TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Begging for cheaper pet treats? Try these

File photos

Whether you buy these treats or make your own, your pets can still enjoy some inexpensive yummies.

ADVERTISEMENT

By KRISTIN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 15, 2009

Like everyone else, pets have had to give up some of their favorite treats because of the economic downturn. But that doesn't mean they have to go without completely.

With my help, Buck, my 13-year-old Labrador mix, and Tank, my 14-year-old cat, have sniffed out some inexpensive yummies they highly recommend.

Bake at Home Brownie Mix: Give your favorite dog some lovin' from the oven with the Bake at Home Brownie Mix. The flavorful ingredient is carob, not chocolate, which can be toxic for pets. Once baked, cut the brownies into bite-sized treats and store in the refrigerator to prolong freshness.

Find the mix at local Ross Dress for Less stores for about $5; for more store locations, visit www.americanhealthkennels.com.

Grain-Free Goodies: No Grainers is a new, 100-percent grain-free dog treat packed with protein. They're good for all pooches, but especially those allergic to grain fillers. No Grainers' chicken-bacon flavored biscuits come in small, medium and large sizes. A semi-soft version is also available in three flavors. Find both at Wal-Mart stores; the biscuits are $3.50 for a 20-ounce package and semi-soft treats are $1.50 for 7 ounces. Visit www.NoGrainers.com for information. Become eligible for prizes from the company by following it on Twitter, twitter.com/hbhpet.

Cat Grass Plus: Cats like munching grass, so why not give your indoor kitty his own green treat to nibble? Cat Grass Plus allows you to grow your own cup of kitty-lawn quickly and easily. (No green thumb required and cat grass is legal to grow in all 50 states!) It includes grass seed, barley, oats and/or wheat along with a nontoxic water absorption agent. Get it for $5.94 at Wal-Mart stores. The company promises sprouts in just two days, and as long as you take care of it, it will keep growing.

Homemade treats are also an option for your pets. Check out the following recipes.

Treat tips

Remember to treat pets in moderation to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

A good rule of thumb: Don't give treats equal to more than 10 percent of your pet's daily diet.

Fresh carrots and green beans are good snacks for dogs and pocket pets like gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. Always consult with your veterinarian first to make sure the foods are acceptable (did you know lettuce can cause diarrhea in rabbits?).

Ask your veterinarian how many calories your pet needs per day. Then add up the calories his/her food provides and never let treats exceed daily caloric needs.

Some people food is not safe for pets. Veterinarians warn that the following foods have been identified as potentially toxic, even fatal, to dogs: alcohol, avocados, chocolate, macadamia nuts; fatty, moldy or spoiled foods; onions, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; or e-mail kristen@fetchingcommunications.com.

TUNA TIDBITS FOR FINICKY FELINES

6-ounce can of tuna

1/4 cup water drained from tuna

3 tablespoons cooked egg white, chopped

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine tuna, egg white and water. Add cornmeal and flour and blend to form dough. Knead into a ball and roll to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into half-inch-sized pieces. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes about two-dozen cookies.

HOT DIGGITY DOGS

1-3 hot dogs, depending on the quantity you wish to make

Cut hot dogs into 1/8- or 1/4-inch-wide discs. Spread out in a single layer on a paper towel. Microwave for three minutes. You want them to be crispy around the edges and slightly rubbery in the center. (Dogs generally don't mind if you overcook them).

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT