Author: Deanna Chesnut, Author, Purrs & Promises
Summer in Texas and the livin’ is eezy, (pant pant)—the swimming, beach time, hiking, Vit. D sinking into our skin. Reunions, ball games, road trips—all with yummy food. But…is it OK to share the fun with your pets?
YES! Definitely! Mostly. So, what’s OK and Not OK for “a TREAT” for the 4-leggeds? Alas, answers vary. Here are definitely NOT OK foods. Some might cause minor issues, some are deadly.
(Disclosure: I am not vet-trained and info contained here is from personal knowledge and research. ALL information should be researched further and/or checked with your vet.)
BAD ‘UNS
Alcohol & caffeine: Can cause death.
Bones: Say what? Yes! Cooked bones splinter, especially chicken bones. Choking, Pancreatitis, bowel obstruction
Broth/Stock: Dangerously high sodium. Regular 800/Low sodium 500 grams; Kitchen Basics unsalted 130 grams but may have onion/garlic; Beef is worse.
All Chocolate: More dark, more danger. #1 dog poisoning cause. 6-12 hours before symptoms. One chip may be too much for a little pet. Seizures, heart problems and death.
Dough: Swallowed, it painfully stretches the stomach.
Eggs: Great, but Raw eggs could have salmonella.
Fat, Skin, Sugar: Need I say more? Same for them as you.
Garlic/onions: Toxic, causes anemia.
Macadamia nut: With chocolate, could cause death.
RAW: eggs, fish, meat, shellfish- Parasites, fish disease, bacteria. Hook ‘em, cook ‘em, then feed ‘em.
Salt: FDA allows it in commercial pet foods. “Some” is too much, like your potato chip. Addictive.
Xylitol in Diet foods/drinks: Causes liver failure.
GOODY TREATS – Cats Dogs Both
Rice: A dab with a bit of cooked broccoli and small amount of melted butter (for hairballs)
Cream cheese, Feta, lo-fat cheese
Baby food, no salt.
Eggies: http://www.petexpertise.com/homemade-dog-treats-egg.htmland
Summer Stuff: Freeze no-salt broth in ice cube trays w/a fresh catnip/parsley and bits of chicken
Melons!
Ice water throughout the day.
Freeze dabs of whipped cream
Mash banana and peanut butter, drop on pan and freeze
Freeze yogurt with/without pumpkin
Apples, seeded and quartered
Carrots, stick or baby ones
Catsip/cream
Seaweed, dried.
Toddler meat sticks
UN-pasteurized cow or goats milk
Sardines packed in water, sparingly
A dab of butter (for hairballs or melted on dry food
CELEBRATIONS
Cat Cake and how to wrap cat presents,
http://www.mommity.com/birthday-cake-for-your-cat/
Add cream cheese or whip cream topping. =^,-,^=
Dog Birthday
https://www.playbarkrun.com/14-dog-birthday-cake-cupcake-homemade-recipes/
Coming up: Meet some very old cats and learn their “longevity” foods… or are they?