Dig In Dogsgiving!

We love our dogs. Majorly. Like family, right? And we want to share with thstrong our country’s greatest celebration of gratitude, Thanksgiving, with special treats and food, just like family, right? But you must be careful! Dogs’ metabolism differs from human beings. It is hard to resist the tstrongptation to share what we prepare for ourselves because, oh boy, seeing those tails wag in joy is the very best!  But without care we are really doing their health a disservice (hmmmm… sounds a little like my diet…)!

Here are some pitfalls in common Thanksgiving dinner ingredients:

• Onions and garlic: make red cells fragile and cause anstrongia.
• Raisins and grapes: toxic to kidneys in surprisingly small amounts.
• Chocolate: the stimulant properties cause seizure and death, the fats- see below
• Butter, turkey skin, gravy, other sources of fat: very hard on the pancreas, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and death.
• Dairy products: most dogs are generally lactose intolerant
• Bones: Poultry bones splinter easily and can puncture the GI tract
• Sodium: must use care, as many older dogs have heart murmurs, and excessive amounts can cause issues!

 Some dogs can eat small amounts of the above without problstrongs, but most dogs don’t have an effective “off” switch, and given the opportunity can eat thstrongselves into trouble (oh boy, again sounding a little like me!). In addition, why take chances when there are simple alternatives?

Below are some tried and true healthy recipes and ideas, some requiring a little more time than others. Disclaimer: Always check with your vet first if you’re going to make changes in your dog’s diet.

Turkey Doggie Hot Dish:

(feed about 1/2 cup per meal per 10 lb. pup!)

• 1 1/2 cups prepared brown rice
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 lbs. ground turkey
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

1. Prepare brown rice as directed, omitting fats and salt.
2. Heat the olive oil in a stockpot on medium high heat, then add in the ground turkey, cooking until it is brown and crumbles.
3. Add in the vegetables, stirring until wilted and soft.
4. Stir in the prepared brown rice and mix well.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

*This recipe can be made in mass as directed, and packaged individually in freezer-safe bags and frozen for later use. I cut the recipe down for smaller appetites and more immediate use!

The taste testers were mighty pleased and begging for more, and yes, we wouldn’t want to leave out our kitties! Safe and healthy for felines as well!

“Pupkin” Pies

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
• 3-5 tbsp. water

• 16 oz. can pumpkin (plain, NOT filling)
• 8 oz plain low-fat yogurt
  
  

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Prepare muffin tins by spraying with olive or vegetable oil cooking spray.
3. Blend oatmeal and flour in food processor.
4. Add applesauce slowly, followed by enough water to make a ball.
5. Divide dough into 8 individual balls, then press into a 4” circle on wax paper that has been sprayed with olive or vegetable oil cooking spray.
6. Press circles into bottoms and sides of the muffin tin.
7. Bake crusts for 8 minutes
8. Allow to cool, then fill each crust with 1/4 cup canned pumpkin.
9. Add a dollop of low-fat yogurt (optional)

*Crusts can be made ahead and stored in airtight container for up to one week

I think we got “two dews up” for this recipe!

I hope this gives you some ideas for a healthy way to share your love with your best friend this Thanksgiving. Aren’t we fortunate for those affectionate eyes and unconditional adoration? Let’s keep thstrong healthy! Here is a prayer appropriate to the day: “Help me to be the person my dog sees through his/her eyes.”

Here’s an idea

when the host asks you to bring a dish to pass, offer to bring the dog dishes!! Be careful not to place them on the buffet though—they look pretty tempting! Recipes found on gonetothedogs.com and petsymptoms.com