Cooking For Your Dog

Does your furry friend get super attentive when you’re in the kitchen? Our canine friends are always  fascinated by anything we are cooking or consuming. Fido is also more than happy to taste test your food and ensure that it’s up to par. This seems like a great time to go over some of the ins and outs of cooking for your pet. See below as a local Holly Springs, MS veterinarian provides some insight into this.

What Can You Cook For Fido?

Every kind of animal is unique, so ask your veterinarian to provide some specific advice. As your furry friend ages and/or experiences changes in their health, their dietary demands may also change somewhat. Giving fish to a cat with thyroid issues, for example, would be inappropriate because the iodine would be bad for her.

All said, most kinds of meat, fish, or poultry are okay for dogs (and cats) as long as they are cooked and unseasoned. You also must take off the fat, bones, and skin. Cooked bones become really brittle and can break off into jagged bits that are quite dangerous for your pet to swallow.

There are a few exceptions here, though. Organ meats, including kidney and liver, should only be given sparingly. Once in a while they’re fine, but too much could cause vitamin A poisoning. Meats heavy in fat or salt, such sausage and bacon, should also be restricted. (Our apologies, Fido. It’s for your own good, buddy!)

Your pet’s food shouldn’t consist just of meat. Even hypercarnivores obtain traces of other meals, via their prey. Along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, a proper diet should include the right ratios of fat, protein, and water.

What Fruits And Vegetables Dogs Can Eat?

Fido can also have several fruits and vegetables. Here is a partial inventory of a few of the safe ones:

·       Apple

·       Bananas

·       Blackberries

·       Blueberries

·       Cantaloupe

·       Carrots

·       Cranberries

·       cucumbers

·       Kiwis

·       Mangoes

·       Oranges

·       Peas

·       Pears

·       Pineapple

·       Pumpkin

·       Raspberries

·       Spinach

·       Strawberries

·       Sweet Potato

·       Melon

Before feeding your pet any fruits or vegetables, always remove seeds, rinds, and pips. Some things might have to be shredded or even broken down into tiny bits. Never give your pet anything unless you’re sure it’s safe.

What Additional Foods Could Fido Eat?

Dogs can eat several other foods, such as eggs, plain yogurt, peanut butter, rice, and cottage cheese, among other safe foods. Cheese is okay, as long as it’s only offered in modest quantities. Fido would most likely be more than delighted to help you in polishing that extra sharp cheddar, but you want to avoid overindulging him!

Get further information about safe and dangerous foods from your Holly Springs, MS veterinarian.

How Do I Choose Good Pet Recipes?

There are lots of recipes for your furry friend online, but these are clearly not one size fits all. A Chihuahua shouldn’t eat the same thing as a St. Bernard! Your veterinarian will have a thorough knowledge of the dietary requirements of your pet, so ask for specific advice.

What Foods Should Dogs Not Eat?

Many items that humans eat could be harmful to our four-footed friends. These include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; chocolate; alcohol; pitted fruits; nuts; caffeine; grapes, currants, and raisins; raw meat, dough, and yeast; meat on the bone; avocado; macadamia nuts; and anything that contains Xylitol.

Certain foods are also just safe in modest quantities. Organ meats fit this category, as discussed above; examples include kidney and liver. Additionally falling into this group are foods like cauliflower and broccoli since they could induce gas.

Ask your Holly Springs, MS veterinarian for more particular advice on the nutrition and care requirements for your pet.

Are Dog Treats Something I Could Make?

Treats would most likely be at least near the top of the list if we could ask Fido what his absolute favorite things are. Actually, treats are good for our animal companions. They are not only fantastic for bonding but also help with training. Plus, they make Fido feel safe and loved, and just get that adorable tail going.

Online there are loads of recipes. These all begin with some sort of base. Among the choices are natural peanut butter; olive or wheat germ oil; cheese; bacon bits; whole-wheat flour; eggs; liver powder; oats; ripe bananas; and pureed pumpkin. You might also use plain yogurt, minced beef, or sodium-free broth. Many varieties of baby food are also good, but you should read the label to be sure it doesn’t have anything dangerous—like onions, garlic, or raisins. You can also play about and test several combinations.

From then, you can personalize the snacks of your pet friend. Add shredded deli meat, chunks of kibble, bacon bits, egg, cheese, and safe fruits and vegetables.

Schedule Visits to Our Holly Springs, MS Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding the diet or care of your pet? Get in touch today—your neighborhood Holly Springs, MS pet hospital!