Did you know that today, November 1st, is Cook For Your Pet Day? If you enjoy cooking, and/or want to move into a more natural, holistic pet care regimen, you may want to try your hand at making your furry pal’s food. There are definitely some benefits to this, but there can be some drawbacks as well. A local Tarzana, CA vet offers some advice on cooking for Fido and Fluffy below.
Consult Your Vet
Our four-legged friends all have their own unique dietary needs. A kitten needs a very different menu than a Rottweiler! While you’ll find lots of recipes online, that doesn’t mean they will be right for your animal companion. Getting the proper proportions of protein, fat, and fiber is extremely important! Show your vet any recipes you’re considering, and get their take on it.
Choose High-Quality Food
One benefits of cooking for your furry buddy is that you can vet the quality of the ingredients. This can be extremely beneficial for anyone whose pets have allergies. It also means you can offer high-quality organic food, or even fruits and veggies you’ve grown yourself. There’s a lot to be said for being able to eliminate unhealthy fillers like high-fructose corn syrup.
Customize The Food
Your dog or cat’s nutritional needs will change over time, just as ours will. Older pets often have lighter appetites than kittens and puppies, and may need food that is more nutrient-dense and/or higher in protein, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass. A pooch with vision issues may benefit from eating foods that are rich in beta-carotene, while a pup with allergies may need something that doesn’t have any chicken. Even if your vet approved your recipe, it’s a good idea to revisit the topic periodically.
Consider Deli Scraps
Some grocery stores keep meat scraps at the counter, and offer them at discounted rates. These may be end slices of deli meat, or things that are being discontinued. It won’t hurt to check and see what’s available. Just stick with safe options.
Broth
Never give your pet meat on the bone: it’s extremely dangerous for them! However, the next time you get a rotisserie chicken, you can boil the bones down for broth, and give Fluffy or Fido that. Do you have questions about your pet’s diet? Contact us, your Tarzana, CA animal clinic!
