Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Skin Health

Healthy Homemade Treats with Benefits: Skin Health

            We all love to give our dogs and cats a little treat now and then. Of course, everything needs to be used in moderation-too much of a good thing can pack on pounds and could lead to digestive issues.  But, while plenty of tasty and healthy commercial treats available, homemade treats can be a good option, too.  Let’s look at what ingredients make good treats for pets and provide benefits for healthy skin and coat and share some recipes!

            Skin health:  Dogs and cats are prone to allergies and dry skin.  Pets can be allergic to things in their environment such as pollens, molds, dust mites, etc., but many pets also are allergic to proteins in food. Beef, chicken, and dairy are the top three food allergies. Grain allergies are quite rare. Allergies cause changes in the healthy skin barrier leading to inflammation and itching which can also lead to secondary infection of the skin with bacteria or yeast.  Most pets require long term management (there is no cure for allergies) of the allergic skin disease so it’s important to work with your veterinarian. Pets with food allergic dermatitis typically require special diets.  Treats often need to be limited or eliminated, but here are a few things that promote healthy skin and coat and may reduce itching in allergic pets.

•  Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and promote a healthy skin barrier.  Good sources include ground flaxseed or soaked chia seeds and fish oils.  Sardines, anchovies, salmon, and mackerel are great sources of omega-3s.  Choose fish packed in water, not oil or other sauces.
• Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta carotene which can promote healthy skin
• Other fruits and vegetables such as green beans, peas, apples, and blueberries are generally well tolerated by dogs with allergies.
• Not specifically beneficial for skin, but peanut butter, oats and rice are generally safe for dogs and cats with allergies.

Some great recipes can be found at these links:

https://www.24petwatch.com/blog/diy-treat-recipes-for-dogs-with-food-allergies  (check out the sweet potato pie treats!)

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/homemade-vet-approved-dog-treat-recipes/  (the apple pretzel and blackberry biscuit treats on this page should be relatively hypoallergenic for most pets)

And, here’s one for cats with food allergies:

Carrot and Catnip Treats

Make treat time a little more fun for everyone involved by giving your kitty these carrot and catnip treats from Epicuricloud. All you need is:

• 2 tbsp. Oil
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• 1 tbsp. dried catnip
• ¾ cup shredded carrot
• 1 large egg
• Cold water

Preheat your oven to 375 and mix the oil and 1 cup of flour in a bowl. Add the catnip and the carrots, then mix in the egg and some water. Separate dough into small pieces and arrange on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Use the additional flour to keep the treats from sticking to the paper. Bake for 12 minutes.

Remember, avoid any foods with artificial sweeteners, feed treats in moderation, and, check with your vet to ensure ingredients and treats are safe for your pet, especially if he or she has any underlying health conditions.  If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue treats.  Also, homemade treats do not have as long a shelf life as commercial treats—store properly and inspect for mold or other changes before feeding.  Chronic skin issues are best managed by partnering with your veterinarian, but these treats may be good choices for pets with food allergies.  If your pet has food allergies, avoid common proteins like beef, chicken and dairy products, and try to stick to treats that have as few ingredients as possible.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.