The Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Making your dog’s food at home may offer some benefits over commercially available diets. If you’re making your dog’s meals yourself, you have the freedom to purchase the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Home cooking can also be a good option for dogs with food allergies or other dietary sensitivities. When you know what ingredients your dog reacts to, it’s simple enough to avoid them. Dogs who struggle to eat enough food (because of illness or extreme pickiness) may eat more of a homemade diet. Dry kibble tends to be the least appealing to dogs. Wet foods are better, but a homemade diet can prove to be truly irresistible.

Before You Start Cooking: Homemade Dog Food Needs to be Balanced

Your homemade meal should contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Make sure you weigh your dog frequently to verify they stay a healthy weight. Take your dog to the vet before starting the homemade diet so your vet can determine your dog’s ideal weight and you can discuss what recipes are appropriate for your dog.

Protein

When a dog eats protein, their body breaks it down into its building blocks called amino acids, which are then reassembled into the proteins they need. Proteins play many roles in a dog’s body, including:

• Building and maintaining muscle, skin, hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
• Producing enzymes, hormones, and disease-fighting antibodies
• Acting as a source of specific nutrients, like nitrogen, that are used to make other molecules

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) puts together standards for dog food. The AAFCO minimum protein percentage for dog food is 22.5% for puppies and 18% for adults and seniors on a dry matter basis. Reporting nutrient percentages on a dry matter basis takes into account the differing amounts of water present in various types of dog food (canned versus kibble, for example).

Fats

Fats in the diet are an excellent source of energy and make food taste good. Essential fatty acids play important roles in the body and have to be present in the diet because a dog’s body can’t make them from other substances. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, like those present in cold-water fish oils, can reduce inflammation.

The AAFCO crude fat minimum percentage on a dry matter basis for puppy foods is 8.5% and for adult and senior dogs it is 5.5%.

Carbs

Carbohydrates aren’t an essential part of a dog’s diet, but they still can have many important roles such as:

• Providing energy
• Reducing the need for protein to be used as an energy source (freeing it up to be available for its other roles)
• Promoting normal gastrointestinal function (especially fiber)
• Supplying specific nutrients that can be used to make other molecules

AAFCO does not set standards for the amount of carbohydrate in dog foods since it is not considered an essential nutrient.

Vitamins and Minerals

Only small amounts of vitamins and minerals need to be provided in a dog’s diet, but without them, dogs can quickly become very sick. To make things even more complicated, too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be just as dangerous as too little.

Now let’s look at some vet-approved homemade dog food recipes that provide a good balance or proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Vet-Approved Recipe #1:

Massachusetts’ MSCPA-Angell Animal Medical Center provides sample recipes on its website for dogs weighing 15, 30 and 60 pounds.

For a 15-pound dog:

• 3 ounces of chicken, dark meat, cooked
• 1 1/3 cups of white rice, cooked
• 1 tablespoon of mixed vegetables, cooked
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
• 1.5 black scoops Balance IT Canine vitamin, mineral, and amino acid supplement

For a 30-pound dog:

• 4.5 ounces of chicken, dark meat, cooked
• 2 cups of white rice, cooked
• 1.5 tablespoons of mixed vegetables, cooked
• 2 to 3 teaspoons of vegetable oil
• 2.5 black scoops Balance IT Canine vitamin, mineral, and amino acid supplement

For 60-pound dogs:

• 8 ounces of ounces of chicken, dark meat, cooked
• 3.5 cups of white rice, cooked
• 3 tablespoons of mixed vegetables, cooked
• 3 to 5 teaspoons of vegetable oil
• 4.5 black scoops Balance IT Canine

Directions

1. All proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables should be thoroughly cooked, allowed to cool, and then weighed.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix them together well. Make sure the supplements are mixed thoroughly throughout the food.
3. This recipe provides one day’s worth of food. It can be prepared in the morning, divided into multiple portions for the day, and refrigerated until mealtime.

