PICNIC TREATS FOR YOUR PETS
At the first sign of sunshine we Brits are quick to unfurl the tartan picnic rug and head for the great outdoors... or out the backdoor for a patio barbeque.
Our dogs and cats can enjoy al fresco living too but we have to make sure they keep cool and that they don't overindulge on our human fare.
Pet Protect has drawn up some tips and recipes to make sure your animals keep safe and healthy too.
Does your dog or cat have a favorite homemade recipe? Email us at enquiries@petprotect.co.uk- the best suggestions will receive a pamper pack of organic soap and soothing lavender and chamomile oil.
REMEMBER
- Always have a supply of clean, fresh cool water for your animals.
- Avoid taking your dog out for walks around midday on very hot days.
- If you walk far with your dog - invest in a pocket-sized collapsible water bowl to make sure you keep hydration levels up on the move.
- We all know that dogs in cars can die very quickly in hot weather - but don't forget cats can too - they can't sweat like humans so if you are on the way to the cattery for a summer break make sure your car is well ventilated.
- Cats love sunbathing but white cats lack colour pigment to protect them from the harmful rays so apply sunscreen to the tips of the ears and nose - just like people they can get skin cancer.
- Try and keep rabbit hutches in the shade in very hot weather or use a bottle of frozen water to create a cool area in the hutch.
PICNIC RECIPES FOR POOCH
Letting your hound scoff spicy barbecue food or have the pick of your picnic spread isn't a good idea but keep him happy and healthy with some homemade treats instead. Free of anything unnatural they won't keep forever so keep them in the fridge or share them with doggie neighbours too.
The recipes below are not designed to replace a balanced and appropriate diet for your hound. Feed as you would a treat and remember that new foods can unsettle a pet's digestion. Liver cake is most often used as a training aid as many dogs find it utterly irresistible.
LIVER CAKE
- 1lb beef liver
- 1 cup wholemeal flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 12-14 cloves of garlic
- 2 eggs
Puree the liver and garlic in a food processor. Add the eggs, flour and
cornmeal. Pour mixture onto greased baking sheet and bake in a medium hot
oven for 20 minutes - flipping over once half way through the baking.
Leave to cool partially then cut into squares to suit your dog.
Will keep well in the fridge and can also be frozen.
FISHY TREATS
- 2 small cans of sardines in oil (or use tuna or salmon in oil)
- 2 eggs
- Flour and oats
- Garlic can also be added.
Mix everything together with a handful of flour and oats until it is a stiff paste.
Spread onto a greased and lined tin or tray and bake until hard (About 180 degrees)
Cut or break it up - will also freeze well.
CANINE COOKIES
- ½ bunch of finely chopped parsley
- ½ finely chopped carrot
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cups of wholemeal flour
- 2 tablespoons of unprocessed bran flakes
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of water
Mix the parsley, carrot, cheese and oil. In another bowl, stir together the flour, bran and baking powder. Then add the parsley mixture and stir well. Gradually add 1 cup of water. Mix well, adding more water as needed to make the dough moist. Knead briefly on a floured surface.
Roll out to 1cm thick. Use a small cookie cutter and place the biscuits on a greased or lined baking tray - you will probably need two. Bake for about 30 minutes and until the biscuits are brown. Cool on a rack and allow to harden. Will store well in an airtight, container.
FRUITY YOGHURT TREATS
- 8 ounces of natural yoghurt - strawberry.
- 2 kiwi fruit - mashed. Or a jar of baby food.
Mix together, freeze in ice cube tray and serve. Great for hot day treats.
Does your dog or cat have a favorite homemade recipe? Email us at enquiries@petprotect.co.uk. The best suggestions will receive a pamper pack of organic soap and soothing Lavender and Chamomile oil.
Pet Protect
www.petprotect.co.uk
Last updated: 17.07.08