Is Turtle Food Bad For Dogs? 126 Most Correct Answers

Q: Our large backyard is shared by our Russian tortoise and our 5 lb poodle (11 month old pup). As soon as “Tortie” came out of hibernation, our pup started spending a lot of time outside. Then I found out why: the pup found and ate Tortie’s poop! Rough. Can she get sick?

dr Nichol: Your poodle pup, this delicate little flower, has become a tortoise hunter motivated by her fondness for — well, the looks just aren’t pretty, are they? The good news is that your scatological tendencies are most likely benign.

For expert advice, I contacted reptile specialist Dr. Robin Lane. I’ve learned that tortie is most likely carrying some type of pinworm that can only do housekeeping in the intestines of turtles. Unlike pinworms that plague unfortunate schoolchildren, tortie would be harmless to dogs and humans.

Tortie may also be involved in a synergistic relationship with a protozoan parasite called Nyctotherius. Covered in cilia (short wobbly legs), these gut bugs help themselves with a tiny amount of nutrients while actually enhancing the functioning of the colon. Everyone benefits without risk for humans and animals.

Turtles can carry giardia, another protozoan parasite. Most of their Giardia species do not infect humans or other animals. To ensure that any creatures large and small that may be expelled from Tortie’s rear end are safe for dog consumption and possible accidental human exposure later, I recommend providing a fecal sample of each pet to your veterinarian. Parasites that could endanger someone’s health can be safely eliminated by both Tortie and her shadow by administering a liquid drug called fenbendazole.

None of this would be a problem if your little poop eater had healthy summer activities. Instead of feeding them from a bowl, you can turn their entire daily ration into food toys and jigsaw puzzles. Dog food is better nutrition for them than turtle poop.

Tortie’s safety is also a priority. While a 5 pound poodle poses no threat, I advise paying close attention. Tortoises and tortoises can be severely mutilated or worse by dogs losing control of their predatory instincts. Larger dogs can cause serious harm to a defenseless reptile.

dr Jeff Nichol treats behavioral disorders at the Albuquerque and Santa Fe Veterinary Specialty Centers (505-792-5131). He attends to the medical needs of pets at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital in Albuquerque (898-8874). Question? Post it to facebook.com/drjeffnichol or mail it to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Unpublished questions cannot be answered individually.

Calcium Supplements

Toxicity to Pets

Calcium supplements are usually available in tablet or flavored soft-chew formulations and are easy to find in many homes. When dogs ingest these supplements in large quantities, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation are common, which can lead to temporarily elevated blood calcium levels. In healthy animals with normal kidney function, the transient increase in blood calcium concentration is rapidly corrected by the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis (balance). Cats generally do not ingest enough of these supplements to cause poisoning due to their discriminatory palates. Calcium supplements may also contain vitamin D3, which can contribute to poisoning and pose a poisoning problem of its own. While calcium alone is generally poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, vitamin D3 significantly increases its absorption and risk of toxicity. However, in healthy animals, the risk of calcium toxicity from calcium supplements alone is low.

Taking supplements that contain only calcium is safer than taking supplements that contain vitamin D3 or other individual vitamin D3-type products, including prescription drugs (eg, cholecalciferol, calcipotriene, calcitriol), which are deadly could be. Prescription-strength products containing vitamin D3 have a small margin of safety because the amount of vitamin D3 is much higher than in over-the-counter products.

Signs of calcium toxicity are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, lethargy (decreased activity) and loss of appetite (loss of appetite). If the dietary supplement also contains vitamin D3, which leads to high levels of calcium in the blood, there is a possibility that, depending on the dose taken, excessive thirst or urination, weakness, mineralization of various tissues, including the kidneys, and acute renal failure may develop.

If your pet has ingested a product containing calcium or vitamin D3, call your veterinarian or the animal poisons hotline immediately to determine if the amount ingested is a cause for concern.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) — The CDC reported a salmonella outbreak in pet turtles on April 15.

Doctor Victoria Landing, a veterinarian at Dogwood Veterinary Hospital, explained how pet turtles and other animals can transmit the germs.

It’s not necessarily something humans get wrong, it’s just a very common bacterium on reptiles.

Pet turtles can carry salmonella even if they appear clean and healthy, especially turtles whose shells are less than 4 inches long.

“They don’t usually show signs of salmonella, but they do have it. That’s why you have to be careful,” Landing said.

Not only pet turtles can get salmonella, but other animals like cats and dogs can also transmit the same disease.

“Which is also seen in our pets, especially when we do things like a raw diet. Raw foods, as we know, like raw chicken, raw meat, all of which can have salmonella, and they can get salmonella, just like us, and then they can transmit it to us,” Landing said.

According to Landing, it is very important that pet owners take safety precautions when handling the animals to avoid rabies, salmonella and other diseases.

“With reptiles, we always want to wash our hands before we touch the reptiles because we don’t want to hurt them either, and we want to wash our hands afterwards. When little kids play with reptiles, we always want them to wash their hands because the first thing they do is put their hands in their mouths,” Landing said.

Copyright 2021 KFVS. All rights reserved.

Even if you take the right precautions to avoid infection, you or a loved one can still get sick from handling your turtle. Persons infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches. It can take six to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms to develop. An infection usually lasts only two to seven days; If the illness is prolonged or the symptoms are severe, you should seek immediate medical attention. Most people’s immune systems can fight the disease on their own, but hospitalization is required in some cases, especially in people at higher risk of infection. Always seek professional medical advice if you think you or a loved one may have salmonella.

Tortoises are terrestrial reptiles that are often confused with their cousin, the tortoise. The differences are that the turtle tends to have a domed carapace, lives exclusively on land, and has feet shaped like elephants instead of webbed feet. As slow-moving reptiles, these creatures are incapable of chasing a meal. What do turtles eat?

