CAPS: Is human food good for your dog?

Dear reader, I imagine Watson is up in heaven saying, “Yes, yes, yes!” He was very fond of dog and people food. In fact, the only bad habit he had was begging. I can honestly admit that more often than not, we did slip him people goodies.

There is good news for those of you who spoil your furry friend with people food. A University of Helsinki study concluded feeding your dogs with table scraps may actually be the secret to keeping them healthy.

The researchers gathered dietary and health data from 4,500 puppies and 4,000 adolescent dogs. They found that the dogs given a mixed diet that included raw meat, bones, vegetables, berries, and leftover people food had a 22 percent lower chance of experiencing chronic enteropathy later in life.

Chronic enteropathy (CE) is a term used for gastro-intestinal diseases that are present for three weeks or longer. Characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, CE causes problems for dogs’ guts and long-term health.

Dogs have a gut microbiome of several hundred families of bacteria, which influence health and disease. The five main groups are: Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The greater the variety of food your dog eats the better chance that good bacteria will inhabit the gut.

One very important nutrient for the growth of good bacteria is fiber. Fiber is a prebiotic that generates many different substances that keep the microbes and cells of dogs’ intestinal tracts happy. In fact, a high-fiber diet not only benefits your BFF it will also benefit you.

I am sure the secret to a happy healthy tummy is variety, and I am positive our furry friends agree.

ATTENTION

• CAPS Spring Garage Sale on Friday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oasis Church, 1520 S. Maine St.

• You can drop off items at the church on Thursday after 4 p.m. We are unable to pick up items due to volume of calls and limited volunteers.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

• We have two adorable male puppies six and 10 months old.

• Would you like to foster animals? Puppy and kitten season is rapidly approaching and we need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• Hotwings 4H, Leasa Cathey, Nora and Elmore for donating their winnings from the Home and Garden Show Chicken Poop Bingo. Paws applause to you!

• All the folks who attended the Reno Aces Dog Days at the park. A big Bow-Wow to you!

COME SEE US

• CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

• Coming soon! Bark in the Park is June 3. Mark your calendars.

DON’T FORGET

• April Holiday: International Guide Dog Day is April 26.

• You can make a big difference in homeless animals’ lives by paying for part of their adoption fee. All of our animals are healthy, are spay/neutered, have current shots and are micros chipped. We rely on you to help make our no-kill shelter a viable alternative for stranded pets.

• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website, www.capsnevada.com and Facebook page — Churchill Animal Protection Society. Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

• Over the Rainbow-If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.