Treats for Happy Pets
Remember that your pets enjoy a special treat too! The following recipes are from volunteer Janet Isaacs, who says, "Our pets are special and a part of our family. These recipes are for them, but people can eat them too! Enjoy!" You can feel good about sharing these treats with your pets, and it will help you avoid the problems that table scraps can cause.
Sadie's Cheesy Apple Nips
3 ounces low-fat cream cheese
2 ounces blue cheese
4 medium applies
Beat cream cheese and blue cheese together until smooth. Core apples and fill with cheese mixture. Chill for 2 to 3 hours. Cut into wedges to serve. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Sadie's Banana Nut Cookies
1-1/2 cups ripe banana, mashed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups oats
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet and press flat with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on rack. Store in an airtight container.
How About a Mint
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup water
2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/3 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons dried mint or 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oil and water. Gradually add flour, oatmeal, mint, and parsley. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.
Sophie's Dog 'n Cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons softened margarine
1/2 cup milk
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Cream the cheese and margarine together. Add milk and flour. Mold mixture into a ball and roll dough to 1/4-inch. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Mollie's Bark-B-Q Chicken
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon all natural liquid smoke
1 tablespoon honey
4 ounces cooked, boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
Mix together tomato sauce, liquid smoke, and honey in a large bowl. Place chicken in the bowl and coat with the sauce. Serve. There won't be any leftovers!
Peanut Butter Bones
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup oatmeal
2-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, oil, and water. Gradually add flour, then oatmeal. Roll dought to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 35 minutes. Makes 2-1/2 dozen.
Holiday Tips
Also remember that there are some holiday things that your pets should NOT eat: tinsel, poinsettias, holly, chocolate, and raisins are among the dangers to avoid, as are glass ornaments and tree lights.
Playing with discarded gift wrapping is okay, as long as it's supervised closely--swallowed ribbons and bows can cause serious digestive tract problems. Better yet, get your cat or dog appropriate toys to play with!
If you have a puppy or kitten at your house, keep them safe from harm by never leaving them unattended near holiday decorations and gifts. Little ones often get into trouble by exploring all the exciting new sights and smells of the season.
If you plan to have guests at your house this season, make sure your pets have a safe, quiet place to retreat to when they've had enough excitement. They get wound up and cranky just like kids do. Keep an eye on their behavior (as well as the guests'), and remove them from the festivities when they need a break.
With a little bit of common sense, everyone should be able to enjoy a wonderful holiday!