Essential Nutrition Tips:
Sharing Treats with Your Pet: According to holistic veterinarians, these foods are considered safe and healthy for dogs when given in moderation:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, melons, berries (especially blueberries), bananas, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, green beans, peas, kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, lettuce, mushrooms, pears, pineapple, sweet potatoes, and squash are typically safe. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Proteins and Dairy: Chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, pork, venison, rabbit, eggs, plain Greek yogurt, low-sodium cottage cheese, and cheese (in moderation) are good protein sources. It’s important to ensure that meats are cooked and free of bone
- Tomatoes: Fully ripe tomatoes can be given in small amounts. While they are not toxic, some dogs might not tolerate them well due to their acidity.
- Asparagus: Safe for dogs but should be cooked to aid digestion.
Holistic vets often emphasize moderation and variety, ensuring that these foods complement a balanced diet. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to tailor advice to your specific pet’s needs.
Foods to Avoid:
- Chocolate – especially baking and dark chocolates (toxic)
- Onions (toxic)
- Xylitol (found in gum, candy, cough drops, some peanut butters, etc.) (toxic)
- Raw yams (toxic to dogs and cats; raw sweet potato is okay)
- Avocado – plant, skin, pit (toxic); ripe flesh (high fat, may cause issues)
- Grapes and raisins (toxic)
- Macadamia nuts (toxic)
- Baking powder, baking soda, large quantities of nutmeg (toxic)
- Seeds and pits from peaches, plums, and other stone fruits contain cyanide.
- Bones that splinter (like cooked chicken legs, pork chop bones)
- Raw bread or yeast doughs (can cause gas, stomach swelling)
- Fatty foods, cooked fats, high trans-fat content (gastric upset)
- Spicy foods (can cause gastrointestinal upset)
The daily meals and snacks we provide to our pets significantly impact their overall health and longevity. As natural carnivores, dogs and cats have systems that aren’t built for diets that are heavily processed or high in grains. These diets can contribute to a range of common health issues, including obesity, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, and more. Ensuring a diet that matches their natural dietary needs helps reduce these risks and promotes better overall health.
Delicious DIY Dog Treats: Recipes for Healthy Snacking
Carrot and Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chickpea flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup shredded apple
- 1 egg, beaten
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Roll and Cut: Dust a surface with flour, roll out the dough to about half an inch thick, and use a cookie cutter to shape the treats.
- Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
These treats are a healthy, vitamin-packed snack for your dog!
Soothing Pumpkin Spice Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin
- 3/4 cup organic coconut flour
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or substitute with sesame or sunflower if allergic to nuts)
- 2 organic eggs
- 1 Tbsp organic Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp organic dried ginger powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the organic canned pumpkin, coconut flour, coconut oil, almond butter, eggs, Ceylon cinnamon, and ginger powder. Mix well to form a dough ball.
- Prepare Dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. If the dough is too wet, add more coconut flour. If it’s too dry, incorporate another egg.
- Shape Biscuits: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
- Bake: Place the shaped biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are hard.
- Cool: Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your pet.
These biscuits are super tasty and a healthy treat offering soothing digestive benefits!
Himalayan Dog Chew Recipe
Also known as “Yak Cheese Chews,” from Planet Paws, Dr. Karen Becker, and Rodney Habib.
Himalayan dog chews are excellent for dogs that love to chew and are much better for their teeth than rawhides or plastic bones!
Ingredients:
- 16 Cups (1 gallon) Organic Milk
- 1/2 cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
Instructions:
- Boil the Milk: Start by bringing 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 liters or 16 cups) of organic milk to a boil on low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add Lemon Juice: Lower the heat and slowly add the lemon juice while stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add the salt.
- Form Curds: Curds should start forming. Turn off the heat and strain the curds using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
- Remove Liquid: Use the cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. The less liquid, the harder the chew will be.
- Press and Dry: Spread the curds out, place something heavy on top, and let it sit overnight (about 12-15 hours).
- Cut and Dry: Cut the curds into the size and shape you want, trimming any uneven edges. Let them continue to dry until they’re hard.
- Serve: Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re enjoying a chew. Introduce new chews slowly to avoid any stomach upset.