Chickpeas are nutritious legumes that find themselves at home in stew, salad, snack, and hummus recipes. These delicious beans (yes, they’re beans and not peas) are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and if you find yourself with a surplus in your pantry, you might be curious if your dog can reap the same benefits from chickpeas as we do.
Yes, dogs can absolutely eat chickpeas. However, as with many human foods, there are a few caveats that come with offering them to your canine companion. Read on to learn more.
Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
As we mentioned in the introduction, chickpeas are a safe and nutritious treat for pups. This is why you’ll commonly see them on the ingredient list in many commercially prepared dog foods and treats. However, not all varieties of chickpeas are suitable for your pup.
Dry and plain-cooked chickpeas are the best type to offer as they are not high in sodium like their canned counterparts.
It might also be a good idea to smash the chickpeas before giving them to your dog so they are not a choking hazard.
Image credit: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock
Benefits of Chickpeas for Dogs
High in Protein
According to the USDA, a 50-gram (1/4 cup) portion of chickpeas contains roughly 10 grams of protein1. This macronutrient is essential for the formation and maintenance of tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. Dogs also require it for muscle, skin, and nail formation. While animal sources of protein will have the most amino acids your pup needs for optimal health and are generally more easily digestible than plant-based sources, chickpeas do still offer a hefty protein dose your dog can benefit from.
High in Fiber
A 50-gram portion of chickpeas contains roughly 6 grams of fiber. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is essential for gastrointestinal function in dogs by promoting colon and gut microbe health.
Foods high in fiber are satiating, which means your pup will feel fuller for longer when they eat a chickpea-containing meal. This is great for dogs who are overweight.
Photo by Markus Winkler, Unsplash
Vitamin & Mineral Content
Chickpeas contain numerous vitamins and minerals beneficial to your pup’s health. For example, every 50-gram serving contains a good dose of potassium (359 mg), folate (278 µg), and magnesium (39 mg). Potassium assists with many bodily functions, including transmitting nerve impulses and maintaining a proper acid-base balance. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, helps with DNA synthesis. Magnesium plays a role in the bone’s structural composition as well as carbohydrate metabolism.
How to Prepare Chickpeas for Dogs
We recommend opting for dried, cooked chickpeas when preparing them for your pup. This variety does require some prep work and patience, but it’s much healthier than other iterations. Only offer them to your dog once they’ve been cooked and are soft, as dry chickpeas can be a choking hazard and will be much harder for your pup’s digestive system.
You can cook dried chickpeas in one of three ways: stovetop, slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot. Stovetop is our recommendation as you don’t need specialized equipment, and the instructions are very straightforward. However, you will need to either soak your dried beans overnight or quickly soak them in a pot of boiled water for an hour before you begin cooking. Cook them for around 35-45 minutes after soaking with no extra fats or seasonings.
Image Credit: Natalia Mylova, Shutterstock
How you offer the cooked chickpeas to your pup will depend on their tastes. Some will happily eat mashed chickpeas on their own, while others may find them more palatable if they’re mashed on top of their kibble or wet food.
Are Canned Chickpeas Safe for Dogs?
While canned chickpeas are great for recipes we make for our own consumption, canned beans of any kind contain a significant amount of sodium, which is not healthy for our dogs. If you must purchase canned varieties, opt for a low-sodium variety and rinse them thoroughly to remove as much sodium as possible.
Is Hummus Safe for Dogs?
Hummus may be a delicious dip for your favorite veggies, but this chickpea-based condiment is not safe for dogs. While chickpeas are the main ingredient in any hummus recipe, this dip also contains other ingredients that are not dog-friendly at all. The main culprits are garlic, onion, and spices.
Photo by Ludovic Avice, Unsplash
Final Thoughts
Chickpeas can be a nutritious food for your pup, so long as you prepare them properly. We recommend starting with dried chickpeas and cooking them from scratch rather than buying canned varieties. However, if you prefer using canned beans, choose low-sodium options and rinse them very well before serving.
