Cook For Your Pet Day

The official holiday season gets underway in November. Many folks are beginning to organize and get ready for those mouthwatering seasonal feasts. Of course, your pet will be quite interested in those mouthwatering seasonal foods.  If you enjoy cooking, you can certainly make something for your pet. This is a perfect time to go over some of the nuances of cooking for your pet! A local Brantford, ON veterinarian provides some insight on this below.

What Are Some Safe Foods For Pets?

Every animal is unique, so you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice. As your furry friend ages and/or experiences changes in their health, their food requirements may also change somewhat. For instance, the iodine in fish may not be good for a senior kitty with thyroid issues.

For dogs and cats, most kinds of meat, fish, or poultry are acceptable as long as they are cooked and unseasoned. You also have to remove the fat, bones, and skin. 

There are some exceptions here, though.

• Organ meats, including kidney and liver, should be given sparingly. Once in a while is fine, but too much could cause vitamin A toxicity.
• Meals heavy in fat or salt, such sausage and bacon, should also be limited. ( Sorry, Fido!)
• Only offer boneless meat. Cooked bones become incredibly brittle and can snap off into jagged bits that are extremely dangerous for your pet to swallow.
• Fluffy and Fido are carnivores, but that doesn’t mean they should only eat meat. Even hypercarnivores consume trace amounts of other foods through their prey. A nutritious diet should include the right amounts of fat, protein, and water.

Ask your vet for specific advice.

What Vegetables And Fruits Can Dogs And Cats Eat?

Fido can also consume some vegetables and fruits. Some of the safe ones are listed here in a partial form:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• Kiwis
• Mangoes
• Oranges
• Peas 
• Pears
• Pineapple 
• Pie
• Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Sweet Potato
• Watermelon

There are a few rules of thumb  here. First, never give your pet anything without verifying that it’s safe. Before handing your pet any fruits or vegetables, always remove seeds and pips. Some things might have to be shredded or even into tiny bits. 

What Other Foods Can Pets Eat?

Your pet may be interested in some additional items, such as dairy products. Eggs, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are fine, but should be offered in modest quantities. Fido would most likely be more than happy to assist you in polishing off that extra sharp cheddar, but you don’t want to overindulge him! 

See your veterinarian for further information on both safe and dangerous food.

How Should I Choose Pet Recipes?

You will find many recipes online. These are not one-size-fits-all, though. A Chihuahua and a St. Bernard have very different needs! Stay with those recommended by reliable sources or veterinarians. Influencers create some enticing ones, but you should make sure these past muster with your veterinarian. Many may not offer the proper nutrition for your furry friend. Some could even be dangerous! 

Which Foods Dogs Are Not Safe For Pets To Eat?

Many of the foods we eat are not safe for our four-legged friends. Among the more dangerous ones are garlic, onions, scallions, and chives. Generally speaking, anything with a bulb should be regarded as poisonous. That includes flowers, such as tulips and daffodils, as well. Some other dangerous foods include chocolate; alcohol; avocado; pitted fruits; nuts; caffeine; grapes, currants, and raisins; macadamia nuts; raw meat, dough, and yeast; and meat on the bone.

Ask your veterinarian for more particular information on the dietary and care requirements for your pet.

Can I Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Treats would most likely be at—or near—the top of the list of  Fido’s favorite things. Actually, treats are incredibly helpful for our animal companions. They are not only great for bonding and training, but also help Fido feel loved and basically just get that adorable tail moving.

There are plenty of recipes available online. Each of them begins with some sort of base. Among the possibilities are whole-wheat flour; eggs; liver powder; shredded meat; olive or wheat germ oil; cheese; bacon bits; natural peanut butter; or pureed pumpkin. Other options include plain yogurt, minced beef, or sodium-free broth. Many varieties of baby food are also acceptable, but you should check the label to be sure it doesn’t have anything dangerous, like onions, garlic, or raisins. Experiment with several combinations to personalize the snacks of your furry pet. For extra tail wags, add tail-waggers like shredded deli meat, chunks of kibble, bacon bits, egg, safe fruits and veggies, and, naturally, cheese. 

Here are a few possibilities:

• Combine a can of pureed pumpkin with some natural peanut butter, an egg, and whole-wheat flour. Form small bones, using a dog-treat machine, or just roll them into ball shape. Cook at 350 for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, or until you have the right degree of crunchiness.
• Combine cheese, eggs, baby food, plain, boneless turkey with safe fruits or vegetables. After running it in a food processor and blending everything, split into tiny servings. Bake for half an hour at 375.
• Mix whole-wheat flour with eggs and olive oil. Then you might add things like bacon bits or kibble. Bake for thirty minutes at 350 degrees.
• Use a blender or food processor to mix shredded cheese, bacon bits, whole-wheat flour, and sodium-free chicken broth. Bake for fifteen minutes at 350.

Plan A Visit To Our Brantford, On Pet Clinic

Have questions regarding the diet or care of your pet? Get in touch with us right now—your Brantford, ON pet hospital!