Celebrity Chef Christina Tosi’s Homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuit Recipe

Tis the season for everything pumpkin flavored. From lattes to pie and even candles, you can get whatever you want in the delicious scent or flavor. But did you ever think that perhaps your pup may enjoy the awesome taste of pumpkin? It’s on the list of the many veggies that dogs can eat, so why not?

Credit: Christina Tosi

Christina Tosi, dog lover and founder of  Milk Bar bakeries, made a now famous dog treat recipe using pumpkin puree and we’re going to share it with you!

In terms of dog treat recipes, this one rocks! Your pup is sure to thank you and they won’t last long. This recipe makes about a dozen, but you could double up and stockpile homemade cookies to reward them with. And you can easily switch up the flavor throughout the year by using a different type of puree; apple, pear, mashed peas, etc. Whatever your pooch loves!

What You’ll Need to Make This Pumpkin Biscuit Recipe

-2 dry cups of whole wheat flour. You can use white, but whole wheat is better for your dog’s digestive tract. Also, make sure to have a little extra on hand for rolling and dusting.

-Half a cup of pumpkin puree. You can use fresh pumpkin and blend it up in a food processor, or canned puree works just as well, too. It all depends on how much time you have!

-Quarter cup of chicken or beef broth. Again, you can go all the way and make broth from scratch to use in this recipe, or you can just buy the pre-made stuff at the store. Try and stick with the low sodium option.

-1 large beaten egg

-Quarter teaspoon of cinnamon.

How to Make it!

1) First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees (Fahrenheit)

2) Next, toss all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix until it forms a nice dough. You can use the aid of a mixer or just do it by hand, whichever you prefer.

3) Then, clean a large surface area on your countertop and then sprinkle it with flour. Roll out the dough until it’s spread and about half an inch thick.

4) Have some fun and cut the dough into shapes! A dog bone, hearts, or pumpkins would be great shapes to do and would bake evenly.

5) Finally, carefully move each cookie to a non-stick baking sheet (or use wax paper) and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. If you chose to go with a thicker, larger cookie, you may need to keep them in for another 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them.

Always let homemade treats cool down completely before feeding them to your dog to avoid burning their tongues and inside of mouths. Even though they’ll probably look at you with those big eyes with a puddle drool forming below. Don’t give in!

Credit: Christina Tosi

A helpful tip when making any kind of dough is to put the mixed bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes before working with it. That allows the ingredients to infuse better and gives the dough a great texture to work with. If you have any awesome homemade dog treat recipes to share, feel free to comment below!

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The Best Toys for Big Chewers

It’s no secret, dogs love to chew. But some breeds are worse than others and require something to constantly chew on. So, rather than risk them gnawing on your furniture or your favorite pair of shoes, invest in some quality dog toys that are best for big chewers. Here’s a few that are tried, tested, a proven to work great.

1) Kong Classic

Kong is one of the most trusted brands in dog toys, especially solid rubber ones for mega chewers. The Kong Classic is a bulbous red toy that’s sort of resembles a stubby snowman. The weird shape of the dog kong causes they toy to flop around awkwardly and dogs just love it. The best part of these is the fact that their almost solid rubber, aside from the hollow center that allows you to stuff a yummy treat inside. Do that and watch them go nuts!

2) NylaBone

I love this brand; they make the best nylon based chew toys for my bull dog. Normally, regular bones or toy bones are gone within minutes of her receiving them. But NylaBone makes a chew toy that’s built to last. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most have nifty little bumps and textures to make chewing even more fun for them. This one is even bacon flavored!

3) NylaBone for Puppies

Don’t forget the puppies, hey love to chew more than any of them! The problem with puppies is that they have small mouths and delicate little teeth. So, make sure to get them a special chew toy made just for them. Like this variety pack of NylaBone for puppies. These are some of the best puppy toys.

4) Rawhide

There’s a ton of misconceptions about rawhide for dogs. But you can wean out the bad from the good by making sure you buy quality products made from real ingredients. There are some brands on the market that use plastics and other less than stellar substances in their “rawhide”, but what you really want is 100% real cow or pig rawhide for you dog. These are great for chewing and are also a yummy treat that lasts longer than two seconds.

With big breeds, make sure to get them the large pieces, not the tiny ones they can choke on. Those are best reserved for small dogs like Shih Tzu and Chihuahua.