The Hairless Chihuahua is a genetic variation of the breed, giving the animal a unique appearance. The origin of this pup is unclear. The scientific literature provides excellent information on how the trait may have occurred and spread within the breed. Hairlessness is not specific to the Chihuahua. It exists with many dogs to varying degrees, but the Chihuahua gives it a different twist.
Breed Overview
Height:
5–8 inches
Weight:
Up to 6 pounds
Lifespan:
14–16 years
Colors:
Pink, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Families with older children looking for a playful and loyal dog
Temperament:
Loving, feisty, protective
The Chihuahua is a delicate animal. However, don’t let their small size fool you. This pup has a feisty, independent streak but is, at the same time, charming and irresistible. They have prominent personalities to make up for their little bodies. Chihuahuas have always been companion animals with a history of being worshipped in some societies.
Hairless Chihuahua Puppies
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
True Hairless Chihuahua puppies are rare, and the trait occurs from a genetic mutation. The parents contribute one copy or allele of the specific gene. It is a dominant trait, so puppies only need one allele from one parent for it to be present. This physical expression or phenotype is called canine ectodermal dysplasia (CED). It also occurs in Chinese Crested Dogs and Mexical Hairless Dogs or Xoloitzcuintlis.
Sadly, research has shown being hairless is a vulnerability in Hairless Chihuahuas; they have a higher mortality rate than those with hair.1
Hairless Chihuahua Breed Origin & History
Charles Darwin reported the existence of hairless dogs. The hairless gene is also present in the American Hairless Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, albeit with different genetic origins. It’s unclear whether breeders propagated the Hairless Chihuahua or any other dogs, except for the handful of recognized breeds we’ve mentioned.
It’s worth noting that the hairless trait isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the parent club’s official breed standard. The AKC only considers the short- and long-haired variants of the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua Club of America also believes the teacup size is “…incorrect and misleading.” That raises a red flag for would-be buyers without the protection of the animal’s legitimacy.
Offspring of the Hairless Chihuahua with a pup with hair would likely be a 1:1 ratio of having or not having the trait. Any puppy inheriting the allele from both parents would perish. That’s partly due to other conditions a hairless dog may inherit, which can adversely affect the animal’s quality of life and longevity.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Hairless Chihuahua
The Hairless Chihuahua is just as feisty and sassy as the dog’s namesake. This attitude is typical in small breeds, and scientists theorize the pups compensate for their size with this temperament. They may be more defensive and reactive. However, you must also consider the pup’s role as an animal companion. The Chihuahua defends their space and caregiver, and they’re known for their protective nature.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Hairless Chihuahua can make an excellent family pet in households with older children. Parents should instruct the little ones not to pick up their dogs and must supervise playtime. Research has shown the Chihuahua can be aggressive, making early socialization and training imperative.2
They are sensitive and not tolerant of being alone, and when they’re left alone for long periods, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Image Credit: Linas T, Shutterstock
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Hairless Chihuahua can get along with other pets if introduced to other dogs when young. Nevertheless, you should monitor playtime if that includes time with bigger pups. An active social life is an excellent way to prevent fearfulness, which can spur aggression when meeting other animals.
Exposing your Chihuahua to cats and dogs when they are young and taking them on short trips to meet friends will reduce the chance they suffer from stress or fear in unfamiliar situations.
The Chihuahua has a moderate prey drive and may chase small animals, but they can get along with cats if they grow up with them.
Things to Know When Owning a Hairless Chihuahua:
The Hairless Chihuahua isn’t cold-tolerant, which is a primary concern for pet owners. It can be an issue if you want to housebreak your dog and you live in a northern climate. Booties and clothing are essential for the hairless Chihuahua if you take them outside in frigid weather. Below, we’ll discuss the factors to keep in mind when you want to adopt a hairless Chihuahua.
Food & Diet Requirements
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is an issue with the Chihuahua. You should feed your puppy four times daily with a high-quality commercial formula. Royal Canine produces a breed-specific formula suitable for these pups.
You should transition your dog to a twice-a-day schedule when they reach adulthood. Hairless Chihuahua has a moderate tendency to gain weight, and it’s vital to portion their meals carefully and monitor their weight.
