Useful Facts and Recipes

 

Pets are security blankets whose loyalty and affection you can count on.

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Asparagus

Asparagus is in season for a very short time. It is one of the most healthful foods. Asparagus is high in carotene, selenium and Vitamin C, yet low in sodium. This tasty morsel is often loved by cats, so put it on your list of "bribe foods".

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Bland Diet for Finicky Felines

1 cup chicken, boiled or cooked in the microwave
1/4 cup fresh broccoli
1/4 cup shredded carrots
(Vegetables can be steamed or microwaved)

Mix with enough chicken broth to hold together. This same recipe can be used with fish (broil or microwave until it flakes). You can also vary the recipe by adding rice or other vegetables.

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Cat and Dog Mini Cakes

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 c. soybean flour
1 c. skimmed milk or water
1 Tbs. honey
1 Tbs. canola or sunflower oil
1 tsp. sea salt

Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid and honey. Mix and let the dough rest in a warm place for 15 minutes. Add oil and allow to sit another 1/2 hour. Take walnut size portions of dough and flatten into small cakes. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 1/2 hour. For cats, roll dough into 1/4" thickness and bake on a sheet scored into small sections 1/4" square or smaller.

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Doggy Treats

1 jar baby food meat (any flavor)
7 Tbs. wheat germ
4 Tbs. nonfat powdered milk

Combine all ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with fork. Bake in 350 degree oven until lightly browned. Let cool, then serve.

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Kitty Heaven (Sardines and Rice)

2 cans of sardines in oil
2/3 c. cooked rice
1 Tbs. liver
1/4 c. parsley, chopped

Combine all ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon to break up sardines into bite-sized pieces. Yields 2-3 servings. Store unused portion in refrigerator, tightly covered.

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Doggie Birthday Cake

2 large cans of dog food
2 c. cooked rice
1/2 c. dry oatmeal to make firm

Mix all ingredients together. Place mixture in a springform pan placed directly on a serving tray (without pan's bottom). Chill in refrigerator 2 to 3 hours. Remove springform pan.

To decorate the top of the cake: Place one fried egg in the center. Use 1 can of sardines and about 4 ounces of cheese (cut into matchsticks) to form "spokes" radiating from the egg. Place 5 hot-dogs (sliced as coins) to fill in the spaces between the spokes. Finally, use 1 package of broccoli coleslaw to garnish around the platter. Keep chilled until serving. Serves 8-10 (dogs, that is).

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