As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season with your furry friend. Fall dog treats are a delightful way to share the flavors of autumn with your canine companion. From pumpkin-infused biscuits to apple and cinnamon chews, these seasonal snacks not only tantalize taste buds but also offer health benefits. Pumpkin, for example, is rich in fiber and can aid digestion, while apples provide a good source of vitamins A and C. Incorporating these ingredients into your dog’s diet can make treat time both fun and nutritious. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of fall dog treats that you can make at home or find in stores, ensuring they’re safe and enjoyable for your pet. So grab your apron and let’s make this autumn extra special for your four-legged family member!
Autumn is in the air! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are cooling off. Many of you are likely enjoying some of your favorite seasonal foods, whether that means a pumpkin spice latte, fresh apple cider, or candy corn. Our canine pals can also enjoy a few autumn classics, and with the holiday season approaching, you might even be thinking about Thanksgiving With Fido. A local vet offers some tips on giving Fido some fall treats in this article.
Pumpkin Yums
For this one, you’ll mix pureed plain pumpkin with ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and oat or whole-wheat flour. Mix the wet ingredients together, and then add the oats and flour. Divide the snacks into individual portions. You may want to get a silicone mold with bone-shapes. Once you have them parceled out, bake for about 20 minutes at 325. Let them cool before giving them to your pooch. Remember to have Fido do a trick for his treat!
Apple Chicken Treat
Gather 1 ¼ cups of grated carrots, a cup of grated apple, ½ cup of natural peanut butter, two eggs, and some instant oats to whip up these perfect fall dog treats. Start by mixing the apples, oats, and carrots in one bowl, while combining the peanut butter and eggs in another. Blend everything into a batter, divide into small portions, and bake at 350°F for around 15 minutes. Simple and wholesome for the season!
Sweet Potato Jerky
Jerky is one of Fido’s favorite snacks: it not only tastes great, but has that hard texture that he can really sink his teeth into. To make jerky for your canine companion, you’ll want to slice some freshly-scrubbed sweet potatoes into thin strips. They should be about ¼ inch thick. Next, put them on a cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper for lining if you like. Cook at 225F for about 3 to 4 hours. You can add more time if you want them crunchier. Just make sure that the strips aren’t a choking hazard.
Tips
These are just a few fall dog treats you can make for your canine companion. There are plenty more recipes to explore online, and you can even create your own! Just be sure to use safe ingredients. Avoid giving Fido garlic, onions, scallions, chives, grapes, currants, raisins, avocado, any fruit with seeds or pips, coffee, chocolate, or anything containing xylitol, high salt, sugar, or fat. Bones and raw dough are also unsafe. For additional guidance on safe treats and maintaining your dog’s nutrition and weight, consult your vet so your dog can enjoy seasonal flavours safely.
How Long Do Fall Dog Treats Last and Storage Tips in 2024
How long do homemade dog treats last?
Homemade dog treats, when properly stored, can last for several days to a few weeks. Treats like the pumpkin and apple chicken ones mentioned, which contain fresh ingredients and no preservatives, typically stay fresh for up to a week when refrigerated in an airtight container. Sweet potato jerky, due to its lower moisture content, can last longer, up to three weeks if kept dry and airtight. For optimal freshness and to avoid spoilage, always store these treats in the refrigerator and check for any signs of spoilage before feeding.
What’s the best way to store these treats?
To ensure the freshness and safety of homemade dog treats such as Pumpkin Yums, Apple Chicken Treat, and Sweet Potato Jerky, proper storage is crucial. After cooling, these snacks should be placed in airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage; they can typically last for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is an effective option, allowing the treats to be kept for several months. Always thaw treats in the refrigerator before giving them to your dog to avoid any digestive upset.
How do treats fit into a dog’s overall diet?
Treats can enhance a dog’s diet when used sparingly and as part of a balanced nutrition plan. They should not exceed 10% of a dog’s total daily calorie intake to avoid nutritional imbalances and weight gain. Choosing treats made with wholesome, safe ingredients, like those in the homemade recipes mentioned, can provide additional nutritional benefits while avoiding harmful substances. Always consult a veterinarian to ensure that the treats are suitable for the dog’s specific health needs and dietary restrictions, thereby supporting their overall health and well-being.
What are the specific health benefits of ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples?
Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples offer numerous health benefits for dogs. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which aids in digestive health and can help regulate bowel movements. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vital for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and eyesight. They also provide antioxidants that support the immune system. Apples contribute dietary fiber and vitamin C, which aids in maintaining overall health and vitality. Together, these ingredients support a balanced diet, ensuring dogs receive essential nutrients while enjoying their treats.
How can you check if your dog has allergies to certain ingredients?
To determine if your dog has allergies to specific ingredients, observe their reaction after introducing new foods one at a time. Common signs of allergies include itching, red skin, digestive upset, and ear infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, discontinue the food and consult your veterinarian. They may recommend an elimination diet, where you feed your dog a limited ingredient diet and gradually reintroduce potential allergens to pinpoint the cause. This method helps identify specific ingredients your dog may be sensitive to, ensuring their diet is safe and healthy.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local vet in McHenry, IL, anytime!