Making Treats For Dogs! Why Do We Do It?

Why would anyone want to cook anything for her dogs? There are a million kinds of prepared dog foods and a billion kinds of boxed and bagged treats, and most dogs are happy to eat anything. There seems to be absolutely no reason to make something home-cooked for your dog. Weeeellllll, I like to cook for my family, and my dogs are my family, so I cook for them! You don't have to cook every meal for your dogs, but it can be really fun to make treats, and fun isn't the only good reason to be in the kitchen for your dogs.

Allergies. Just like humans, dogs can have indoor and outdoor and food allergies. It is super super hard to pinpoint any allergy, and food allergies are particularly difficult, especially when the allergy isn't an allergy but an intolerance or a sensitivity. Regardless, there are some breeds of dog that are more prone to food allergies than others. They are: Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Retrievers, SharPei, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier, other kinds of Terriers, Beagle, Pug...just about every dog owner can share a story of allergens.

Luna seems to be allergic to grass, which creates a major problem when she tries to relieve her ear and eye itchiness by rubbing her face IN THE GRASS! She also seems to be allergic to grains. Since I started using a commercially prepared dry food with no grain, Luna seems to be more comfortable. Main culprits for food allergies are: Wheat, Corn, Chicken, Chicken Eggs, Beef, Dairy, Soy and Pork. And common allergic reactions are: Dry, itchy, red skin, rashes or skin infections; Chronic ear infections, Constant hot spots; Excessive chewing or licking of paws or other body parts; Dull coat; Stomach upset like diarrhea, vomiting or irritable bowel; Bald patches. These are reasons why people like to cook for their dogs!

Source: "Food Allergies 101," by Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott, Modern Dog Magazine