Happy Valentine's Day from Pets Happy Zone! To celebrate, we've chosen some of the yummiest, easiest, pet-friendly treat recipes for you to make your devoted doggy or fond feline. Cat people might notice that there is a bit of a trend when looking at treat recipes: dogs. Many recipes are labeled "dog treats," but actually contain ingredients that are OK for your cat, as well. We hope these delicious nibbles can narrow the rift - and perhaps end the feud - between cats and dogs around the world.
Let us know which recipes the taste testers in your home thought were the best!
VALENTINE'S DAY DOG TREATS: CRANBERRY HEARTS from Pretty Fluffy
Not to be Debbie Downers, but not all of the same human foods that are safe for dogs are safe for other species, and this recipe is one that Fluffy should pass on unless you substitute the almond flour with another nut-type flour, such as sunflower seed flour (or sun-flour). "Although not considered highly toxic to cats, it is best to avoid [almonds] to prevent possible gastrointestinal problems," according to Can I Give My Cat?
The good news is that cranberries are great for your pets from pet oral health to UTI prevention. And, February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so crush up some shelled sunflower seeds and get baking!
DOG-I-Y: EASY THREE-INGREDIENT HOMEMADE DOG ICE CREAM from Dog Milk
It is pretty cold out, but who doesn't love ice cream? Lactose can bother some animal bellies - anyone who has tried to give kitty a saucer of milk learned that one the hard way - so you might consider skipping the dairy for your meowsers, although the amount of plain yogurt in these treats is very small. Coconut is a nice lactose-free option and coconut oil could even help with hairballs, so Sir Purrs-A-Lot doesn't have to miss out entirely (and you don't have to clean up).
We think the pumpkin peanut butter ice cream sounds amazing, especially for those of the puppy persuasion, and it only takes three ingredients! You can swap the pumpkin for other sweet flavors or mix in bacon for a savory bite. When experimenting, always keep in mind the list of food that are toxic to pets.
STRAWBERRY BANANA CAROB MARBLE DOG TREATS from Kohl's Notes
Chocolate is terrible for pets, but three cheers for carob! Plus strawberry and banana? Yes, please.
'Nuff said.
SUPER SIMPLE YUM DROPS from Kristi Simmons via PetFinder
These treats are microwavable, so this recipe is great for busy pet parents who still want to pamper their furry family member. There are two versions, one for dogs and one for cats, but the only major change is the tuna flavor. Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements, an occasional treat is a great way to interact with your pet and show some love.
"If you're going to stop for ice cream afterward, you should eat a little less lunch," Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University, told DIY Network, "and the same is true for your pet. If you're going to feed him a snack, it should replace some of his regular food."
Please note that you should always be aware of the amount of fat and calories in your pet's diet. Too much fat could lead to weight gain, diabetes or pancreatitis. If you are unsure about changing your pet's diet, consult your pet's veterinarian.
Looking for a baking dish for pet snacks? Check out this one from Hug's Pet Products that was featured in a previous edition of Coveted (HNGN's biweekly gift guide).And check out the Related Articles section for more paw-some pet recipes!
