Brain Tumor In Dogs

If Your Dog Starts Doing This, He May Have Brain Cancer

Story at-a-glance

• Brain tumors are relatively common in older pets, and vary a great deal in their level of severity


• A brain tumor is “primary” if it originates in the brain; a secondary brain tumor originates outside the brain but metastasizes or otherwise invades brain tissue


• Symptoms of a tumor vary depending on its location in the brain


• Traditional western treatments for brain tumors include the usual menu of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is the best option, and chemo is rarely used against brain cancer


• Integrative/holistic veterinarians use adjunctive therapies with brain cancer patients that can sometimes slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life

By Dr. Becker

Brain cancer is unfortunately a relatively common disease in older pets. Brain tumors in animals vary a great deal in terms of their level of malignancy, and some can be treated effectively.

Tumors originating from the membranes covering the brain, called meningiomas, are seen more often in dogs with long heads and noses like the Collie. Brachycephalic breeds, with their short noses and flat faces, more often develop pituitary tumors.

Brain tumors are more common in dogs than cats, especially dogs over five years of age. Predisposed breeds include the Boxer, Boston Terrier, and Golden Retriever.

Primary and Secondary Brain Tumors

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, and is classified as either primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor means the cancer originated within the cells of the brain and its membranes.

Types of primary brain tumors include meningioma, glioma, choroid plexus papilloma, and pituitary adenoma or adenocarcinoma.

A secondary brain tumor is either cancer that has metastasized to the brain from a primary tumor somewhere else in the animal’s body, or it’s a tumor affecting the brain by extending into brain tissue from a nearby, non-nervous system location, such as a bone.

Examples of tumors that may spread to the brain include hemangiosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, and melanoma. Unfortunately, these tumors have a very poor prognosis because they’ve already spread through the body.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

Symptoms of a brain tumor arise from the mass either compressing or invading the brain, and depend on what area is affected. Brain tumors typically cause progressive signs in older animals. The symptoms often start off mild and progress in severity, but not always. They can start quite suddenly, for example, an older pet may just start having seizures, or they can occur more subtly and gradually. They can also wax and wane in severity.

If the tumor is affecting the forebrain, which is the area responsible for thought and behavior, symptoms can include behavioral changes, an increase or decrease in thirst or hunger, constant pacing or circling, decreased awareness and vision on one side of the body, pain or head pressing, and seizures.

In fact, the sudden onset of seizures is the most common symptom of the presence of a tumor of the forebrain, and is what I see as the most common, in terms of symptoms, in clinical practice.

If the tumor is affecting the brainstem, the animal’s ability to walk, mental alertness, and respiratory and cardiovascular systems may be impacted. The most common symptoms of a brainstem tumor are loss of balance and weakness on one side of the body.

There can also be head tilting, drunken gait or staggering, circling, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and vomiting. There may also be a change in the bark or voice, inability to move the eyes, and paralysis. In some cases, an affected pet may lapse into a coma and die.

A tumor of the cerebellum, which controls coordination of movements, can have symptoms including uncoordinated gait, head tremors, and swaying of the trunk.

Diagnosing Brain Cancer

Generally speaking, any pet over five years of age who presents with a new onset of neurologic symptoms should be suspected for a brain tumor. Diagnosis will include a complete physical and neurologic exam, routine blood work, and chest and abdominal X-rays to check for the spread of cancer.

Since most soft tissue brain tumors can’t be seen on X-rays of the skull, it’s necessary to do a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain. Most neurologists prefer MRIs.

The type of tumor can often be determined from its appearance on CT or MRI images, but the mass can only be definitively diagnosed by taking a sample, either during surgery to remove it or with a biopsy. This can prove challenging, since many tumors lie very deep within the skull and are not good candidates for surgical removal.

Brain masses caused by infections can look like tumors on brain images, so it’s critically important that a sample of the tumor is evaluated to identify the cell types involved. This procedure not only identifies the type of tumor, but also grades the malignancy of it.

Treatment Options

The traditional treatment for brain tumors in dogs and cats is what you might expect – surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative treatment of symptoms.

The aim of surgery, which is the best option, is to hopefully completely remove the tumor, but sadly, this is a rare outcome. Meningiomas tend to develop on the surface of the brain, and are the best candidates for surgical removal. Gliomas are typically found deep within the brain and are much more difficult or even impossible to remove.

Often, surgery is useful primarily to alleviate the animal’s symptoms by decompressing the brain.

Radiation therapy can slow the progression of most types of brain tumors in pets. But in order to have this therapy safely, the animal must be healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia for each dose of radiation. If the mass is large, it’s better to surgically remove as much of it as possible first, which will decompress the brain and make the pet better able to endure a course of radiation.

Chemotherapy isn’t a common choice of treatment for brain tumors, because the blood-brain barrier limits the effectiveness of the drugs. There are a few chemo drugs that can cross the barrier, so it may be offered as an option to treat a glioma when radiation isn’t a possibility. However, chemotherapeutic agents can have devastating side effects, especially on the liver and bone marrow, and must be closely monitored during treatment. I don’t ever recommend chemotherapy for patients with brain tumors.

The goal of palliative treatment for a brain tumor is to alleviate the animal’s symptoms. For example, if your dog or cat is seizing or has fluid accumulation in the brain, we want to get those things under control.

In most pets, brain tumors can be treated, but not cured. I see dozens of patients a year for adjunctive therapy for brain tumors. I strongly recommend you connect with an integrative or holistic veterinarian who can provide additional, all natural therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes we can actually slow tumor growth with complimentary therapies, and we have lots of options to offer for improving your pet’s quality of life.

