Does your dog suddenly materialize at your feet when you’re making dinner? While all of our canine companions have their own personalities, one thing they all have in common is a love of food … especially our food. If you enjoy cooking, you can try your hand at making your pup some things. A local Shawnee, OK vet offers a few tips on cooking for Fido in this article.

Benefits

There are some benefits to making your canine pal’s food. For one thing, you’ll know exactly what Fido is eating. This can be very helpful for people whose pooches have allergies or food sensitivities, or other special needs. You can also customize your furry friend’s dinner to fit his tastes and/or to suit any dietary needs he has. You might even find it cheaper in the long run, though that will of course depend on the ingredients you use.

Safe/Unsafe Foods

The most important thing is to stick with ingredients that you know are safe for Fido. Most types of meat, fish, and poultry are fine, though you’ll need to remove the skin, bones, and fat. Your pooch can also have certain fruits and veggies. Some of the things you may want to include are spinach, carrots, peas, string beans, pumpkin or squash, sweet potatoes, bananas, blueberries, apple slices, and cherries. That said, not everything in your kitchen is safe or suitable for your furry pal. Some foods to avoid include garlic and onions, scallions and chives, grapes and raisins, chocolate, avocado, mushrooms, and alcohol. Don’t add a lot of oil, salt, or sugar, either. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Things To Consider

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking for Fido. You may find plenty of recipes online, which may look great at first glance. However, that doesn’t mean that these will provide your furry bff with the nutrition he needs. Dogs all have their own unique nutritional requirements. Your pup’s age, health, and lifestyle all factor into his nutritional needs. A recipe that is perfect for a senior poodle may not be appropriate for a Great Dane puppy. Err on the side of caution, and check with your vet before making any type of changes to your canine buddy’s diet. Do you have questions about your dog’s diet? Contact us, your local Shawnee, OK animal clinic, today!