As the Hawaii pet shelters fill with unwanted dogs and cats because their owners can't afford the pet food, it seems timely to figure out how to cut expenses. Cooking for your dog or cat isn't so unusual. Many people make at least pet treats, even if they still use commercial main courses.
Rick Woodford, of Portland, OR, taught himself pet nutrition when his best friend, Jackson, developed lymphoma and stopped eating. After studying pet cookbooks, comparing ingredients to USDA nutrient charts, and reading veterinarians' reference books, he started cooking Jackson's food. Jackson started eating, and neither has looked at commercial dog food in several years.
In Hawaii, with transportation adding such a larger percentage to the cost of our food, saving even in small ways makes sense. Woodford suggested, "The average American househould throws away hundreds of dollars worth of food every year. Before it goes bad, see if it can go in the dog or cat bowl."
Although we've been conditioned not to feed our pets people food, he says we need to define people food. "An apple is not people food," he says, "but apple pie is. Share ingredients, not foods."
There's no doubt cooking for your pet using leftover ingredients and bulk foods can save money, but use balanced recipies and supplements, especially calcium. Here are 4 good pet nutrition books:
* Canine & Feline Nutrition: a Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. Linda P. Case, Daniel P. Carey, et al. Mosby Inc. $45.
* The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog. Wendy Volhard. Howell Book House. $19.
* K9 Kitchen. Monica Segal. Self-published. $21.90.
* Home-prepared Dog & Cat Diets. Donald Strombeck. Wiley-Blackwell. $42.99.
Woodford is writing his own book on making your pet's food. Read his suggestions at OregonLive.
Visit the pet page on my web site for resources on bringing your pet to Hawaii and keeping him/her happy in the Islands. Consider joining Hui 'Ilio, the non-profit organization that spearheaded the creation of the Hawaii Kai Dog Park. And contact me for any information about your pet in Hawaii. It's a subject close to my heart.
Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
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Barbara, There are certain people foods -- e.g., chocolate, raisins -- that dogs should never eat.
Cats must have meat in their diet -- they are carnivores.