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Pomeranian Diet

Top 10 Rawhide Alternatives for Your Pomeranian

Many Pomeranian parents have enjoyed giving their furry babies pieces of rawhide as a long-lasting treat. But, however enjoyable rawhide may be for a dog, it’s just not safe. Rawhide comes with risks of choking and digestive blockage, especially for small breeds like Pomeranians. Keep your Pom happy and safe with one of these rawhide alternatives.

1. Sweet Potato Chews

There are plenty of nutrients and fiber in sweet potatoes, so they make a healthy snack for your Pommy. You can buy sweet potato chews premade from your local pet store. Alternatively, you can make your own sweet potato chews in sizes ideal for your Pom.

2. Frozen Carrots

Carrots are another natural and nutritious treat that most dogs love. Buy organic carrots in bulk and store extras in the freezer. Frozen carrots are a low-calorie snack that will keep your Pommy occupied with chewing and munching for a while.

3. Frozen Apples

Frozen apples are another of the best natural rawhide alternatives. You might wish to cut your apple into slices before freezing to make them more accessible for your Pomeranian’s smaller bite.

4. Raw Bones

Raw bones are one of the best rawhide alternatives. Those from animals like deer and bison are filled with marrow and contain plenty nutrients that are good for your pup. Raw bones are also great for keeping your Pom’s teeth clean. Try giving your pup this treat outside, or place a towel beneath the snacking area, as this treat can get a little messy.

5. Fish Skin

Fish skin chews are a smaller, cleaner alternative to rawhide, making them great for a tiny Pommy. Whether you give your pup fish skins from salmon or catfish, your Pommy will be cleaning their teeth and getting lean proteins and Omega-3s while they enjoy this jerky-like treat.

6. Antlers

Antlers are a great, tough chew that most pups will enjoy. Look for antlers from animals like elk and deer. Give your furball a treat that will clean their teeth while providing nutrients like potassium and calcium.

7. Himalayan Chews

If your Pommy has had any digestive issues, himalayan chews might be among the best rawhide alternatives for your furry friend. Himalayan chews are made of yak’s milk and are often flavored with citrus and salt to make a yummy treat. These chews come in a range of sizes, and are are tough enough to make a good chew toy but soft enough to be easy on your pup’s teeth and digestion.

8. Venison Ears

Venson ears are a tasty treat for dogs, as are the ears of other animals, like cows and pigs. This natural alternative is much safer than rawhide and equally satisfying and long lasting.

9. Bully Sticks

Perhaps the most popular of rawhide alternatives are bully sticks. Almost every breed of dog goes crazy for these 100% beef treats. Bully sticks are made from the pizzle of a bull, so they are an odorous treat that your Pommy is sure to love. While odor-free versions are available, these are often treated with unnatural chemicals. Stick with untreated versions made in the states, and let your Pom enjoy their bully sticks outside if the smell is too much.

10. Hooves

Hooves from cattle or pigs are another great natural alternative to rawhide for your four-legged companion. As with many chewable treats, hooves help clean teeth, promote good gum health, and will keep your Pommy happily occupied. Just be sure to get a hoof that is too large for your Pommy to swallow, and take the hoof away if they chew it down to choking-hazard size.

With so many great rawhide alternatives for your furball, your Pom can have plenty of safe and healthy treats in their future. Just be sure to always monitor your little Pommy while they’re enjoying any type of chew. You want to watch for smaller pieces breaking off and creating choking hazards. Happy chewing!

Checkout best snacks for Pomeranians here.

January 7, 2019 0 comment

Pomeranian Diet

The Best Snacks for Pomeranians

written by Pommy Mommy

Our Poms may be cute and tiny, but sometimes they seem to have the appetite of their much larger ancestors. If you load them up with healthy dog food is one option, but sometimes (or, face it: always) we want to spoil our precious pups. In this case, it’s best to find the best snacks for Pomeranians, and to learn what you should absolutely avoid giving to your fluffy friend.

In general, Poms are happy to eat most of what you’ll give them. They love being tended to, and are happy to eat out of the palm of your hand. But what would be the best snacks for Pomeranians that you can easily feed them

on? Fortunately, unlike some children (and adults!), it’s easy to get a Pommy to eat his or her veggies! This is good news because, just like us, our four-legged friends need thei

r vitamins and nutrients. What better way to get them than from veggies like carrots and leafy greens? Your Pommy will likely enjoy snacking on spinach, green beans or cooked sweet potatoes. Just make sure that you don’t feed your Pom raw taters, which can be dangerous for small dogs. Lots of pups also enjoy broccoli, which is good for them in small quantities.

There are lots of store bought options when it comes to doggie treats. When choosing the best snacks for your Pomeranian, just keep in mind their small size and their sensitive digestive system. Smaller, softer, easily digestible treats are best. Rawhide is a popular dog treat that should NOT be given to Pomeranians. It’s too tough on their tiny jaws and can also cause internal or external allergic reactions.