MSPCA-Angell AMC notes that the supplement, Balance IT® Canine, mentioned in these recipes is not optional. Leaving it out will produce a diet that has many nutritional deficiencies

Vet-Approved Recipe #2:

Founder’s Veterinary Clinic of Brea, California, offers a sample recipe for 20-pound dogs that you can half for 10-pounders or double for 40-pound canines.

For a 20-pound dog:

• 1/4 pound of cooked, skinless chicken
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice
• ½ to 1 cup of peas and carrots
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (they recommend Udo’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride (a salt substitute).
• 250 mg calcium citrate
• Daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement (either a vet-recommended supplement or ¼ of a human adult dose)

Allowed substitutions for this recipe include boned fish, lean ground turkey, beef, or lamb as a protein source and potatoes, yams, or pasta as a carbohydrate. As always, the supplements mentioned in this diet are not optional.

Directions

1. All proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables should be thoroughly cooked, allowed to cool, and then weighed.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix them together well. Make sure the supplements are mixed thoroughly throughout the food.
3. This recipe provides one day’s worth of food. It can be prepared in the morning, divided into multiple portions for the day, and refrigerated until mealtime.

Vet-Approved Recipe #3:

The following recipe was created by Balance.it, for a 9 year old, spayed female dog who weighs 50 pounds. The Balance.it recipe generation tool allows pet parents to create nutritionally complete homemade dog foods for healthy pets using ingredients of your choice.

For a 50-pound dog

• 13 7/8 oz chicken breast, skinless, boneless, cooked, roasted
• 5 ¼ teaspoons canola oil
• 1 3/10 mL Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid 
• 1 ½ cups sweet potato, cooked, baked in skin, without salt, flesh fed only
• 3/4 cup spinach, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt 
• 11/16  teaspoon Morton iodized salt 
• 5  teaspoons Balance IT® Canine (2.5 g/tsp)

Directions

1. All proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables should be thoroughly cooked, allowed to cool, and then weighed.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix them together well. Make sure the supplements are mixed thoroughly throughout the food.
3. This recipe provides one day’s worth of food. It can be prepared in the morning, divided into multiple portions for the day, and refrigerated until mealtime.

The Balance.it generator will also produce recipes that use human vitamin and mineral supplements rather than Balance IT® Canine, but they contain many more ingredients and are harder to prepare accurately.

What About Raw-Diet Foods?

Gaining popularity is the raw food diet, also known as the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or BARF, diet. The concept was developed by an Australian veterinarian, Dr. Ian Billinghurst. BARF’s philosophy states that “the diet a dog evolved to eat — over many millions of years of evolution — is the best way to feed it.” While you might find some veterinarians recommending homemade raw foods for dogs, similar to what ancient canines ate, that’s not the view of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The AVMA, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, don’t recommend raw dog food, in part because of the risk of bacterial contamination or possible public health risks.

Always Get Your Vet’s Approval

If your dog suffers from medical issues, you will need to adjust certain veterinary-endorsed diets. Ask your own vet about your dog’s specific nutritional needs as well as for a recommendation for a certified veterinary nutritionist. The three of you can find a homemade diet that meets your pup’s dietary requirements. Whether your dog has specific medical problems or not, you should always tell your vet that your dog eats a homemade diet because they will need to see your dog more frequently to continue to evaluate the diet and to monitor for nutrition-related health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How to Make Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Peanut butter cookies for dogs

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup natural peanut butter 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough. The dough becomes very firm and sticky. You may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1/2-inch thick and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. The treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.
5. Keep in an airtight container or give as gifts.

Grain-free peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut oil melted then slightly cooled
• 1 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. On a surface dusted lightly with additional coconut flour,
   roll out dough to about ¼ to 1/2 inch thick.
4. Cut out shapes using your preferred cookie cutters.
5. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 13-15 minutes. Treats should have a slightly golden color around the edges.
6. Allow to cool before serving. May be stored in airtight containers for up to three weeks.

