Pet Treats Dos and Don’ts!

Most pet owners love to spoil their furry friends, and an easy way to do it is with treats! Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, everyone can agree that animals are very important to our lives. We want to provide the very best for them…including treats.

 

Here are some Pet Treat’s Dos and Don’t:

 

1. Go easy (or avoid altogether) with giving your pets people food. Look for treats for your pets made with human-grade ingredients such as I Smell Bacon Biscuits for your dog or Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes for Kitty.
2. Vets advise limiting treats to 10% of your pet’s total daily calories. Some treats can weigh in at more than 75 calories each!
3. Cats need fewer calories than dogs of the same size. Tailor your treating habits accordingly. Healthy, Edible Grass is a good low-calorie option. Your cat also may enjoy toys that encourage him to chase and hunt.
4. Avoid toxic foods: Avocados, grapes, walnuts, coffee, onions and chocolate, to name a few, can be toxic to cats and dogs. If you are worried your pet may have eaten something toxic, call Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435.
5. Make your own pet treats. A great cookbook such as The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook is loaded with ‘sure to love’ treats you make at home. Get a fun pet shaped cookie cutter to make your treats even that more special. Try our tasty *‘Frosty Paws’ recipe below for a perfect summer time treat. Or you can get tasty home-made treat kits such as PetCakes Kits. It is a good idea to run any recipe by your vet first, especially if your pet has health issues.
6. Certain pet treats can do double-duty by helping to keep your pets teeth healthy. Ask your vet about safe chew toys like the Bumi Flex Dog Toy and dental diet approved kibble.
7. Treats can encourage exercise. Some toys are made so you can hide a treat inside them. An example is the Extreme Kong Dog Toy. Your pup has to play, paw and tussle the toy to retrieve his yummy reward.
8. The best treat for your pet is…You! Making time daily to play with your cat or dog helps them bond with you, keeps them fit and bans boredom.

 

So give your pets a treat…just make sure they are safe and given in moderation. We offer a variety of treats for both your Pup and Kitty but keep in mind their favorite treat is you!

 

* Home Made Frosty Paws Recipe

 

Thank you to ‘Camp Run-A-Pup‘ for sharing this wonderful summer time Treat recipe. Let us know how your pets love them!

 

Ingredients Needed:

* 1 large container (32 oz) of low-fat, plain yogurt

* 3 handfuls of fresh (organic is best) blueberries

* 1 banana

* 2 tbsp of peanut butter

* Other fruit possibilities – like apple slices, orange slices, pineapple slices….

Instructions: Chop up the banana in small pieces (or mash) and mix all ingredients together. Place the mixture in ice cube trays and freeze for about 3 hours. Once frozen, run hot water over the underside of the trays, pop out the Frosty Paws, and serve. That’s it! For fun, use bone or paw-shaped ice cube trays.