Brain Tumors in Dogs

A tumor is defined as an abnormal growth of cells, and may be classified as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor originates from cells normally found within the brain and its surrounding membranes. A secondary brain tumor, on the other hand, is either cancer that has spread to the brain (a process known as metastasis) from a primary tumor elsewhere in the body, or is a tumor that affects the brain by extending into brain tissue from an adjacent non-nervous system tissue, such as bone or the nasal cavity.
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Dogs older than five years are more susceptible to developing brain tumors; the median age of affected pets is nine years. Certain breeds of dogs are at higher risk for developing primary brain tumors than others. Brain tumors that originate from the membranes covering the brain (known as meningiomas) are found more frequently in dolichocephalic breeds of dogs, which are characterized by long heads and noses, such as the Collie. Conversely, brachycephalic breeds of dogs, which are characterized by their short-nosed and flat-faced appearance, are more likely to develop gliomas, which are tumors of the interstitial tissue of the central nervous system.



The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats, please visit this in the petMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

The most common indication of a brain tumor in dogs is seizure, especially seizures that begin for the first time in a dog older than five years of age. Other signs suggestive of a brain tumor include abnormal behavior (e.g., increased aggression), altered consciousness, hypersensitivity to pain or touch in the neck area, vision problems, propulsive circling motions, uncoordinated movement, and a “drunken,” unsteady gait. Non-specific signs such as inappetance, lethargy, and inappropriate urinationmay also be seen.

Causes

The causes and risk factors that may cause brain tumors in dogs are unknown. It is speculated that various dietary, environmental, genetic, chemical, and immune system factors may be involved, but this is uncertain.

Diagnosis

A tissue biopsy is the only available method for definitively diagnosing brain tumors in dogs. Imaging tests such as radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound of other anatomical sites can be used to locate or to rule out primary tumors in other areas that may have spread to the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the brain are the recommended tests for confirming the diagnosis of primary or secondary brain tumors.

Bully Max Dog Food

Bully Max High Performance (Dry)

The Bully Max product line includes one dry dog food, a recipe claimed to meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines for all life stages.

Bully Max High Performance All Life Stages

Dry Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein010033

Fat010022

Carbs010037

Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, ground grain sorghum, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried plain beet pulp, pearled barley, brewers dried yeast, menhaden fish meal, whole ground flaxseed, egg product, potassium chloride, salt, menhaden fish oil, l-lysine, dl-methionine, Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product dehydrated, ascorbic acid, propionic acid, niacin supplement, organic dried kelp, vitamin E supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, manganous oxide, biotin, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A acetate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, citric acid, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, zinc sulfate, iron sulfate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, natural flavor

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.2%

Red items indicate controversial ingredients

Estimated Nutrient Content
Method	Protein	Fat	Carbs
Guaranteed Analysis	30%	20%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	33%	22%	37%
Calorie Weighted Basis	27%	44%	30%

Calorie Weighted BasisProteinFatCarbs26.7%29.7%43.6%

Nutrient Type	% Composition
Protein	27
Fat	44
Carbs	30

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The third ingredient is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The fourth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The fifth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

The sixth ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The seventh ingredient includes brewers yeast, which can be a controversial item. Although it’s a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim we’ve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

What’s more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The eighth ingredient is menhaden fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.¹

The ninth ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With four notable exceptions…

First, we find egg product, an unspecified (wet or dry?) form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries — from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

Next, this food contains menhaden oil. Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. Their oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids, two high quality fats boasting the highest bio-availability to both dogs and humans.

What’s more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not as likely to be exposed to mercury contamination as is typical with deep water species.

In addition, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation productsin this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added to provide enzymes to aid the animal with digestion.

And lastly, this recipe contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Bully Max Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Bully Max High Performance looks like an above-average dry product.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33%, a fat level of 22% and estimated carbohydrates of about 36%.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the brewers yeast and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a dry product containing a notable amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Bully Max High Performance is a meat-based dry dog food using a notable amount of chicken meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.

Bully Max Dog Food
Recall History

The following list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 directly related to this product line. If there are no recalls listed in this section, we have not yet reported any events.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls sorted by date. Or view the same list sorted alphabetically by brand.

To learn why our ratings have nothing to do with a product’s recall history, please visit our Dog Food Recalls FAQ page.

Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisor’s recall notification list.

Blue Seal Dog Food

Blue Seal Dog Food Review

Company Information

Blue Seal Dog Food was founded by Henry K. Webster, who actually began the H.K. Webster Company in 1868 when he rented a grist mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts. That business grew into one of the largest feed manufacturing companies in the Northeast. In 1988 that family-owned business became a subsidiary ofMuscatine Foods Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa and has since been known as Blue Seal Feed Incorporated.

Originally, the business supplied horse feed. Today, Blue Seal provides feeds for dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, deer, dogs, cats, rabbits, caged birds, wild birds, poultry, herbivore zoo animals, and fish as well as products for the lawn and garden.

The Blue Seal Feed Incorporated Headquarters is located in Londonderry, New Hampshire. It also operates nine manufacturing facilities and eleven company-owned feed stores, with four being in New Hampshire, and the rest spanning from Maine to New York.

In 1992 the company bought 5.020 acres of land, located on Buttrick Road, to be the future headquarters site for Blue Seal. The building, finished in 1994, is 25,080 square feet. The company sells its products through its stores in New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine; and via a network of dealers in the United States, as well as online.

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Compare To This Month’s Top Selling Dog Food Brands

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Recall And Quality Control History

Blue Seal Feeds has achieved its certification from the Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program, which is administered by the American Feed Industry Association. Becoming certified means the company has gone above and beyond federal requirements to ensure that the highest standards in the manufacturing and processing of their products are followed every day. It also means the company has demonstrated continuous improvements to deliver safe and wholesome feed.

