If there’s one thing all of our furry pals like, it’s food. Once you start cooking, your canine companion will pay close attention. Our animal buddies are always highly interested in our meals. If you like cooking, why not make something for your pet? A local Pasadena, TX veterinarian offers some tips on this below.

What Foods Can You Prepare For Your Pet?

Every pooch is unique, so you should get particular guidance from your veterinarian. Your pet’s food requirements may also shift as they age and/or their health changes. For example, you would not want to feed fish to a cat with thyroid problems since the iodine would be harmful to her.

All that being said, dogs can eat most forms of meat, fish, or poultry. Only offer boneless meat. Cooked bones become brittle and can break into jagged bits that are extremely dangerous for your pet to consume. You will also have to remove the skin and fat. However, there are some caveats. Organ meats, such liver and kidney, should be consumed rarely. They’re good once in a while, but too much can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Meats with high salt or fat content, such as bacon and sausage, should also be limited. (Sorry Fido!)

Your pet’s food should contain more than just meat. Even hypercarnivores get residues of other nutrients from their prey. A balanced diet should include enough amounts of fat, protein, and water, as well as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ask your vet for more information.

What Fruits And Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Fido can also eat various fruits and vegetables. Here’s a brief list of the safe ones:

·       Apples

·       Bananas

·       Blackberries

·       Blueberries

·       Cantaloupe

·       Carrots

·       Cranberries

·       Cucumber

·       Kiwis

·       Mangoes

·       Oranges

·       Peas Pears

·       Pineapple

·       Pumpkin

·       Raspberries

·       Spinach

·       Strawberries

·       Sweet Potato

·       Watermelon

Always remove seeds and pips before offering your pet fruits or vegetables. Some may need to be chopped into smaller pieces or shredded.

You may also choose to add certain other ingredients, such as cheese, peanut butter, eggs, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese. However, cheese should be supplied in small quantities. Fido would definitely be pleased to help you finish off that extra sharp cheddar, but don’t overindulge him!

Consult your veterinarian for more information on safe and harmful diets.

How Can I Choose Recipes for My Pet?

You’ll be able to find plenty of recipes for your pet online. However, these are certainly not one-size-fits-all. What works for a St. Bernard may not be appropriate for a Chihuahua!

Stick with those provided by vets or recognized sources. You may come across some appealing ones created by influencers, but make sure they pass inspection with your veterinarian.

Which Foods Are Not Safe for Dogs?

Many people foods are harmful to our four-legged friends. While many only cause upset stomachs, others can be deadly. Grapes, currants, and raisins, for instance, can cause life-threatening organ damage.

Here are some of the unsafe foods:

·       Raisins

·       Macadamia

·       Chocolate

·       Xylitol

·       Alcohol

·       Avocado

·       Chives

·       Caffeine

·       Bread dough

·       Dairy Products

·       Mushrooms

·       Yeast dough

·       Onions and garlic

·       Garlic

·       Raw meat

·       Corn on the cob (The cob, not the corn)

·       Onions

·       Salt

·       Citrus

·       Cooked bones

·       Nuts

·       Apricot pits

·       Bones

Certain foods are only safe in modest quantities. This category includes organ meats such as the liver and kidney, and broccoli and cauliflower, which can produce gas.

Make sure to ask your Pasadena, TX veterinarian for further information about your pet’s nutrition and care needs.

Can I Make Dog Treats?

If we could ask Fido what his absolute favorite things are, it’s likely that treats would be at—or near—the top of the list. Your pup will be more than happy to sample some homemade ones!

There are several recipes available online. These all begin with some sort of foundation. Natural peanut butter, olive or wheat germ oil, cheese, bacon bits, whole-wheat flour, eggs, liver powder, oatmeal, ripe bananas, and pureed pumpkin are some options. You can also add minced beef, plain yogurt, or sodium-free broth. Many varieties of baby food are safe, but check the label to ensure that it does not include any harmful ingredients, such as raisins, garlic, or onions. You can also mix and match to create other combinations.

To personalize your pet’s goodies, include tail-waggers such as shredded deli meat, kibble, bacon bits, egg, cheese, and/or safe fruits and vegetables.

Here are some ‘pawsible’ options:

Pumpkin Yums: For 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 maker to create small bones. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the desired crunchiness is achieved.

Turkey Bites: Mix plain, boneless turkey, cheese, eggs, baby food, and safe fruits and vegetables. Place everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. Divide into small servings. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

Simple Biscuit: For the basis, combine whole wheat flour, eggs, and olive oil. Then you can include extras such dog kibble or bacon bits. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Chicken Bits: Combine canned chicken, shredded cheese, bacon pieces, whole wheat flour, and sodium-free chicken broth in a blender or food processor. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

You can also mix and match! Just be sure to stick with safe options.

Book An Appointment At Our Pasadena, TX Pet Clinic

Have you got any inquiries about your pet’s diet or care? Contact your Pasadena, TX pet hospital today!