your dog’s health when they are served properly and in moderation.

Too many, however, can lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, and the pits can present a serious choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage among other issues.

If you prepare a peach, yourself, and remove the pit, it will most likely be a healthy, tasty treat for your dog, but you should always ask your veterinarian before sharing human food with your furry friend.

Here’s what you should know about feeding peaches to dogs.

How Are Peaches Good For Dogs?

Peaches are loaded with plenty of vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog’s health.

They contain vitamins A and C, and they are low in calories and high in fiber. As a source of antioxidants, they can help ward off cancer and boost the immune system. They also help improve the functions of the liver and kidneys.

So long as peaches are served properly and in moderation, they are healthy snacks that can even be used as a refreshing reward during training sessions.

When Are Peaches Bad For Dogs?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

The main danger for your dog when it comes to eating a peach is the pit.

The pits are hard, and if your dog tries to chew one, they can damage their teeth or jaws. A swallowed peach pit can present a choking hazard or cause a dangerous gastrointestinal obstruction. The serrated edges of peach pits can damage the mouth or internal organs.

In short, you should never expose your dog to peach pits. If your dog manages to swallow one, watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress and contact your veterinarian immediately.

There’s an issue of lesser concern with peach pits that’s still worth mentioning. Peach pits contain trace amounts of a cyanide compound. Your dog would have to consume a lot of pits before getting cyanide poisoning, but it’s just another reason that it’s not worth the risk of exposing your dog to them.

When the pit is removed, the fruits are usually fine for dogs to eat, though you should know where they come from and wash them thoroughly, as they may contain pesticides or herbicides that could make your dog sick.

Also, avoid canned peaches and peach-flavored foods, as these are usually full of sugar and chemicals that are bad for dogs.

Eating too many peaches can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs, and the fruit contains some sugar. It’s best to keep them as a sometimes-treat given in moderation.

As with any food, there is a small chance that your dog may be allergic to peaches, which can rarely lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction, including coughing, sneezing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, stop giving your dog peaches and consult your veterinarian immediately.

How Should You Feed Peaches To Your Dog?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

You should always ask your veterinarian before giving your dog any kind of human food. Some dogs have medical conditions that could be worsened by peaches or other foods, so it is best to check before you feed them to your dog. They’ll also be able to tell you what’s an appropriate amount of peaches to feed your dog in each serving.

Once you have the okay from the vet, make sure you select and prepare fresh peaches that are free of mold and rot. You should thoroughly wash them, cut them into manageable pieces, and remove the pits, as well as any stems or leaves that may still be present.

You can slice the fruit into small bits to use as a motivational reward during training, mix them with other food for a sweet surprise, or blend them with other healthy fruits in a fruit salad or smoothie. Again, ask your vet before feeding your dog any other human fruits or foods.

Do you ever serve peaches to your dog? Are you going to try it during National Peach Month in August? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Can Dogs Eat Peaches? Are Peaches Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.

(Picture Credit: Staff photo by Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

You may have seen cute videos online of dogs joining their owners at the Starbucks drive-thru and getting a tasty-looking Puppuccino. But what exactly is a Starbucks Puppuccino, and is it safe for dogs?

Here’s the brief answer: a Starbucks Puppuccino is a tiny espresso size cup with whipped cream made specifically for our four-legged, furry companions. Milk products, including whipped cream, in small quantities are perfectly safe for most dogs once in a while.

That said, it doesn’t hurt to double-check with your vet for advice on your individual dog. Some dogs with high sensitivity to dairy or those with specific diets shouldn’t sip on a Puppuccino.

Here’s what you should know about the Starbucks Puppuccino and whether it’s safe for dogs.

Should Lactose Intolerant Dogs Have A Puppuccino?

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, but small quantities of milk and milk products, usually will not adversely affect them.

If you notice that your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or gas after consuming a milk product, then you should probably avoid them completely. This includes the Starbucks Puppuccino.

At the end of the week, if my milk or cream is going to expire and I want to use it up, I sometimes give my dogs a small amount–three to four tablespoons–without it bothering them at all.

But once, I pushed the limits and gave them larger bowls of milk–closer to half to three quarters of a cup–and one of my dogs got diarrhea. So I won’t be trying that again.

My dogs are under 20 pounds, so larger dogs can possibly tolerate more. Again, a trip to the vet for advice doesn’t hurt. Talk to your doggy doc before you give your pup a Puppuccino.

Should You Bring Your Dog To Starbucks For A Puppuccino?

I used to work at Starbucks in Los Angeles during the 1990s, and a girl came in our store one time with a small dog. My manager at the time told me that I couldn’t even take the girl’s order, and I felt like such a jerk.

Times have changed, and I’m glad that dogs are becoming more accepted. Of course, now Starbucks is encouraging doggy drive-thru rides with their not-so-secret menu item for canines.

If you’re wondering how much the Puppuccino will set you back, well wonder no more. As of now the Starbucks Puppuccino is complimentary. Totally gratis. Free for doggos!

Please tip your barista, though. Why not pass the savings forward?

Only you can decide if you want to bring your pupper to the drive-thru. A quick call to the vet for advice will help you decide.

Got a friend who goes to Starbucks with their pup? Pick up a Starbucks gift card for them if you need a quick gift idea!

Has your dog tried a Starbucks Puppuccino? Or another treat from your favorite restaurant on the go? Please let us know what treats your dog enjoys while out and about with you in the comments below!

DogTime participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Related Articles:

The post What’s In A Starbucks Puppuccino? Is It Safe For Dogs? appeared first on Dog Family Helper.