Your Pets Daily - Dog treats

Dog-safe recipes for the pawfect afternoon treat

Tom Stone — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The afternoon tea is a British staple that many of us enjoy. It's delicious, dainty, and is perfect both for celebrations and simply enjoying it 'just because'. So why not let your furry friend in on the fun and create a dog-friendly version as well? Not only is this a great way to treat your pet, but it's surprisingly easy to make a version which is suitable for dogs. You and your family can even enjoy a traditional afternoon tea of your own alongside your pet at the same time.

Looking for some inspiration for making the perfect afternoon tea for your furry friend? Pet experts at Bob Martin share their tips and advice on what to include (or not include!). Your pet's health should be your number one priority, so it's good to know which ingredients are safe for your dog and which ones aren't.

Dog-friendly sandwiches

You can't have a classic afternoon tea without a plate of traditional, dainty finger sandwiches. However, to keep this special treat as safe and healthy as possible, it's best to make some dog-friendly, bread-free versions. Dogs can only tolerate a very small amount of plain bread, and some flavoured loaves with seeds or herbs like chives, garlic, and onions can actually be toxic. So, to create a lighter, safer meal for your pooch, try making a plate of lettuce wraps instead and pack them with delicious fillings.

When it comes to fillings, there are a wide variety of dog-friendly options to choose from including vegetables, lean meats, and small amounts of cheese. Here's some tasty flavour combinations for both owners and their dogs to give you some inspiration:

Cucumber sandwiches with a very light layer of cream cheese
Xylitol free peanut butter and apple sandwiches (make sure to check there are no apple seeds, as these are toxic for dogs)
Turkey sandwiches
Ham and a cheese that's lower in fat, like mozzarella or cottage cheese

Savoury treats

As well as the sandwiches, it's common to add another savoury treat to afternoon teas, usually in the form of cheese scones. While your dog can have a very small nibble of a cheese scone, a full one will be far too much for them. This is especially the case if you're adding a small amount of cheese to your dog's sandwich too. So, for the savoury treat, you may want to steer clear of dairy and opt for something smaller instead.

While you're enjoying a cheese scone, your pet can enjoy one or two homemade biscuits made especially for their delicate stomachs. You can easily make a dog-friendly biscuit with just three ingredients: 150g of whole wheat flour, 120ml of lean meat stock (like chicken or turkey), and two tablespoons of oil. Mix these ingredients together until you can easily roll the mixture out, then put the mixture on a floured surface and roll it until the dough is about a quarter of an inch thick. Then simply cut it up into a dozen pieces, pop the biscuits on grease-proof paper on a baking tray, and bake at 175°C for 20 minutes.

The cake

The highlight for many when it comes to afternoon tea is the delicious desserts. However, most of the time our dogs don't get to enjoy sweet treats like cakes. So, for this special occasion, treat them to a tasty dog-friendly cake of their own. Like the savoury treats, you only need three ingredients for this cake so even if you're short on time, you can easily whip one up in a hurry.

Simply mix up 60g of xylitol free peanut butter, three eggs, and 45g of oat flour until the mixture is smooth — you can make your own oat flour by simply blending the oats. Then pour the mixture into a small cake tin and bake at 190°C for 15 minutes. Once you've taken it out and left the cake to cool, drizzle a teaspoon of honey over it to add a little sweetness.

It's important to note that you should portion out this cake for your pet to enjoy over at least two or three days, and even longer for smaller dogs. Paired with their entire afternoon tea, a whole cake would be far too much even though it may look small. Split the cake up into sixths and give your pet a small bit at a time to see how they get on.

The drink

Complement your furry friend's tasty afternoon tea with the perfect drink. While it's a good idea to give them their water bowl alongside the meal, why not give them something fun as a treat too? It can be difficult to find tasty drinks for dogs which are safe for them as well. Some types of fruit juice can be okay, but only in tiny amounts. Dogs can also enjoy milk in moderation, but if your pet is having cheese in their sandwiches, it's best to avoid this as too much dairy can cause stomach upset in dogs.

One flavourful drink which is completely safe for dogs is coconut water. As well as being a whole new taste for your pup, it's also hydrating, refreshing, and contains some important vitamins too. You can even enjoy a glass yourself for a refreshing way to round off your meal!

"Whether you're planning an afternoon tea and you want your pet to join in, or you want to spoil them with an extra special treat, the good news is that recreating a dog-friendly experience is actually pretty simple!