Discover the different foods turtles eat in the wild and in captivity! These interesting reptiles consume a range of foods.

What Foods Do Turtles Eat?

Turtles eat vegetables, fruits, plants and mushrooms in the wild. A-Z-Tiere.com

Turtles eat leaves, grasses, mushrooms, and vegetables for most of their meals. Many turtle species are primarily herbivores, while others are omnivores. That means they also consume some types of animal matter.

With that in mind, take a look at the most common foods turtles eat when living in the wild:

Mushrooms

centipede

shamrock

Alfalfa Grass

sand thistle grass

Bermuda grass

mulberry leaves

hibiscus leaves

aloe

barley

hay

grains

worms

snails

snails

carrion

Mushrooms

melons

apples

pears

These are some of the typical foods a turtle may find in the wild. The tortoise’s range is vast, spanning the entire world including some of North America, South America, Asia, parts of Africa and more. Thus, they have access to many different meals around the globe.

Interestingly, their diet can include real meat from dead animals (carrion) as well as a variety of insects. They are opportunistic when eating insects and meat; they do not hunt for these foods. Turtles prefer plants, fruits and vegetables over all other foods.

How do turtles search and find food?

Turtles have a great sense of smell that helps them find food.

Turtles primarily use their sense of smell to find distant food to eat. However, they have good vision that allows them to see at dusk and in the dark, allowing them to spot food even at the end of the day and at night.

Turtles are diurnal reptiles, so they tend to be more active during the day than at night, but they’re also active at dusk. Their unique sight aids in foraging in these conditions.

As slow-moving reptiles, turtles must spend a large part of their day foraging for food. Most of these species can only move at less than 1 km/h, so it takes them a long time to get to a food source. Luckily, the food they eat doesn’t often change location once it’s discovered.

These reptiles tend to find food near their burrow, often less than a few hundred yards away. Aside from foraging, they may leave their burrows to migrate, flee danger, or look for breeding opportunities. They will also build new dens that suit their needs.

What do house turtles eat?

Pet turtles eat plants, vegetables, and commercial foods. KOTORICHIKAPHOTO/Shutterstock.com

Turtles are popular pets for people who don’t want to deal with an aquatic environment in their home. However, it is not always possible to accurately mimic the food offerings they would get in the wild. Still, pet owners have identified several foods that provide excellent nutrition for their pet turtles.

Turtles eat:

Kale

collards

shamrock

worms

mulberry leaves

sweet potato

artichoke

dandelion

paprika

To squeeze

mango

peach

Grapes

strawberries

Commercial turtle food

Any of these foods are good options for a turtle. You must remember that in the wild and as pets, the majority of their diet comes from green leafy vegetables. However, if a pet owner is having trouble getting these foods, they can always go to a pet store that specializes in reptile care and purchase commercial foods.

These commercial feed mixes provide the turtle with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and they can be supplemented with fruits and even some animal products to provide a complete, balanced diet. Of course, not every turtle eats or desires live food.

How Much Do Turtles Eat?

Turtles eat a food dish as big as their shell once a day.

Despite the size of the largest tortoises, which can be more than 3 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds, most tortoise species are fairly small, with a maximum length of 8 to 12 inches and weighing under 10 pounds.

When in the wild, turtles search for food throughout the day, so it can be difficult to keep track of how much they’re eating. As pets, it’s a little easier to get an idea of ​​how much they’re eating. Pet tortoises eat 5 days a week, with two “hunger days” built into their diet to help their digestive system absorb the amount of food they eat.

Typically, pet tortoises are fed a mix of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruit in a meal kit about the size of their shell. At least 80% of this is leafy greens and other vegetables, the rest can be fruit and commercial foods or protein sources to round out the diet.

Turtles are given a large meal on feeding days. Depending on their size, turtles can eat about 5% of their body weight in one meal.

What Predators Eat Turtles?

These slow-moving reptiles have few defenses against predators. They can retract their limbs and go into their shell or hide in their burrows. They can use their beaks defensively, but this comes at the cost of protecting their heads in their shells.

While their armor can repel some predators, it’s not enough to save them in all cases.

Take a look at some of the most common predators that turtles can eat:

coyote

fire ants

ravens

badgers

hawks

raccoons

foxes

chimpanzees

heron

snakes

These are just some of the common predators that kill turtles, particularly eggs and hatchlings. Humans can also be considered predators as they destroy turtle habitats.

Turtles are terrestrial reptiles that eat a variety of vegetables, plants, fruits, and even invertebrates. Although slow and somewhat fragile, they can use their scent and sight to find food while foraging.

They spend most of their day foraging for food, but they eat relatively little. They make great pets and have very long lifespans, with some species surviving humans!

Which pet food was recalled?

Several brands of dry pet food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in Gaston, South Carolina have been linked to human diseases. Diamond Pet Foods has extended its recall to some brands of dry dog ​​and cat food made at the facility.

For more information on the recalled products, including production codes and distribution information, visit:

How do I know if my dog ​​or cat has a salmonella infection?

Dogs and cats that contract salmonella infection generally have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals appear more tired than usual and may have a fever or vomit.

Some cats do not have diarrhea, but they do have a decreased appetite, fever, and excessive salivation.

Some dogs or cats may have a salmonella infection but don’t appear to be sick.

If your dog or cat is showing these signs of illness, or you are concerned your pet may have a salmonella infection, please contact your pet’s veterinarian. Let your vet know if your pet has recently consumed a recalled product. Stop feeding your pet the recalled products. Dispose of the products immediately.

How is salmonella infection in dogs, cats and other animals diagnosed and treated?

Visit your veterinarian. A veterinary exam and laboratory tests can be used to diagnose salmonella infection in animals. Salmonella infections may require immediate treatment with supportive care and fluids. In severe cases, treatment for Salmonella infections with antibiotics may be necessary, and hospitalization at a veterinary clinic may be required. Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source of advice on your pet’s health.