Classic carob chip cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice flour 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup carob chips 2 tbsp almond butter 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325° F
2. Line baking tray with silicone baking mat
3. Put flours, carob chips and chia seeds into large bowl and stir to mix
4. Use whisk to combine egg and almond butter in small bowl
5. Make well in center of dry ingredients and pour in egg/almond butter
6. Stir to mix thoroughly with wooden spoon
7. Add water as needed until all ingredients combine
8. Use your hands to form a firm dough
9. Turn dough out onto lightly floured wax paper
10. Press flat using your hands
11. Use lightly floured rolling pin to roll dough out to 1/2” thickness
12. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutter or sharp knife
13. Bake treats at 325° F for 20 – 25 minutes

Peppermint cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 3 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Cream the coconut oil, flaxseed mixture, bananas, applesauce and peppermint together in a mixer until the banana is mashed well and
   the coconut oil is thoroughly incorporated.
3. Add the salt, 2 cups of the white wheat flour and 1 cup of the rolled oats.
4. Add the oats and remaining flour.
5. Press the batter evenly on the cookie sheet, spreading it into each corner.
6. Bake for 40 minutes.

Cranberry dog treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 egg
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup of water, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F and grease two cookie sheets.
2. Toss cranberries into a blender or food processor and chop.
3. Mix all the dry ingredients, then add the melted butter, chopped cranberries, egg, and, slowly, the water a little bit at a time.
4. Mix the dough and knead on a lightly floured surface, rolling the dough to about ¼-inch thick.
5. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
6. Place the treats on the baking sheet, leaving just a little room between each and bake for 30 minutes.
7. At the end of baking, turn off the oven and allow the treats to cool in the oven for about three or four hours to make treats crunchy.

Pumpkin cranberry cookies

Ingredients

• 1- inch piece fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed mixed with 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups brown rice flour, or additional whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Add the ginger and water to your blender and blend until
   smooth. Add the cranberries and blend until the are in small bits and pieces.
3. Add the ginger-cranberry mixture to a mixer along with the pumpkin puree, flax mixture, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon.
4. Add in the oats and mix, then add in the whole wheat flour and baking soda then mix again. Add in the brown rice flour a cup at a time until the mixture is thick like a wet clay.
5. Sprinkle some extra flour on a large cutting board and take ¼ of the dough and roll it out flat.
6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size cookies you make.

Banana flax vegan biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
• 1 cup rolled oats or Irish oats, which are stone-ground
• 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 large banana mashed
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Oil a large cookie sheet or cover with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add the flax seed, oats, flour, cinnamon and salt to a mixing bowl or mixer. Mix until well combined.
3. Add in the coconut oil and banana then mix in well, add 1/4 cup water and mix more. The dough will be thick and it’s easier to mix in a mixer. If you are mixing by hand you may need to add a little extra water to get it to come together.
4. Measure 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten on the cookie sheet. Repeat until you use up all the dough.
5. Bake for 20 minutes

Anise dognip cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oatmeaI
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 tbsp baking powder 1 cup carrot
• 2 tbsp anise

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Combine all ingredients. Mix well.
3. Use a spatula to spread the mixture as thin as you can on a parchment-lined cookie sheet
4. Pre-cut the sheet of dough with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. This makes it easier to get them apart once they’re cooked.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Treats will be more like a soft cookie, than a
   hard treat.
6. Cool and cut again along the score lines with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Photo and recipe credits:
The Cookie Rookie
Healthy Slow Cooking
Lonely Pines Farm
Dog Tipper
Urban Bliss Life
Wiggleworthy
Healthy Slow Cooking

The post 8 Great Dog Cookie Recipes for the Holidays appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Because sweet potato is such a tasty, healthy treat for dogs, we love this simple, 3-ingredient dog treat recipe. It features mashed sweet potatoes and peanut butter, a popular favorite in the canine world! If your dog likes these ingredients, give this treat recipe a try and see how they like them.

Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Recipe by: DogVills

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (all natural)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix peanut butter and mashed sweet potatoes together until well combined.
3. Add 1/4 C of flour, stirring as you add. Mix well.
4. Form dough into a ball.
5. Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin to ¼-½ inch thick.
6. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out treats and place on cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
8. Cool slightly on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Allergies? No problem! 