Exercise
The Hairless Chihuahua is moderately active. A couple of walks and a few play sessions will provide adequate exercise and opportunities for mental stimulation. This pup is intelligent and undoubtedly nurtured by the time they spend with people. You can use this time to hone your pet’s leash manners and meet new human and canine friends for additional enrichment.
If you adopt a puppy, keep the exercise light and don’t let them jump from high places. They have a delicate frame, but they can be energetic, and you have to be more careful when they’re young.
Training
Positive reinforcement is the best approach for training the Hairless Chihuahua because of their sensitive nature. They are eager to please and will shun harsh words and punishment. We recommend using treats as training aids for added motivation.
Due to their intelligence, hairless Chihuahuas are relatively simple to train, but they can be stubborn at times.
Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock
Grooming
Grooming the Hairless Chihuahua is much easier than other breeds. You can bathe the dog monthly, but in between baths, you can wipe down their fur with doggy wipes to keep it healthy and clean. They’re unlikely to wear down their nails quickly, and you’ll have to trim them every 4 to 6 weeks.
You should also brush your Chihuahua’s teeth, and your vet can show you how to do so. Chihuahuas are vulnerable to dental problems, and it’s crucial to maintain veterinary appointments and dental cleanings to protect their teeth and gums. Manufacturers make palatable toothpaste to make your task easier. Your pup may even beg to get their teeth brushed!
Health and Conditions
The hairless Chihuahua is relatively healthy, but a few issues, like dental disease, are more likely to affect them. Reputable breeders conduct the recommended pre-breeding health screening to prevent them from passing health conditions on to the offspring.
We strongly urge you to buy from sellers who offer a guarantee. Some conditions may not show up until later in the animal’s life. Breeders should provide a medical history, including vaccinations and deworming.
Minor Conditions
Epilepsy
Molera
Heart murmur
Hypoglycemia
Serious Conditions
Dental disease
Luxating patella
Heart disease
Male vs. Female
The size difference between male and female Hairless Chihuahua is minimal. We can say the same about the animal’s temperament. The environment and how they’re raised are the main drivers of a pet’s temperament instead of genetics. We suggest discussing neutering or spaying with your vet. The procedure can increase some pet’s risk of other health conditions.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Hairless Chihuahua
1. The Aztecs Worshipped Hairless Dogs.
The Aztecs believed these animals were guides to the challenges of the afterlife and had to accompany their owners on their journeys.
2. The Brain Weight of the Chihuahua Is on Par With the Weight Ratio of Humans.
The brain weight of a human is about 2% of their body weight. Research has shown that the Chihuahua is right up there, with the organ weighing about 3.03% of the animal’s weight.
3. The Chihuahuas Inspired the Name of a Minor League Baseball Team.
El Paso saw the personality of the Chihuahua as an asset and named their minor league baseball team after them.
Does the Hairless Chihuahua Make a Good Pet?
If you want a dog you can cuddle, look no further than the Hairless Chihuahua. They love people! They demand attention from their owners, perhaps because of their size and cold intolerance. They can make an excellent pet for an individual or family who can give them the love they need.
The hairless Chihuahua is intelligent and trainable and is a good choice for novice pet owners. However, they’re not recommended for owners who travel frequently and are rarely at home. They also aren’t suitable for families with infants since the dogs can easily be injured by rough play.
Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock
Conclusion
The Hairless Chihuahua is a unique canine that requires a loving owner who can spend plenty of time with them. They’re vulnerable to some health issues but are relatively healthy overall. However, they will make an ideal companion for the devoted dog owner. Regular veterinary care is vital for their health and well-being, and you must also provide adequate enrichment for the dog’s mental health.
The hairless Chihuahua’s charming personality and feisty behavior are sure to win you over, and you may not be satisfied by just adopting one.
The post Alaskan Malamute vs Husky: The Differences (With Info & Pictures) by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
The Alaskan Malamute and the Husky sure do have a lot of similarities, from their robust winter coats to their friendly, cheerful appearances. These dogs share a very similar purpose, and sometimes, it’s very hard to tell them apart.
In this article, we’re going to explore these almost-twins so you can see how they differ. One might just be a better fit for you than the other, so let’s get the details.
