food & treats haemolytic anaemia. This means absolutely no stuffing, onion gravy, or seasoned roast veggies for Rufus!
Lastly, a crucial safety rule regarding the protein dish is to avoid all cooked bones. Unlike raw bones, cooked ones become brittle and can easily shatter into sharp fragments when chewed. These splinters pose a serious risk, capable of causing major internal injuries to the throat and digestive tract.
Don’ t forget the sides
Just as humans are encouraged to“ eat the rainbow”, a colourful array of vegetables can be a healthy treat for your dog. While crispy roast potatoes are off-limits, a boiled or steamed potato is fine in moderation, but baked or steamed sweet potato is even better. Besides its impressive nutrient profile, sweet potato has a high fibre content that aids digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels. Potatoes can represent the carbohydrate portion of your dog’ s Easter meal, but you can also include grains like rice or oats.
For greens, steamed broccoli is an excellent choice, but be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces to avoid a choking hazard. Green peas are another good option, as they provide a source of protein and fibre. Finally, add the sunny side of the rainbow: carrots( served cooked or raw), steamed butternut or pumpkin. Pumpkin is particularly beneficial for a dog’ s digestive system and can help regulate their bowels. Cooking vegetables makes them easier to digest and helps your dog absorb more nutrients.
And for dessert …
Human Easter treats like chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, or rich cakes are strictly forbidden. They often contain ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, xylitol, and alcohol, in addition to high levels of fat and sugar. A much safer option is a small, simple fruit salad. Dog-safe fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and small pieces of apple( with the core and seeds removed) make a wonderful sweet treat. Remember that fruit contains natural sugars, so portions should be small, following the general rule that treats should make up
Happy Howli-day’ Easter Feast
This recipe is designed as a special treat for a festive occasion and is not intended to replace your dog’ s regular balanced diet. Be sure to introduce new foods slowly and remember to avoid any seasoning.
Makes: 1kg
INGREDIENTS:
• 500g ostrich steak / trimmings
• 250g sweet potato
• 125g broccoli
• 125g cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon premium quality olive oil
Daily portion size guide
no more than 10 % of your dog’ s daily caloric intake.
Putting together a special Easter plate for your dog is a wonderful way to include them in the family celebrations. While this guide helps you prepare a safe and delicious celebratory meal, it’ s important to remember that this is a special treat. If you cook for your dog on a regular basis, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian or a qualified canine nutritionist to ensure their diet is complete and balanced for their long-term health and happiness.
METHOD
1. Cut the ostrich, sweet potato, and broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Gently steam the ostrich steak until cooked through( but watch out not to overcook it as it toughens up fast). In a separate pot, steam the vegetables until tender. Do not add any salt or seasoning to any ingredient.
3. Allow all cooked ingredients to cool completely.
4. Gently mix the ostrich, vegetables, rice, and olive oil in a large bowl.
5. Portion out the meal according to the serving guide.
This table provides approximate daily portion sizes for a moderately active adult dog. Remember that individual needs can vary based on age, breed, and activity level. It’ s always best to consult your veterinarian for personalised feeding advice.
Dog’ s eight( kg) |
Daily portion( grams) |
1-5kg |
150 – 200g |
6-10kg 11-25kg 26-45kg 46-60kg
300 – 450g 450 – 750g 750 – 1 400g 1 500 – 1 860g www. petpals. co. za 35