"Just like with us humans, the main thing to remember when giving our dogs treats is to do so in moderation. Only give them treats like this every so often, as doing so regularly can have negative impacts on both their short and long-term health. That said, if you regularly exercise your dog and provide them with a balanced nutrient-rich diet, then there's no reason they can't enjoy the occasional afternoon tea with you." - Chris Socratous, Senior Brand Manager at Bob Martin

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Dog treats

Dog-owning Brits are giving their dogs dangerous treats, new survey reveals

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Dog-owning Brits are treating their dogs to potentially life-threatening and dangerous chews, a new survey by Pooch Snax, a natural pig ear shaped dog chew brand has revealed.

Although a whopping 97% of British dog owners believe they are aware or very aware of what treats are safe to feed their dog, nearly a quarter (23%) admitted to treating their dog to cooked beef bones and cooked chicken bones (18%) both are considered serious choking hazards.

Whilst nearly a third of dog owners (31%) said they choose natural meat treats for their dogs 'most of the time' that they believed were safe to chew (69%), the survey, also exposed that nearly 1 in 4 (23%) regularly treat their dog to rawhide - a product that that also can cause choking if eaten in large chunks or swallowed whole.

Rory the Vet (Rory Cowlam) who is a British veterinary surgeon and vet on CBBC's The Pets Factor commented: "As a dog owner as well as a vet, I know how important it is to treat your pet to build that amazing bond, but as these shocking results show a large proportion of people are still feeding dangerous treats to their dogs!

"Dog owners need to stop feeding cooked bones - particularly chicken as these will often splinter and become very sharp leading to a risk of gut perforation and very serious issues! I generally avoid raw hide too - it's really tricky to digest and can cause both gut and tooth issues."

The results also showed that in addition to giving potentially unsafe treats to our canine companions, our doggie friends are also chewing on perilous household objects.

Over a third of Brits (36%) revealed their dog has chewed on slippers or shoes, whilst 1 in 4 (25%) said their kid's toys had also received a chomped fate.

Chewing household or everyday objects also has consequences the survey discovered. Over 1 in 4 (27%) dog owners said that this caused their dog to be sick, with 1 in 5 (20%) also admitting, chewing on everyday objects resulted in a trip to the vets.

Rory the Vet continued: "Having been in clinic practice for seven years, I've regularly witnessed issues from dogs eating clothes, sofas, balls and all other sorts of things from around the house! Everyday items can be toxic to dogs so it's incredibly important to be careful when leaving your dog around potentially harmful items."

The top 10 most common items dogs have chewed are

1. Tennis balls 43%

2. Sticks 37%

3. Shoes/slippers (36%)

4. Socks (33%)

5. Kids toys (25%)

6. Toilet rolls (24%)

7. Drinking/water bottles (21%)

8. Cushions (20%)

9. Sofa (18%)

10. Plants (17%)

A spokesperson for Pooch Snax said: "Treats, as part of an overall nutritious diet are a great way to bond with your dog. They can help to keep teeth and gums healthy and provide a way to express normal chewing behaviour. However, it's important that we give our dogs the right kind of treats to avoid unnecessary chewcastrophes!

"It's why we are proud to launch our new natural and safe dog treat – Porky Ears – that brings something a bit different to the dog treat market. Shaped like ears and produced from 100% British pork, Porky Ears are a natural, healthy and easily digestible treat for your dog to enjoy. Full of protein, they also act as a toothbrush."

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Dog treats

dog health

Dog welfare

8 Ways to Spoil Your Dog This Christmas Without Breaking the Bank!

Jessica Curtis — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:00:00 +0000

With the festive season just around the corner, many pet owners love the opportunity to spoil their dogs just as much as the rest of the family.

In fact, a recent study revealed that dog owners around the UK are planning to spend an average of £55.72 on Christmas gifts for their furry friends this year, totalling a whopping £3 billion across the UK.

But with many pinching their pennies this time of year, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the team at tails.com, have rounded up eight ways you can still spoil your dog this Christmas, without breaking the bank:

1. Bake a dog-friendly tasty treat

If you're considering treating your dog this Christmas, why not bake a homemade festive treat using ingredients you already have in your cupboards? Sadly, most of the delicious goodies we indulge in over the festive season aren't suitable for dogs.

However, with just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a batch of delicious Apple and Gingerbread Biscuits that are completely dog-friendly. If you're looking to do something extra special this Christmas for your four-legged friend you can't go wrong with baking.

2. Plan a festive walk

Christmas is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for a walk in the crisp winter air with your furry friend in tow. Whether you're looking for a beach to blow the cobwebs out, or a woodland area to discover creatures and nature that come to life in winter, your dog will love a festive walk this Christmas. This time of year is truly breathtaking!

