Is your pet food poisoning your cat or dog? Be Aware. Make your own treats.
In my household we try to live cruelty free thus we are all, including the doggies, vegetarians. As a vegetarian I buy specialty food and thus most treats are eliminated. Below I’ll list some treat alternatives.
If you buy commercial treats for your pets, dogs or cats, be vigilant. Check the labels, be aware of recalls or concerns about products. Raise your awareness: here is one of the best places to start, http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm .
Here are some of the most recent recalls.
- Joey’s Jerky Chicken Jerky Treats Recall (9/10/2013)
- Purina One Beyond Dog Food Recall (8/30/2013)
- Iams and Eukanuba Dog and Cat Food Recall (8/14/2013)
- Dogswell Recalls Dog and Cat Jerky Treats (7/27/2013)
Personally I would recommend you buy no animal foods from China. Along with the moral and ethical reasons, the majority (the not all) of animal/pet product recalls originate in China.
The care you take in feeding treats involves more than just ‘meat’ products. There is another dog treat to worry about, sweet potato treats. The VIN (Veterinary Information Network) reports health issues related to sweet potato treats. FDA tests have shown sweet potatoes are contaminated with phorate, a highly toxic pesticide.
Dogs are experiencing kidney problems that can lead to death. Symptoms appear within hours or days after the treat is ingested: increased thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.
If your pet becomes ill after eating a treat see your vet immediately. Brands of sweet potato snacks allegedly impacting pet health:
- Canyon Creek Ranch
- Dogswell Veggie Life
- Beefeaters Yams
MAKE YOUR OWN TREATS
Sweet Potato Treats Buy yams or sweet potatoes and wash well.
- Slice thin pieces and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Cook for 45 minutes at 300 degrees.
- Allow to cool then seal in ziplock bags.
Other Treat options:
- Cheese
- Frozen Peas
- Blueberries
- Carrots
I will take natural peanut butter and put a thin coat on pieces of dry pet food for my dogs.
- Baked Cheerios
- ¼ to 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 Cups cheerios (or honey nut cheerios – I haven’t tried them but I don’t see why not)
- ½ cup oat flour (buy in a store or put quick oats in a food processor)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- In a microwave safe bowl heat peanut butter for about 1 minute.
- Add all ingredients to peanut butter and mix well.
- Form firm, small balls with your hands.
- Put on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Flours you can use: Durum, whole wheat, potato or rye flour. You can use all-purpose flour as well.
Cheese Treats:
- 1 cup flour (see flours you can use)
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup grated cheddar
- ¼ cup parmesan (you can use Asiago but it has a higher moisture content and you need to offset with additional flour).
- 1 egg
- Combine ingredients.
- Form into small balls or roll dough and use dog bone cookie cutter.
- Put on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
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