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
DEAR READER: 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 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.
P.S. Ask your vet. Smaller breeds should eat kibble that is smaller, too -- easier to chew and no broken teeth!
DEAR HELOISE: Simply put, what is a whole grain?
-- A Curious Reader,
via email
DEAR READER: 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.
DEAR HELOISE: Cleaning the coffeepot at my restaurant is important -- we serve a lot, 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., Oklahoma
DEAR READER: 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.
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." I always get a laugh!
-- Gen in Ohio
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 01/20/2018