Cooking at home is one of the best ways to keep your little pup healthy and happy. It’s cost-effective, and you get the freedom to control the nutrients your dog gets. Moreover, homemade treats can be a lifesaver if you run out of your dog’s favorite store-bought food. But what can you prepare for your pet? Here are five tasty homemade dog food options that can be handy when your pooch is hungry. Turkey and rice Dogs love turkey. This homemade dog food recipe requires a pound of ground turkey , two cups of brown rice, water, and some of your pup’s favorite veggies. Mix turkey, rice, and water in a large saucepan evenly and bring it to a boil for 20 minutes. Add your dog’s favorite veggies and cook for another five to seven minutes until the vegetables have softened. Let it cool before feeding it to your dog. The preparation can be stored in the refrigerator. Beef and vegetables Beef and vegetable is one of the healthiest homemade dog food options that can be made in a jiffy. Boil cuts of beef liver and sweet potato, and cook ground beef separately. Boil lentils, add chopped spinach, diced carrots, and omega-3 fish oil, and mix well. Separate into individual servings and refrigerate anything that remains. Consult a vet to ensure these ingredients don’t negatively interact with your dog’s heartworm flea tick treatment. Brown rice and broccoli This all-vegetarian recipe has several essential nutrients for your little pooch. You need some brown rice, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet potato. Cook at least half a cup of brown rice and set it aside. Chop and steam zucchini, broccoli, and mashed sweet potatoes. You may also add spinach. Add the chopped-steamed veggies to the brown rice. Cook for another five minutes and then set aside to cool before serving it to your dog.

Many pet parents feed human foods to their dogs from time to time. While there is nothing wrong with feeding them small bits of chocolate or other tidbits, pet parents must keep in mind that a dog’s digestive system is different from humans. If you are wondering what human foods are safe for dogs, we have got you covered. The article sheds light on human foods that dogs love and can eat. Human foods that are safe for dogs Peanut butter Dogs love peanut butter and for good reason. It is tasty and a good source of protein, vitamin B and E, and niacin. That said, ensure that you give your pet peanut butter that is unsalted, made with raw peanuts, and contains zero sugar or artificial sweeteners. Cooked chicken Feeding your doggo a piece of cooked chicken from your plate is completely alright as long as it contains zero or limited spices. Chicken is a rich source of protein and a healthy meal replacement option. Opt for boiled chicken if your pet is a senior or has a sensitive stomach. Carrots Carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A, making them an excellent snack option for dogs. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and it’s best to feed bite-sized pieces or diced baby carrots to your canine to avoid choking mishaps. Pumpkin Pumpkins and carrots have almost the same healthy properties. This juicy fruit helps reduce digestive issues in dogs. A fresh pumpkin is an excellent option for dogs; however, if you have a canned one, make sure it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, as excessive sugar consumption can be toxic to dogs. Oatmeal Oatmeal is relatively healthy for dogs, especially for older pets with bowel irregularities. It contains soluble fiber and is best for pets that are allergic to wheat.

While our pets are a part of our family, their digestive systems differ from humans. Therefore, feeding them the foods you eat might not always be safe. We understand it can be hard to dodge those puppy eyes and say “No.” So, we browsed the internet to find out which human foods are safe for dogs and listed them here. In the end, you’ll also find some brands for healthy packaged dog food. White rice Steamed rice without any seasonings or spices is safe for your furry friend. In fact, it’s an excellent option when they have an upset stomach as rice is easy to digest. Carrots Carrots are good for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. The crunchy vegetable is also great for their dental health because it helps remove plaque and makes the jaw work harder. Milk Milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese are safe dog foods if had in moderation. However, look for signs as some dogs may be lactose intolerant. Peanut butter Yes, dogs love peanut butter, and it’s also nutritious with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. However, choose unsalted varieties and those that don’t have xylitol (an artificial sweetener). Bananas This easy-to-peel-and-eat fruit is another safe human food for dogs. While bananas are high in fiber and potassium, they must be served only occasionally as they’re also high in sugar. Apart from feeding the above foods that are readily available in the kitchen, you can buy dog food from the following highly trusted brands: Natural Balance This brand is known for its sweet potato formula that’s not only nutritious but also a favorite among dogs for its taste. Natural Balance predominantly uses plant-based ingredients, making it a healthful dog food option. Purina Purina specializes in making treats for large breeds, like the Great Dane.

Many of you feed your cats small morsels of food from your own bowls. But have you ever stopped to think whether the food you are eating is suitable for your cat? Cat’s digestive systems are built differently, and while they may show no severe symptoms at the time of consumption, complications may develop later. We have put together a list of safe human foods for cats to avoid emergency vet trips. Meat Cats cannot digest fibrous foods as easily as dogs. They are meat-eaters that derive protein from meat to maintain a healthy reproductive system, good vision, and strong heart. Cooked chicken, beef, turkey are some good options. Avoid meats with high sodium content as too much salt is toxic for cats. Whole grains Whole grains like oatmeal are a great source of vitamin B and energy for your feline companions. Cats tend to like smaller and coarser grains like cornmeal, millet, and couscous, but make sure all of these are properly cooked for easy digestion. You can also give them brown rice, barley, and wheatberries but mash them before serving. Bananas Bananas are rich in potassium and soluble fiber, making them a perfect snack for your cats. However, limit the intake as this fruit has high sugar content. Experts recommend that treats like bananas make not more than 10 percent of daily calorie intake. You can also feed them pumpkin, apples, pears, berries, watermelon, and pineapple in limited quantities. Fish Fish is present in a majority of commercial cat food for good reason. It contains necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that keep up your cat’s health. Make sure the fish is boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid any seasoning and food enhancers. Pick fresh-caught fish instead of the canned ones and remove all bones to prevent choking hazards.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.

