Happy Holidays! If you enjoy baking, you may be quite busy at this time of year. We all love those delicious holiday cookies! Of course, there’s no reason you can’t make some things for your furry buddy! An Anderson, IN vet offers some advice on cooking for Fido and Fluffy in this article.

Base

For most cookies, you’ll need to start with a base. Some things you can use include natural peanut butter, organic baby food, ripe bananas, pureed pumpkin, wheat germ oil, egg, whole-wheat flour, oats, liver powder, bacon grease, and chopped, shredded, or minced meat. Canned chicken and tuna are also good bets, especially for kitty treats. Feel free to mix and match!

Toppings

Why not customize your furry friend’s treats to suit their tastes? Add things like bacon bits, shredded cheese, spinach, kibble, or peas. You can also add safe herbs, such as parsley or cinnamon, though you’ll want to be very sparing with spices. Ask your vet for more information.

Unsafe Foods

Make sure to only use ingredients that are safe for pets. Some unsafe foods include garlic, onion, scallions, and chives; chocolate; grapes and raisins; caffeine; avocado; pitted fruits. Xylitol is also unsafe. If you’re adding peanut butter or something similar, check the ingredients and make sure they are all fine. Don’t give your furry pal any raw dough, either: it can expand in their digestive tract, which is extremely dangerous.

Cook Times

Cook times will vary a bit, depending on the size of the treat and the ingredients. Most should be fine at 375 for about 15 minutes, or 350 for a bit longer. You may need to experiment to get to the desired crunch.

Portions

Once you have a batter ready, you’ll need to divide it into small portions. You can get a cute bone or heart shaped cookie cutter. This is also helpful for distinguishing pet treats from human snacks. For smaller treats, a bottlecap is a good option. A mini cupcake tray will also work.

Gifts

Homemade cookies make great gifts for Fido and Fluffy’s friends! Put them in a pretty jar, and tie a festive ribbon around it. It’s a good idea to add a little card with the ingredients, as some pets have allergies or dietary restrictions.

Do you have questions about your pet’s diet or care? Contact us, your Anderson, IN animal clinic, anytime!