November is a wonderful time of year for your family and your pet! At American Grooming Academy we want you and your pet safe all holiday season! Check out our tips and tricks this month!

Avoid a Turkey Tragedy!

There are many foods to avoid this holiday season to avoid “winter” weight and that goes for your pooch as well. Turkey skin, although a favorite for some folks, is very unhealthy for your pet. Usually basted in mounds of butter and heavily seasoned with spices not only can turkey skin make your pet ill, it can be hard to digest resulting in the holiday runs. Turkey meat however, only breast meat, can be a wonderful lean snack or treat for your pet, so enjoy and impress your guests with all your babies newest tricks!

Potatoes? YES PLEASE

Potatoes themselves are wonderful fillers for your pets, but be aware of any additions that we as humans need. Remember onions, leeks, chives and sour cream can  make your friend sick so stick with the potatoes that are bland! Sweet potatoes and yams can also be given to your furry friend as a thanksgiving dinner but hold the marshmallows!

Cranberry……It looks like the can!

Cranberry is great for your pets, but only in small servings because the sugar content. For our diabetic pets this should be left off the menu!

Green Bean casserole is everyones favorite.

Green beans are great for your pets……plain. leave the casserole part out of their thanksgiving this year and stick with the healthy green bean snack!

Let’s Get to Dessert Already…

Pumpkin is great for dogs, right out of the can or out of the pumpkin itself. Pumpkin pie if made at home should contain no artificial sweeteners. If it does its best if fido doesn’t have any. If your homemade pumpkin pie is made with natural sugar, fix your pooch a small slice and enjoy the happy stuffed belly syndrome! You and your pet will be napping in no time!

Making something special for your pet? Here is an AGA approved recipe for a great holiday treat!

Sweet Potato Dog Chews

This super-simple chewy dog treat is packed full of vitamins!

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 organic sweet potatoes

Directions:

• Thoroughly wash and peel sweet potatoes. Slice the sweet potato into ¼-inch slices. You can also cut down the middle lengthwise and slice into ¼-inch strips.
• Dehydrate at the highest setting—145 to 155 degrees—until done, about 6 to 8 hours for a chewy texture.
• For crunchier treats, dehydrate longer until they have the consistency you like.

 

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

A perfect protein-packed snack your dog absolutely will not refuse!

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups water
• ½ cup oil
• 3 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup oats
• ¼ cup Honey Crunch Wheat Germ

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, oats, and wheat germ. Stir in oil, peanut butter, vanilla, and water.
• Knead till smooth, adding more flour or water as needed. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
• Shape into bars or cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter or any cutter shape your pet will enjoy.
• Dehydrate at the highest setting—145 to 155 degrees—until done, about 6 to 8 hours.
• These treats should be very dry, so add time as necessary.