Dogs and cats are some of our dearest and most beloved companions. As their owners and their friends, we strive to keep them happy and healthy as long as we can so that we may enjoy their companionship. It has been frequently shown that having a dog or cat is also good for your mental well-being.
As such, our pets deserve the best items we can provide; and nothing is better for them than to provide them with unique, homemade, or one-of-a-kind items as expressions of our love for them and to keep your beloved animals in good health.
Homemade Treats
As people, we should be careful about what food we put in our bodies, which is no different for pets. Most commercial dog treats are highly processed and mass-produced and are no better for dogs than our highly-processed snack foods. On the other hand – or perhaps on the other paw – homemade treats are carefully made to be delicious for your dogs and give specific health benefits.
Biltong is perfect for dogs as it is rich in protein and low in fat. The traditional spices used to preserve biltong also use more familiar ingredients such as salt, pepper, vinegar, coriander, and paprika – as opposed to more manufactured and unnatural preservatives. Finally, biltong is high in Vitamin B12, a key component in intestinal health and in replacing and maintaining blood and nerve cells. For a delicious biltong snack for your pooch, check out these Cheddar Cheese & Biltong Pet Treats:
Beetroot is another great diet choice for dogs. It provides vitamin C, fibre, manganese and potassium. All of these contribute to keeping a dog’s immune system healthy and its digestion system efficient. Beetroot is also beneficial in much the same way for cats. Of course, feeding a whole beetroot to your dog or cat may be challenging, but fortunately, there are options like this Peanut Butter Beetroot Treat:
Butternut is another superfood for dogs. Containing vitamins A, C, B6 and more again helps maintain and strengthen the immune system – but also helps keep vision sharp and the cardiovascular system healthy. Have a look at these Butternut & Bacon Pet Treats for another delicious and healthy snack option for your dog:
Chamomile can serve as a relaxant for dogs. Rooibos is rich in vitamin C and is a source of cancer-fighting nutrients. Combined in these Cheese, Rooibos & Chamomile Pet Treats, they provide an ideal snack for both excitable puppies and older dogs:
Carbohydrates are as good for dogs as people. Still, you need to be careful which carbohydrates pets, as most human sources of carbohydrates are pretty processed and not ideal for canine digestion. Oats are a grain that dogs are not sensitive to and also provide vitamin B, which can maintain a healthy coat for your furry friend. Here are some Peanut Butter Oat Treats to try:
It should be noted that while all these treats are healthy options, they should not be the only thing your dog eats. But they are extremely useful as healthy options for training or just when you feel like giving your beloved hound a tasty snack.
Rest and Relaxation
Moving away from things for your pets to eat, let’s look at some homemade products for them to sleep on and play with. Using more natural materials for beds and toys is preferable for health and sustainability. Plus, your pet gets a truly unique gift for themselves.
Cats, in particular, are known to like sleeping off the floor, preferably somewhere they can curl up out of the way. When placed next to a window, this Macramé Cat Hammock is an ideal place for your feline friend to relax and appreciate a good view and a sunbeam:
Cats so love catnip that it is quite literally in the name. Catnip toys are almost always an ideal purchase for your favourite feline. For a delightful cat toy stuffed with catnip, check out Lewis’s Fugly Friend:
As winter approaches, treat your pets with a thick, comfortable blanket just for them. These Luxury Pet blankets may be aimed at dogs, but anybody who owns a cat knows that it is bound to attract them as well:
See more handmade pet goodness on Moksi.
