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- VCA, Inc. Acquires MidWest Vet Specialists from Kansas State University
Seasonal Snacks-Healthy Fall Treats For Pets
Do you have a furry friend you would like to include in the splendor and festivities of the fall season? Our pets enjoy their treats as much as their human parents love sweets. Always feed them safe goodies.
Pumpkin is a nourishing treat for dogs and cats. Make sure the pumpkin is plain and unsweetened. Watch out for spices like nutmeg, which are dangerous to pets. Sliced apples without the seeds or the core are a safe bet. Plain turkey meat is another pet-friendly favorite and a good source of protein.
If you want to eliminate the guesswork about what yummy fall foods are safe for your pet, talk to your vet before giving them any tasty treats. In this article, you will learn what mouthwatering morsels you can give your canine or feline companion.
Healthy Fall Snacks For Pets
Who does not love a good snack? Most pets look forward to their treats, as it is often one of the major highlights of their day, next to cuddles and pets with their loving human. Dogs and cats cannot always eat the same foods, but both species are natural-born snackers. Some fall foods you can safely offer your pet:
Pumpkin
Plain canned pumpkin is good for pets, providing nutrients like beta-carotene and immune-boosting vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients protect your furry friend’s vision, coat, heart, and digestive system. The fiber in pumpkin can help relieve constipation and, surprisingly, prevent diarrhea. Other healthy properties in pumpkins include:
Iron- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Never give your pet the skin, leaves, stem, or raw seeds of the pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling is also unsafe for dogs or cats. It contains sugar and condensed milk and can trigger stomach upset. However, the Animal Humane Society clarifies, “You can make your own pumpkin puree for treats by steaming or roasting your pumpkin flesh, or roasting and grinding up well-rinsed seeds to sprinkle over your pet’s food.”
Apples
When you make the annual trip to the apple orchard, be sure to pick up a few apples for your pets. When you prepare an apple for them, wash the apple conscientiously and remove the core and seeds. The American Kennel Club warns, “The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can harm your dog in large doses. The tough apple core and the stem could also choke your dog.”
Apples are a delicious snack for pets; many dogs especially enjoy the flavor. Apples can help clean your dog or cat’s teeth and freshen their breath. Cut off the peels so they do not get stuck in their teeth. Since too much can upset their tummies, cut the apple into cubes or bite-size pieces. Do not feed your pet apple pie, as it contains excessive amounts of sugar, which is unhealthy for them.
Turkey
Turkey is a healthy fall food for pets, and your dog or cat will “gobble it up.” They take pleasure in the taste of the meat, and turkey is lean protein. Make sure to give them plain white turkey only. Dark meat is too fattening, and it can lead to gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis. Never feed your pet the skin of the poultry meat. Some of the health benefits of turkey:
Omega-3 fatty acids- Key B-vitamins (B2, B3, B12)
- Improves sleep (tryptophan)
- Enhances organ function (taurine)
Turkey is the ideal snack for your pets, especially cats. Felines are obligate carnivores, which means they consume a diet that consists strictly of meat. They can eat other foods in small amounts, but meat is best for them, and they cannot survive without it. Turkey also has the amino acid taurine, which cats require for healthy heart function.
Cranberries
Some pets may not like the tart zing of cranberries, but they are good for our animal companions in small amounts. Cooked, fresh, or dried cranberries can benefit your pet’s urinary health. Dried cranberries must be plain and without sugar.
Sweetened dried cranberries are high in sugar, which can harm your furry friend. Do not give your dog or cat cranberries in sauce or juice form. Cranberries, which are considered a “superfood” for their antioxidant properties, are sometimes found in dog treats.
Sweet Potatoes
Like pumpkin, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene. Dogs can have sweet potatoes if the orange spuds are prepared correctly. Plain, cooked sweet potato is good for dogs if it does not have seasonings. Potato skins are unsafe for dogs because they can cause choking, which can lead to blockages. As a general rule, cooked, peeled, and plain potatoes are safe.
Conclusion
Our pets can celebrate and savor the flavor of the fall season with us as long as their food is prepared safely. Pumpkin is a healthy snack for both dogs and cats, promoting adequate digestion. Be mindful of the parts of the pumpkin that are unsafe to feed your pet.
Apples, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and turkey are also good snacks for them. Never give your animal companion the seeds or core of an apple, and only give your pet plain white turkey meat. Our furry friends love us, and when we include them in the festivities by making these snacks pet-friendly, they feel like they are part of the family.
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