If your dog can’t eat wheat, you can easily swap out the flour for an allergy-friendly flour, such as coconut flour, rice flour, or pea flour.

Did you try this recipe? Tell us (or show us) how it went by posting on social media and tagging @gohealthypaws.

Featured photo credit: dogvills.com.

The post Easy Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

However, you can easily make homemade dog ice cream with a few simple ingredients you may already have at home. Here are three dog-friendly ice cream recipes your pup will be drooling over this summer.

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Ice Cream

Recipe from DogTipper

Ingredients

• 3-4 ripe bananas, peeled
• 32 ounces plain yogurt, low-fat
• 1 cup peanut butter, organic

Instructions

1. Add bananas, peanut butter, and yogurt to a blender.
2. Blend until thoroughly mixed.
3. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze.

Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Recipe from Bigger Bolder Baking

Ingredients

• 10 fresh chopped strawberries
• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup (10oz/280g) natural plain yogurt (low fat, non fat)

Instructions

1. Mash the strawberries using a potato masher. You want very small pieces of food so your dog can swallow them easily.
2. Add in the banana and continue to mash up.
3. Stir in the yogurt and mix all ingredients until well-combined.
4. Pour the mixture into ice cube tray or freezer-safe air-tight containers and then freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Ice Cream

Recipe from Fake Ginger

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, no sugar added
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 32-ounce container plain whole milk yogurt

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, peanut butter, and honey until smooth. (You may need to warm the peanut butter and honey to make it easier to stir.) Fold in yogurt until combined.
2. Divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for at least 2 hours. Let your pup enjoy them all summer long!

The post DIY Dog Ice Cream Recipes appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Perhaps best known as the star of Chia Pet products, chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and high in fiber, providing both humans and animals with the nutrients they need to avoid constipation and stay active. Small in size but big in benefits, it’s nevertheless vital to limit the number of chia seeds you allow your pet to have. Chia seeds should never be used as a substitute for an appropriate diet catered to their age, breed, and/or health conditions. For more information, talk to a trusted veterinarian.

Benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and several vitamins, making them ideal for sprinkling on meals and snacks. Dogs with a hearty, constant appetite feel fuller, cutting down on the food they eat and providing crucial support for weight loss in cases of obesity. Chia seeds also help regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen cells in the body, encourage shiny coats, and improve eyesight, elevating an animal’s quality of life. There are downsides to ingesting too many chia seeds, however. Above all, use your best judgment and keep your pet’s individual needs in mind.

Because of their small size, chia seeds don’t need to be ground down before you use them.

Hazards of chia seeds for dogs

While hazards are few, they should be noted. Because of the fatty acids found in chia seeds, you need to make sure you don’t feed your dog too many in one sitting. Some pet owners also recommend soaking the seeds before adding them to food – this makes it less likely that your pet will choke on them or experience discomfort. If you’re unsure about something, do your homework first.

Chia seeds dog treats recipe

While some prefer to mix chia seeds in their pet’s regular food, recipes are another excellent way to use them.

Chia seed dog treats recipe from The Creek Line House.
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 ½ cups of beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups of whole-grain flour
• 3 tablespoons of ground chia seeds (use a coffee bean or spice grinder for grinding)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In the small bowl, combine the water and chia seeds. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
3. Blend the chia seeds, water, flour, and oil in the stand mixer’s bowl.
4. Put the stand mixer on a low setting and pour in the broth as slowly as possible. This should create a dough.
5. Lightly coat your kitchen counter with flour and roll out the dough. Use the cookie cutter to create shapes. Unused dough portions can be rolled up and spread out again.
6. Place the cookies on the parchment-lined sheets and bake for about 30 minutes.
7. Allow cookies to cool before serving.

If you’re not sure what to share, Healthy Paws has a great list of foods that are safe and not safe for dogs; Pets at WebMD has a thorough list of no-no’s for cats.

The post Can Dogs Eat Chia Seeds? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Happy birthday, dear pup! It’s your special day and you deserve to be treated like the wonderfully fabulous dog that you are. If your human isn’t sure how to celebrate, don’t worry—we’ve got them covered! Share this list of ideas to give your human some inspiration for ways to celebrate you.