In 2007, Blue Seal was having some of their canned foods (Blue Seal – The Loaf Style wet) made by Menu Foods, the company at the center of the melamine problem which had to recall so much food. Despite the fact that some of Blue Seal’s products did contain wheat gluten, which was involved in the recall, none of Blue Seal’s products, canned or dry, had to be recalled. Blue Seal was not involved in the 2007 pet food recall and we could not find that any of their pet food products have been involved in any recalls since that time. They have had an occasional recall of poultry feed, as far as we can tell, but nothing else.

Blue Seal also makes the brands By Nature and Canine Whites dog biscuits and treats.

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Compare To This Month’s Top Selling Dog Food Brands

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Product Overview

Blue Seal makes two lines of dog food and a line of treats. They make Life Stages wet and dry foods, Classics wet and dry, and treats for dogs.

Dry Foods

• Life Stages
  
  
  
  • Active Dog
  
  
  • Adult Dog
  
  
  • Lamb & Rice
  
  
  • Low Calorie Dog
  
  
  • Performance Dog
  
  
  • Pork & Barley
  
  
  • Puppy
  
  
  • Senior Dog

• Classics
  
  
  
  • Krunchies
  
  
  • Natural 26

Canned Foods

• Life Stages
  
  
  
  • Beef & Vegetable (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Chicken & Vegetable (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Lamb & Vegetable (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Pork & Barley (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Salmon & Ocean Fish (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Senior Dog – Chicken & Rice (Wet Formula)

• Classics
  
  
  
  • Beef & Liver (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Beef Slices (Wet Formula)
  
  
  • Chunky Chicken (Wet Formula)

Snacks

• Assorted Biscuits (Medium)


• Assorted Biscuits (Small)


• Lobster Bisque-It Biscuits (Medium)


• Original Biscuits (Mini)


• Peanut Butter Biscuits (Medium)


• Peanut Butter Biscuits (Small)


• Plain Biscuits (Large)


• Plain Biscuits (Medium)


• Plain Biscuits (Small)

Review of Blue Seal Life Stages Performance Dog Formula

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Ingredients in Blue Seal Life Stages Performance Dog Formula

Chicken Meal, Ground Corn, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Oats, Rice Bran, Ground Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Fish Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Yeast Culture, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Selenium Yeast, Sodium Selenite, DL-Methionine, L-Ascorbyl-2 Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C)

This food is going to turn a lot of people off right away because it has corn in it and corn gluten. However, it compares favorably to a food like Purina ProPlan Sport. So, if you feed ProPlan or if you like the ProPlan foods, you might like this food.

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First 5 Ingredients Breakdown

The first ingredient is chicken meal so it’s a named meat protein and it’s the concentrated version – meal. This is fine since chicken meal has several times as much protein in it as whole chicken. It’s had the moisture removed. It’s a good first ingredient for any food.

The second ingredient isground corn. I know. Many people will throw their hands up in despair at this point but as long as your dog doesn’t have an allergy to corn, most dogs can digest it without any problem. It’s about 50 percent digestible which is very good for a plant protein. It also provides good dietary fiber, iron, and vitamin B6, along with some other minerals. It’s come to have a bad reputation today because it’s been overused as a filler in dog foods, but we need to remember that it’s a very nutritious vegetable and dogs can digest it. In addition, it’s important to remember that this is a performance dog food. The corn delivers fast energy, as a performance dog food should. This is mostly used for dogs that are working, hunting, or nursing puppies so, theoretically, the dogs eating this food need quick energy. Sure, if your dog runs and plays a lot he could benefit from this kind of food, too.

The third ingredient is chicken fat preserved with a form of vitamin E. This is a good named source of animal fat that is naturally preserved. Very good.

Next we have corn gluten meal as the fourth ingredient and, honestly, this is usually added to up the protein percentage, so that’s not so good.

Additional Ingredients Of Interest

The next three ingredients are carbs: ground barley, ground oats, and rice bran. These three ingredients provide slower burning carbs so they won’t spike your dog’s blood sugar as much as the corn does. They help him feel full. They also provide some good minerals and are good sources of dietary fiber.

Ground beet pulp is another good source of dietary fiber. Some people don’t like it but it’s actually a very good ingredient. It’s insoluble fiber and it’s very good for the colon. Ground flaxseed is a good source of fiber and minerals. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acid. The only drawback with flaxseed is if you’re a dog breeder. It’s been linked to problems with conception and breeding so you should be careful feeding foods that contain flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Fish meal is an excellent protein source as well as providing more omega-3 fatty acid. It’s also a good source of taurine for the heart.

The food has both vitamin E and sources of vitamin C for natural preservatives, which is good. And it has DL-Methionine which is used to reduce the pH of the urine so it won’t burn the grass when your dog urinates. You can also notice that the food uses chelated minerals which means the minerals are attached to amino acids which makes them easier for your dog to absorb them when he eats. That’s often found in better dog foods.

The food also has some sweet potatoes which are a good carb and fiber full of vitamins and minerals; and blueberries which are a good antioxidant. Finally, it contains dried chicory rootwhich is a good pre-biotic to help your dog digest the food.

Quality Of Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients looks very good and this food compares very favorably to a food like ProPlan Sport. This food does contain ground corn and corn gluten which obviously increase the amount of protein in the food, but if your dog doesn’t have a problem with corn, this shouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, the food uses a good named protein, good named fat, no by-products or digests, no artificial color, sweeteners, or preservatives. It’s a very nice food if you need a high protein food for energy and you don’t mind the corn.