What can I do to prevent my pets from spreading Salmonella?

Salmonella infections are a zoonosis, meaning the infection can spread between animals and humans. Salmonella germs are transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans by the faecal-oral route. Salmonella germs can be shed in pet stools 4 to 6 weeks after infection. If your pet is diagnosed with Salmonella infection, please speak to your veterinarian about precautions to minimize the spread of this germ. A mild bleach solution can be used to clean areas that may be contaminated with salmonella germs.

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent your pet from getting a salmonella infection:

After contact with animal feces (stool), wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water. Wash your hands as directed in the hand washing instructions.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and running water after handling or feeding your pet. Wash your hands as directed in the hand washing instructions.

Clean up after your pet. If you have a dog, pick up the stool with a plastic bag, clean the stool while walking or in the garden, and dispose of the stool in a tightly sealed plastic bag. If you have a cat, scoop out the litter box daily and dispose of the feces in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

Do not share food with your pets.

My pet ate a recalled product and the pet or my household member became ill. What should I do?

If someone in your household has diarrhea and has bloody stools, fever or diarrhea for more than 3 days, he or she should see a doctor. If you think you or someone you know has become ill through contact with a contaminated food, including dry pet food, please contact your county or city health department. Visit your state health department’s website for more information on contacting your local health department. Reporting illnesses to your local health department will help them identify potential foodborne outbreaks. By investigating foodborne disease outbreaks, public health officials learn about potential problems in food production, distribution, and preparation that can cause disease.

If your pet develops diarrhea or appears ill, contact your veterinarian. Stop feeding your pet the recalled products. Dispose of the products immediately.

You can report pet food-related diseases in two ways: (1) call the FDA Consumer Complaint CoordinatorExternal in your state, or (2) report them electronically through the Safety Reporting PortalExternal. Reports should include product details such as brand name, production code (example: BDR0105E2XJW), expiry date (example: Best before April 3, 2013), manufacturer or retailer, and place of purchase. Reports should also include medical information.

For more information on reporting an animal feed complaint, visit the FDA External website.

I have already filed a complaint with the FDA, when will I receive a response?

In each case, the information provided by the veterinarian or consumer will be evaluated by FDA staff to determine what follow-up action is required.

For more information about what happens when a problem is reported, visit the FDA’s External website.

How should I dispose of a recalled product, including pet food or treats?

Any product that is on the recall list should be disposed of in a safe manner. If you have a recalled pet product in your household, do not feed it to your pet or other animals. Any recalled product should be discarded to prevent salmonella infection in humans, pets or other animals. This product should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag and placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating it. If you touch the product, wash your hands as directed in the hand washing instructions.

legislation

Salmonella is a reportable disease under the Zoonoses Act and veterinarians should report cases to the county’s Department of Agriculture and County Veterinary Office.

frequency

By Salmonella spp. Infections caused by it are common in dogs worldwide, with the exception of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway and Finland) where incidence is low.

transmission of the disease

Salmonella are a group of gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Salmonella are mainly intestinal pathogens, but can also cause systemic diseases and can then be isolated from blood and various organs. The bacteria can also be transmitted by dogs without symptoms.

Infection can be transmitted directly between infected animals and between animals and humans. Salmonella spreads primarily through the feces of infected people and infects new people through the mouth. Dogs can become infected through contaminated food and water. International veterinary publications point to the feeding of raw meat as the most common route of transmission in dogs. In North America in particular, Salmonella infections have been reported in competing greyhounds and working sled dogs fed raw animal products.

Cats typically become infected in late winter and early spring after catching and eating salmonella-infected birds (such as passerines). Dead or live birds and bird droppings can be a source of infection for both cats and dogs.

Clinical Salmonella infection in dogs is rare. In Sweden, only a few cases are reported in dogs each year.

Pathogenesis and clinical symptoms

Several different virulence mechanisms have been identified in Salmonella bacteria and pathogenicity may vary between different serotypes. Pathogenesis studies in dogs are lacking, but studies in other animals have shown that Salmonella spp. can attach to and invade intestinal epithelial cells, thereby causing inflammatory enteritis followed by secretory diarrhea and/or systemic infection. In most cases, the infection is localized exclusively in the intestine, but sometimes bacterial translocation occurs and bacteremia or sepsis develops. Systemic infection can also develop without prior gastrointestinal symptoms.

Salmonella can persist in the intestinal epithelium and lymph nodes for a long time after the initial infection. Fecal evacuation may be continuous for the first week and then become intermittent. Duration of elimination is typically 3-6 weeks, but there are occasional reports of longer elimination times. Up to 117 days have been reported following experimental infections in dogs.

The bacterium can also persist in scavenger cells in the intestinal lymph nodes, liver and spleen. This could explain why reactivation of the infection can be observed in some people, for example in the case of immunosuppression or various stress conditions.

The severity of clinical symptoms in infected dogs depends on the virulence factors of the infecting Salmonella strain, the infecting dose, the animal’s immune status and any comorbidities. Subclinical infections without symptoms occur.

Acute gastroenteritis is the most common symptom associated with clinical Salmonella infection in dogs. Fever, nausea, anorexia followed by vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea can be observed. Diarrhea can vary in degree and consistency; sometimes it may also contain blood. Weight loss is most likely a result of dehydration. More severe infections can lead to sepsis, shock, and possibly death. Subsequent bacteremia can cause infections in other organs, such as pneumonia. Systemic infection can occur in animals without gastrointestinal symptoms.

Infection of the uterus during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or the birth of weak or dead puppies.

diagnosis

Diagnosis is by bacterial culture from feces. In the case of sepsis, a blood culture may need to be done.

There are currently no strict guidelines or rules for follow-up testing to demonstrate freedom from infection in dogs. Multiple sampling may be required to verify clearance.

