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. And if you’re looking for inspiration for your dog’s name, check out our article on Pet Names.
Our Advice on Fall Dog Treats in 2024
Where can you find more dog treat recipes?
For a wide variety of dog treat recipes, the internet is a great resource. Websites dedicated to pet care, forums, and social media groups often share safe and nutritious recipes tailored for dogs. Additionally, pet food blogs and veterinary websites provide recipes that are vet-approved, ensuring they’re healthy for your canine friend. Remember to check the ingredients against a list of foods that are safe for dogs to consume. For personalized recommendations, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs, consulting with your veterinarian can provide tailored advice. Our North Miami Beach, FL, clinic is also available to help with any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet.
What ingredients should you avoid in dog treats?
When making or choosing dog treats, avoid ingredients toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, scallions, chives, grapes, currants, raisins, avocado, fruits with seeds or pits, chocolate, coffee, and anything containing xylitol. High amounts of salt, sugar, or fat should also be avoided for your dog’s health. Additionally, meat on the bone can pose a choking hazard or cause internal blockages, and raw dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, leading to pain and potentially serious health issues. Always opt for safe, dog-friendly ingredients to ensure your pet’s well-being.
How can you adjust these recipes for your dog’s size?
To adjust recipes for your dog’s size, consider portion sizes and treat dimensions. For smaller dogs, make treats smaller and thinner, ensuring they’re easy to chew and swallow. For larger dogs, you can make the treats bigger or keep them at a moderate size to help with portion control. Adjust baking times slightly based on treat size, with smaller treats needing less time and larger ones possibly needing more. Always monitor your dog’s reaction to new treats and adjust portions to maintain a healthy weight and prevent overfeeding. Our Vet Nutrition & Weight Management services can help you create a tailored plan for your dog’s specific needs.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
Homemade dog treats generally last about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer preservation, you can refrigerate them, extending their shelf life to about 3 weeks. If you’ve made a large batch and want to keep them for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option, allowing the treats to last for up to 6 months. Always ensure treats are cooled completely before storing and check for signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor, before offering them to your dog.
Are there fall-themed treats that don’t require baking?
Yes, there are fall-themed dog treats that don’t require baking. One simple option is to mix pureed pumpkin (not pie filling) with plain, unsweetened yogurt and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for a pumpkin-flavored frozen treat. Another idea is to blend cooked sweet potato with a little natural peanut butter and then roll the mixture into small balls, which can be served as is or frozen for a firmer texture. These no-bake treats offer a festive, healthy snack for dogs to enjoy the flavors of fall safely.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your North Miami Beach, FL animal clinic, anytime!