Be extra cautious when walking your dog during autumn and winter, as the cold temperatures, and dark nights can pose a threat to you and your beloved pet.

3. Snuggle down for a movie marathon

If the weather has taken a turn for the worse, a movie night with your four-legged friend is a great way to celebrate the festive season. Grab your dog's favourite toy, blankets and perhaps some special treats so they can snuggle down with you to watch a film.

To make it extra special for your dog, put on a movie that your furry friend is guaranteed to love, like Santa Paws, Secret Life of Pets or 101 Dalmatians.

4. Prepare a dog-friendly dinner

There's nothing better than sitting down to enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings - and we're not the only ones who love this festive tradition. There are plenty of delicious festive foods that our four-legged friends can enjoy safely.

But while we tuck into our delicious turkey dinners and selection boxes, it's important to remind ourselves that not every Christmas treat is designed to be suitable for our dogs. Some human treats can cause digestive upset in our canine companions, like chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, onions, garlic, nuts, leeks, meat skin and bones.

5. A trip to the Christmas markets

The UK's Christmas markets have officially opened for 2023, filling cities with the sound of Christmas music and the smell of delicious festive food and drinks. Some of the best markets are dog-friendly, so treat yourself to a weekend of festive fun with your dog by your side.

Remember that the Christmas markets can get crowded, so it's important to keep your dog safe. Avoid the markets during the busier periods, keep them close to you and be careful when walking around that they don't eat anything dangerous from the floor.

6. Spend time together

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially for our pups. From holiday parties to Christmas shopping and visits to see family, you may find yourself out of the house and away from your pet more than usual.

One way to ensure your dog has a great Christmas is to spend one-on-one time with them - block out time in your busy festive calendar to be at home with your furry friend.

7. Do something extra special

Why not treat your canine companion with their very own gift that's bursting with fun and flavour? Make their day extra special by finding them the ultimate gift to match their personality, from personalised treats to toys or a cosy new bed.

The Jack Brussel Sprout toy from tails.com's 2023 Christmas Range will also provide hours of fun this Christmas!

8. Take a stroll on the beach

At this time of year, most UK beaches have lifted the restrictions for dogs, meaning you can head down to your favourite spot, or travel a little further to a new destination for a stroll along the seafront. The beach provides plenty of opportunities to chase after balls, splash in the water or take a relaxing walk across the sand.

It's important to be extra cautious when taking your dog to the beach during winter as the water will be much colder than usual, so keep your dog on a long lead.

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GBBO: Create a Showstopper with this Dog-friendly Doughnut Recipe

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:59:45 +0000

The Great British Bake Off is back tomorrow evening. From Hollywood handshakes to stunning showstoppers, and soggy bottoms the nation can't wait to get baking again.

Whether they're glazed, jam-filled, or piping hot at the funfair, we all love doughnuts. These deep-fried treats are best left to the humans – all that saturated fat and sugar (as delicious as it might be) means doughnuts don't make a very dog-friendly snack.

The good news is: we don't want our dogs to miss out on all the fun, and that's where the tails.com delicious doggy doughnut recipe comes in. These dog-friendly doughnuts will go down a storm with your (very trustworthy) taste testers. Using almond flour, eggs, a little coconut oil, and some xylitol-free peanut butter, this recipe is the perfect afternoon treat!

Please find the recipe attacked below. If used a link must be provided to https://tails.com/

Dog-friendly doughnut recipe

Servings

4 large doughnuts – each doughnut is approximately 250kcal, so we'd recommend cutting them into smaller pieces to keep tummies trim!

What you'll need

For the doughnuts:

135g almond flour (you could also use coconut flour or wholemeal flour if your dog tolerates wheat)
2 eggs
1 tsp coconut oil
1 heaped tsp xylitol-free peanut butter

For the icing:

2 tbsp coconut yoghurt (goat milk yoghurt or kefir is also fine)
1 tsp cornflour

For the decoration:

Their favourite treats!

Tools:

Bowl
Non-stick doughnut baking tray

Method

Preheat your oven to 180°C
Add the flour, egg, coconut oil, and peanut butter to a mixing bowl and stir until combined
In a separate bowl, mix together the yoghurt and cornflour until smooth
Lightly grease your baking tray with coconut oil and fill with your mixture
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown
Allow to cool, then remove the doughnuts from the tray
Use your yoghurt icing to top the doughnuts and decorate with your dog's favourite treats – we used our Hand-baked Duck Treats and Good Dog Treats!

