Happy Holidays! Thanksgiving is the official start of those delicious seasonal dinners. Your furry bestie will pay close attention to anything you are eating or cooking. So, why not make something for your pet? This actually is a great time to go over some of the intricacies of cooking for your pet. Continue reading for more insight from a local Pasadena, TX veterinarian.
What Foods Can You Make for Your Pet?
Every animal is unique, so see your veterinarian for particular recommendations. Your pet’s food requirements may also change as they age and/or their health conditions change. For example, you wouldn’t want to give fish to a cat with thyroid problems since the iodine would be harmful to her.
- Most kinds of meat, fish, and poultry are fine for dogs and cats, as long as they are cooked and unseasoned, and free of skin, bones, and fat. Cooked bones become brittle and can break into sharp bits that are extremely harmful for your pet to swallow. The skin and fat is just too rich for Fido and Fluffy.
- Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, should be offered very sparingly. They’re acceptable once in a while, but too much can lead to Vitamin A poisoning.
- Meats that are heavy in salt or fat, such as bacon and sausage, should also be avoided. (I’m sorry, Fido!)
- Your pet’s food shouldn’t only contain meat. Even hypercarnivores receive residues of other meals from their prey. A healthy diet should include the proper ratios of fat, protein, and water, as well as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
What Fruits and Veggies Can Dogs Eat?
Fido can also eat some fruits and vegetables. Below is a sample list of some of the safe ones:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Cucumber
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peas
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelon
Before offering your pet fruits or vegetables, always remove the seeds and pips. Some may have to be chopped into little bits or shredded.
What Other Foods Can Fido and Fluffy Have?
You may also choose to incorporate other ingredients, such as dairy. Cheese, eggs, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are some of the foods that are safe for dogs and cats. However, these should be provided in small portions.
How Should I Choose Recipes for My Pet?
There are numerous recipes for your canine companion available online. However, these are not universally applicable. What is appropriate for a St. Bernard isn’t going to be right for a Chihuahua! We strongly advise you to consult with your veterinarian to gain a comprehensive understanding of your pet’s nutritional requirements.
However, the ingredients will make or break any particular recipe. In general, you’d want something that is meat-based. Fluffy and Fido’s diets should be primarily composed of cooked, boneless, unseasoned meat, fish, or fowl. The meat can be shredded if desired. Some recipes may call for tinned or deli meat. That is fine, but bear in mind that those processed foods may be higher in salt.
The main thing is to stick to ingredients recommended by your Pasadena, TX veterinarians or other credible sources. Never include anything unless you’re sure it is safe!
What Foods Aren’t Safe for Dogs?
Many foods are harmful to our four-legged pals. Garlic, onions, chives, and scallions are all hazardous. (Note: Everything with a bulb should be considered poisonous to your pet. That includes flowers, such as tulips and daffodils, as well.) Other dangerous foods include chocolate, alcohol; pitted fruits; nuts; caffeine; avocado; grapes, currants, or raisins; raw meat, bread, and yeast; and meat on the bone.
Ask your veterinarian for further information on your pet’s diet and care requirements.
Can I Make Fido Homemade Treats?
If we could ask Fido what his absolute favorite things are, it’s probably safe to assume that snacks would be at—or near—the top of the list. Treats are actually highly useful to our pets. They are not only fantastic for bonding, but they also aid in training, making Fido feel protected and loved, and overall getting that cute tail moving.
There are an abundance of recipes available online. All of these begin with some form of base. Natural peanut butter, olive or wheat germ oil, cheese, bacon bits, whole-wheat flour, eggs, liver powder, oatmeal, ripe bananas, and pureed pumpkin are a few options. You can also substitute minced beef, plain yogurt, or sodium-free broth. Many varieties of baby food are also acceptable, but you should check the label to ensure that it does not include any harmful ingredients, such as raisins, garlic, or onions. You can also experiment with various combinations. Remember to add safe tail-waggers, like shredded deli meat, kibble, bacon bits, eggs, and, of course, cheese.
Here are a few examples:
Pumpkin Yums: In this recipe, combine a can of pureed pumpkin, natural peanut butter, an egg, and whole-wheat flour. Shape into balls or use a dog treat machine to produce little bones. Cook for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F, or until the desired crunchiness is achieved.
Turkey Bites: Mix basic boneless turkey with cheese, eggs, baby food, and safe fruits or vegetables. Put everything in a food processor and blend until smooth, then divide into small servings. Bake at 375 degrees for half an hour.
Simple Biscuit: To make the base, combine whole-wheat flour, eggs, and olive oil. Then you can include extras like kibble or bacon bits. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
Chicken Nibbles: Blend canned chicken with shredded cheese, bacon bits, whole-wheat flour, and sodium-free chicken broth in a blender or food processor. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
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Do you have questions about your pet’s diet or care? Contact us today, your local Pasadena, TX pet hospital!