One of the biggest concerns that trouble pet owners during summers are the flea and tick problem. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that help manage the infestation, it is always better to first explore homemade remedies made with ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some common preventive measures that include homemade sprays, topical remedies, and even general hygiene that can help keep such infestations at bay. Vinegar spray Vinegar is one of the more effective ingredients among other natural remedies for dog flea and tick control prevention. Fleas and ticks cannot survive the pH levels of apple cider vinegar and are eliminated upon contact. Use the diluted homemade spray once or twice a month to prevent infestations. You can also prepare a cider-based vinegar shampoo by mixing some soap into the solution. Give lather baths twice or thrice a month to control flea and tick infestation. Lemon wash and baths Citrus fruits work as a potent repellent to counter flea and tick infestations. And lemon juice is one of the common suggestions for a topical spray. You can cut some lemons and keep them immersed in boiling water overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use a simple spray applicator to spread the solution evenly over your pet’s coat. Cover the area under the fur, behind the ears, around the legs, and most importantly, all over the tail. If you prefer a lotion, simply mix some salt and dilute the lemons in boiling water. Apply this homemade lotion after shampooing and conditioning, and make sure you coat the fur properly. Essential oils Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent herbal flea and tick repellents. Once you are sure that your pet is not allergic to any of these oils, you can prepare a strong shampoo or topical spray to counter the infestation.

Being a pet parent brings its own joy and challenges. While you are privy to your dog’s moods and habits with a certain fondness, you are also responsible for cleaning them up after parasites enter your home riding on their backs. Getting rid of ticks and fleas then becomes the ultimate goal for various reasons. This article talks about some common human foods that help get rid of fleas and ticks. Lemon spray One of the easiest and mess-free ways of getting rid of ticks and fleas that enter your home is to treat them with a lemon spray. All you need to do is boil water with sliced lemon. Let the water sit overnight and cool down. Spray it on pet bedding, toys, home furnishings, and carpets. Note that you are supposed to dampen these things and not saturate them with the solution. Rosemary mix Rosemary is another effective human food that is effective in eliminating dog fleas. This herb acts as a natural flea repellent and can come in handy to prevent future infestations. All you need to do is finely grind rosemary along with rue, fennel, wormwood, and peppermint. Then, sprinkle the powder in small amounts around the house or onto your pet. However, ensure that they aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients. Baking soda One of the most effective home remedies to get rid of fleas on dogs is baking soda. Sprinkle a little baking soda on your furniture and carpet; you can use a hard brush to ensure the fleas that migrated from your dog’s coat are eliminated from the carpet fiber. Follow it up with vacuum cleaners, and you are flea-free. Salt Like baking soda, salt can also dehydrate the blood-sucking parasites that feed off of your lovely pets. However, with this natural remedy, you might want to let it rest for more than just a few hours.

Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction. Mix this thoroughly and transfer it into a spray bottle. Use this mixture generously on your pet’s fur. Spraying enough mixture on the coat will ensure that it gets absorbed into the skin. You can simply leave the mixture on till it dries out. Make sure your dog doesn’t lick it off. Use this as many times as needed every week. Keeping some natural remedies at home is a big relief as these DIY recipes can be used to take preventive measures against flea infestation.

If you’ve been looking for natural ways to repel and kill fleas on your dog, you might already know that lemon is a crucial ingredient. The citrus fruit contains a compound called limonene, which has insecticidal properties and can keep fleas away from your furry friend. One of the most popular ways to use lemon against fleas is a lemon spray. We’ve shared two simple recipes to make a lemon flea spray for your dog. Basic lemon flea spray For this recipe, all you need is water and lemons. Boil a pint of water in a pot and add around ten slices of lemon to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight for about 8 hours, and the solution will be ready! Remove the lemon slices and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat generously every day until they are flea-free. While spraying, avoid areas like your pet’s ears, genitals, and eyes. An excellent plus point of this lemon flea spray is that you can use it in all flea-infested areas in your home, such as your dog’s bed, your carpet, and your upholstery. Lemon flea spray with rosemary and sage This recipe is similar to the previous one, except you need to add two sprigs of rosemary and one sprig of garden sage while boiling the water. These plants contain compounds that can help repel fleas even more strongly when combined with lemon. Let the lemon slices, rosemary, and garden sage steep in water overnight. Once the solution is ready, strain it into a spray bottle and apply it to your dog’s coat while avoiding the sensitive areas. Some pet owners also make flea collars using lemon and rosemary solutions for their pets. The recipe is the same as above, except you need not use garden sage.