Pet-safe Thanksgiving recipes are wonderful opportunities to include your companion animal in the family celebration. Work with the items that you already have on hand to create a delicious treat that is probably healthier – and cheaper – than what you might find at the store. Besides, you know that you want the pet to be included in Thanksgiving; store-bought simply will not work here.
Dried Cranberries for the Pet Chinchilla
Purdue University explains that dried fruits are great treats for your pet chinchilla. Since cranberries are already making an appearance on your Thanksgiving dinner table, why not dry a few of them for your pet? Pick the biggest cranberries you can find and thoroughly wash them. Blanch them in boiling water so their skins burst. Next, dry the cranberries on lint-free paper towels and place them in a dehydrator. If you do not have one, heat them in a 150-degrees-Fahrenheit oven for six to eight hours. Do this a day ahead of the big feast so that the pet can join in on the festive eating.
Lean Turkey Meat or Blanched Green Beans for the Canine Companion
Even if your dog has heart disease or shows signs of obesity, it is okay to feed skinless white turkey meat in small quantities. Tufts University experts are clear in their warning against feeding meat trimmings, which are usually saturated with salt, fat and onion products. Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For the overweight beggar, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Colorado State University recommends raw green beans as a no-calorie snack. If they do not hold a lot of appeal, briefly blanch them in hot water.
Turkey Soup for the Ferret
The Internet is afire with duck soup recipes for ferrets. Of course, if you are a traditionalist who simply cannot see serving a bird other than turkey for the holiday, then Susan’s ferret soup recipe on Patrice Daley’s Facebook page is the way to go. It is a heady mix calling for a blender and softened ferret kibble, canned pure pumpkin, turkey baby food, canned turkey au juis, duck soup mix, pure water and ferret nutritional supplements. Serve slightly warmed. Chill leftovers.
Since family members and guests tend to frown on having the pet fed from the table – unless they have fur babies of their own – it is a good idea to prepare the snacks ahead of time and store them in a special bowl for the animal.