Dog parent: Here are birthday ideas to help you celebrate your pup

1. 

   Get some special playtime. Play fetch outside (or inside with a soft toy), hide treats around the house for your dog to sniff out, train a new trick, play tug-o-war, or any other activity you know your pup will enjoy.

2. Make homemade treats. You don’t have to be a top chef to make something your dog will love. Try your hand at one of these dog biscuit treat recipes.
3. Explore a new place. Find a park you’ve never visited or a hike you haven’t done yet and take your dog on an adventure to experience new sights and smells.
4. Buy them a new toy (or remind them of their favorite toy). Make a trip to the pet store to pick out something special for your pup. If your dog’s toy basket is already overflowing, dig out an old favorite that they may have forgotten about.
5. Plan a play date. What better way to delightfully surprise your dog than with a meetup with their best pal? Even if it’s only been a day since they last saw each other, you know your dog will be full-body-wag happy about this reunion.
6. Give a massage or extra belly rubs. This is a great way to bond and spend time together while reminding your pet just how much you love them. Plus, they’ll never turn down the chance to spend extra quality time with you!
7. Commemorate the day with a photoshoot. Decorate a space with brightly wrapped boxes, colorful streamers and party hats for an Instagram-worthy backdrop, then have your dog unleash their inner model.

Bonus: Throw your pup the most fabulous birthday party with these dog birthday party tips.

Which of these do you think is your dog’s favorite way to celebrate? You may just have to try all seven to find out!

If you want to give your dog the best care in case of an injury or illness, consider protecting your pup with pet insurance to help cover the costs of the unexpected. Start by getting a quick quote.

The post 7 Ways to Spoil Your Dog on Their Birthday appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Birthday celebration ideas for your cat

1. Spend quality time playing with your cat. There are several benefits to spending quality time with your cat which is why playtime should be at the top of your list on their special day.

2. 

   Make homemade treats or a special meal. Even if you’re not a top chef, there’s something special about a birthday meal that’s made with love. If you’re apprehensive, try one of these easy three-ingredient treats recipes. For the more adventurous baker, try this tuna and chicken cat birthday cake from Good Food Stories.

3. Buy them a new toy (or remind them of their favorite toy). Make a trip to the pet store to pick out something special for your feline friend. If your cat’s toy stash is already overflowing, dig out an old favorite that they may have forgotten about.
4. Have a spa day. Who doesn’t love to look their best on their birthday? Pamper your purring pal with some light grooming, such as brushing out their coat to remove loose hairs, trim their claws, or brush their teeth.
5. Give them another sleeping or hiding spot. Most cats won’t say no to another place to retreat and relax. Whether it’s as simple as giving your cat the cardboard box from your last Amazon delivery to shopping for the latest and greatest kitty tower, your cat will be grateful for this new spot to claim as their own.
6. Set up a photoshoot. Hire a professional or download some new filters for your favorite photo editing app and make your kitty a supermodel for a day. Consider adding some fun birthday props such as wrapped boxes, balloons, and party hats.
7. Give them a new view. Cats enjoy surveying their surroundings, and access to a window will provide lots of mental stimulation to a bored kitty. Purchase and install a window perch for your cat, or put some cat-specific entertainment on your TV for your cat to watch.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate your cat’s birthday, we’re sure they will appreciate the extra love and attention.

Also, make sure your birthday kitty is covered in case of an illness or injury. Pet insurance can help you afford the veterinary care your cat needs in times of crisis; consider protecting your kitty with pet insurance to help cover the costs of the unexpected. Start by getting a quick quote.

