Lots of people, wisely, are starting to be concerned about what is in our food. And the worry is extending to our pets. Controlling your pets ingredients at home is one way to alleviate those concerns. But what do you make your pet? It depends on the type. Cats are primarily carnivores and dogs are selective carnivores (eating a mix of proteins, grains, fruits and veggies).
Talk with your vet about any diet changes and how to do so slowly. Ask your vet about allergies your pet might have to certain foods. Avoid dangerous food toxins when cooking at home for your pet. Some dogs can develop rapid renal failure from grapes and/or raisins. Never feed a dog avocados, mushrooms and nuts like macadamia and walnuts. Anything in the allium family is poison to cats and dogs (onions, leaks, chives, garlic are examples). Chocolate is also dangerous for cats and dogs. Ditto for coffee, teas, and yeast. Don’t season any foods. Seasonings of any kind can cause upset stomachs in pets.
With all those restrictions, how do you start in the kitchen? Remember you’re cooking for your pet, not yourself. Approach cooking for your furry friend very differently. Think about what proteins are easily available and start from there. While canned chicken and salmon might not be your favorite compared to fresh, your pet won’t know the difference. And there’s plenty of health benefits to canned seafood. Plus, they’re pre-cooked! Mash up some salmon with some peas and canine and feline alike will love it! Because dogs can eat more balanced, you can get more “foodie” with them. Mix some ground meat, beans, brown rice, and veggies with some water to make a stew that your pup will woof down.
Keep in mind that your home cooked food for your pets may not have enough calories, compared to their usual food. Again, discuss with your vet before changing your pet’s diet. Whether for a day or a lifetime, any sudden change can make your pet sick.