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days – or freeze and use within 3 months.

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Dogs

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Dog Doughnut Recipe

Dog treats

homemade dog treats

Dog treats, what you need to know.

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:11:22 +0000

There are many reasons why we give our dogs treats. We might toss one or two at them when they respond to training, when they’re on their best behavior, or just because of their cute looks. Whatever the reason, you’ll find that your pet immediately gets into a jolly mood after chewing on its treat. They simply love them. When it comes to dog snacks, owners have to know a thing or two about them to know which to give their dog and why, as there are several types of several types of dog treats.

Types of dog treats

They come in a fairly wide variety. Let’s go through them to see which fits both you and your dog’s needs.

Crunchy treats

These are hard and crunchy and come in different flavours, shapes, and sizes. They have a very low percentage of moisture with most being between 10 and 20 per cent. As they're crunchy they can take a while to eat. Coming in different sizes, you have the luxury of choosing that which best suits the size of your dog. They are great for rewards after training, so make sure your pooch has earned it before releasing it.

Soft treats

These have a higher moisture composition than crunchy treats with many of them having up to 20 per cent moisture composition. They also come in a wide assortment of flavours, shapes, and sizes, and make excellent training rewards because of their soft, chewy texture.

Freezer-dried treats

When made properly, these can give a very similar taste to human food and are often quite appetizing to dogs. Unlike the chewy type that contains additives, freezer-dried dog snacks are much healthier being 100 per cent protein. They are mostly dehydrated meat, but fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, apples, and sweet potatoes can also be made into dehydrated treats. Click here to learn more about the benefits of dehydrated dog treats.

Dental or long-lasting chews

These take time to be consumed just like dog-bones. In fact, because of the incredible amount of time dogs chew on them, experts believe they are great for canine dental care. They are made from digestible materials and contain no preservatives, making them very safe.

However, make sure they aren’t too hard so your pet doesn’t sustain any dental injuries. One way to be sure is banging it on your knee. If it hurts, then it is too hard and you might want to choose a different one.

Animal parts

You would think these would be a healthier and more appetizing for dogs, but it isn’t the case. Animal parts, like raw hide and pig skin, are known to contain fat and high calories that can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal problems.

These animals hides are often treated with chemicals that could cause health issues for dogs. Raw hides also pose choking hazards as they have severe digestibility issues. Pigs ears have also been found to contain harmful bacteria, like salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, stooling, vomiting, and pains.

Bones and hooves are other animal parts that are often given to dogs. Generally, they are never recommended as they cause more harm than good. Because they are very hard, they may cause teeth to break or chip around the edges. Aside from the dental damage they can cause to your dog's teeth, they are also capable of causing gastrointestinal problems and bowel blockage. A better alternative to these are dental chews which are hard, but safer.

Human food

Human food can be good or bad depending on what you give to your pet. Generally, owners are advised to avoid giving the following foods to their dog: cheese, crackers, hot dogs, grapes and raisins, chocolates, onions as the majority of them are dangerous or toxic. Human food which is safe for dogs to eat includes, but is not limited to: lean meat, carrots, apples, and fresh seafood. Visit https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-foods-fatal-to-dogs to find out more about human foods that are harmful to dogs.

Reasons for giving dog treats

1. For training

Treats help immensely when training dogs. The idea is psychological because dogs pick up on the fact that if they get certain behaviors and commands right, a tantalizing treat WILL be earned. When they establish this fact, they are more likely to repeat those behaviours to get more delicious treats.

2. To keep pets pre-occupied

When you’re busy with work around the house and want to stop your pet from distracting you, treats can work wonders. Long-lasting chews that take a long while to consume and will keep your dog's paws and mouth busy long enough for you to get your work done.

3. For mental stimulation

Having a dog is lovely, however, having an intelligent dog is the real deal. Intelligent dogs are easier to train and control, the latter being especially important in public places. With treats, you can motivate your pet to participate in mental games and puzzles that boost mental growth and alertness.

4. For dental care:

As mentioned earlier, dental or long-lasting treats help in dental care. When dogs chew on them for extended periods, they get rid of plague and tartar that build up on their teeth.

Conclusion

Treats are great for dogs when they are the right ones. When you're shopping for treats, you should take note of the following:

Ingredient list - the fewer the better
Natural preservatives
Quality seals like that of the Association of Feed Control Officials and similar government-approved institutions
Sweeteners- ensure they are natural sweeteners.

On a final note, when it comes to dog snacks, quality is everything!

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Dogs

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Dog treats

Training treats

Dog advice