The Kookie Jar Blog

Following this month's “Treat of the month” feature- O-Mega Hearts, let's dive deeper into the benefits of hemp and flax seeds. These tiny seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; essential nutrients that support a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall joint health. Just like humans, dogs can’t produce these fatty acids on their own, which makes it critical to include them in their diet! 🌱 Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids- the building blocks of proteins. This makes them one of the few complete plant-based proteins. In the 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp seeds keep the skin on your pup glowing, support heart health and reduce inflammation. Plus, they’re gentle on digestion, making them perfect for sensitive stomachs. Since the body cannot produce these fatty acids independently, absorbing them through other sources is essential. In addition, hemp seeds area a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and iron which helps with energy production, bone health and overall vitality. 🌾 Flax Seeds Flax seeds are one of nature’s richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a specific type of omega-3 that supports heart health and brain function. Another compound called lignans, also support heart health and improves circulation. They’re high in fibre, which helps with digestion and keeps tails wagging happily for more. Flax seeds nourish your dogs skin from the inside out- helping to reduce itching, flaking and dull fur. The mix of antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats helps to strengthen the immune system overall.  🍌 Bananas & Blackstrap Molasses Beyond their delicious flavour, bananas provide potassium, vitamin C, and natural fibre that helps support heart and muscle health while keeping digestion smooth. Blackstrap molasses adds a rich touch of iron and vitamin B, promoting healthy blood and lasting energy making every bite as delicious as it is without tons of sugar! Combined, these ingredients create a nutritional powerhouse that boosts your dog’s wellness while being delicious. Our O-Mega Hearts are baked with love, ensuring every crunchy bite delivers taste and health benefits. O-Mega hearts are as good for your dog as they are tasty!

 We all know those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist when you’re eating something delicious. But before you sneak your furry friend a bite, it’s important to know that some human foods can actually be very dangerous for dogs. To keep those tails wagging and bellies happy, here are a few things you should never feed your dog: The first most well known food is Chocolate, here’s a bit about it:  It might feel like the ultimate comfort food for us humans, but for dogs, it’s a completely different story. The problem lies in two compounds: theobromine and caffeine. Dogs metabolize these much more slowly than we do, which means even a small amount can quickly build up to toxic levels in their system. Both of these compounds act as stimulants which can speed up the heart rate and overstimulate the nervous system of your dog.The darker the chocolate the more dangerous it gets, as the level of  theobromine increases. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate contain the highest levels and are therefore the most dangerous, but don't take the other forms for granted!  Some symptoms to consuming chocolate are:  Vomiting 🤢 Diarrhea 💩 Restlessness or hyperactivity 🐕💨 Increased heart rate ❤️🔥 Tremors, seizures, or in severe cases, collapse The second food item that shouldn't be consumed: Onions and Garlic. While onions and garlic add flavor to almost everything we eat, they’re a big no-no for dogs. Both belonging to the allium family (which also includes leeks, shallots, and chives), they contain compounds that can seriously harm your pup’s blood. Onions, garlic, and other alliums contain thiosulfates, which are toxic to dogs. When ingested, these compounds damage your dog’s red blood cells by causing them to break down prematurely – a condition called hemolytic anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, so when they’re destroyed, your dog can’t get the oxygen they need to stay healthy and active. Here are a few symptoms to be aware of:  Weakness or lethargy 💤 Reduced appetite 🍽️ Vomiting and diarrhea 🤢 Pale gums (a sign of anemia) Rapid breathing or panting 🐕💨 Dark or reddish urine The third and final food item to be wary of: Cooked animal bones. Giving a dog a bone feels like the most natural thing in the world to do, right? Cartoons, old sayings, and even children’s songs all suggest that bones and dogs go hand in hand. But the truth is: cooked bones can actually be very dangerous for your pup. When bones are cooked whether boiled, baked, roasted, or grilled they become brittle and fragile. Instead of staying strong, they’re likely to splinter into sharp shards when chewed. Those sharp pieces can get lodged in your dog’s throat and cause choking, pierce or cut the mouth, tongue, or gums, leading to painful injuries and infections, Damage the esophagus if swallowed and lastly, splinter the inside of the stomach or intestines, which can cause life-threatening internal bleeding or blockages that often require emergency surgery. This risk applies to smoked bones too, since any form of cooking changes the bones structure. Remember, your pup’s meals can be just as high-quality, and contain human grade ingredients, just never an exact copy of your plate—even if those puppy dog eyes make a strong case!