There is always a risk of false negative results as Salmonella can be shed intermittently, particularly in the later stages of infection. The highest probability of detecting Salmonella in the stool is when sampling in the acute stage of the disease.

treatment

In the case of an acute uncomplicated salmonella infection, supportive treatment is usually sufficient. Rehydration with sufficient fluid intake and continuous compensation for fluid losses through vomiting and diarrhea is important. Antibiotics are not indicated except as short-term supportive care for life-threatening symptoms, shock, and sepsis. Treatment with antibiotics can prolong the duration of fecal excretion. The risk of selection for antibiotic-resistant strains should also be considered.

The prognosis for dogs with uncomplicated Salmonella infection is generally good. In the case of sepsis, the result could be less favourable.

prophylaxis

Although infection with Salmonella in dogs is rare in Sweden, it should be remembered that dogs, like humans, can become infected through contaminated food. Feeding dogs raw or undercooked animal products can pose a risk of infection. Like cats, dogs can become infected from infected birds and bird feeders, and such exposure should be avoided.

Advice on handling salmonella-infected dogs

Good hand hygiene is always important to avoid Salmonella infection, especially when cooking and eating, and people often get infected through contaminated food. After handling the sick dog, hands should be washed thoroughly and vomit or diarrhea eliminated. When walking the dog, the feces should be picked up to minimize contamination of the area. Always wash your hands afterwards. Wash the dog’s dishes separately with a dish brush that is not used for other things.

Children and people with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to infection, and it may be inappropriate for an infected dog to sleep in the same bed as a child. You should also try not to get licked by the dog.

If there are other pets in the household, extra care should be taken in hygiene for all of them as long as there is an infected dog in the household. This also applies if the other animals show no symptoms.

Animal Allergy

Useful information on animal allergies – the NAAF fact sheet

All fur animals, and therefore most pets, can cause allergic reactions. Individuals can react not only to fur hair and dander, but also to allergens (proteins) from the sebum and salivary glands and the animal’s urine. These are small airborne particles that mix with other airborne dust. Breathing this air can cause allergic reactions. Horse, dog and cat dust contains 10-20 different allergenic substances.

Who can get animal allergies?

Most commonly, allergies develop in childhood. Animal allergy is most common in people with asthma and is often associated with mite allergy. If a child hasn’t shown any signs of allergy by the age of 12-14, they’re less likely to develop an animal allergy; However, adults can also develop an animal allergy.

It is difficult to predict which specific animals individuals will respond to. In order to develop an allergy, one must first have been exposed to the specific allergen, and it can take time for allergy symptoms to become apparent.

Which animals can cause allergies?

As mentioned, most pets, including miniature pigs, hairless mice, chinchillas and short-haired Chinese poodles, have the potential to cause an allergy. Small animals such as mites, mosquito larvae and cockroaches can also trigger an allergy.

Horses and cats are the animals that carry the most “aggressive” allergens. Horses are large animals and produce larger amounts of allergens than smaller animals. Cats have a large range of motion and spread allergens wherever they move. Dogs usually have the closest contact with humans and therefore cause the most common forms of animal allergies. Different dog breeds vary in how much and what type of allergens they shed; However, all dog breeds, whether small or large, short or thick-coated, produce allergens.

The only pets that don’t cause allergies are aquarium fish (although some can react to fish food) and reptiles, e.g. turtles. In Norway, the import of reptiles is prohibited; However, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority allows some turtle species to be imported and kept if an allergy is given as the reason for keeping a turtle.

diagnosis

In order to determine whether an animal allergy is present, a blood test or skin prick test must be carried out. If there is already an allergy to the animal species, this type of test is positive. However, it is also possible to have positive test results without showing symptoms of allergy.

Whether a child tolerates a certain animal cannot be tested in advance. A negative prick test result cannot predict future reactions.

symptoms and treatment

Common reactions include a stuffy, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and asthma. Some people may also experience eczema and urticaria (hives). Exposure to cat allergens has been shown to be a particular risk factor for acute asthma in patients allergic to cats.

Removing the allergenic animal from the allergy sufferer’s environment is the most effective treatment. Preventing animal allergies with medications such as cortisone nasal spray and/or antihistamines, either in pill form, nasal spray or eye drops is not an ideal solution but may be necessary if exposure to the animal allergen is unavoidable.

Immunotherapy, or so-called allergy vaccination, in which dog or cat allergens are injected under the skin, can be beneficial in the longer term; The prerequisite for this, however, is that the allergy-triggering animal is removed from the home environment of the allergy sufferer.

Prevention/Protection

A distinction must be made between secondary and primary prevention.

Secondary prevention: If you have a proven fur allergy, the first preventive advice should be to refrain from getting a pet. However, animal allergens are difficult to completely avoid, as animal hair attaches itself to clothing and can therefore be found in schools, kindergartens and public transport.

If one or more children have an animal allergy, kindergarten staff and teachers should ask other parents to dress their children in animal-free clothing. It is also important that outdoor clothing is hung up in a cloakroom or something similar and not taken to class. There should be a general ban on dogs and cats in kindergartens and schools.

As a remedy for animal allergies, various cleaning lotions have been marketed that can be applied to animals (PetalCleanse) to reduce the amount of allergen. The amount of allergens in a cat’s fur is also reduced by regular bathing; However, this is not recommended to reduce animal allergies. The cleaning agent only helps temporarily and is only relevant for milder forms of animal allergy. Even if a cat is bathed, cat allergens can still be found in house dust. Another problem is that frequent bathing of the animal can almost be perceived as animal cruelty.

