A visitor came in to the Salem Times Register office and asked if I cook for my dog, Betsy. Yes, I do. She gets a little cooked chicken breast daily. Our office coworkers know her chicken dance well. As a reader told me last week Betsy’s not spoiled. “Spoiled is rancid meat; Betsy is well loved.” she said. I try not to feed her people food too often and she is very picky about what she likes. I have offered her blueberries, apples, watermelon, and banana. Green beans and carrots made her give me the side-eye. She is very polite taking the bite from me and then leaves it on the floor for me to step on later. Her favorites change week to week. Right now, it’s plain peanuts and plain yogurt.
When choosing people food for your dog, use foods you would eat yourself. If it is high in sugar and salt and not good for you; then your dog should not eat it either. Plain, cooked low fat meats and fish without bones or skin are okay. Try to find organic and pesticide free fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetables (cooked or steamed), fresh fruits, and boiled white rice. Peanut butter is a Betsy favorite. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs. Plain unflavored yogurt is okay, avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners. Other foods to avoid include (but are not limited to): Cherries (and any fruit related to them), onions, garlic, chives, leeks, chocolate, caffeine, macadamia nuts, alcohol, Xylitol(sweetener), grapes and raisins, and Avocado.
As with any addition to a dog’s food, start with small amounts to see if their digestive system can tolerate it. A healthy balanced diet of high-quality dog food is essential, with human food being fed in moderation to prevent obesity. Always, consult with a vet if your dog has an underlying health condition before introducing any new foods.
Betsy’s Best Treats
Ingredients
3 to 4 oz dog safe baby food or pureed food
(Her favorite is Gerber Mealtime chicken and apple)
1 egg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 to 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Add baby food to a large bowl. Add egg and salt. Whisk well to combine. Slowly stir until a soft dough forms. Place the dough on a floured surface. Pat out the dough until it is about ¼ inch thick. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or just cut into squares. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes for soft treats and 30-35 for crunchy treats. Let cool. Store in an airtight container.
Dried Chicken Jerky in an air fryer
Ingredients
1 chicken breast
olive oil spray
Directions
Thinly slice your chicken breast into strips. Spray air fryer tine with olive oil. Lay chicken strips flat into air fryer making sure they are not touching. Spray with olive oil once more. Cook for 90 minutes at 220°F flipping halfway through. Let cool.
Banana chip Dog Treats (people too)
Ingredients
1 Banana (green or not too ripe)
Coconut oil cooking spray
Powdered peanut butter, if desired
Directions
Preheat the oven to 250°F. Slice your banana into thin rounds. Spray Bananas and baking sheet with Coconut oil. Sprinkle with peanut butter powder, if desired. Bake for 90 minutes or until crisp – flipping halfway. Let cool & enjoy! Good on ice cream.
