Season’s Greetings! Those delicious seasonal dinners are a big part of holiday celebrations. Your furry pal will definitely be quite interested in whatever you are eating or cooking. So, why not make something for your pet? A local Ashland WI veterinarian offers some insight on this below. 

What Foods Can You Make for Your Pet?

You’ll want to see your veterinarian for particular recommendations. Every animal is unique. Plus, your pet’s food requirements may also change as they age and/or their health conditions change. For example, you wouldn’t give fish to a cat with thyroid problems since the iodine would be harmful to her.

• Having said that, most forms of meat, fish, or poultry are OK to give dogs and cats as long as you take out the skin, bones, and fat. However, there are a few exceptions and caveats:
• Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, should be consumed rarely. They’re all right 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. (Sorry, Fido!)
• Only boneless meats are safe for pets. Cooked bones become brittle and can break into sharp bits that are extremely dangerous for your pet to swallow.
• Your pet’s diet shouldn’t only contain meat. Even hypercarnivores receive residues of other foods, via their prey. A healthy diet should include the proper ratios of fat, protein, and water, as well as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ask your vet for specific advice.

What Fruits and Veggies Can Dogs Eat?

For the most part, the list of safe and unsafe foods are the same for dogs and cats. Fido and Fluffy can also eat some fruits and vegetables, though they may turn their noses up at some of them.

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 seeds, pits, pips, and rinds. Some things may have to be chopped into little bits or shredded. 

What Other Foods Can My Pet Have?

You may also choose to incorporate other ingredients, such as dairy. Cheese, eggs, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are safe in small doses. Fido would definitely be happy to help you in finishing off that extra sharp cheddar, but you don’t want to overindulge him!

For further information on safe and harmful diets, consult with your Ashland WI veterinarian.

How Should I Choose Recipes for My Pet?

There are numerous recipes for your furry companion available online. However, these are not universally applicable. What is appropriate for a St. Bernard will not be ideal 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, unseasoned meat, fish, or fowl. Of course, you will need to remove the skin, bones, and fat. The meat can be shredded if desired. There may also be recipes that call for tinned or deli meat. That is good, but bear in mind that processed foods may be higher in salt than whole foods.

Stick to those recommended by veterinarians or other credible sources. You may come across some appealing ones manufactured by influencers, but you must ensure that they pass inspection with your Ashland WI veterinarian.

What Foods Aren’t Safe for Dogs?

Many foods are harmful to our four-legged pals. Garlic, onions, chives, and scallions are all hazardous. Everything with a bulb should be considered poisonous to your pet. Other dangerous foods include chocolate, alcohol, pitted fruits, nuts, caffeine, and grapes, currants, or raisins. Raw meat, bread, and yeast, as well as meat on the bone, are all dangerous.

Can I Make Homemade Dog 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 gorgeous 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.Add tail-waggers like shredded deli meat, kibble, bacon bits, eggs, and, of course, cheese. Just stick with safe options.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Ashland WI Pet Clinic

Have any queries about your pet’s diet or care? Contact us today, your local Ashland WI pet hospital!