Cook For Your Pets Day

November 1st is Cook For Your Pets Day! If there’s one thing that is bound to get Fluffy’s motor running and Fido’s tail going, it’s food. If you enjoy cooking, you can make your pet’s meals. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Here, a Thorold, ON vet discusses cooking for your pet.

You’ll find all sorts of pet food recipes online. However, they may not all be suitable for your furry companion. Many of these recipes contain only a few ingredients, such as boiled chicken and rice, for example. These foods may be safe, but they don’t provide adequate nutrition in and of themselves. A healthy diet contains specific percentages of fat and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals. Your pet’s age will also help determine their nutritional needs. Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adults. Seniors also have their own specific requirements. Consult your vet before choosing a recipe.

Before you cook for your fuzzy friend, you’ll need to know what is and isn’t safe for them. Cooked, unseasoned meat, fish, or poultry is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat. You can shred the meat if you like. You can also add cooked pumpkin, squash, beans, peas, carrots, spinach, or potatoes. Cheese and egg are also fine, as are rice and oatmeal. However, meat should make up the bulk of your pet’s food. If you want, you can also offer your furry bff store-bought food for their main meals, and just make homemade treats. When making treats, you may want to add things like natural peanut butter, bacon bits, wheat-germ oil, liver powder, tuna fish, and/or plain yogurt.

Many people foods are dangerous to our four-legged companions. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are all on the no-no list. You’ll also want to avoid giving Fido and Fluffy chocolate; alcohol; pitted fruits; nuts; caffeine; and grapes, currants, or raisins. Raw meat, dough, and yeast are also unsafe, as is meat on the bone, as mentioned above. There are also certain foods that are only safe in small amounts. Organ meats, like liver and kidney, fall into this category. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about your pet’s diet or care needs? Call us, your local Thorold, ON vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!