5) West Paw

West Paw makes great chew toys for all breeds, but what’s so great about them is that their toys float in water and they’re non-toxic and BPA free. These are little softer than that of the NylaBone type toys, but still just as durable. Most are solid rubber and come in cool colors like this Hurley in teal!

And there you have it! There’s tons of great dog toys on the market for big chewers, you just have to go through trial and error to see which one work best for your pup. I listed these because I have a big slobbery bulldog and she loves each of them. They work, last long, and keeps her away from my shoes.

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Homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuit Recipe

Tis the season for everything pumpkin flavored. From lattes to pie and even candles, you can get whatever you want in the delicious scent or flavor. But did you ever think that perhaps your pup may enjoy the awesome taste of pumpkin? It’s on the list of the many veggies that dogs can eat, so why not?

Christina Tosi, dog lover and founder of  Milk Bar bakeries, made a now famous dog treat recipe using pumpkin puree and we’re going to share it with you!

In terms of dog treat recipes, this one rocks! Your pup is sure to thank you and they won’t last long. This recipe makes about a dozen, but you could double up and stockpile homemade cookies to reward them with. And you can easily switch up the flavor throughout the year by using a different type of puree; apple, pear, mashed peas, etc. Whatever your pooch loves!

What You’ll Need to Make This Pumpkin Biscuit Recipe

-2 dry cups of whole wheat flour. You can use white, but whole wheat is better for your dog’s digestive tract. Also, make sure to have a little extra on hand for rolling and dusting.

-Half a cup of pumpkin puree. You can use fresh pumpkin and blend it up in a food processor, or canned puree works just as well, too. It all depends on how much time you have!

-Quarter cup of chicken or beef broth. Again, you can go all the way and make broth from scratch to use in this recipe, or you can just buy the pre-made stuff at the store. Try and stick with the low sodium option.

-1 large beaten egg

-Quarter teaspoon of cinnamon.

How to Make it!

1) First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees (Fahrenheit)

2) Next, toss all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix until it forms a nice dough. You can use the aid of a mixer or just do it by hand, whichever you prefer.

3) Then, clean a large surface area on your countertop and then sprinkle it with flour. Roll out the dough until it’s spread and about half an inch thick.

4) Have some fun and cut the dough into shapes! A dog bone, hearts, or pumpkins would be great shapes to do and would bake evenly.

5) Finally, carefully move each cookie to a non-stick baking sheet (or use wax paper) and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. If you chose to go with a thicker, larger cookie, you may need to keep them in for another 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them.

Always let homemade treats cool down completely before feeding them to your dog to avoid burning their tongues and inside of mouths. Even though they’ll probably look at you with those big eyes with a puddle drool forming below. Don’t give in!

A helpful tip when making any kind of dough is to put the mixed bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes before working with it. That allows the ingredients to infuse better and gives the dough a great texture to work with. If you have any awesome homemade dog treat recipes to share, feel free to comment below!

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What’s your spirit dog?

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How to Help your Cat Lose Weight

 

Historically, before the advent of commercial pet foods, cats were sleek, agile, athletic and active felines. In contrast, most of today’s cats are disturbingly overweight, and many are dangerously obese. Risk factors include diabetes, cancer, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), arthritis, low energy, and rectal contamination from the inability of the cat to clean itself.

When you place your palm against your cat’s rib cage, you should be able to feel ribs readily. If you cannot feel ribs even when you rub your fingers back and forth along the rib cage, your cat is likely over the weight limit.

There could be many reasons for your cat’s weight gain, but there are also many solutions to get your feline back in shape.

The first thing that you should do before trying to get your pet to exercise is to take them to the vet. If they are overly skinny or overweight they may have health issues, ranging from a simple cold to a thyroid condition. Your vet can fully assess your cat, as well as recommend the level of exercise they need based on their current weight, age, breed and general disposition.

After your cat is assessed it’s time for the exercise to begin. A good way to get your pet actively moving is to play with them regularly. Find your cat a good toy that they enjoy, and make them chase it. You can use a simple piece of string, a small ball, or even a laser pointer. It’s fun for the whole family, and a lot of good laughs to watch your cat move like a playful kitten again! Like humans, cats require daily exercise, so a good 15-20 minute exercise routine once or twice a day should produce great results. If you don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional in-home pet sitter to provide daily exercise instead.

Cats are very similar to humans and dogs in the way that they need to get fit over time. An unhealthy cat is not immediately going to be ready to have a hard workout, but instead needs to be eased into their exercise routine. Start with a small amount of exercise, and then over time ease them into a longer, more active routine.

