Menu Monday: Use dog-safe ingredients when cooking or baking for your pet

Onions, salt, and chocolate are just three ingredients you should avoid
when cooking for your dog. Photo: Melissa Garcia Logan

As cooking and baking for our pets becomes an increasingly popular activity, it is important to remember that some ingredients that are safe for people are unsafe for dogs. Creating safe treats and meals for our pets isn't just about what we consciously add, it's also about reading labels and knowing what others have added as well.

Hidden Ingredients

Hidden ingredients are a hidden danger to our pets. Chicken stock, baby food, canned vegetables, etc. can all have additives that are dangerous for dogs to consume. Some of the biggest food ingredient dangers include:

1) Added salt. Too much salt isn't good for people, but it's especially important to be careful to read labels and use ingredients without added salt for our pooch pals. Consider chosing fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, rather than canned.

2) Onions and onion powder. Onions have been linked to hemolytic anemia, a devastating illness that can be (and often is) fatal. Choose stocks, broths, and vegetable purees without onion or onion powder as an ingredient. Even better, make your own stocks, broths, and purees so you know exactly what your dog is eating (you can even set some aside for cooking for yourself).

3) Artificial sweeteners and sugars. Xylitol is a new popular artificial sweetener and it's particularly toxic to animals. Avoid all artificial sweeteners and sugar. They have no nutritional value for your pet and can make them sick. If you want to add a little sweetness to a treat, try raw, local honey, bananas, or applesauce.

4) Raisins. Raisins can cause kidney damage and its unknown just how much is too much. For some dogs it's only a few raisins, for others it's more. Avoid them entirely, either omitting them from recipes or substituting with other dog-safe fruit, such as cranberries (just watch out for added sugars and preservatives in dried fruit).

5) Chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to your dog. Theobromide is the ingredient that is toxic to dogs, but chocolate also can contain salt and fats that make dogs sick, especially if your dog has special health needs. Keep chocolate out of the equation; omit it entirely, or substitute carob for chocolate in your recipes.

Keeping your pet safe is a top priority; if you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable baking treats on your own, you're in luck because there are plenty of local dog bakeries willing to provide you with a bevy of treats to suit even the most picky of canine palates.

Local Dog Bakeries

Bubba Rose Biscuit Company in Boonton, NJ takes a "natural approach to all things dog" with organic, wheat/soy/corn-free dog treats for every day as well as special occasions.

K9 Confections in Howell, NJ offers a variety of treats, offers a frequent shoppers club, and even operates a charitable program that provides shelter dogs with treats.

Pupcake Dog Bakery in Caldwell, NJ serves up beautiful, dog-safe birthday cakes, cupcakes, and cookie trays for the discerning canine.

Well Bred in Chester, NJ offers unique pet accessories and a gourmet bakery turning out a variety of all-natural health foods and treats.

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All text in this article is copyrighted and the sole possession of Melissa Garcia Logan, unless otherwise indicated. Available for reprint and/or publishing only with written permission from author. Contact Melissa Garcia Logan with your comments, suggestions, questions, and ideas.