DIY Pet Treats: What to Know

But how do you choose a recipe that is actually healthy for your pet? We can only assume that they taste good… peanut butter and bacon, tuna fish and liver… what’s not to love? But flavor sensations aside, how do you know what ingredients are actually safe for your pet?

We want you to feel confident about the treats you are making for, and feeding, your pet. So we’ve concocted a little DIY pet treats guide of our own to help you know which ingredients are good for your pets, and which ones need to go.

Quality of Ingredients

When it comes to choosing pet treat ingredients, use your common sense and do what’s right for you and your budget.

You don’t need to make organic, locally-sourced treats, unless you want to. The best rule of thumb is to buy the same quality foods you eat. Be conscious of quality, but don’t feel like you need to break the bank for your pet treat ingredients.

Be sure to use the same best practices you would use for your food when handling ingredients, including washing fruits and veggies, as well as meat-contaminated surfaces, etc. Cook meats and dough’s thoroughly (especially if yeast is involved), and clean up as you go.

Meats and Broths

For the most part, feel free to feed your pets the same meats you eat. Beef, chicken, fish, lamb, goat, and even pork are all fine for your pet. You don’t need to use the choice cuts, either. And be certain that meats are fully cooked, as pets are susceptible to foodborne illness, just like us.

Canned meats are fine too, if you’re confident in the quality; likewise for broths. However what you want to watch out for here are the “extra” ingredients. Be 100% certain that there are no onion or garlic flavorings or Xylitol, and that the complex chemical compound names you can’t pronounce are kept to a minimum. Keep it simple.

Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and veggies are great for most pets, and can often be a great treat in and of themselves. Carrots, zucchini, apples (but never the seeds!), and even cooked sweet potatoes are all great ingredients.

Leafy greens such as kale, lettuce, spinach, cat grass (which is also good for dogs), and even catnip are all on the menu as well, especially for omnivorous dogs.

Special Treats

Some ingredients are best in moderation. This is true for many of the best things in life, but especially when it comes to pet treats. Here are a few examples:

• Bacon and bacon drippings are delicious, but your pet doesn’t need much and it can pack on the pounds, just like it does for us.

• Peanut butter is also a great addition, but use it sparingly and only if you know that your pet isn’t allergic.

• Cheese… You’ve got to love some cheesy goodness; but again, use it sparingly. Too much dairy can cause digestive issues, plus it’s not great for your pet’s body condition score.

• Eggs are fine, but be certain that they’re fully cooked.

• Pumpkin is good too, but watch the fillers and be certain there is no Xylitol.

Never use chocolate or Xylitol in pet treats. And be advised against adding any sugars or other sweeteners, as well. Your pet doesn’t need it.

Grains

There is a lot of debate around feeding your pet grains, but ultimately they are fine – especially in moderation. For many pet treat recipes they are necessary, and ultimately that is fine.

Often rice and potato can be great as “grains” too, because of their starches. Likewise, oats, millet, whole corn, and barley are great options too.

Keep in mind that fiber is not a necessary nutrient for dogs, so don’t try to make “high-fiber” treats, ultimately it may make Fido sick.

No-No’s

As you know, there are some foods pets should never have. Here is what to avoid:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol

• Grapes, raisins, and currants

• Raw yeast

• Onion, garlic, leeks and scallions

• Sage (for cats)

• Tomatoes

• Avocado

• Mushrooms

• Cooked bones

Nutrition and Allergy Concerns

Finally, if your pet has any nutritional or food allergy concerns, talk to your vet before diving into DIY pet treats. Some foods may exacerbate your pet’s health conditions, while others may help.

Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about pet treat ingredients. We’ll be happy to help, and can schedule a nutritional consultation for your pet, if needed.

Happy baking!