Another important aspect of keeping your cat’s weight down is feeding them healthy food. Many cats gain weight from being overfed, or by eating foods that are high in carbohydrates. Look for high protein foods that are low in carbohydrates and contain natural or organic ingredients. Ideal cat foods are grain-free with no fillers, with no rendered meats, no animal or plant meals, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Also, be sure not to exceed the recommended daily amount of food your vet prescribes for your pet. Even those little snacks add up, so consider giving them a little love and affection instead. If your cats are normally permitted to go outdoors, you may need to keep them inside more often to reduce their time grazing at the neighbor’s or hunting for birds and rodents.

If you have more than one cat you may need to feed them separately, especially if one of your cats often tries to eat the other cat’s food. Try keeping the cats in separate feeding rooms, which should help greatly in solving your pet’s weight problem.

You may think that your kitty’s weight is not that big of a problem but, if you notice that your cat is getting a bit heavier, it is good to try and get them to lean sooner than later so that your cat can be healthy and live a long fruitful life.

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The Pros and Cons of Pet Adoption

If you’re looking to add a new pet to your family, it’s important to know the facts about where our pets come from. There are a variety of places to get a new pet, including shelters, breeders, friends, dog shows, or dog directories. All of these are viable options, but there are pros and cons to each avenue of adoption.

When adopting a pet from a shelter, you’re potentially saving an animal’s life. Many pets are euthanized each year because they can’t find homes, so giving them a home is both admirable and beneficial. Of course, there is a reason why these pets are now in shelters. They could have been put through some traumatic experiences, not wanted by their previous owner, or born without a home. There are many pets in shelters that can be temperamental, and many that are non-tempermental, but there are so many pets to choose from that finding one that you love and that you want to add to your family shouldn’t be difficult at all.

If you’re considering getting a pet from a breeder, the first thing you need to do is research your breeder. Some want to get a purebred dog, or a popular mixed breed. You just need to make sure that your breeder is treating their pets well. Also, be prepared to pay a fee for your pet, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There are a few telltale signs that your breeder may or may not be a breeder worth getting your new pet from. If the breeder’s home is clean, and the dogs are allowed room to play and interact with one another, that is a good sign. If the breeder is only dealing with one kind of dog, and only one litter at a time, then you know that the breeder is serious about their pet rearing. If the breeder is knowledgeable about their specific breed’s genetic disorder, and if they have treated the pets with the correct vaccinations, then you’ll know that they are responsible breeders.

Getting a new pet from your friends or family can also be a great solution. It’s easier than a breeder and probably cheaper as well. It’s also allows you to ask upfront questions and discuss what you will do with your pet with your friends or family than it would be with a random breeder. You can plan on who will take the pet to the vet to get their vaccination, and who will get your pet spayed or neutered. You’ll also know that the pet was not mistreated and will know how your puppy is doing every step of the way.

There are many factors in determining where you want to adopt your pet from. Remember to also think about how the pet will integrate into your household. Determine if someone in your family will be able to care for them daily, or if you will require the services of a professional dog walker or pet sitter. There is no right option as long as you do your research and find a pet that is perfect for you and your family.

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The Inconvenient Truth About Pet Boarding Facilities

When we think of staying at a nice hotel, it conjures up thoughts of a luxurious room with amenities, personal services and perhaps even delicious meals. Pet hotels, boarding and even kennel facilities know this and often connote these emotions in their consumer marketing to you – and many of us play right into it.

We have come to believe that private rooms for our dogs complete with TV’s at a pet hotel, or open running spaces with pools at a boarding facility, or companionship with other dogs at a kennel will be true paradise for them – ensuring Fido will be happy and blissful while we’re away from them. However, pets have very different senses and behavior characteristics than humans, and nothing could be further from the truth when they stay at these facilities.

Dog boarding, compared to at-home pet care, can actually be quite harmful to your pet. Dog boarding takes your pet out of their natural environment and places them into an unfamiliar environment that they have little to no time to get used to before you drop them off and leave them behind.

Also, by the very fact that you feed and walk your dog, you are most likely your pet’s pack leader. When your pet is left at a boarding facility they may feel displaced, confused and lonely. Many dogs experience stress when their normal routine is changed. Now consider the added stress when you change their environment and take away their trusted pack leader (you).