Visual Differences
Image Credit: (L) Hanna Borysenko, Shutterstock, (R) BAUER Alexandre, Shutterstock
At a Glance
Alaskan Malamute
Average height (adult): 24–28 inches
Average weight (adult): 70–130 pounds
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Exercise: 2+ hours a day
Grooming needs: High
Family-friendly: Sometimes
Other pet-friendly: Sometimes
Trainability: Intelligent, stubborn
Husky
Average height (adult): 21–23 inches
Average weight (adult): 50–60 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Exercise: 2+ hours a day
Grooming needs: High
Family-friendly: Yes
Other pet-friendly: Often
Trainability: Intelligent, loyal, mischievous
Alaskan Malamute Overview
The Malamute is a large, sturdy dog that is robust and muscular. Wider and broader than their Husky counterparts, these dogs certainly can toss their weight around! These dogs were bred to be beasts among them.
They are highly capable of learning how to pull a variety of objects, and they also can learn to do a laundry list of other things, making them highly useful for utility.
Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock
Personality / Character
The Alaskan Malamute is playful, excitable, and pack-minded. Once you get on this dog’s side, you are a friend for life. These dogs form exceptionally close bonds with their human counterparts. They much prefer life spent with other canines and their human friends, as they consider them family.
This is a trait that they share with Huskies, as both of these dogs have the pack mentality. But they can be stubborn and hard to handle. It is imperative that you are an experienced dog owner for a successful pairing.
If this is your first dog, it can be extremely challenging, which can impact your relationship. These dogs sometimes don’t play well with others, meaning that they might not get along with your current dog and might not accept a new dog in the future.
Exercise
Alaskan Malamutes certainly need their fair share of exercise. Thankfully, they are not quite as hyper or exercise intensive as their Husky counterparts. Malamutes tend to be a little bit more laid back and even keeled.
Still, an Alaskan Malamute will require roughly 2 hours of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy. Rather than fast-paced games and sprinting, the Alaskan Malamute much prefers long, fast-paced walks, hiking, and of course, playtime in the snow!
Training
Alaskan Malamutes were built for training! They are highly capable of learning. Since they were particularly bred for sledding purposes, it’s no wonder they are capable of picking up any task. Your Alaskan Malamute will be very task oriented, meaning they love to have a job to do. They don’t like sitting around with no commotion going on. So the more you can fill their time, the better.
These dogs are highly receptive to training, but they require a firm hand. Because of their high intelligence, they can be rigid and stubborn at times, meaning they might challenge you for the role of alpha.
It is important that you respectfully but efficiently show them that you’re the boss, even if that means enrolling in professional training to strengthen your relationship.
Image Credit: Lois McCleary, Shutterstock
Health & Care
The Alaskan Malamute is a very sturdy, healthy dog designed with elements of their purpose. Few health issues develop at some point in their lifetime, as these dogs are typically extremely sturdy, hardy animals.
This heavy-duty dog can withstand harsh winters in less than favorable surroundings. They generally are in sound health, especially if you purchase them from a reputable breeder with extension of knowledge on the particular breed itself.
However, certain genetic health factors have been known to show up in the breed. It is important to understand what they are so you can navigate through potential challenges throughout their lifetime.
Some health issues include:
Infection
Obesity
Hypothyroidism
Hip dysplasia
Suitable For:
The Alaskan Malamute is best suited for experienced dog owners that are familiar with training a dog. You also need to be able to meet their exercise needs and play with them regularly. Because of their size, they aren’t ideal for apartments or small living spaces and prefer space to run around. But they will love having other pets in the home.
Husky Overview
Unlike the Alaskan Malamute, Huskies are spry and agile, capable of traveling long distances. Malamutes, on the other hand, are good for short bursts. Huskies are also more popular, so they’re a lot easier to come by. Husky breeders out there are a dime a dozen, so Huskies might be cheaper as well.
Image Credit: Edalin Photography, Shutterstock
Personality / Character
You’ve probably seen Huskies littering up your Newsfeeds and For You Pages. These dogs are highly social, talkative, curious creatures that will fill your days with laughter. Unlike the aloofness of the Alaskan Malamute, the Husky wants to socialize!