Foods to Consider

When you’re shopping for store bought snacks for your Pommy, you should also keep a close eye on the ingredients. Just like the shelves of manufactured human snacks, many of the puppy snacks include unhealthy additives. Avoid giving your Pom treats loaded with refined flour, sugars, preservatives or artificial coloring. If you don’t like what you see at the store, you can always make your own snacks using healthy recipes available online. Or, boil beef, kidney or liver ahead of time, cut into small pieces, and freeze. Your Pommy will love snacking on these DIY treats! If dental health is your priority, the best snacks for Pomeranians will be veggies like carrots and celery, or small bones from the butcher.

If you plan to use treats for training, then you’ll want to make sure your snacks are cut up into tiny pieces. Your Pommy is so small, that he or she will get full quickly if you’re not careful! Drizzle chicken or beef broth over regular kibble or microwave some kibble with a hot dog. This will give these tiny, bite-size pieces an extra tasty, extra persuasive spin.

Another treat your pup will love? Peanuts! Either peanuts or natural peanut butter are some of the best snacks for Pomeranians, as they’re full of protein and perfectly bite-sized. Just be sure you’re careful about which other nuts you give your sweet Pom. All other nuts have some risk factor. Definitely avoid macadamia nuts, which are VERY poisonous to your Pom. In general, the best snacks for your Pommy will be the most natural ones. For a list of the foods you should avoid giving your Pom, visit our blog post here!

October 24, 2018 0 comment

Pomeranian Diet

What Vegetables Can Your Pomeranian Eat?

written by Pommy Mommy

“You’ve got to clear your plate before you can get up from the dinner table—veggies included!” Those were the good old days, weren’t they? If you were resistant to veggies when you were younger, you’ve probably since tried to enjoy them. So many of the vegetables that this earth has to offer are filled with wonderful nutrients. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether these same nutrients can benefit your four-legged friends? The answer is—yes! And asking if what vegetables can your Pomeranian eat? Well, there are many vegetables Pomeranians can eat that are good for them. However, a few can be toxic. So, stick to a list of safe bets and give your Pommy a healthy treat every day.

One thing many Pomeranians love? Potatoes! However, raw potatoes can be dangerous for tiny dogs like Poms. Make sure you fully cook your taters, whether russet or sweet, before feeding them to your pup. Cooked sweet potatoes are especially nutritious for Pommys, as they contain vitamins E, A, B-6 and C along with calcium and iron.

There are some extra crunchy veggies that your Pom might enjoy with an added benefit—promoting healthy teeth. Give your pup celery and baby carrots to aid with better breath and healthier teeth. (But skip the dip. Dairy products can cause digestive issues in your Pom.) Carrots also contain a high amount of fiber, which is good your your Pom (and you!).

You know how doctors and health advocates are always telling us to eat greens? Well they’re onto something. And our Pommys need them to. Cucumbers are a good choice for overweight or lethargic pups because of their low calorie count and their energy boosting properties. Spinach is also a yummy option for tiny pups, providing iron and some cancer-fighting properties. Green beans are like the super food for Poms. They contain an array of vitamins as well as large quantities of calcium and fiber.

Broccoli is also very nutritious for Poms. However, too much broccoli can actually be harmful. This veggie, along with others such as brussel sprouts, contains something called isothiocyanate. In excessive quantities, this can cause gastrointestinal troubles for our little four-legged friends. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and excessive gas. This can also cause dehydration, which is especially dangerous for Pomeranians. What is excessive when it comes to broccoli? Over 10% of the Pom’s daily intake. Unless you’re in a position to meticulously monitor the amount of isothiocyanate your pup gets, it may be wise to avoid these veggies all together.

While a long list of what vegetables can your Pomeranian eat is available, some are outright dangerous. Avoid corn, rhubarb, onions and garlic. When in doubt, play it safe.

You may wish to incorporate some of what vegetables can your Pomeranian eat in a home-cooking routine. Many of the dog food brands on the market contain high percentages of fillers—cheap, useless ingredients that give the companies more bang for their buck. For some pet owners, it works well to make their pup’s food from scratch.

There are many recipes available to get your started, but as a general rule all of them will call for a lean meat and some of the delicious, nutritious veggies fit for your Pommy. Check out the common Pomeranian health issues here and learn how to prevent it before it’s too late.

October 2, 2018 0 comment

Pomeranian Diet

Vegetables Pomeranians Can Eat

written by Pommy Mommy

“You’ve got to clear your plate before you can get up from the dinner table—veggies included!” Those were the good old days, weren’t they? If you were resistant to veggies when you were younger, you’ve probably since tried to enjoy them. So many of the vegetables that this earth has to offer are filled with wonderful nutrients. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether the same nutrients can benefit your furry babies? The answer is—yes! There are many vegetables Pomeranians can eat that are good for them. However, a few can be toxic. So, stick to a list of safe bets and give your Pommy a healthy treat every day.