Primary Prevention: There is no longer any reason to discourage anyone from getting a dog or cat to prevent the development of asthma or allergies, even if allergies run in the family. A study based on data from around 20,000 European children followed from birth to school age found neither an increased nor decreased risk of asthma or allergies among those who kept pets at home. A recently published study from Denmark shows rather the opposite, that keeping animals on a farm or at home can have a preventive effect on the development of allergies in children. It therefore no longer seems right to advise families with children not to have pets.

Pets bring joy to many families. Blood tests and skin prick tests done before getting a pet have little predictive power as to whether or not a child will develop an allergy. Whether a family with allergies wants to get an animal or not is a decision that the adults in the family have to make independently. It can be difficult to let go of an animal you have developed a strong bond with when you start to develop an allergy. Therefore, parents should also consider whether they are willing to take such a risk if a child develops an animal allergy. If necessary, the Association for Rehoming of Animals (FOD) can be contacted.

Can animals protect against asthma and allergies?

Recent studies suggest that keeping pets early in life may protect against the development of asthma and allergies. The results are partly explained by the fact that tolerance to the animal allergen can be developed and partly by the fact that the animal carries different types of bacteria that can strengthen the immune system. More research is needed in this area, but the results so far strongly suggest that contact with animals can have a protective effect. However, this is a complex area and it is not possible to give clear and unambiguous advice. At this point, it’s probably not right to recommend that people get pets for preventive purposes — but it’s also not right to advise against it, either.

Animal allergy facts were prepared in consultation with the NAAF Medical Committee.

Last revision: January 2013.

Alfalfa is an important herb used by people in the Middle East and has been part of herbal medicine for almost 1,500 years. While it looks like a grass to some, it is actually a member of the pea family. Most of us in the US associate alfalfa with its use as feed for horses and rabbits. With so many different facets to this unassuming little plant, it’s no surprise that many experts consider alfalfa to be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. But for all of its nutrients and potential benefits, some disagree, saying alfalfa poses more risks than benefits.

Alfalfa is packed with nutrients

Alfalfa is a nutrient-dense herb. It’s high in protein and loaded with vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K. Alfalfa contains a number of minerals including potassium, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. It is also very rich in the antioxidant chlorophyll and serves as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Alfalfa is so rich in some of these nutrients that it is an ideal choice for many animals to use both as feed and as a supplement. However, dogs should only be given alfalfa as a supplement. It’s a complete protein and lacks some of the amino acids dogs need to stay healthy.

Benefits of Alfalfa

The use of alfalfa in humans to treat arthritis stretches back centuries. Today it has found its place in holistic medicine for humans and animals. Veterinarians have found that supplementing with alfalfa provides significant relief for dogs with arthritis. Experts estimate that up to 20% of pets suffering from arthritis benefit from supplementing with alfalfa. Vets recommend a daily supplement that provides long-term pain relief.

Chinese medicine uses alfalfa to treat digestive and kidney problems. In dogs, it is good for the kidneys and acts as a mild diuretic. Alfalfa has an alkalizing effect that helps balance overly acidic urine, which can cause irritation and other urinary problems in dogs. It also has enzymes and trace minerals that are good for digestion and can help improve appetite and eliminate bloating problems.

Holistic vets have also recommended alfalfa as a treatment for dry skin. Alfalfa can help improve blood flow and circulation, which in turn can help with skin problems. Finally, as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, alfalfa is good for preventing cancer.

Use alfalfa with caution

As a dietary supplement, alfalfa is safe in small doses. However, many veterinarians warn pet owners against using alfalfa in larger amounts. Alfalfa has phytoestrogens, which are endocrine disruptors. If your dog has endocrine issues, feeding too much alfalfa can lead to problems with thyroid function. Alfalfa may have contraindications with some drugs. For example, it’s rich in vitamin K, which can reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications. Alfalfa should never be used as a protein substitute. Although the herb is packed with plant-based proteins, it is not a substitute for a meat-based diet.

It’s also important to know where your alfalfa is coming from. If you feed your pet low-quality alfalfa that has been in bloom, then there is a risk that there will be seeds. Alfalfa seeds contain a toxic amino acid that can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Feeding fresh alfalfa carries the risk of bacteria being present in the sprouts.

Alfalfa supplements are best as a powder that is sprinkled over your dog’s food every day. You should always consult your vet before giving your dog any supplements. It is important to decide which herbs are appropriate and at what dosage they should be administered. Herbs are still medicines and overdoses can seriously harm your pet. You should also consult your veterinarian first when attempting to treat an illness. Underlying conditions may be present and life-threatening. A physical exam can determine if your pet has any medical conditions that need to be treated or monitored by a veterinarian.

With a little caution, alfalfa can be a beneficial part of your dog’s daily diet

It’s easy to think that using an herb like alfalfa can’t hurt. In most cases, this is true when used correctly, but it’s important to remember that herbs are medicine and can have unintended effects. If you are interested in providing your dog with the benefits of alfalfa, first check with your vet to make sure your pet is healthy and a good candidate for using this herb. Once you get the go-ahead, supplementing with alfalfa is easy, affordable, and can be another step in helping your beloved pet stay healthy and active.

When dogs were hunter-gatherers, they could snatch eggs from birds’ nests and eat them raw. Nowadays, dogs don’t need to hunt for their own food, but eggs still provide dogs with a good amount of protein. As long as eggs are safe to consume, they make excellent dog treats or supplements.

Are Eggs Good for Dogs?

Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs. Eggs are a great food source for your four-legged friend. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out.

Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from. Try feeding your dog eggs that come from free range chickens that are fed an organic diet. If you can get them from a trusted source, that’s ideal. Just like us, chickens are as healthy as what they eat, and healthier chickens lay healthier, more nutritious eggs.

Talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog eggs. Some dogs with illnesses shouldn’t eat eggs, so always check first. Eating too many eggs can also lead to health issues like obesity, so talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of eggs to feed your beloved dog.

Aside from that, eggs can sometimes be used to relieve an upset stomach.