Special Concerns

The ground corn and corn gluten will increase the protein percentage and the calories in this food. This is not necessarily harmful to your dog but you should be aware that all of the protein in the food isn’t coming from the chicken meal. Remember, this is a performance food and the ingredients are designed as such.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min) ……….. 30%


• Crude Fat (min) ……………… 20%


• Crude Fiber (max) ……………. 4%


• Moisture (max) …………….. 10%


• Calcium (min) ……………. 1.65%


• Phosphorus (min) ………….. 1.0%


• Copper (min) ………….. 20 mg/kg


• Manganese (min) ……. 70 mg/kg


• Zinc (min) ……………. 180 mg/kg


• Vitamin A (min) …. 11,000 IU/kg


• Vitamin E (min) ……… 220 IU/kg


• Taurine (min)* …………….. 0.03%


• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min)* …. 0.32%


• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min)* …… 4.0%

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

Calorie Content Metabolizable Energy (ME): 475 kcal/cup

Blue Seal Performance Dog Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Analysis Breakdown

Blue Seal Life Stages Performance Dog Formula provides 30 percent crude protein (Minimum), which is well above the government’s recommendations (18 percent for adult dogs). Some of this protein is coming from the ground corn and the corn gluten in the food but the chicken meal (and the fish meal) is undoubtedly providing a great deal of the protein. The 20 percent fat in Blue Seal Life Stages Performance Dog Formula is also well above the government’s recommendations (9 to 15 percent for an adult dog) but the fat is from chicken fat, a good source of fat that is naturally preserved; and from the ground flaxseed. Good sources of fat are good for your dog, especially in a performance dog food.

Company Reputation

Blue Seal appears to have an outstanding reputation and good manufacturing practices. They have not been subject to any pet food recalls that we could find. They have been in business for over 100 years and seem to be well-respected in their community.

Bottomline

Blue Seal Life Stages Performance Dog Formula appears to be a very good quality food for anyone who doesn’t object to feeding corn. The other ingredients in the food are very good. If you need a performance dog food, this one compares very well to Purina ProPlan’s foods.

Blue Seal Dog Food : 2017 Review, Recalls & Coupons

The Blue Seal brand of dog food states that their products are “formulated for a lifetime of health and happiness.” This brand understands that pets hold a special place in the hearts of their parents and, as such, they should be treated not as pets but as members of the family. In return for their undying love and dedication, dogs deserve to be fed a high-quality diet made from nutritious ingredients that nourish their bodies from the inside out. This may not be the largest or the most popular brand on the market, but it is one worth considering if you have a limited budget but still want to offer your dog a decent quality product. This brand adheres to high standards for quality and safety, offering an assortment of recipes formulated to match your dog’s life stage as well as his preferences.

Manufacturer Information:

The Blue Seal brand of dog food is manufactured by the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. This company has their general offices located in Muscatine, Iowa but the website doesn’t provide specific information about where the brand’s products are actually manufactured except to say that their plants are located in the USA. According to a brochure offered on the brand’s website, this company is committed to the quality of their products and they hold them to the highest standards from start to finish. Each product is formulated by animal nutritionists and tested in a rigorous process carried out in their award-winning, certified-safe pet food facilities.

Made in the USA?

All Blue Seal dog foods are made in the USA in manufacturing facilities run by the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. The brand speaks to the quality of their products in relation to safety of their manufacturing facilities, stating that they are certified-safe – they do not, however, provide specific information about where these manufacturing facilities are located. All we know is that these products are made in the USA somewhere.

Ingredient Sourcing:

Not only does Blue Seal fail to mention exactly where they manufacture their products, but they also don’t provide any specific information about where they get their ingredients. The brand itself began as a grist mill in 1868 in Lawrence, Massachusetts and grew into one of the largest feed manufacturing countries in the Northeast United States. As a feed supplier, you can expect this brand to use a number of different grains in their products, though they do have some grain-free options. This brand uses some corn and wheat products as well as barley, rice and other digestible carbohydrates. Most recipes include some fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance, but there are also a lot of synthetic supplements on the list for most products.

Blue Seal Recall History:

The Blue Seal brand states that they, “strive to be the most trusted and preeminent regionally focused animal nutrition brand in the East” and they speak to the quality and safety of their products on their website. Every product is rigorously tested for safety before release and the brand offers a complete satisfaction guarantee. These dog foods are manufactured in U.S. facilities, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a high-quality brand. It bodes well, however, that there aren’t any Blue Seal recalls in recent history. It does look like some of their products were being made by Menu Foods at the time of the 2007 recall, but none of their products were taken off pet store shelves.

Save Money with Blue Seal Dog Food Coupons 2017

Because this brand is made by the Kent Nutrition Group, you can find it in Kent feed stores throughout the Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic states – simply put your zip code into the company website to find the location nearest you. You can also find Blue Seal dog foods at Tractor Supply Company stores and other feed stores. This brand usually isn’t available in national pet store chains or independent retailers, though you might be able to find it for sale online. You can also purchase them online at the Blue Seal Country Store. The only place you are likely to find Blue Seal dog food coupons is in weekly flyers from your local feed store or on the brand website.

How Expensive Are Their Products?

This brand is sold primarily at feed stores, so it is one of the more affordable pet foods on the shelf. The average cost for a 30-pound bag of dry food is between $35 and $55, depending on the recipe. You might be able to save a little money with Blue Seal coupons, if you can find them.

List of Current Products Available:

The Blue Seal brand of dog food has a more limited assortment of product choices than many brands, but their products are formulated for dogs in different life stages so you can choose the one that is right for your dog. Most of their products belong to the EnTrust line of kibbles which are precisely balanced with quality ingredients including concentrated meat proteins and the NutriVantage nutrition optimizer, a proprietary supplement designed to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. There are also two classic dry formulas for dog food and an assortment of biscuits.

