The official holiday season has started, and that means those delicious seasonal dinners are on the menu. Of course, once you start cooking, your animal companion will be paying close attention. Pets are always quite interested in what we eat or prepare. Why not try making something for your furry bestie? While there are many things that are dangerous, there are also many things that you may make or share. In fact, November 1st is designated as Cook for Your Pets Day. While we’re confident that your pet would like it if you cooked for them every day, now is a good time to go over some of the intricacies of pet cuisine. Continue reading for insights from a local Lawrenceville, GA vet.
What Can You Cook for Your Pet?
Every animal is unique, therefore you should get particular guidance from your vet. Your pet’s nutritional requirements may change as they age and/or their health changes. For example, you would not feed fish to a feline with thyroid problems since the iodine would be harmful to her.
All that being said, most forms of meat, fish, and poultry are acceptable to dogs and cats as long as they are boiled and unseasoned. In addition, you must remove the skin, bones, and fat. However, there are certain limitations.
- Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, should be consumed in moderation. They’re okay once in a while, but too much can cause Vitamin A toxicity.
- High-salt or high-fat meats, such as bacon and sausage, should also be limited. (I apologize, Fido!)
- Only boneless meat is offered. Cooked bones become brittle and can break off into jagged bits that your pet cannot ingest. These can cause very serious—and possibly fatal—internal injuries if ingested.
What Other Foods Can Dogs And Cats Eat?
Fido is also allowed to eat some fruits and vegetables. The following is a sample list of some of the safe ones:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cranberries
- Cucumber
- Kiwis
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peas with Pears.
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Watermelon
Always remove the seeds and pips from fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your pet. Some may need to be chopped into little pieces or even shredded.
You may also include a few other items. Eggs and peanut butter are pretty popular with our canine pals. You will just need to make sure that the PB does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets. Some dairy products, such as cheese, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are fine for dogs. However, these should be limited in quantity. Fido would most likely be delighted to assist you in finishing off that extra sharp cheddar, but you don’t want to overindulge him! As for Fluffy, it’s best not to give her any dairy, with the exception of eggs. Despite common misconceptions, cats are actually lactose-intolerant.
For more information on safe and harmful foods, speak with your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian.
How Do I Pick Recipes for My Pet?
There are numerous recipes for your canine companion available on the internet. However, what is appropriate for a St. Bernard will not work for a Chihuahua! Consult your veterinarian to gain a better understanding of your pet’s nutritional requirements.
Keep in mind that the ingredients make or break any dish. In general, the majority of Fluffy and Fido’s food should consist of cooked, unseasoned meat, fish, or fowl with the skin, bones, and fat removed.
What Foods Are Dangerous For Pets?
Many people’s foods are dangerous to our four-legged friends. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are all toxic to pets. In general, anything with a bulb should be deemed poisonous to your animal pal. Chocolate, alcohol, pitted fruits, nuts, avocado, caffeine, and grapes, currants, and raisins are all unsafe. Raw meat, dough, and yeast are also hazardous, as is meat on the bone, as previously stated.
Certain foods are only safe in modest amounts. As previously stated, organ meats such as liver and kidney are included in this group. Things like broccoli and cauliflower are also included in this list because they might produce gas.
Ask your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian for more particular information on your pet’s diet and care requirements.
Can You Make Your Own Dog Treats?
If we could ask Fido what his absolute favorite things are, we can reasonably safely assume that snacks would be at—or near—the top of the list. Treats can be very beneficial to our pets. They are not only good for bonding, but also for training, making Fido feel protected and cherished, and overall getting that gorgeous tail moving.
There are numerous recipe options available online. All of these begin with a base. Natural peanut butter, olive or wheat germ oil, cheese, bacon bits, whole wheat flour, eggs, liver powder, oatmeal, canned tuna or salmon, ripe bananas, or pureed pumpkin are all options. You can alternatively use ground beef or chicken, safe produce, plain yogurt, or sodium-free broth. Many varieties of baby food are acceptable, but you should check the label to ensure that it does not include any harmful ingredients, such as raisins, garlic, or onion. You can also mix and match. For extra purrs or tail wags, include shredded deli meat, kibble bits, bacon bits, egg, and, of course, cheese.
Here are a few options:
Pumpkin Yums: To make these, you’ll 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 create small bones. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 350°F, or until desired crunchiness is achieved.
Turkey Bites: Start by mixing plain, boneless turkey, cheese, eggs, baby food, and safe fruits and vegetables. Blend everything together in a food processor before dividing it into small servings. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Simple Biscuit: For the base, mix whole wheat flour, eggs, and olive oil. Then you can add toppings like kibble or bacon bits. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, GA Pet Clinic
Do you have any concerns about your pet’s diet or care? Contact your nearest Lawrenceville, GA pet hospital right away!