Eggs shouldn’t be used as your dog’s main meal, but they make a great snack between meals.

How do eggs help dogs?

Eggs provide much-needed minerals and vitamins for dogs. Nutrition includes:

iron

fatty acids

folate

protein

riboflavin

selenium

Vitamin A

Vitamin B12

These nutrients and vitamins support your dog’s skin and coat.

Can I feed my dog ​​raw egg?

Most vets recommend boiling eggs before feeding them to your dog, but some dog owners feed their dogs raw eggs. There are a few concerns about feeding raw eggs to dogs that owners should be aware of:

Salmonella – Dogs are at risk of contracting Salmonella. Owners who feed dogs raw eggs could also be exposed to salmonella. If a dog eats an egg contaminated with salmonella, it can get an infection called salmonellosis. Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

Biotin Deficiency – Feeding raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency because egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that prevents biotin from being absorbed into the body. Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy skin, metabolism, cells and digestion. Biotin deficiency is rare in dogs, but it can happen.

Bacteria – When eggs go bad, they can develop bacteria that can harm your pup.

It’s also possible that your dog is allergic to eggs. Watch your dog for symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sneezing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or coughing.

If you plan on feeding your pup raw eggs, talk to your vet first.

What to do if your dog eats raw egg

If your dog eats raw egg, monitor him for problematic symptoms, including symptoms of salmonellosis. It’s also a good idea to talk to your veterinarian and take them along for a test, just in case.

Can dogs eat eggshells? Are Eggshells Nutritious for Dogs?

You can technically feed your dog eggshells, but only if your vet thinks it’s a good idea.

Egg shells contain calcium, which some dogs need to supplement in their diet. However, there are easier ways to get your dog more calcium, and eggshells aren’t the tastiest option. Also, eggshells have sharp edges.

Egg shells can help older arthritic dogs. According to a 2016 study, eggshell membranes significantly reduced joint pain and improved joint function in 51 dogs with a range of joint problems.

How to feed your dog eggs

Eggs should be boiled before giving them to a dog. Boil or boil eggs without oil, butter, salt, spices or other additives. It doesn’t matter how your dog likes his eggs — sunny side up, scrambled, or hard-boiled — as long as they’re cooked. There are several ways to incorporate eggs into your dog’s diet, from the occasional bite of hard-boiled eggs to sprinkling scrambled eggs on dog food.

Start by feeding your dog just one egg. Watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea or vomiting. As long as they don’t show any digestive symptoms, you shouldn’t have a problem feeding them eggs.

Eggs cannot be your dog’s only source of protein, as dog food contains other much-needed nutrients for every dog. Additionally, because eggs are packed with protein, if your dog eats too much of it, it can lead to weight gain from eating too many calories.

In general, dogs should not eat more than one egg per day. It’s best to get your eggs from an organic farmer so they haven’t been chemically treated.

You should treat eggs like a treat for your dog. If you treat your dog to a boiled egg every now and then, it is completely safe and provides a special surprise that your dog will enjoy.

The question really isn’t why dogs don’t like raw eggs, but rather why many dog ​​owners refuse or are afraid to feed their dogs raw eggs. A lot has been said about feeding raw eggs to your dogs and there are also many misconceptions and myths being spread about it. It seems the poor raw egg just can’t take a break. It has been labeled and branded as one of the most dangerous dogs for food, a pariah. In fact, one of the most frequently asked questions from dog owners today is whether they can include eggs in their dog’s diet. Those opposed to eggs claim that it contains too much cholesterol and poses a risk of salmonella and may even be the cause of biotin deficiency. Well, proponents of the egg say nonsense! That’s not true at all. Eggs are not only an economical and safe choice for your dog, they are also one of the most nutritious and complete meals you can give your dog.

Your dogs may not like raw eggs, but there are several creative ways you can introduce it into your dog’s diet. One of the many reasons dogs don’t like raw eggs is that they may be allergic to them. Egg allergies can lead to gastrointestinal problems, bloating, diarrhea, ear infections, and itchy skin. In healthy dogs, raw eggs have no side effects. However, you must be careful when feeding it to puppies or older dogs as they may experience problems with their digestive tracts. That’s because egg whites contain a substance that could affect your dog’s digestive system when handling his food. This is one of the most common reasons dog owners steer clear of raw eggs.

Turtles are unique pets that are fun to learn about and watch. Caring for pet tortoises doesn’t require as much hands-on training as dogs and cats, but tortoises do have special needs like appropriately sized tanks, UVB light, and the right type of diet. Without a proper feeding schedule, your turtle could become ill or die, so it’s important to understand what they’re feeding, how often, and what to do if they’re not eating.

Turtle Diet Proper diet for your turtle depends on its size, species, age, habitat, and other details. what they feed. In general, pet turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. A typical adult pet tortoise diet should include animal products, vegetables, and fruits. Younger tortoises, between about 7 and 10 years old, typically require a larger proportion of animal foods. The percentage of animal and plant food your pet turtle requires depends on its species. Animal Food Sources. Animal food sources for turtles can include processed pet foods such as drained sardines, turtle pellets, and trout chow. You can also feed them cooked chicken, beef, and turkey. Live prey can include moths, crickets, shrimp, krill, forage fish and worms. Be sure to source insects from a pet store or untapped field, or raise them yourself to ensure quality and safety.

They may not be as affectionate as dogs or as lovable as cats, but turtles have at least one major advantage over these other pets: They won’t beg for food every time you sit down to eat.

Still, the urge to share your dinner with your pets is real and extends to reptiles as well. However, before you break off a piece of what you are eating and throw it in your aquarium, you should do some research to make sure it is safe for your turtle to eat.

Because while there are some human foods that are perfectly fine for turtles, there are others that can kill your little pal. Here we look at the human foods that are safe to share so you can finally tell your turtle to turn off her puppy dog ​​eyes.