Dry Products – This brand offers two product lines of dry dog food – Classics and EnTrust. The Classics line only includes two recipes – Krunchies and Natural 26. The EnTrust line, on the other hand, includes ten recipes for dogs in all life stages and with different activity levels. Each formula begins with a concentrated source of meat protein and they are all supplemented for nutritional balance. Here is a list of their dry recipes:

• Classics Kruniches Recipe


• Classics Natural 26 Recipe


• EnTrust Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Large Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Active Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Adult Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe


• EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe


• EnTrust Adult Dog Pork & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Senior Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Weight Control Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe


• EnTrust Grain-Free Chicken Meal, Pea & Sweet Potato Recipe

Wet Products – This brand currently doesn’t offer any wet food products for dogs.

Treats – In addition to their complete and balanced dog food products, this brand also offers an assortment of dog treats in the form of biscuits. These biscuits come in several different sizes so you can choose the one that is best suited for your dog. Here is a list of their dog treat recipes:

• Original Biscuits (Mini)


• Plain Biscuits (Medium)


• Plain Biscuits (Large)


• Peanut Butter Biscuits (Small)


• Peanut Butter Biscuits (Medium)


• Lobster Bisque-Its (Medium)


• Assorted Biscuits (Small)


• Assorted Biscuits (Medium)

Blue Seal Dog Food Reviews

This brand makes it their mission to provide high-quality pet food products that give pets the nutrients they need to live along, healthy and happy life. They say of their products that they “adhere to the highest standards of pet nutrition that not only match their stage of life, but the activities they enjoy”. This brand offers a decent variety of products, though Blue Seal reviews are not always entirely complimentary. Regardless, it is important for you to take the time to evaluate the quality of any dog food product before you buy it for your dog. Keep reading to find our Blue Seal dog food reviews below for one classic dry food and one EnTrust dry food product.

Dry Review:

Blue Seal Classics Krunchies Recipe Dry – This Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food is made with the natural taste of poultry in a high-quality, protein-rich formula enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. It is formulated for normally active adult dogs, designed to provide the wholesome nutrition your dog needs for a lifetime of fitness and health. This recipe doesn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors and it is naturally preserved – you’ll also be glad to know that it is free from soy products. It contains chelated minerals for metabolic health and strong immunity, plus yeast culture to improve nutrient uptake.

The first ingredient in this Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food is ground corn and this is a problem for a number of reasons. For one thing, you never want to buy a dog food that lists anything but high-quality source of animal protein as the first ingredient. Also, corn offers limited nutritional value for dogs and it comes with a high risk for triggering food allergies or sensitivities. It is also worth noting that this isn’t the only corn ingredient – corn gluten meal is also listed. There is some protein in ground corn, but corn gluten meal is much higher in protein. The thing to remember here, however, is that plant proteins are much less biologically valuable for your dog than animal proteins. This recipe does include animal proteins but it comes in the form of poultry by-product meal. Not only is this a low-quality by-product, but it doesn’t even come from a named source like chicken or turkey.

In addition to the ground corn that is listed first, this Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food also includes another grain – ground wheat. Similar to corn, wheat is difficult for many dogs to digest, offers limited nutritional value, and comes with a high risk for triggering food allergies. The total crude fiber content of this recipe is only 4% which puts it within the recommended range of 1% to 5%, but most of the fiber seems to come from those corn and wheat ingredients as well as beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient as well. While there is no hard and fast evidence to suggest that it is dangerous, many dog owners prefer not to feed it to their dogs. The only good things about this recipe are the chicken fat and the chelated minerals. Chicken fat is a highly nutritious ingredient for dogs and a rich source of essential fatty acids. Chelated minerals are minerals that have been bound to protein molecules which makes them easier for your dog’s body to utilize.

This Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food has a guaranteed analysis as listed below:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 21%


• Crude Fat (Min) – 10%


• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4%


• Moisture (Max) – 12%


• Calorie Content –354 kcal/cup

This Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Dry Rating: 3/5 Stars

Overall, this Classics Krunchies Recipe dry food probably not something you want to feed your dog. Not only does it start with a low-quality grain as the first ingredient, but it includes multiple corn and wheat ingredients. Add to that the fact that the only source of protein comes from an unnamed by-product meal, and you can see the problem. This recipe does include chicken fat as the main source of fat and it is supplemented with chelated minerals, but these things are not enough to redeem the recipe as a whole. All in all, this recipe contains too many low-quality ingredients and it relies too heavily on synthetic supplements to ensure nutritional balance.

Wet Review:

Blue Seal EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe Dry – This EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe dry food is described as a specially formulated recipe featuring “highly-digestible lamb protein and moderate levels of fat to support an ideal body condition”. This formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy products and it is free from artificial additives. In addition to being rich in animal protein, this formula is supplemented with digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and oats plus plenty of healthy supplements. It is also made with Blue Seal’s NutriVantage supplement to support your dog’s total body health and wellness.

The first ingredient in this recipe is lamb meal. Whereas fresh meats contain up to 70% moisture by volume, meat meals like lamb meal have been cooked down to about 10% moisture which makes them a very highly-concentrated source of animal protein. This recipe also includes supplementary proteins in the form of fish meal and pea protein concentrate. The latter of these ingredients is a little troubling because plant proteins are less biologically valuable for your dog than animal proteins. This ingredient appears in the seventh slot, however, so it is unclear how much it actually contributes to the total protein content of the recipe.

After the lamb meal comes brown rice, ground barley, and ground oats. All of these are considered highly digestible carbohydrates for most dogs, though they may cause a problem for dogs that are allergic or sensitive to grains. There are also supplementary sources of fiber such as ground peas, ground flaxseed, rice bran, and dried beet pulp. The main source of fat in this formula is chicken fat, a highly nutritious ingredient and a concentrated source of energy for your dog. It is supplemented by ground flaxseed and fish oil as well for a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The remaining ingredients in this recipe consist primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as synthetic supplements. The fresh fruits and veggies help to provide natural sources for key nutrients, though supplements are still needed to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It is good to see that several of the minerals are chelated as well – this helps to improve their uptake.

This EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe dry food has a guaranteed analysis as listed below:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 22%


• Crude Fat (Min) – 12%


• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4%


• Moisture (Max) – 11%


• Calcium (Min) – 1.6%


• Phosphorus (Min) – 1.0%


• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.21%


• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.2%


• Calorie Content – 3,400 kcal/kg (338 kcal/cup)

This EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe dry food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

Wet Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Overall, this EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe dry food falls somewhere between a 3-star and a 4-star rating. It starts off strong with a highly-concentrated source of named animal protein as the main ingredient and continues with three highly digestible complex carbohydrates. This formula is also rich in animal fats, especially chicken fat which is highly nutritious. Where this recipe goes downhill is in the use of plant proteins like ground peas and pea protein concentrate as well as some questionable ingredients like rice bran, dried beet pulp, and yeast culture. The formula could benefit from some probiotics and a few more of the mineral supplements could be chelated. It is good, however, to see some fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients, though they appear far enough down the list that it’s hard to tell how much is actually used. All in all, this recipe wouldn’t be the worst choice for your dog but you can probably still find something better within the same price range, if you wanted to.

Broome County Dog Shelter

About Our Shelter The Broome County Dog Shelter has been in operation since 1956. Although Broome County allows use of their housing facility for dogs, the shelter operates independently of County funding. The Broome County Dog Shelter is supported through contracts with twelve towns to house stray adoptable dogs and puppies, as well as through redemption fees, adoption fees and donations to our trust fund.

New York Featured Adoptable Pet: Cadence Broome County Dog Shelter Binghamton, NY compliments of Petfinder.com

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What We Do:

• The Broome County Dog Shelter is dedicated to the following:


• Accepting all stray adoptable dogs and puppies from our contracted municipalities.


• Providing safe, clean housing and medical care for all adoptable dogs and puppies in our care.


• Providing a central location for owners to find and recover their missing pets.


• Accepting adoptable dogs and puppies that owners are unable to keep for any reason.


• Matching adoptable dogs and puppies with compatible, loving, adoptive families.


• Camp Barkalot - limited/specialized dog/puppy boarding for pets adopted from our shelter. Call for info.


• Providing referral information for any animal-related concern. Our staff can help you acquire the information you need!


• Promoting the importance of dog licensing, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, obedience and behavioral training.


• Increasing community awareness of the stray and pet over-population problems through shelter tours and off-site education programs.

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CAMP BARKALOT

Camp Barkalot is proud to offer limited boarding for that special canine family member who is unable to travel with you! We offer knowledgeable, caring staff, heated kennel floors and play/excercise yards. In the summer our yards are equipped with pools! For information on space availability or to book a "room", call the Broome County Dog Shelter at 607.778.2493.

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Related Information

Animal Cruelty Concerns In Broome County

Call the BC Humane Society (607.724.3709) and/or the police agency responsible for the municipality where the animal(s) are being kept/neglected/abused.

Bringing Dogs To Hawaii

Quarantine and Direct Release Services

Want to bring your pets with you to Maui?

Hawaii State law governs the importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii. This law states that dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for 5-day-or-less quarantine program, which also has a provision for direct release at the airport after inspection.

Maui Humane Society is an approved veterinary service to inspect animals at the airport for direct release.

We have compiled a list of questions and answers that should help you with the process. Please read our Quarantine FAQs as your first step in preparing to bring your animals to Maui.

Once you have read the above, send an email to quarantine@mauihumanesociety.org with the required information to initiate scheduling.

Feeling overwhelmed with the details of quarantine and traveling with your pets to Hawaii? No worries - AkonaPet can help! They are a wonderful pet relocation service that can help coordinate plans and paperwork between Quarantine and Maui Humane Society. Take away the stress of traveling by contacting AkonaPet today! (808) 937-6670 or AkonaPet.com

Donate Your Pet's Air Kennel! Once you have arrived on Maui with your pet, please consider donating your used Air Kennel to our Wings of Aloha program and save many lives in the process.

The Animal Quarantine Station can also be reached at:

phone:  808-483-7151
email:  rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
mail:  Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley St.
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602

1. Why do you have quarantine?
Hawaii has no rabies. This is to prevent rabies from entering the state.

2. How long is quarantine?
Normal quarantine is 120 days at the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) on Oahu.

3. How do you qualify for the 5-Day or Less Quarantine?

• You must start preparation at least 4 months prior to arrival. Sometimes it is even longer.


• Your pet must have 2 rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart.


• The second rabies vaccination must be given at least 3 months prior to arrival in Hawaii.


• Your pet must pass a blood test that shows a response to the vaccine. This blood test


• must be passed at least 4 months before arrival in Hawaii.


• Your pet must be micro-chipped.


• Due to the minimum requirements, puppies and kittens would be at least 9 months of


• age before they can qualify for direct release.


• This includes direct release at the Kahului Airport, if you meet requirements.

4. What if I am a Hawaii resident and I want to take my pet out of state for a short visit?

• You need to start preparations at least 2 months prior to your travel.


• Your pet needs 2 rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart.


• The second rabies vaccine must be given more than 2 weeks prior to leaving.


• Plan your departure to be more than 14 days after the lab has received the titer sample. It is recommended that you have confirmation that your pet has passed the blood test prior to leaving.


• You will need to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian within 10 to 14 days of your trip. Please check with your airline.

All foreign arrivals need to go through Honolulu International Airport.