You know how doctors and health advocates are always telling us to eat greens? Well they’re onto something. And our Pommys need them to. Cucumbers are a good choice for overweight or lethargic pups because of their low calorie count and their energy boosting properties. vegetables pomeranians Can Eat Spinach is also a yummy option for tiny pups, providing iron and some cancer-fighting properties. Green beans are like the superfood for Poms. They contain an array of vitamins as well as large quantities of calcium and fiber.

Broccoli is also very nutritious for Poms. However, too much broccoli can actually be harmful. This veggie, along with others such as brussel sprouts, contains something called isothiocyanate. In excessive quantities, this can cause gastrointestinal troubles for our little four-legged friends. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or constipation with excessive gas… as well as cause dehydration, which is especially dangerous for Pomeranians. What is excessive when it comes to broccoli? Over 10% of the Pom’s daily intake. Unless you’re in a position to meticulously monitor the amount of isothiocyanate your pup gets, it may be wise to avoid these veggies all together.

While there are many vegetables pomeranians can eat, some are outright dangerous. Avoid corn, rhubarb, onions and garlic. When in doubt, play it safe.

You may wish to incorporate some of the vegetables pomeranians can eat in a home-cooking routine. Many of the dog food brands on the market contain high percentages of fillers—cheap, useless ingredients that give the companies more bang for their buck. For some pet owners, it works well to make their pup’s food from scratch. There are many recipes available to get your started, but as a general rule all of them will call for a lean meat and some of the delicious, nutritious veggies fit for your Pommy.

October 20, 2017 0 comment

Pomeranian Diet

Can Pomeranians eat nuts?

written by Pommy Mommy

What nuts can your Pomeranian eat?

Pommys are curious explorers. They love to know what’s going on and they use the same five senses we humans do to experience things. So, naturally, they love to taste what we’re eating! Lots of Pommy parents enjoy sharing their food with their pups. However, it is imperative that you learn what treats are best and what treats are outright dangerous for your Pom. This is not as black and white as banning or approving one single food group. Instead, it’s best to look at things one specific food item at a time. Here we pose the question, can Pomeranians eat nuts?

For humans, nuts come up again and again as a healthy snack. Many health articles suggest eating a handful to stave off hunger and provide an energy boost. Other articles boast nuts as containing healthy fats. But is the same true for your Pommy’s diet? In many cases, what’s nutritious for you can also be nutritious for your pup. However, there are sometimes foods that react very differently with dogs and may even be toxic for them. Pommy owners in particular must be especially cautious of these! The smaller the pup, the more severe the negative reaction. On top of that, our tiny Poms can have extra sensitive stomachs!

Can Pomeranians eat nuts Another thing to keep in mind is allergies. Anything that can cause an allergic reaction in humans can do the same in a dog. This caution should be kept in mind for the one nut that is the healthiest, tastiest treat for our Poms: the peanut!

Peanuts are full of nutrients, fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. They’re also a good source of protein for us and our pups. When it comes to Pomeranians and nuts, the peanut (though technically a member of the bean family) is the very best choice. One thing to keep in mind, however: only feed your Pom roasted peanuts. Raw are generally ok, but they sometimes carry a fungus that can be poisonous to a Pommy.

Peanut allergies are not pervasive, but they are one of the more common food allergies. As you would with a child whose allergies you don’t yet know, just give your Pommy one peanut to start with. Watch for hives, swelling, itching or any other sign of discomfort. If you don’t notice any negative reaction, feel free to treat your Pommy with peanuts whenever they deserve a special pick me up! (Most Poms also love peanut butter!)

Can Pomeranians eat nuts One nut you should definitely stay away from is the Macadamia nut. This nut is extremely poisonous to dogs, and since Pomeranians are small they will be especially susceptible. Dogs who ingest Macadamia nuts may experience tremors, weakness, vomiting or even death. Just one could kill a Pom. Please be careful when keeping Macadamia nuts around the house!

Aside from this exception, Pomeranians and nuts in general are not a dangerous combination. Still, only the peanut is a near-perfect option. Black walnuts, hickory nuts and pecans can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pistachios are yummy, but if a Pom consumes the shell it may hurt him or her. Almonds are also ok, except that they are difficult for the Poms to digest. So, Macadamia nuts aside, don’t panic if your Pommy gets ahold of a nut. If it’s something that can cause gastrointestinal issues, keep an eye on them and take them to the Vet if symptoms occur. Otherwise, your Pom will be very pleased to receive a peanut treat from you every now and then! So can Pomeranians eat nuts? Yes, except for Macadamia.