Disclaimer: There are many different species of turtles in the world, and they can’t all eat the same thing. While the foods on this list are generally safe for turtles, you should always research what’s safe for your particular species of turtle before sharing your dinner.

8 Human Foods to Share with Your Turtle:

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables

If you have fresh fruit or vegetables in your fridge or pantry, chances are your turtle will enjoy snacking on them just as much as you do. They particularly like green leafy vegetables, so kale, collard greens, and mustard greens are both healthy and tasty for them. They also eat carrots, squash, green beans and peas. As for fruit, you can give them bananas, apples, and pears, among others.

A few words of warning: Always wash all products before feeding them to your turtle as there may be stray pesticides on them that could be harmful to them. Also, there are a few fruits and veggies not to share, including onions, garlic, shallots, hot peppers, citrus fruits, and iceberg lettuce.

2. Canned fruits and vegetables

You may not have had a chance to go to the farmer’s market lately, so you’re out of fresh fruit and veg. Don’t worry, your turtle will happily swallow the canned food too. The list of acceptable canned fruits and vegetables is almost the same as the list of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a few exceptions.

You shouldn’t give your turtle anything that has sat in oil and avoid foods with added salt (ideally you wouldn’t give them any salt at all). Also, don’t give them anything that’s pickled.

3. Canned fish

That makes sense – turtles live in water and fish live in water, so it’s only a matter of time before one eats the other. Whole canned fish can be a great treat for your turtle, so don’t hesitate to break out the can opener and share your sardines, anchovies and other fishy delights.

However, as with canned fruits and vegetables, you should not give your turtle anything that has been swimming in salt and oil. You should rinse the fish in cold water before throwing it into the aquarium just to remove all traces of salt, pesticides, or other harmful residue.

4. Fresh Fish

While canned fish is good for your turtle, fresh fish is probably better (provided it was caught in a place unriddled with toxic pollution).

However, most fish you find at the grocery store don’t have the right balance of phosphorus and calcium that turtles need, so don’t give your turtle too much of your salmon. One or two bites a month is enough. Make sure you cook it, too, as turtles don’t typically eat large fish in the wild, so it may contain bacteria or parasites that they can’t deal with.

5. Boiled chicken

Turtles haven’t adapted to eating chicken, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy the occasional bite from your grilled bird. The key is to make sure you don’t salt it or add other seasonings or seasonings. Only offer your turtle a small amount on special occasions.

The most important thing here is to remember to thoroughly cook the chicken. Turtles are known to transmit salmonella, and you don’t want to transfer the bacteria from raw chicken to your turtle. This could make them dangerous for you to hold or otherwise interact with.

6. Ground beef

Surprisingly, turtles have adapted to eating beef enough that you can give your turtle a bite or two of ground beef if you like.

As with the chicken, make sure it is completely smooth and drain all the oil before tossing it in the tank. Raw beef isn’t as dangerous as raw chicken, but you should still be sure it’s thoroughly cooked before sharing.

7. Pork

Yes, your underwater buddy can eat pork, just like fish, chicken, and beef. Make sure the pork is not seasoned, has been thoroughly patted dry to remove oils, and is fully cooked.

We should also mention that many people will tell you not to feed your tortoise pork, beef, or chicken, as these are not foods that tortoises evolved to eat. These people are mostly right – your turtle certainly doesn’t need these foods, and they’re largely lacking in the food that turtles need to survive. However, this list is about human foods that won’t kill your turtle, and as long as you follow our instructions, your pet should survive the struggle with your pork chop.

8. Eggs

Eggs are foods that turtles probably shouldn’t eat (but they can). While eggs are loaded with protein and iron, they’re also loaded with cholesterol, which is bad for turtles. For this reason, you should offer your turtle eggs very sparingly, if at all.

You should also know that turtles like their eggs like their detectives like: hard-boiled. In fact, this is the only acceptable way to cook an egg for a turtle, so don’t offer them your scrambled eggs or overly light leftovers. Chop the hard-boiled egg into small chunks and drop it into the tank, and if you really want to make extra cash, remove the yolk first, as it’s full of saturated fat.

Human food that you should never give to your tortoise

So far we’ve focused on the foods you can share with your turtle, but there are a few things in your kitchen that you should keep to yourself.

Fried foods

All that oil and fat in fried foods is terrible for your turtle. Not only can they not digest them, but they also have a negative effect on their health.

chocolate

While it may be tempting to give your turtle a taste of your favorite dessert, just don’t do it. Turtles are like dogs in that chocolate can kill them dead in the graveyard (they are different from dogs in most other aspects though).

Dairy products

Turtles lack the enzymes needed to break down dairy products, so don’t pour a glass of milk down your turtle’s tank. This also means that you should not share cheese, anything with butter, yogurt, etc.

nuts

Nuts are high in oxalates, which block calcium absorption. Your turtle needs a lot of calcium. So if you give her too many oxalates, you’ll soon have a dead turtle on your hands.

bread and pasta

Bread and pasta have no nutritional value and turtles cannot properly digest them. While it’s unlikely to kill them, it’s bad for their health in the long run.

Processed Foods

This category includes lunch meats, sausages, and anything else loaded with salt and preservatives. It’s just bad for your turtle.

Anything with refined sugar

Any sweets or foods with processed sugar should be avoided.

Keep your turtle on a turtle diet

It’s important to remember that turtles evolved to eat things they find in their natural habitat and are unlikely to have spent much time in an underwater McDonald’s. Because of this, you should severely limit the number of human foods you give them (with the possible exception of fresh fruits and vegetables).

Instead, give them turtle pellets or other foods that contain all the nutrients they need. While a turtle will eat almost anything you offer them, they don’t necessarily want your food, so don’t force it on them.