The post 7 Ways to Spoil Your Cat on Their Birthday appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Salmon Cat Treats by The Cookie Rookie

Ingredients

• 10 oz canned salmon, undrained
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or baking parchment.
2. Put 10 oz canned salmon (undrained) in a food processor to chop as finely as possible.
3. In a stand mixer, combine salmon, 1 egg (beaten) and 2 cups whole wheat flour until dough forms. If dough is too dry, add up to 1/3 cup water. If dough is too wet or sticky, add a bit more flour. Dough should be tacky but not sticky.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Use a 3/4-inch cookie cutter in the shape of your choice to create your treats.
5. Place treats on baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. When they’re slightly browned and crunchy, they’re done.
6. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tuna Cat Treats by The Supakit Blog

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1 can of tuna in oil, thoroughly drained (approx. 120g / 4oz)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 330°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or baking parchment.
2. Using a hand or electric whisk, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed. Set to one side.
3. Empty the can of tuna into a blender (I find a mini blender works perfectly for this task). Add two tablespoons of the whisked egg white to the tuna, then blend thoroughly until the mixture is a smooth paste and there are no flakes or lumps.
4. Using a spatula, remove the tuna paste mixture from your blender, and fold it gently into your remaining whisked egg white. Take care not to overmix as it will knock too much air out of the mixture.
5. Transfer the resulting mix into a piping bag with a small star nozzle attachment. Pipe the mixture into small rounds on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t make the swirls too large (as this would make it tricky for your cat to eat the treats).
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the treats feel dry to the touch and dislodge easily from the baking parchment. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, and then into airtight jars for storage. If kept cool and dry, they should store well for up to four weeks.

Baked Chicken Jerky Cat Treats by Cat Wisdom 101

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh organic free-range boneless chicken breast

Instructions

1. Freeze chicken until firm but not frozen (about two hours). This makes the chicken easier to cut.
2. Preheat oven to 200°F and with a silicone mat or baking parchment. 
3. Slice chicken into thin pieces. Then cut into smaller pieces, about 1-inch square.
4. Place chicken pieces on baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt (about half a teaspoon).
5. Bake for 2 hours or until crispy.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

The post Easy Cat Treat Recipes: 3 Ingredients or Less appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Natural treatments have been used by people for thousands of years to heal a variety of health conditions, and many pet parents are now interested in natural remedies for their pets. One of these natural treatments is turmeric.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a yellow, earthy-flavored spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant, a ginger plant that is grown in Southeast Asia. This spice is considered to be an “immune booster” in Eastern medicine and contains many active compounds, the most active of which is the bright yellow curcumin.

Turmeric has many health benefits for people, including easing anxiety, managing heart disease, and reducing arthritis pain. Turmeric also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Amazingly, turmeric can reportedly shrink cancer cells.

Can Dogs Have Turmeric?

Veterinary research on turmeric for pets is sparse, but it is believed that this spice has similar health benefits in pets as it does in people.

One such benefit is anti-inflammation. When it comes to inflammation in dogs, we often think of arthritis. However, inflammation is the source of many diseases, such as gastrointestinal disease (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease), dental disease, and allergies. Chronic inflammation, when left unchecked, can wreak havoc on a dog’s body. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and the associated pain and discomfort.

A potential benefit of turmeric in pets is cancer treatment. A 2016 study of several plant extracts reported that turmeric was the most effective in preventing the growth of dog cancer cells. The study suggested that turmeric could be combined with traditional cancer drugs to treat several types of cancers in dogs.

Other potential health benefits of turmeric for dogs are:

• Detoxification
• Epilepsy treatment
• Antioxidant effects
• Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal therapy
• Support of brain, digestive, and respiratory function

Potential Side Effects of Giving Turmeric to Dogs

Turmeric seems pretty appealing, right? Fortunately, dogs can safely have small quantities of turmeric. It can cause adverse side effects, such as digestive upset, iron deficiency, and bruising, only when too much of it is given over time.

You can help reduce the side effects by giving turmeric with food or after your dog has eaten.

Turmeric Precautions

Turmeric isn’t right for all dogs. Dogs with the following health conditions should not take turmeric:

• Pregnant
• Gallstones
• Kidney disease
• Iron deficiency
• Taking blood-thinner medications

Turmeric can interact with other drugs and supplements. Talk with a holistic veterinarian about your dog’s current medications and supplements before giving your dog turmeric.