They will make friends easily and very rarely are they aggressive, nasty, or territorial. These dogs are heroes on the scene, constantly looking for someone to help. These interesting animals are favorites for a reason.
These dogs can acclimate into a variety of lifestyles and their high energy can be super fun for active folks.
Exercise
Just like the Malamute, your Husky is going to need lots of exercise to keep them fit, and healthy. You definitely cannot negotiate with this, so they often don’t make suitable candidates for people with mobility issues of any kind.
Huskies require stimulation both mentally and physically. That means you’re going to need to keep their brain busy daily. These dogs are not good candidates for being left alone because they get bored very easily and can be majorly destructive as a consequence.
Training
Like their Alaskan Malamute counterparts, Huskies require a very firm hand during training. While these dogs are chipper and social, they can get off task easily and might even challenge you for the role of the boss.
It is important that they understand their role very early, so they can fall in line accordingly. Since they are pack animals, they take their role very seriously, meaning that you won’t have to do much convincing once you assert your dominance.
However, since these pack animals absolutely thrive on the approval of their owners, it can be a little bit easier to train them than their Alaskan Malamute counterparts. That is because they will genuinely care what you think, even if they have trouble with impulse control at first.
The Alaskan Malamute is a little bit more stern and stubborn in nature, making professional training highly advisable. While training the Husky can also be terrific in many scenarios, it isn’t necessarily always a must.
If you’re an experienced canine owner, Huskies are very intelligent animals that can be relatively simple to teach.
Image Credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock
Health & Care
Like the Alaskan Malamute, Huskies are incredibly strong animals that are generally healthy. However, as with any animal, Huskies can develop a number of environmental or genetic health conditions.
A good way to avoid certain issues is to purchase from reputable breeders who have an extensive knowledge about breed health.
Some health issues include:
Inflammatory bowel disease
Skin infections
Obesity
Suitable For:
Like the Malamute, a Husky is best suited for people that have plenty of time to spend exercising them and keeping them entertained. They also don’t do well in small living spaces and apartments, but this has more to do with their energy levels than their size. Huskies are also very vocal, so they need large living spaces and yards to play in. They also do best having another dog in the home to keep them entertained.
Nearly Identical: How to Decipher
The Alaskan Malamute and Husky are both so similar, it’s really hard to pick one. However, since everyone’s lifestyle is different, the key differences between the two of them might make the decision easier.
Huskies are simply more social by nature. They thrive on companionship from both other pets and human counterparts. They would prefer to be the center of attention in any case. The Alaskan Malamute, on the other hand, doesn’t mind falling by the wayside.
In fact, this is a dog who often needs time to recharge their batteries. So, they don’t mind living a slower-paced life and have no real qualms about being left alone. Huskies, on the other hand, might start developing behavioral tendencies that can be problematic.
Image Credit: SashaS Skvortcova, Shutterstock
Huskies are very prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to attempting to escape enclosures, destroying items around the household, and being all-around more neurotic.
So, Huskies are best for people who can socialize them very well and provide them with adequate stimulation. Alaskan Malamutes are best for people who are a little more introverted in nature.
Both breeds are hard to groom, require a ton of exercise, and grow to be quite large. However, the Alaskan Malamute outweighs their Husky counterpart by a good 30 to 50 pounds. So keep in mind that the size difference might be a lot more than what you’re anticipating.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Trying to decide between the Husky and Alaskan Malamute can be very difficult! After all, these two share so many similarities, how could you possibly decide? While they are very alike in both personality and overall appearance, there are some key differences that can help you with your decision.
If you are a more social person who is around a larger number of strangers or unfamiliar faces, having a Husky might be a more suitable match. If you’re more introverted and don’t have a lot of stimulation in your day-to-day life, an Alaskan Malamute might be better for you.
At the end of the day, the choice is yours!
Featured Image Credit: (L) Hanna Borysenko, Shutterstock, (R) Anciens Huang, Shutterstock
The post Alaskan Malamute vs Husky: The Differences (With Info & Pictures) by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
