With the holidays in full swing, it’s probably safe to say that many of you are doing some extra cooking and baking this week. Food is a huge part of many seasonal celebrations. Of course, our canine pals also love special treats. Why not make Fido something? A Sherman Oaks, CA vet lists some ‘pawesome’ options below.
Muttloaf
This is a great way to use leftover turkey! Use a food processor to chop it up. Mix it with carrots, eggs, bread crumbs, peas, tomato paste, parmesan, and a little rice, then form into a loaf and bake. Done!
Doggy Trail Mix
Cut leftover meat and some sweet potatoes into thin squares. Put it on a baking pan, and cook on low for several hours. Voila!
Peanut Butter Bites
Man’s Best Friend is a huge fan of peanut butter. For this one, you’ll mix some natural pb (choose a xylitol-free brand) with pureed pumpkin and/or ripe banana, whole-wheat flour, and wheat germ oil. Divide into small portions, and bake. Start with about 15 minutes at 350, and add more time if needed.
Turkey Bites
For this one, you’ll mix ground turkey, chopped egg, parsley, and cheese in a food processor. Pour into a cute bone-shaped mold, and cook at 375 for 20 minutes, or until crunchy.
Dog Biscuits
There are many ways to make Fido’s biscuits. You’ll want to start with some sort of base. Some possible options are shredded meat or poultry, liver powder, organic baby food, pureed pumpkin, natural peanut butter, and cheese. You can add whole-wheat flour, chicken stock, wheat germ, egg, or olive oil to get the consistency you need. Want to score some extra tail wags? Add some bacon bits, shredded meat, or even bits of kibble!
Jerky Treats
Jerky is pretty popular with our canine pals. It’s also healthy! All you need to do is slice some chicken, fish, meat, or poultry into thin strips. Cook for a few hours at about 200.
Tips
No matter what recipe you try, it’s important to only use things that are safe for dogs. Some things to avoid are garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; avocado; meat on the bone; avocado; chocolate; and macadamia nuts. Limit fatty ingredients, like olive oil. Don’t give your canine buddy any raw dough, either!
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your local Tarzana, CA animal clinic, anytime!