Turmeric Dosage for Dogs

The rule of thumb is 1/8–¼ teaspoon of turmeric paste (see recipe below) per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Start by giving your dog less than the recommended dose, then gradually increase up to the maximum dose. Feed the paste only once daily at first, then at each meal.

Monitor your dog for side effects. If you notice side effects, stop feeding the paste for a few days, then resume at a smaller dose. Work with a holistic veterinarian to make sure that you are giving your dog the appropriate dosage.

How to Give Turmeric to Dogs

Turmeric is poorly absorbed when given on its own by mouth, meaning that it can go right through your dog’s body without providing much benefit. There are other ways to give turmeric to your dog.

Golden Paste Recipe

A turmeric paste is comprised of turmeric, ground black pepper, and a healthy oil (olive or coconut). Pepper and oil enhance turmeric’s absorption in the body. Here’s the recipe, courtesy of Natural Health Concepts:

½ cup turmeric powder (preferably organic)
1 cup water
1 ½ teaspoon ground pepper
½ cup coconut or olive oil

In a pot on low heat, combine turmeric powder and water and stir gently for 7–10 minutes to form a paste. Gently stir in ground pepper and oil. Let the paste cool before giving it to your dog. Store for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Turmeric easily stains everything it touches, so be careful when preparing the paste and feeding it to your dog. You can mix the paste into your dog’s food.

Turmeric Dog Treats

You can bake turmeric into treats. The CertaPet website has a yummy turmeric treat recipe for dogs. You can also purchase turmeric treats from Honest Paws.

Turmeric Capsules: Not for dogs

Stay away from turmeric capsules! They are made for people and contain too much turmeric for dogs.

Summary

Turmeric is a natural treatment that has powerful health benefits for our dogs. Consult with a holistic veterinarian to determine the optimal turmeric regimen for your dog.

Content provided by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM. Dr. Pendergrass is owner and founder of JPen Communications, a medical communications company specializing in consumer education.

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Of course. Just make sure you skip the sugar and other non-dog-friendly ingredients. We searched for the best dog-friendly pie recipes around and discovered a foolproof method that you can tweak to make any flavor imaginable. Cranberry chicken. Pumpkin peanut butter. Apples and cheddar. Blueberry + chicken. Mmmm. Okay, for your dog.

How to Make Pie for Dogs

Step One: Crust

At its most basic, pie crust has three ingredients. You’re likely to have them already in your kitchen…

• flour
• water
• butter or shortening

Optional add-ins: crack in an egg for protein and extra-malleable texture. Try grated cheese for dairy lovers. Oatmeal is healthy. Or applesauce. Going gluten-free? Try a meat “crust” of beef, minced veggies, egg, and a handful of oats.

Mix it up by cutting the fat into the flour with your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a food processor. Then roll, cut as needed, and bake. For full pie crust instructions, please follow Epicurious’s 3 Ingredient recipe.

For most unfilled crusts, baking for 20 or so minutes at 350 degrees should suffice.

Step Two: Form Factor

Tempting as it might be to put all of this in a regular 9” or 10” pie dish, that size is a little much for most dogs. We suggest using a muffin tin to make snack-size pies. For extra style, use a dog-themed baking mold, like this $7 silicone one.

Step Three: Filling

Here’s where you can get creative. Many fruits are good for dogs, from blueberries to apples. Blend in some chicken, some peanut butter, some beef … really, you can go places with your pie filling. Simplest of all? Plain old pumpkin. Buy a can of pumpkin—not the sugary pie filling, though—spoon it into your crusts, and voila. As promised, it’s impossible to mess up.

Baking time varies a bit depending on the type of filling and whether you’ve precooked the ingredients. Generally, 20 minutes at 350 degrees should do, just as above.

Want more details? You’ll find great dog-friendly pie recipes here, here, here, and here. This video is also a great step-by-step tutorial for a dog-friendly pumpkin pie.

Finally, if you don’t have time for baking, you can always get your pup this adorable pup-pie to mark the occasion.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Rover. Founded in 2011 with headquarters based in Seattle, WA, Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

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