Zongzi

　　 Dogs often have cases of loss of appetite and diarrhea caused by eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival. So can dogs eat zongzi? How exactly should dogs eat zongzi? What everyone needs to know is that "the main ingredient of zongzi is glutinous rice, which is oily and sticky. Overfeeding dogs can easily cause indigestion, leading to increased gastric acid secretion, decreased appetite, bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Therefore, dogs should not be fed too much zongzi." So how can dogs enjoy the delicious taste of zongzi without causing digestive problems?

　　 BoqiPet FoodExpert

　　 1. Commercially sold meat zongzi or other filled zongzi generally contain seasonings (white wine, soy sauce, various spices) or excessive sodium intake, which are harmful to dogs’ health. Severe cases may cause diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, poisoning, and other symptoms. If you want your dog to enjoy zongzi, it is best not to buy commercial zongzi. You can make your own by mixing glutinous rice and regular rice with lean beef, chicken, lamb, or other fillings to feed your dog in small quantities, stopping once they have tasted it.

　　 2. Before feeding, divide the zongzi into small portions and mechanically chop the food to help your dog digest it.

　　 3. For dogs that usually swallow their food quickly, it is best not to feed them zongzi because fewer chewing motions increase the stomach’s burden and significantly raise the incidence of indigestion.

　　 4. For zongzi made with red dates containing pits, be sure to keep them out of your dog’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion. The date pits cannot be digested and frequently cause intestinal blockage in small or young dogs.

　　 5. When feeding dogs zongzi, pay attention to the temperature: room temperature is best. Avoid serving it too hot as it can harm their gastrointestinal tract, and do not feed straight from the refrigerator since cold zongzi can also cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. Keep zongzi stored properly at home and prevent dogs from stealthily eating cold zongzi.

　　 6. When eating zongzi, you can pair it with small pieces of apples, cucumbers, carrots, or other fruits and vegetables to promote gastrointestinal motility and improve digestion. Avoid pairing with cooling fruits like watermelon.

　　 7. After the dog eats zongzi, owners should check whether any rice grains or meat residue remain on the dog’s teeth and wipe them clean to prevent tartar buildup.