In these boarding facilities, hundreds of dogs before them have marked their spots, and this makes many of the newly checked in dogs feel unwelcome and uncomfortable in this environment. It’s also a common occurrence that some dogs will take the alpha role in boarding facilities and bully or cause physical harm to other dogs to show their dominance.

When dogs feel separation anxiety from their home and owner they often bark, and when so many dogs are barking at once your pooch can get even more stressed out. This anxiety can also lead to unwarranted aggression, housetraining regression, and social hyper-arousal. In many facilities, lack of exercise, unfamiliar smells, and a general lack of human contact can lead to a damaging experience for your pet.

Not only can your dog be emotionally harmed, they can also be physically affected. With so many dogs packed into one environment, ticks, fleas, as well as airborne diseases such as kennel cough and the rare canine influenza strain can afflict your canine companion.
With so many problems stemming from boarding your dog, an already expensive experience can lead to even more costly bills from your vet in treating your dog for physical afflictions sustained, stress related illnesses, as well as additional training to address any positive behaviors that may have been forgotten in their stressful boarding experience.

We started Fetch! Pet Care because we believe that pets should be able to maintain their normal routine in the safety and comfort of their own home environment through at-home dog walks and pet-sitting while their owners are away. We believe that dogs should receive two or three walks a day while their owners are away to keep them healthy, burn off excess energy, maintain socialization with other dogs and their surrounding environment, and to get one-on-one focused attention and loving care from a professional care giver. At home care promotes healthy, happy, and balanced pets. It also enables owners to know that their dogs will feel safe and comfortable while staying in their own home and maintaining their own routine. So, the next time you see some great marketing for a local boarding facility, think twice before jumping quickly to believe your pet will have the same great experience as you. Ask yourself what your pet would really like, not what you want, and you will likely make a pet care decision that will lead to greater happiness and well-being for them and true peace of mind for you.

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Helping Your Pet Lose Weight

Helping your pet to lose weight can sometimes be a challenging task, especially if you or your pet has bad eating or exercising habits. Over half of the pets in America are classified as overweight, and solving this dilemma can seem out of our reach sometimes.

But not addressing the issue is dangerous to pets, and more time consuming and costly to pet owners in the long run. Overweight pets have an increased incidence of fatigue, arthritis, torn ligaments, spinal disc problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and reduced liver function, just to name a few.

A great indicator of whether your pet is overweight is to feel their ribcage, although this does vary somewhat for each dog and cat breed. If you can feel your pets ribs that’s a good sign, but if the ribs are very pronounced that could mean that your pet is underweight. If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs that means they are most likely overweight.

No matter what the problem, it’s much better to see a professional then to try diagnosing the problem yourself. Your local vet can help you come up with a new plan for helping your pet lose weight, and can also tell you, depending on the age and breed of your pet, a good target weight. It’s also a good idea to always consult your vet before you change your pet’s exercise routine.

There are a few good tips to get you started on helping your pet to slim up. One easy way to prevent your pet from gaining, or to help your pet lose weight is to switch to a healthy weight management food. Make sure that the food that you are buying has lots of healthy, natural ingredients in it, typically marketed as premium or organic pet food. Avoid foods with fillers, additives and preservatives. Healthy pet foods may be more expensive, but they provide your pet with the energy and nutrition that they need and deserve.

Another easy way to help your pet lose a few pounds is to cut back on treats, or eliminate them altogether. Although it is nice to reward your dog or cat with a treat from time to time, many treats can be detrimental to your pet’s health. You could also switch over to a healthier premium or organic pet treat, or a different non-food reward system altogether.

The most important thing for your pet when you’re trying to help them lose weight is daily exercise. If you have a dog, try to walk them at least three times a day, or hire a professional dogwalker to take over if you simply don’t have the time. Regular leashed walks at a fast pace, or off-leash play at the local dog park, will help your dog to burn off those extra calories and excess energy. The key thing is to set a routine to get daily dog exercise for your pooch.

If you have a cat, try to get them out of the house regularly if they are an indoor/outdoor cat. If they are indoor only cats, a cat toy, a simple piece of string, or a laser pointer should get them up and moving. Two to three times a day of active play for 5-10 minutes should give cats the exercise they need. If you don’t have time to do this, hiring a professional pet sitter may be a great option. A simpler way to deal with your pet’s weight problem is to think about it like it was your own. A pet gets healthy just like a human does. If you help your pet eat healthier foods, and ensure a good exercise routine your pet will be fit and in tip top shape in no time.

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