By Brianna Hansen
I’m not sure if it’s because I skipped breakfast or because I just finished making the food selections for Humane Animal Partners’ Brunch in the Ballroom on November 8, but I cannot stop thinking about food! So, let’s focus this month’s column on just that!
We all know that hopeful face that appears the second you sit down with something delicious … The one that says, “Surely that sandwich is for both of us.” Good news: sometimes, sharing is perfectly fine! Plenty of human foods can make perfectly healthy treats for our pets, provided we skip the seasonings, watch the portions, and know what’s safe.
For dogs, start in the produce aisle. Crunchy carrots, cucumber, celery, green beans, zucchini, and bell peppers (without their seeds) can all be dog-friendly snacks. Broccoli and cauliflower are fine in small amounts too, though too much can cause an impressively stinky afternoon. Plain cooked sweet potato and pumpkin (not pie filling!) are additional favorites, but again, watch the portions or they might make a rather speedy exit out the other end!
Sweet tooth? Offer a few blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, or a slice of banana, apple, or pear (without cores or seeds). Seedless watermelon (no rind!), deseeded cantaloupe, and peeled, cored pineapple can also make refreshing rewards.
But the menu doesn’t end at fruits and vegetables. Dogs can enjoy small bites of plain, fully cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef, eggs, or boneless fish. A little cooked rice or oatmeal works, too. But skip the seasoning, butter, sauces, and surprise ingredients to keep your pet safe.
Cat parents, I haven’t forgotten you. Felines are obligate carnivores, so animal protein is the top priority. Though if your cat is anything like mine, it just may try to steal your fruits and veggies too! Everything we listed above is safe in small amounts, but cook those crunchy vegetables to soften and avoid choking.
Of course, “safe” doesn’t mean unlimited. Introduce new foods gradually and keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories. It’s snack time, not second breakfast. Special diets? Ask your veterinarian.
Now, back to why I’m so hungry … On Sunday, November 8, join HAP in the Gold Ballroom of Wilmington’s Hotel du Pont for Brunch in the Ballroom, where your dog can actually be your date! Enjoy brunch, cocktails, entertainment, auctions, and more while your canine cutie samples a pup charcuterie board stocked with dog treats and safe people-food favorites!
How often can you dress up, spoil your dog, and support homeless animals in need in one delicious fell swoop? Grab tickets at HumaneAnimalPartners.org. Your pup deserves a little luxury, too!
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
