Do you like to bake around the holidays? If so, why not make your dog some special snacks? We all know how much our canine pals like treats! Here, a Crown Point, IN vet offers tips on making holiday cookies for Fido.
Choosing Ingredients
There are lots of great recipes online for homemade doggy treats. Many of these start with a few basic ingredients, such as plain yogurt, peanut butter, pureed pumpkin, or ripe bananas. You can combine these things, and/or mix them with eggs, whole-wheat flour, or sodium-free broth to form a base. Some other things you can include in Fido’s cookies are cheese; cooked, boneless meat, fish, or poultry; organic baby food; bacon fat; bacon bits; canned tuna or chicken; and wheat germ oil. Many veggies, such as green beans, carrots, and peas, are also safe, as are strawberries and blueberries.
Presentation
We know, Fido probably won’t notice if his treats are shaped like little bones. However, if you like cooking for your pet, consider picking up a cute cookie cutter for your furry friend’s treats. These make it easy for you to make doggy snacks for friends and family members with pups of their own. (Tip: put some dog cookies in a pretty jar and tie festive ribbons around it. This can make a great gift for Fido’s buddies!) Another bonus of using cookie cutters or molds made for pets: you won’t have to worry about anyone mistaking your dog’s treats for people food.
Foods To Avoid
When cooking for Fido, be sure to only choose dog-safe ingredients. Some things to avoid include raw dough, meat, or yeast; meat on the bone; garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; nuts; chocolate; alcohol; caffeine; pitted fruits; and grapes, currants, or raisins. Anything that contains xylitol is also a no-no. Xylitol is found in many processed foods, including some things, like certain types of peanut butter, that would otherwise be safe. Ask your vet for more information.
Suggestions
Not sure where to start? Try mixing natural peanut butter with pureed pumpkin, whole-wheat flour, and eggs. Or, use a food processor to combine canned chicken with bacon bits, baby food, shredded cheese, whole-wheat flour, and sodium-free broth. Cut into small portions and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. Instant tail wags!
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Crown Point, IN animal hospital, anytime!
