Did someone say sweets? October 14th is National Dessert Day, and you're probably wondering how that could be veterinary-related, since pets can't safely eat sweets. Not the ones we eat, at least—but there are ways to let your pets join in safely. Below are a few easy treat recipes that will have your pets begging for more.
One thing before we start: treats of any kind, homemade included, should make up no more than about 10% of your pet's daily calories, so it's worth trimming their regular meals a little on a day like this. And if your pet has a health condition—especially diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, or a food sensitivity—please check with us before offering anything new. Introduce any new food in a small amount and see how they do.
1. Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt Bites
Pumpkin for your pumpkin? Absolutely. You may have heard that pumpkin can help settle an upset stomach in dogs and cats. In this case, though, it's just because it's tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt, with no added sugar, sweeteners, or flavorings
- ½ cup canned pure pumpkin (100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices)
- ¼ cup water
Mix everything together, pour into an ice cube tray, and freeze for three to four hours. Give one at a time rather than leaving a bowl out, and keep the portion small—an ice cube-sized treat is plenty for most dogs, and half that for a cat.
2. Baked Pumpkin Dog Treats
Another spin on America's favorite gourd. These are for dogs rather than cats, since cats have little use for flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pure pumpkin (again, not pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter—check the label and make sure it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and appears in some brands of "no sugar" peanut butter
- 3 cups flour
Mix everything together, roll the dough into gumball-sized balls, and lay them out on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before offering one. They'll keep for about three months in the freezer.
A word of caution with these: they're a baked treat with flour and peanut butter, so they carry real calories. They're a small treat rather than a snack to hand out freely, and they aren't suitable for a dog who needs to lose weight.
3. Frozen Apple Yogurt Bites
Much like the first recipe, this one is frozen. Plenty of dogs and cats enjoy something cold, particularly in warmer weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced, with all seeds removed—apple seeds contain a compound that releases cyanide, and the core is a choking risk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, with no added sugar or sweeteners
- A dash of water
Blend the apples until smooth, mix with the yogurt and water, pour into an ice cube tray, and freeze for three to four hours.
A Note on Yogurt
Two of these recipes use yogurt, so it's worth saying that dairy doesn't suit every pet. Most cats and many dogs lose the ability to digest lactose properly as they grow up, and while yogurt is easier on them than milk because fermentation breaks down some of the lactose, some pets will still get an upset stomach. Offer a small amount first and see how they get on, and skip it if it doesn't agree with them.
Whichever yogurt you choose, check that it contains no xylitol or other artificial sweeteners, and no vanilla or added flavorings. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is what you want.
We hope you use National Dessert Day to spoil your pets while keeping them safe. If you'd like more ideas for treats, or your pet is overdue for their next wellness exam, please give us a call.