Autumn is in the air! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are cooling off. Many of you are likely enjoying some of your favorite seasonal foods, whether that means a pumpkin spice latte, fresh apple cider, or candy corn. Our canine pals can also enjoy a few autumn classics. A local vet offers some tips on giving Fido some fall treats in this article.
As the year comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on all the wonderful moments you’ve shared with your furry friend. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate your dog’s year, check out our article ‘Fido’s Year In Review‘ for creative ideas on how to commemorate your pup’s adventures and milestones.
Pumpkin Yums
For this one, you’ll mix pureed plain pumpkin with ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and oat or whole-wheat flour. Mix the wet ingredients together, and then add the oats and flour. Divide the snacks into individual portions. You may want to get a silicone mold with bone-shapes. Once you have them parceled out, bake for about 20 minutes at 325. Let them cool before giving them to your pooch. Remember to have Fido do a trick for his treat!
Apple Chicken Treat
You’ll need 1 ¼ cups grated carrots, a cup of grated apple, ½ cup of natural peanut butter, two eggs, and instant oats for this one. Mix the apples, oats, and carrots in one bowl, and the peanut butter and eggs in another. Then, combine into a batter and, as with the Pumpkin Yums, divide into small portions. Cook for about 15 minutes at 350. Voila!
Sweet Potato Jerky
Jerky is one of Fido’s favorite snacks: it not only tastes great, but has that hard texture that he can really sink his teeth into. To make jerky for your canine companion, you’ll want to slice some freshly-scrubbed sweet potatoes into thin strips. They should be about ¼ inch thick. Next, put them on a cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper for lining if you like. Cook at 225F for about 3 to 4 hours. You can add more time if you want them crunchier. Just make sure that the strips aren’t a choking hazard.
Tips
These are just a few of the things you can make for your canine companion. You’ll find many more great recipes online. You can also make your own! Just stick with safe ingredients. Never give Fido garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; any fruit with seeds or pips; coffee; chocolate; or anything with xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as is raw dough. Ask your vet for more information. Our Vet Nutrition and Weight Management service can also help you develop a balanced diet plan that incorporates healthy treats and keeps your dog at an optimal weight.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? As your local St. Lucie County, FL animal clinic, we’re here to help! Contact us anytime!