5. Are the quarantine rules applied for travel between Hawaiian Islands?
No, but your pet should be current on their shots and be licensed.

6. What are the fees for MHS to do the direct release check at Kahului Airport?

• $400 for the first pet and $100 for each additional pet arriving on the same flight.


• Repeat trips (we have already done the direct release once before for this pet under this owner) are $175 for the first pet and $75 for each additional pet arriving on the same flight.


• $100 additional fee for requests outside normal hours of operation and holidays. Normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. After 5pm, weekends and holidays are considered after hours.


• These fees are separate from the fees that must be paid to the state for direct release. The monies we collect from these fees will go directly back to helping the animals we receive at the shelter.


• For people with qualified service animals please contact the Maui Humane Society directly for special rates.

7. How do I arrange for MHS to do the direct release check for my animals?

• If your pet has a passing titer and you have been given a date after which your pet may enter Hawaii, you qualify for direct release. To coordinate with MHS on your direct release check, call (808) 856-9454 or (808) 877-3680 ext. 249 or email quarantine@mauihumanesociety.org.


• Complete the Kahului Airport Inspection Confirmation form. You can e-mail this to quarantine@mauihumanesociety.orgor fax to (808) 877-5033.

8. Make sure to download the form “Checklist for Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports” from the quarantine website. You must mail quarantine the appropriate forms and fees they require.

9. Not all airlines are participating in direct release on Maui. Carriers that have participated in Direct Release on Maui include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines. This list is subject to change at any time.Please check with your carrier.

These are general guidelines only. Owners should check the state quarantine website for more detailed information so each step is correctly followed. If owners don’t follow the necessary steps, their pets may be denied direct release at the airport and are subject to quarantine.

Blue Hawk Dog Kennel

Sometimes it just is not feasible to have your dogs running loose and chaining them up is not particularly humane. A kennel provides enough room for them to be in a confined area while remaining safe and comfortable. If you plan to leave a dog outdoors in hot weather, make sure the kennel you choose offers a shade or screen to protect against the sun, and always remember to provide fresh drinking water. Choosing from among the top dog kennels makes sure your dogs are safe and comfortable when you need to confine them.

Lucky Dog Champion Box Kennel

With a commercial-grade steel frame and 12-gauge chain link wire, the open-top Lucky DogChampion box kennel is hardwearing and offers quick-connect assembly with a lockable steel door latch to enhance security. The kennel measures 10 feet long by 5 feet wide and 6 feet high, making it suitable for dogs of any size. It is also fully customizable with add-ons such as waterproof covers, sun shade, winterization systems, and clip-on bowl systems.

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2

PetSafe Cottage View Boxed Kennel

The PetSafe Cottage View kennel is exceptionally easy to build, with an estimated construction time of less than one hour. Measuring 5 feet by 5 feet by 4 feet, this kennel is suitable for small to medium breeds, and features a solid SunBlock top to protect dogs from the sun. If additional space for multiple dogs or larger breeds is necessary, add the PetSafe Cottage View panel expansion pack.

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3

American Kennel Club Uptown Premium Boxed Kennel

Measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet high, the American Kennel Club Uptown premium boxed kennel has a galvanized steel construction providing security and durability. It features a double layer of powder coating for extra weather-resistance. The kit is easy to build, without the need for tools, and provides a safe kennel for small to large breeds.

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4

K-9 Kwik Galvanized Steel Dog Kennel Boxed Kit

The K-9 Kwik dog kennel boasts a galvanized steel construction with an exceptionally simple slide-together assembly method for a fast, easy build. When assembled, the open-top kennel measures 6 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and 4 feet high. It comes with a lockable door latch for extra security.

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5

Lucky Dog Yard Guard Box Kennel

The Lucky Dog Yard Guard box kennel measures 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 6 feet high, with a steel and 12-gauge chain link construction for long-lasting durability. This model has a roof frame and Weatherguard cover, providing shade and protection from the elements.

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6

American Kennel Club Three-Run Dog Kennel

The American Kennel Club three-run dog kennel is sturdy and long-lasting. A single unit containing three separate runs, this kennel is a great solution for those with multiple dogs. Each run measures 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 6 feet high. It comes with sunshades for each kennel for added sun protection.

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7

Midwest Chain Link Portable Kennel

The Midwest chain link portable kennel is available in three sizes, ranging from 10 feet long to 6 feet long, and between 6 and 4 feet high. The secure steel frame is simple to assemble and is easily portable to limit lawn damage. This Midwest kennel has a sunscreen to prevent overheating.

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PetSafe Laurelview Dog Kennel

The Laurelview dog kennel from PetSafe is 5 feet wide, 5 feet long, and 5 feet high. Strong, durable, and rust-resistant, the Laurelview dog kennel keeps pets safe and secure, and the SunBlock top helps dogs stay cool. The black powder coating makes the kennel rust-resistant.

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9

Pet Sentinel Dog Kennel Box Kit

Boasting fast assembly and durable welded construction, the Pet Sentinel dog kennel box is 4 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet high. This robust, secure outdoor kennel is suited to small breeds and features a kennel cover for sun protection.

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Blue Hawk Outdoor Dog Kennel

With the Blue Hawk outdoor dog kennel users can configure the 6-foot high panels into a 10-foot by 10-foot kennel or a 5-foot by 15-foot kennel. This open-top model is suitable for all breed sizes and offers long-lasting galvanized steel construction.

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How to Buy Dog Kennels on eBay

You can find top quality dog kennels of all sizes from reputable eBay sellers. The user-friendly interface allows you to search from any eBay page and provides a range of useful filters to quickly narrow your search. Choose from new or used dog kennels and remember to choose a kennel big enough to comfortably accommodate your dogs. The best kennels offer a range of safety and security features to ensure your dogs are safely confined and happy. Consider whether you require a portable kennel to limit damage to your lawn and whether you need a lockable kennel for extra security.

