Natural Homemade Dog Treats

Commercial products are much more convenient nowadays. So why do experts and experienced dog owners still subscribe to the thought that natural dog treats are still a better alternative? It is because of the fact that you will have better health the less chemicals and preservatives you have in your system. It is the same way with us humans.

Good news – homemade dog treats are not at all hard to do, regardless of what some people might have told you before. It’s not going to take twenty helpers and loading pots upon pots of canine chow. If you plan it and make the necessary preparations well enough, creating these delicious biscuits should be relatively simple and uncomplicated.

OK, let’s begin. You might be asking – what should I know about natural dog treats? Well, before anything else, understand that natural does not mean you can feed anything that grows out of a plant or ground to the animal. There are some things that might be beneficial to human beings but are really bad for the canine.

Take for instance the tomato plant. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins; however, it also contains a substance called atropine. Now, atropine might be harmless to us humans, but it causes erratic heartbeat, tremors and dilated pupils in canines. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the stems and leaves of tomatoes.

Be very careful of the fruits that you include in the dog’s meals. Cherries, apricots and apples are fine but make sure you remove the seeds and pits of these completely. The seeds are full of cyanogenic glycosides, a compound which produces cyanide poisoning. Ingesting avocados and grapes will also induce vomiting and diarrhea for the animal as it contains harmful toxins that may damage his organs.

When you start searching for recipes you can use, find out first the ingredients included in it. There shouldn’t be anything in there that will be detrimental to his health. While there might be many things you should avoid, don’t let that deter you from trying to make some really good doggie chow. There are so much more things you can use. These homemade goodies are excellent rewards and an effective motivator for good behavior.

Now, what are some of the things that we can serve our dogs? Generally, all kinds of meat are fine. If you are cooking them, remove the bones because they present a choking hazard to the animal. Organ meat in small quantities are beneficial to your dog’s health. Make use of healthy vegetables like corn, green beans, and carrots as well.

Remember, homemade dog treats are not supposed to be boring. Make it interesting by infusing it with spices and yummy flavors that you know your pet will love. Take care in monitoring their calorie intake—obese dogs are more susceptible to certain diseases. Go ahead and plan fantastic treats for your furry friend—a happy and healthy dog is waiting for you.

– by Melinda Smith

(c) 2010, Healthy Happy Dogs