During the holidays, we humans often enjoy festive drinks, and why not let your pet join in on the fun in a safe way? With a little creativity, you can make delicious, pet-friendly "mocktails" for your faithful four-legged friend. Here are a few simple ideas to give your dog or cat a special place at the party table.
Why mocktails?
Alcohol, sugar and lots of spices in our party drinks are absolutely not safe for pets. Mocktails are a fun and safe way to let your dog or cat enjoy the party without risk. Mocktails for dogs and cats are a much better choice than milk. Milk, in fact, contains a lot of lactose, and many cats have trouble digesting it, which can lead to stomach upset such as diarrhea. In contrast, pet cocktails are specially formulated with ingredients that are safe and healthy, such as lactose-free options, diluted meat broths or herbal infusions. They offer a tasty treat without the ill effects of milk and help keep your pet hydrated and satisfied. That way you can still toast with your furry friend during the holidays!
Dog-friendly mocktail recipes
Winter Broth Delight
Ingredients:
- 200 ml unsalted chicken or beef broth
- A pinch of chopped parsley
- A dog cookie as a garnish
Preparation:
Mix the broth with a little water to soften the flavor. Serve in a sturdy drinking container and garnish with a cookie on top.
Dogs and parsley
Dogs may eat parsley in small amounts, and it may even have some health benefits. Parsley contains vitamins such as A, C, and K and can help with fresh breath. However, there are a few important concerns:
- Small quantities: Parsley should be given in moderation. Too much can have side effects, such as stomach upset.
- No flat parsley for pregnant dogs: Flat (Italian) parsley contains a substance called apiol, which in high concentrations can cause uterine contractions and is dangerous for pregnant dogs.
- Always fresh parsley: Dried herbs or herb mixes may contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
If you want to add parsley to your dog's diet, a small amount of chopped parsley as a garnish to their food is a safe and healthy option.
Pumpkin Pawfect Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons mashed pumpkin (without sugar or spices)
- 100 ml of water
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Preparation:
Mix pumpkin puree with water until smooth. Add a touch of cinnamon for fragrance. Serve in a small bowl.
Dogs and cinnamon
Unlike cats, dogs are allowed cinnamon (in small amounts), and it may even have some health benefits. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar. However, there are a few important things to know:
What is safe?
- Small quantities: A pinch of cinnamon over food or in a homemade treat is safe. However, large amounts can cause stomach upset.
- Ceylon cinnamon is better: This type of cinnamon contains less coumarin, a substance that can be harmful to the liver in high doses. Cassia cinnamon, which is more commonly used, has a higher coumarin content and is therefore less suitable.
What to avoid.
- Cinnamon powder in the air: Inhaling cinnamon powder can cause irritation in your dog's nose, throat or lungs.
- No cinnamon sticks: These may pose a choking hazard or cause damage to teeth or stomach.
Berry Merry Mocktail
Ingredients:
- A few mashed blueberries
- 100 ml of water
- A dog snack stick as a stirring stick
Preparation:
Mash the blueberries and mix with water. Serve in a low bowl and use the snack as a "stir stick."
Cat-friendly mocktail recipes
Fishbowl Martini
Ingredients:
- 50 ml of tuna water (just water from a can of water-based tuna)
- 50 ml of water
- A small piece of tuna as a garnish
Preparation:
Mix the tuna water with plain water and add a piece of tuna as a garnish.
Catnip Cooler
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Soak the catnip in warm water for 5 minutes. Let it cool and add a candy on top.
Cats and catnip
Cats may use catnip (also called catnip called), and it can even be a fun and safe experience for them. Catnip contains a substance called nepetalactone, which can evoke a temporary, pleasurable response in many cats. This can lead to behaviors such as rolling, kneading, meowing or simply becoming cheerful and active.
Important things to know:
- Not every cat responds: About 50-70% of cats respond to catnip. Sensitivity to nepetalactone is genetic, so some cats will not react to it at all.
- Safe in small quantities: Catnip is safe for cats if given in moderation. It is not an addiction, and cats cannot get harmful side effects from it if offered occasionally.
- Beware of overuse: If a cat is given too much catnip, it can cause temporary digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea. So make sure it remains a treat and not a daily part of their diet.
With these safe and healthy Christmas cocktails, make the holidays as special for your dog or cat as they are for yourself. Let them enjoy the holiday cheer and treat them to a refreshing drink! Want to go all out this Christmas? Then check out our recipes for pet-friendly Christmas cookies for your dog or cat. Not a baking hero? We also have a list of healthy and safe Christmas snacks for your four-legged friend.
Enjoy the holidays together! 🎄🐾
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