Read relatives:

Selected image source: PeterVrabel, Shutterstock

Snapping turtles and sea turtles are the most commonly eaten turtles.

While turtles are part of some regional cuisines, including southern Louisiana’s spicy symphony of flavors, they are not considered a main dish. For this reason, be selective when preparing a turtle. If a turtle has red ears and a hard shell, chances are you won’t find enough meat to make it worth preparing. Snapping turtles and sea turtles are the most commonly prepared foods, and there are several parts of their bodies where you can find meat.

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Outside the shell: neck and tail

A turtle’s tail and neck are edible. You can boil them or fry them, and after cooking the meat, you can add it to a soup or casserole.

fins/limbs

A turtle’s arms and legs or fins are also edible. They taste best in soup or goulash. The place where the fins meet the main body is where you’ll find most of a turtle’s flesh. The amount at this point will vary widely by species, but the meat at this point is the best-tasting part of a turtle when you bake or broil it.

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Internal organs

In addition to the meat in and near the fins, you can also eat a turtle’s liver, heart, trachea, esophagus, pancreas, and lungs. These might be tastier in a stew or soup.

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eggs

If you caught a pregnant turtle, you might find some eggs inside if you open the body before you start cooking. You will look like a bunch of yellow grapes. In some cultures these are a delicacy.

Turtles are certainly adorable and seem to make the perfect pet, especially for those who want a calm, docile animal. Turtles can indeed make great pets, but they definitely aren’t for everyone. These animals have long lifespans and require many years of specialized care, so it’s important to do your research before bringing one home.

In this article, we look at the pros and cons of owning one of these unique and adorable pets. Let’s start!

What is the difference between a tortoise and a tortoise?

Both tortoises and tortoises have become popular pets in recent years, but there are distinct differences to be aware of as these animals have unique care requirements.

Turtles live almost exclusively in the water, as evidenced by their flattened shells and webbed feet. There is also a difference between sea turtles and freshwater turtles, known as terrapins in some parts of the world. Sea turtles are much larger and have much longer lifespans, known to live up to 100 years in some cases, while freshwater turtles are smaller and have adapted to life on land and in the water.

Turtles are poor swimmers and live exclusively on land, with short legs and sharp claws. Turtles have longer lifespans than freshwater turtles or terrapins, often living up to 150 years or more.

Why aren’t turtles good pets?

Many people believe that turtles should not be kept as pets at all, as they have special care needs that are extremely difficult for most people to meet. Here are important factors to consider before bringing a pet turtle home.

Housing

Because turtles are largely aquatic animals, they require a large aquatic environment to live. One of the most common turtles in the pet trade, the red-eared turtle requires at least 10 gallons of tank space for every inch of tank! These turtles often reach 10 inches in length, so you would need at least 100 gallons of tank space to house them, and twice that would be preferable. That means you would need an outdoor pond to house them properly, which most people can’t provide.

The temperature is also difficult to maintain in such a large body of water, especially if you live in areas with cold winters. Most turtles are also skilled escape artists, and keeping them in an outdoor pond can be difficult to stop them from escaping.

They are extremely messy

Turtles are notoriously messy eaters, and after just one meal, they can leave the water in their tank dirty and in need of a change. They need proper filtration and regular water changes to keep their tank from becoming a dirty mess, which is time consuming and expensive. Turtles can also produce a lot of waste after eating, increasing the need for a heavy-duty filtration system.

They don’t like being touched

Turtles are not cuddly, affectionate pets, and they don’t like being handled at all. Turtles may tolerate some handling, but this will stress them out and cause health problems if done too much. While they’re certainly fascinating to watch, your pet turtle won’t make a snuggly friend.

They can transmit diseases

Turtles are known to carry pathogens like salmonella that can make you sick. Even if they enjoy handling them, they would still pose a risk to your health. In fact, the sale of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long was banned in 1975 due to the risk of salmonella in small turtles.

They can be dangerous

The bigger the turtle you keep, the more dangerous they can potentially become, and not just because of disease. Turtles can deliver a nasty bite if they choose, and they have powerful legs with sharp claws that can also cause damage. While regular handling of a turtle is not recommended, handling of any species is unavoidable, either to clean their enclosure or to check on their health.

They are invasive

The most popular turtle in the pet trade, the red-eared slider is a skilled escape artist. For this reason, and because owners who cannot keep up with the responsibility of owning one often release them, they are one of the most invasive turtle species on earth. This can be devastating for native tortoise species as they compete for resources and can potentially transmit disease, which can lead to severe declines in native species.

They have a long lifespan

With proper care, turtles can live for at least 30 years in captivity, and they have been known to live up to 70 years in some cases, or even longer depending on the species. This is a tremendous commitment, and their complicated, expensive, and time-consuming care requirements must be sustained for many decades.

Are Turtles Good Pets?

Along with all of the factors listed, there are positives to keeping turtles as pets. If you have the time and resources to take care of them, they are certainly fascinating creatures to watch.

Turtles are known for associating their owners with food and will even come to the edge of their enclosure to beg, just like a dog! They are also beautiful creatures that come in a variety of colors and sizes, with many different species to choose from. In fact, keeping a pet turtle can help preserve your species, as some species not typically found in pet stores are endangered in the wild. This is the goal for most serious tortoise keepers, rather than just keeping them as a comfortable pet.

However, make sure the turtle you buy is captive bred and not wild caught. Not only are wild-caught turtles illegal, they can have trouble adjusting to life in captivity and can carry disease. Only buy a tortoise from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

See also: 1 turtle species found in Germany

Final Thoughts

While turtles are certainly adorable and fascinating to watch, they require a tremendous amount of special care that is difficult to afford. They can make good pets, but with their exceedingly long lifespans, expensive maintenance requirements, and risk of injury or illness, turtles certainly aren’t the ideal pet for everyone.

Selected image source: DEZALB, Pixabay