June 4, 2017 0 comment

Pomeranian Diet

Are Baby Carrots Safe for Pomeranians?

written by Pommy Mommy

The other day I wrote a post with a picture of a Pommy Mommy’s Pom who loves eating “baby carrots” and it wound up creating a little controversy on the Fan Page. So I decided to dive in and find out the truth for myself, because my Pomeranians, especially “Little Sophia” loves baby carrots and I would never want her to be hurt from something that is supposed to be healthy.

Not many people know this but my husband was and still is one of the top fitness professionals in the industry… but has found more passion in building businesses like “Pommy Mommy” and other internet businesses. There really isn’t too many things that my husband doesn’t know about nutrition… so up to his office I went to get the truth.

After he started laughing, he told me in his thick New York accent that the “stupidity” about baby carrots that is making it’s way around the internet is just that… stupidity. Baby carrots back in the 1980’s were actually “baby” carrots, very immature and pulled out before they were fully grown. That seemed to carrot farmers as a waste of energy and money, so a guy by the name of Mike Yurosek decided that he could cut down all the carrots he was throwing away that were mangled and split, peel them and call them “baby” carrots… they were actually called “bunny balls” first but it didn’t go over well and “baby” carrots were a hit. They were the perfect snack for people who wanted to eat something healthy and to keep their blood sugar up throughout the day.

That’s where everything started to get twisted. Someone thought it would be a great idea to send a post around Facebook telling there friends and every one else that baby carrots were dangerous and that people shouldn’t eat them because they could get cancer from them. This is where my husband just started shaking his head in disbelief. Almost everything that the post said was either an out right lie or an exaggeration of the truth… and so if it was unhealthy for people then it would be unhealthy for Pomeranians… so not true.

The biggest lie is that Grimmway the maker of the Cal-Organic brand doused their baby carrots with chlorine (which is a carcinogen) in large amounts, but they don’t. A call into Grimmway which was very easy told the real story. Baby Carrots are cut from big carrots into 2 inch pieces and peeled in an industrial peeler (very similar to a big potato peeler), washed and then bagged. During the washing process is where the big lie and controversy happened. Grimmway admitted to using a “chlorine wash” to… well, wash the baby carrots but fanatical people blew the words chlorine wash out of proportion. It’s probably never a good company policy to let scientists talk to reporters because that is what happened… a scientist using his “lingo” told a layperson something that he didn’t understand.

Many of the carrots are washed with chlorinated water. This water must have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. which is a healthy range. The concentration of chlorine in the water should be between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million). The time of contact between the carrots and the chlorinated water should not exceed 5 minutes. This must be removed from the carrots by rinsing with potable water (drinkable water) or using a centrifugal drier. According to the American and Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the use of chlorine as a antimicrobial treatment is a current accepted practice in the processing for all fresh cut ready-to-eat vegetables.

This ‘Chlorine’ is most likely sodium hypochlorite also known as chlorine bleach. It is used as a disinfectant and antimicrobial in many industries. It is made by reacting a sodium hydroxide solution (also know as caustic soda or lye) with elemental chlorine gas. All of these chemicals are made from sodium chloride, also known as salt. If you do some research and look up “cholera” you would see how sick people would get from bacterial infections before disinfecting with chlorine… so chlorine used correctly is a “Good” thing.

Like other ready-to-eat fresh vegetables, baby-cut carrots are rinsed or sprayed with very diluted chlorine wash to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, and then thoroughly washed and bagged. This process is approved by the FDA and accepted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with strict rules for what concentration of chlorine can be used and how long the carrots can be exposed. Chlorine is similarly used as a disinfectant in public water supplies and sometimes in poultry processing. It is toxic at high concentrations, but there is no evidence that trace amounts left on food and in water are harmful to your or your Pomeranian’s health.

Is this dangerous? The diluted chlorine in your tap water and in your baby-carrots, presents no proven danger whatsoever. It is precisely to make the carrots safe that the chlorine is used. The chlorine wash that was reported was no more dangerous than washing your hands, vegetables, or dogs with tap water.

The second really big lie… and yes it was an absolute lie is that the white coating, or what it is called, “white blush”, that appears on baby carrots is the chlorine coming out of the carrot… again, a shaking of the head. Baby carrots as explained to me are living growing things just like, onions, potatoes, lettuce, bok choy and green onions and a whole bunch of other vegetables. Baby carrots are peeled by abrading the outside of the carrot taking it’s skin off. Because there is usually no moisture in the bags when sent to market the baby carrots start to dry out. Think about it like if you don’t moisturize your skin… it tends to have a white, chalky look to it… the same thing with baby carrots.

So, fuggettabout it, (hee, hee, I tried to do that in my husband’s voice… did it come through?) Pommy Mommies if you feed your Pomeranians baby carrots as treat… keep feeding them. There is no harm to you or your furry baby.

April 18, 2014 4 comments

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