Pet lovers out there who are concern about what goes into their pet treats and food have resorted to home cooked meals and treats for their pets. You can get recipes from the net, order books online and many other various sources. However, while the intention is good, pet owners should also do their research on the ingredients i.e. whether or not the ingredient is harmful to the pets. What you feed your pet is very important and it could mean life and death for your pets.
Below I have pasted an article from the net on the dangers of homemade treats especially fresh fruits. Do have a read at it.
"Of primary concern is the use of fresh fruits in the preparation of doggie treats. Because most fresh fruit seeds contain a chemical known as cyanogenic glycoside, fresh fruits should not be used in the preparation of the family dog's homemade treats. Cyanogenic glycoside results in a dangerous cyanide poisoning in canines, often leading to death. In the most mild of cases, using fresh fruit in homemade doggie treats can, at least, result in significant illness symptoms such as dry heaving and vomiting. When preparing homemade doggie treats, avoid the use of fresh fruits such as apricots, cherries and apples.
Along the same line as fresh fruits lies the danger of grapes and raisins. When preparing homemade doggie treats, dog owners should avoid the use of grapes and raisins as an ingredient. While research has shown the use of raisins, in very low quantities, may not result in a health risk, the use of raisins and grapes, in large quantities, may be toxic to the canine. Specific chemicals in grapes and raisins may attribute to common ailments such as diarrhea, vomiting and, in most cases, lead to kidney failure. As a dog owner preparing homemade doggie treats, avoiding the use of raisins and grapes is highly recommended."
As fresh fruits are not recommended to give to your pets, you could use dried apricots and apple rings. Also instead of raisins, use dried cranberries.
