There was a time when hard-working dogs would be fed nothing more than a porridge of flaked maize or even simply stale bread soaked in water. Remarkably, given such a poor diet, they were still able to manage a hard day's graft out on the upland hill farms. Even so there's no way that it could ever have been considered a balanced diet!
Neither can the diet we sometimes offer our dogs around the Christmas period. Whilst we might consider it a kindness to allow them to share in the festive food selection, too rich an unaccustomed diet could very easily upset a dog's stomach.
The Kennel Club website says: "In December, dogs are 75 percent more likely to be treated by a vet for eating human food that is poisonous to them, compared to any other month of the year."
A few judicious pieces of cooked turkey and left-over vegetables is a welcome 'treat' but all things in moderation - and certainly no chocolate or nuts; either given intentionally or stolen by the dog from either the coffee table or Christmas tree decorations.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de The Country Smallholder.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de The Country Smallholder.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
