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Jul
10
To Treat, or Not To Treat Fido?
July 10, 2007 |
Many dog owners give their dogs treats regularly. And most of us actually buy treats from pet shops or even at supermarkets for fido. However, many do not realise that most commerically produced pet treats contain undersirable ingredients such as sodium, colouring, chemical preservatives and undesirable ingredients such as wheat gluten. From the pet food recall incident (which is still happening today), we are becoming more aware and concious about what goes into out pet’s food, but are we as conscious about their treats as well? Of course we should, start by reading labels from now even treats that claim “All Natural” may not actually be until we read the ingredients. I am also getting a little paranoid on what are the “unaccounted” ingredients that may have gone into production but not indicated in the ingredients list.
Well, I too cannot resist not giving my dogs treats. Their eager and greedy look is enough for me to justify the efforts to look for healthy alternative snacks. Since I’m all geared up to ensure good health and no junk meals and treats for my dogs, here’s what I am doing to ensure only wholesome healthy treats for them.
1) I bake my own treats! They are much cheaper than buying from the store and the best part is that we control the ingredients! You can also add supplements to the cookies to supplement their diet.
2) Dried fruits and meats. Cut thin slides of fruits like apples or even meats, then dry them thoroughly in a dryer machine (drying fresh meats/fruits can take > 8 hours to ensure meats and fruits are thoroughly dried). Freeze them in portions so they remain fresh if not in use.
3) Fresh fruits/vegetables. If you think drying foods is too much hussle, try giving them raw fruits and vegetables as treats instead. It does wonders to their health too. AVOID grapes, nightshades vegetables and all citrus fruits like lemons, oranges. Papayas are good for your dogs as they are full of enzymes and vitamins.
More Tips
- Cut down main meals to ensure your dog do not put on weight unnecessarily.
- Feed treats ONLY after they have finished their main meals. I give my dogs their main meals in the morning before I head out and treat them only in the evening. Avoid giving them too much treats in the night, you want them to be hungry enough for next day’s main meal so they savour their food heartily.
- If your pet have a pre-existing health condition and need only certain diet, talk to your vet first on the choice of treats. I find fresh fruits such as apples (without apple core and skin) and papayas most safe even for medically challenged dogs.
- If your pet is overweight, when baking, make the biscuits smaller and cut down their main meals accordingly.
Choose ONLY healthy treats from today!
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