Vanilla (genus Vanilla), any member of a group of tropical climbing orchids (family Orchidaceae) and the flavouring agent extracted from their pods.  The vanilla beans of commerce are the cured unripe fruit of Mexican or Bourbon vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), Tahiti vanilla (V. tahitensis), and occasionally West Indian vanilla (V. pompona); all three species are thought…

There have been so many mixed feelings and misconceptions about what carob is and is not. Is it chocolate or not? Why can't I eat carob as much as I eat chocolate? Can dogs eat carob? You may have wondered where the concerns would end.  It may interest you to know that carob is not…

Dr Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, explains that pomegranates are not toxic to dogs. However, that doesn’t mean that the fruit is safe for dogs to eat. “As the saying goes: ‘just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,'” he says. The pomegranate is a small, fruit-bearing tree native to Iran and…

Can dogs eat apple peels? Why would anyone want to serve or give their dogs apple peels as food or a treat, you might ask? However, research has shown that most fruit peels are healthy for the skin and the entire body.  For example, research has proven that pawpaw peels are healthy for humans, and…

Just as the name suggests, cheesecake is an interesting and sumptuous meal. Everyone loves cheesecake, except those with lactose intolerance, as this would be damaging to their body systems.  The fact that cheesecake may be good for you and your friends does not, in turn, mean it will be good for your dog.  Cheesecake was…

Avocados are a fruit that originated in Mexico and Central America. They are large berries that grow on a tree and are known for their green flesh and large seed in the centre. It is a nutrient-rich superfood that has gained popularity recently due to its health benefits. It is packed with essential vitamins, minerals,…