Category: DIY

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7 Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

 

By JC McDowell

Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends to celebrate the blessings in our lives. Our pets are part of our family, and certainly one of the blessings we want to celebrate. If you’re like us, you will want to show thanks to your pet with some yummy food on Thanksgiving. But we need to be careful only to share food that won’t have uncomfortable or painful side effects.

Rich, seasoned foods can turn a treat into sickness. You don’t want your dog to end their day with a stomach ache, diarrhea, or worse, a trip to the vet. Steer clear from feeding your dog sugary, well-seasoned, or buttery dishes that will surely lead to discomfort. And don’t give them anything with onion or garlic, as they are toxic to dogs.

Instead, share these traditional Thanksgiving foods that are safe and even have health benefits for your pet!

Turkey

We all know your dog is going to be eye-balling the turkey, drooling from the sight and smell of it. Thankfully, you can meet their craving and share some turkey with your fur baby. Try to limit them to a few pieces of skinless white meat appropriate for their size. But remember, turkey bones are not safe for dogs!

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a healthy option for your pet. They support digestive health, and most dogs find them quite tasty. Dogs can eat them raw, steamed, or boiled. But, be sure to set some aside for your pet before adding butter, brown sugar, or other seasonings us humans will indulge in on Thanksgiving.

Green Beans

Your dog will enjoy the crunch of a few raw green beans, and their tummies will be happy too. Green beans are full of iron, vitamin C, and high in fiber. Avoid giving your dog green bean casserole as most recipes include onions, garlic, and mushrooms, which are toxic to dogs.

Pumpkin Puree

As much as you may love pumpkin pie, you can’t share it with your dog. However, you can think ahead and set aside some pumpkin puree for your pet. Sugar-free canned pumpkin puree, steamed pumpkin, or baked pumpkin are all good for your dog’s gut before adding other ingredients.

Apples

Whether you are using apples for your stuffing, pie, or salads, be sure to set aside a few slices for your dog. Raw apples are a safe, juicy, crunchy treat they are sure to be thankful for.

Bread Roll

Bread dough is dangerous for your dog to eat, but a bit of baked bread won’t do her any harm. A simple bread roll without butter is not necessarily healthy for your dog, but it is okay for her to eat. But, of course, no dessert bread packed with butter, sugar, or raisins.

Carrots

Carrots have lots of beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber for your dog. Dogs usually love the crunch of raw carrots, but probably won’t say no to cooked (unseasoned) carrots either.

If you want to go all out, you can prepared on these 8 DIY Thanksgiving Dog Treat Recipes.

Serve Your Pet Like Your Family

Tossing food to your pet can lead to overfeeding and overindulging. Instead, treat your pet like the family they are and serve them a special plate. Prepare a dish for them with the dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats and place it in their wall mounted dog bowl so they can enjoy it in comfort. Your dog will thank you!

Read next: How Kitchen Dog Can Improve Your Pet’s Joint and Digestive Health

 

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Will Your Dog Go in the Snow?

We deal with snow every winter at Kitchen Dog’s Michigan headquarters.  Newly fallen snow can be beautiful to look at, but it can present problems for our dogs if they need to squat in it. If you’ve ever had to sit on a freezing cold toilet seat you know why!

Snow Can Pose a Potty Problem

Some dogs have elimination issues when the weather turns cold and snowy, for reasons including:

  • It’s not familiar, dogs like routine and their favorite elimination spot is hidden from view
  • They don’t realize it’s OK to eliminate in the snow if it’s the first time they’ve seen it
  • The cold is distracting them from other body signals

If Your Dog Refuses to Go Outside in the Snow

Dogs that won’t potty outside in the snow are a problem! If they hold it too long, constipation and bladder infections can result.  Dogs will eliminate indoors when they feel there is no other option. Dogs appreciate a clear path to follow when they need to potty in snowy weather.

Digging a Path to Poop

Kitchen Dog recommends you think of your dog’s comfort and cleanliness when they venture out in the snow. When you have accumulated snowfall, make sure they have a clear path to a potty area. Some reasons digging paths is a good idea:

  • Dogs are more likely to eliminate outdoors when they can move freely to stimulate their bowels
  • Avoid chilling vital organs by avoiding direct contact with the snow
  • Less snow tracked into the house
  • Poop is easier to find when you know where to look!

Where and How to Dig a Path

The Kitchen Dog backyard has potty spots cleared down to the grass

Start on the steps or landing so the dog can step out onto a familiar surface. Then clear a path that ends with a larger cleared area so your dog has room to circle around to stimulate their bowels.  Dig deep enough that your dog can squat without sticking their sensitive areas into the snow. Remove enough snow to uncover some grass so the dog sees the potty surface they are familiar with.

Make Winter Clean Up Easier

Don’t forget to also dig a path so you can access your cleanup equipment. Having a path dug makes it easy to find and remove waste.  Please don’t wait until spring! Poop doesn’t melt in the snow, it will just leach into the groundwater, so remove it now.

Combat Cabin fever

You can go a step farther and build a snow maze, especially if you have a large, busy, or agile dog that enjoys racing around in cold weather.  Clear a path that circles part of the yard, including favorite spots to sniff, run, or visit the neighbors.  Dogs who have a chance to run and explore outside will have less energy for mischief inside.  Pay attention to the temperature and your dog’s comfort so they don’t stay out too long.  If they are picking up their feet with ice trapped between the pads or getting leg cramps, bring them in to warm up.

Your Dog’s Comfort is Important!

by Cleo Parker

Cleo has been working with dogs since she was a teenager and has spent her professional career working in marketing insights and analytics.  She blogs about marketing for dog events, products, and services at the Dog Marketing Blog. 

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Cool Off with Homemade Summer Treats

For those of us that love to spoil our dogs, making homemade treats is one of the best ways to do it.  Summer is the perfect time to whip up a cool treat to make your pet more comfortable during the hotter days.  There are many simple recipes that require very little preparation and ingredients for the great appreciation your dog will show.  Try out the recipes below for your pup’s Stamp of Approval!

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

? 2 cups plain, nonfat yogurt
? 1 cup creamy peanut butter
? 1 package apples and chicken baby food
? 2 tablespoons honey
? Paper cups wide enough to accommodate your pup’s muzzle

  1. Place one cup peanut butter in a microwavable container and heat for 20 seconds to slightly melt the peanut butter. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir to thoroughly blend. Spoon or pour mixture into treat cups, till about 2/3 full.   Note: the mixture will expand a bit as it freezes.
  2. Tap cups on the counter to settle ingredients, then place them on a flat surface in the freezer. Allow to freeze for a minimum of three to four hours. Remove from freezer and let your pet enjoy!

Berry Chicken Pupsicles

? One chicken breast, cooked and chopped
? 2 cups chopped berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or all three)
? 1 cup water

  1. Mix all ingredients and puree in blender until smooth.
  2. Pour into molds and place in freezer.
  3. Freeze for 8 hours.
  4. Run warm water around the mold to remove the pupsicles.

For your pet’s safety, remember not to add any nuts, grapes, seeds or chocolate to any of your treats, as these are not suitable foods for dogs.  These treats are easy and sure to please.  Let the tail wagging begin!

 

References

doggydesertchef.com. (2014, March 3). Berry Chicken Pupsicles. Retrieved June 8, 2018, from doggydessertchef.com: https://doggydessertchef.com/2014/03/03/berry-chicken-pup-sicles/

Smith, H. C. (n.d.). Peanut Butter Ice Cream for Dogs Recipe. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from hgtv.com: https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/peanut-butter-ice-cream-for-dogs-recipe