Cook For Your Pets Day

November marks the beginning of the official holiday season. Of course, once you start cooking, your animal friend will pay close attention. Our animal buddies are always highly interested in what we eat or cook. Why not create something for your pet? While there are certainly many things that are unsafe, there are also many things that you can make or share. In this article, a local Mapleton, UT vet goes over some safe and unsafe options.

What Foods Can You Prepare For Your Pet?

Every animal is unique, so you’ll want to get some specific guidance from your veterinarian. Your pet’s nutritional requirements may also change over time. For example, you wouldn’t want to feed fish to a cat with thyroid problems because the iodine is bad for her.

All things considered, most forms of meat, fish, or poultry are safe for dogs and cats as long as they are cooked and unseasoned. You’ll also have to remove the skin, bones, and fat. 

There are a few exceptions, however.

• Organ meats like liver and kidneys should be consumed sparingly. They’re acceptable once in a while, but too much can result in Vitamin A toxicity.
• Meats heavy in salt or fat, such as bacon and sausage, should also be avoided. (Sorry, Fido!).
• Only offer boneless meat. Cooked bones become brittle and can break into sharp shards that are extremely dangerous for your pet to consume.
• While Fluffy and Fido are carnivores, meat should not be the only thing in their diet. A balanced diet should include the appropriate amounts of fat, protein, and water, as well as specific vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

What Fruits And Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Fido can also consume various fruits and vegetables. In fact, produce is just as good for pets as it is for us! Here are 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

Always remove the seeds and pips from fruits and vegetables before offering them to your pet. Some may need to be shredded or chopped into little bits.

What Other Foods Are Safe For Pets To Consume?

You may also choose to include some additional ingredients, such as dairy. Cheese, eggs, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese are some of the safe foods for dogs. However, these should be offered in modest quantities. Fido would undoubtedly gladly assist you in finishing off that stick of extra sharp cheddar, but you don’t want to overindulge him!

Other safe options include the following:

• Rice
• Peanut butter
• Bread
• Popcorn
• Peanuts

Ask your Newmarket, ON veterinarian for further information.

How Do I Select Recipes for My Pet?

You may find a variety of recipes for your pet online. However, they are not one-size-fits-all. What works for a St. Bernard may not work for a Chihuahua! We strongly advise you to consult with your veterinarian to fully understand your pet’s nutritional requirements.

In general, you’d like something meat-based. Fluffy and Fido’s diets should include primarily cooked, boneless, unseasoned meat, fish, or fowl. Of course, you must remove the skin, bones, and fat. You may also come across recipes that include canned or deli meat. That’s okay, but bear in mind that processed foods may have more salt than whole foods.

Stick with things that were recommended by veterinarians or other credible sources. You may come across some appealing recipes created by influencers, but you must ensure that these pass inspection with your veterinarian. Some may not offer the proper nutrition, and others could even be dangerous.

Which Foods Are Not Safe For Fido And Fluffy?

Many human meals are harmful to our four-legged pals. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are all hazardous. Anything containing a bulb should be considered poisonous to your pet. Other hazardous foods include chocolate, alcohol, pitted fruits, nuts, caffeine, and avocado. Grapes, currants, or raisins are also unsafe, as is raw meat, bread, and yeast, and meat on the bone.

There are other foods that are only safe in tiny quantities. This category includes organ meats such as liver and kidney, as previously noted. Things like broccoli and cauliflower fall under this group since they can create gas.

Make sure to ask your Mapleton, UT veterinarian for further information about your pet’s nutrition and care requirements.

Make An Appointment At Our Mapleton, UT Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your pet’s diet or care? Contact us, your Mapleton, UT pet hospital, today!