Autumn is in the air! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are cooling off. Many of you are likely enjoying some of your favorite seasonal foods, whether that means a pumpkin spice latte, fresh apple cider, or candy corn. Our canine pals can also enjoy a few autumn classics. A local vet offers some tips on giving Fido some fall treats in this article.
Pumpkin Yums
For this one, you’ll mix pureed plain pumpkin with ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and oat or whole-wheat flour. Mix the wet ingredients together, and then add the oats and flour. Divide the snacks into individual portions. You may want to get a silicone mold with bone-shapes. Once you have them parceled out, bake for about 20 minutes at 325. Let them cool before giving them to your pooch. Remember to have Fido do a trick for his treat!
Apple Chicken Treat
You’ll need 1 ¼ cups grated carrots, a cup of grated apple, ½ cup of natural peanut butter, two eggs, and instant oats for this one. Mix the apples, oats, and carrots in one bowl, and the peanut butter and eggs in another. Then, combine into a batter and, as with the Pumpkin Yums, divide into small portions. Cook for about 15 minutes at 350. Voila!
Sweet Potato Jerky
Jerky is one of Fido’s favorite snacks: it not only tastes great, but has that hard texture that he can really sink his teeth into. To make jerky for your canine companion, you’ll want to slice some freshly-scrubbed sweet potatoes into thin strips. They should be about ¼ inch thick. Next, put them on a cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper for lining if you like. Cook at 225F for about 3 to 4 hours. You can add more time if you want them crunchier. Just make sure that the strips aren’t a choking hazard.
Tips
These are just a few of the things you can make for your canine companion. You’ll find many more great recipes online. You can also make your own! Just stick with safe ingredients. Never give Fido garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; any fruit with seeds or pips; coffee; chocolate; or anything with xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as is raw dough. Ask your vet for more information.
Our Advice on Fall Dog Treats in 2024
What are some fall-themed treats that you can make for your dog?
Fall offers a beautiful opportunity to treat your dog to seasonal homemade snacks. You can create Pumpkin Yums by blending pureed pumpkin, ground turkey, eggs, and oat or whole-wheat flour. Another favorite is Apple Chicken Treat, which combines grated apples and carrots with natural peanut butter and eggs. For something chewier, Sweet Potato Jerky is a great choice. Slice sweet potatoes thinly and bake them slowly to achieve that jerky texture. These treats embrace the flavors of autumn and provide a nutritious snack for your furry friend. Remember to gradually introduce new treats and in moderation to ensure they suit your dog’s dietary needs.
How do you prepare Pumpkin Yums for your dog?
To prepare Pumpkin Yums for your dog, mix pureed plain pumpkin, ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and either oat or whole-wheat flour. First, blend the wet ingredients thoroughly. Then, gradually incorporate the oats and flour to create a firm batter. Portion the mixture into individual servings, which can be shaped using a silicone mold for fun, bone-shaped treats. Bake these at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Ensure they’re completely cooled before serving. These homemade treats offer your pup a nutritious and seasonal snack, perfect for fall! Remember, moderation is vital to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.
What ingredients are needed for the Apple Chicken Treat?
You’ll need simple, dog-safe ingredients for the Apple Chicken Treat, a delightful fall snack for your dog. Gather one ¼ cup of grated carrots and a cup of grated apples for natural sweetness and fiber. Add ½ cup of natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a protein-rich component. You’ll also need two eggs to bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture. Lastly, add some instant oats to add bulk and make the treats more substantial. These wholesome ingredients combine to form a nutritious and tasty treat that is perfect for celebrating the autumn season with your furry friend.
What are the essential safety tips to remember when making homemade dog treats?
When making homemade dog treats, safety is paramount. Always use dog-safe ingredients; avoid garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, avocado, and foods high in salt, sugar, or fat. Ensure no bones or complex objects are included that could pose a choking hazard or cause dental damage. Avoid raw dough and any fruits with seeds or pits. Cook treats thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. Additionally, introduce new treats slowly to prevent digestive upset and observe for any allergic reactions. Consult your vet if unsure about an ingredient’s safety, and always keep treats balanced within your dog’s overall diet.
Which ingredients should be avoided in homemade dog treats to ensure canine safety?
Certain ingredients must be avoided when preparing homemade dog treats to ensure your pet’s safety. Never use garlic, onions, scallions, or chives, as these can harm dogs. Avoid grapes, currants, raisins, and avocados, which are also harmful. Chocolate, coffee, and anything containing the sweetener xylitol are dangerous and should be strictly avoided. Additionally, steer clear of any fruit with seeds or pips, and refrain from using bones, which can splinter and cause internal damage. Lastly, avoid salt, sugar, or fat ingredients to maintain your dog’s overall health.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local Hobe Sound, FL animal clinic, anytime!
