Dear Heloise: I noticed dog food specifically formulated for Chihuahuas at my pet store. Are these foods better for my Chihuahua, or is this a marketing gimmick?-Julie P. in Dallas
Julie, breed-
specific foods are very popular today. All dogs have the same or similar teeth, digestive systems and skeletal structures. A good-quality, healthy dog food should provide the proper nutrition that your dog needs.
Many breeds do have certain conditions for which they may benefit from a breed-specific food. An example is that mini schnauzers can be prone to bladder stones, so we have always given ours (and Chammy, our adopted silky wheaten) a specific food that helps keep the pH in urine a certain level to help prevent them.
These special foods are more expensive, but your dog may feel better and have a healthy life eating them.-Heloise
P.S. Ask your vet, who is the go-to expert. Smaller breeds should eat kibble that is smaller, too-easier to chew and no broken teeth!
PET PAL
Dear Readers: A reader, via email, sent in a picture of his gorgeous 8-1/2-year-old Persian cat, Arman. His coat is fluffy, and he is ready for winter! To see Arman and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com.-Heloise
THE WHOLE GRAIN
Dear Heloise: Simply put, what is a whole grain?-A Curious Reader, via email
A grain is considered whole as long as the three components of the grain are present: the bran, the germ and the endosperm. The Whole Grains Council (wholegrainscouncil.org) says any grain can be whole-corn, rice, wheat or oat, for example.
Whole grains are stronger sources of fiber and other nutrients, and therefore typically are better for you.-Heloise
PET SAFETY HINT
Dear Heloise: Concerning using bread to gather broken glass: Think to the future, as any scavenger animals will suffer and die horrible deaths from eating this bread.-Donna in Pennsylvania
Donna, thanks for the reminder. This is exactly why I no longer print or suggest this hint. It's old and out of date.-Heloise
CLEAN COFFEEPOT
Dear Heloise: Cleaning the coffeepot at my restaurant is important-we serve a lot of coffee, and it has to taste fresh. Here's what works for us:
We pour a generous amount of salt into the pot, followed by a big scoop of ice. Then we swirl it around vigorously several times.
After rinsing thoroughly, the pot is ready to use again for fresh, delicious coffee!-Amber E., Norman, Okla.
Amber, this is an old and often-used hint. This will "clean" the pot somewhat, but it should be cleaned with soap and water every few times to be sure to remove the oil from coffee.-Heloise
LETTER
OF LAUGHTER
Dear Heloise: As we get older, we bruise more. So, when someone asks about a bruise, rather than explain, I just say it's a "senior tattoo."-Gen in Ohio
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