• Powder coated for durability


• Sturdy welded construction


• Assembled kennel dimensions are 5ft wide x 10ft long x 6ft high


• Pre-assembled panels for easy set-up and installation


• Helps keep pets secure and safe


• Kennel shade cover included


• 1 year limited warranty

Can Dogs Eat Onions

My Dog Ate Onion – What Now?

There are many kinds of food that humans eat which are unsafe for dogs. Onions are not an exception. Feeding your pooch onions can make him seriously ill, whether they are raw, cooked, or in powdered form.

What you Need to Know

Onions are toxic to canines because of the substance they contain known as thiosulfate. Since dogs do not have the enzyme used to digest this substance, onions become a harmful food for them. Although rarely any observable side effects can be seen if your pooch consumes just a minimal amount of onions. For example, he sneaks a piece of pizza off the counter or steals a bite of your burger, most likely he will be just fine. Too frequent feeding of onions, however, can affect your pet’s health and vitality. Additionally, onions contain a compound called organosulfur that results in toxicosi, a condition brought about by poisoning which can be easily absorbed by the dog’s digestive tract.

Onion ingestion commonly leads to liver damage, asthmatic attacks, allergic reactions, weakness, diarrhea, discolored urine, anemia, vomiting, and even dermatitis.

Onions and Heinz Body Anemia

One of the most critical problems that arises from onion toxicity is canine Heinz Body Anemia, also referred to as Hemolytic anemia. It is a condition that is brought about by the destruction of the dog’s red blood cells that leads to a decrease in red blood cell count; thus, causing anemia.

Symptoms vary depending on the amount of onions the dog has consumed, his size, and the time period for which they have been ingested. It is notable that consuming a large amount of onion in a single sitting is less dangerous that consuming a very small amount over a length of time. Remember this if you’re someone that feeds your dog from the table. Many of the foods we eat contain at least a small amount of onion or onion powder. Read your labels carefully and avoid feeding these foods to your dog.

Common warning signs for Heinz Body Anemia include pale mucous membranes like the gums, brownish or reddish urine color, rapid heart and/or respiratory rate, weakness, and depression. Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may also be observed.

What to Do when Your Dog Ingests Onions

It is important that you immediately consult your vet if symptoms occur as a result of onion ingestion. Treatment normally involves inducement of vomiting, carrying out gastric lavage or flushing out the stomach, and making use of activated charcoal to treat not just poisoning but allergic reactions as well. Bathing and drying your dog may also be necessary in cases of skin infection.

Other treatment options include maintaining the dog’s hydration by providing fluid in his bloodstream, applying therapy for liver damage, and calling for blood transfusions if necessary.

Can Dogs Eat Onions?

Onions can cause more damage to your dog than just bad breath. This pungent culinary favorite might add flavor to your dishes, but it contains a toxin that can cause serious complications for dogs.

Are onions toxic to dogs?

Onions contain a toxic principle known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs.

The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog's red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in your dog's red blood cells. This reduces the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen, and also tricks your dog's body into thinking that the blood cell is an invader. The red blood cell is destroyed in a process known as hemolysis, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

What parts of onions are toxic to dogs?

All parts of the onion plant are toxic to dogs, including the flesh, leaves, juice, and processed powders. Raw or cooked, fried or powdered, onions and the rest of the allium family (garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives) are harmful to dogs.

Onion powder is in a surprisingly wide range of foods, from soups to baby food. It only takes 100 grams of onion (about the size of a medium onion) per 20 kilograms of a dog's weight to cause toxic effects, which means that a 45-pound dog would only have to eat one medium-to-large-size onion to experience dangerous toxicity levels. Since most dogs would happily devour a bag of unattended onion rings or an onion casserole, given the opportunity, this is a serious concern.

Onion and garlic powders are even more potent than fresh onions. It is always a good idea to check the label of any human food we feed to our dogs, and onion powder should be in your list of "don'ts." As a word of warning to those with multi-species households, onions are even more toxic to cats than they are to dogs, so keep both feline and canine tummies free of onion treats.

Symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs

If you think your dog may have eaten onions, there are a few symptoms of anemia to look out for:

• Lethargy


• Weakness


• Decreased appetite


• Pale gums


• Fainting


• Reddish urine

The ASPCA also lists vomiting, elevated heart rate, and panting as signs of onion toxicity.

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, the best thing you can do to help him is to get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will diagnose your dog's condition based on his symptoms and blood work. If your vet detects hemolytic anemia or the formation of Heinz bodies on a blood smear, and that is combined with a recent history of onion exposure, then all signs point toward onion toxicity.

Other conditions can also cause hemolytic anemia, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure your dog gets the best care.

Treating onion toxicity in dogs

The most important thing you can do, as a dog owner, to treat and prevent onion toxicity is to never allow your dog to eat onions. If your dog is suffering from toxic effects, she will probably require veterinary attention. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting, depending on how recently your dog ate the onions, and will offer supportive care until your dog's body can produce enough healthy red blood cells to replace the damaged ones. In severe cases, your dog may require a blood transfusion.

Onion toxicity can be fatal. The faster you get your dog to the veterinarian, the better her chances, and you can prevent onion poisoning from recurring in the future by keeping onion dishes out of the reach of inquisitive noses.

Healthy vegetables for dogs

Onions might be a no go, but there are lots of healthy vegetables that are perfectly safe for dogs that you can feed them instead. Try offering your dog carrots, cucumbers, or green beans as a healthy treat, and check out more of the fruits and vegetables dogs can and can't eat here.