Seasonal vegetables offer alternative treats for felines
Fall isn't just about pretty colors and cooler weather. It also offers a whole new line of fresh produce waiting for our kitchen tables.
But those fresh veggies aren't just good for us, they're pretty healthy for our felines, too.
These low-calorie treats are offered with the caveat that they be added in to the daily calorie count if you have a chunky kitty. More is not better, even if your feline loves these new treats. Any new treats or wholesome foods must be introduced slowly to avoid digestive tract upsets.
Season vegetables benefits range from antioxidents, to weight loss, inflammation reduction to hairball relief.
Some of these vegetables can be offered raw or cooked. When dealing with felines, cooked is the preferred method, even if it would be safe to offer raw.
The cooked version allows you to add some coconut oil or organic butter. If you buy organic vegetables for yourself, buy them for your cats, too, since they don't need the pesticides added to their diet.
The No. 1 fall vegetable you should be looking to add is pumpkin, which is rich in beta carotene, high in fiber, moisture and vitamins A and C.
The moisture can aid in kidney function and the fiber can assist in digestion. A half teaspoon is a safe place to start. You can safely go to a full teaspoon if you get the desired result.
That means you have conquered either the hairball issue, incontinence issue or weight loss problem without creating an upset stomach.
Pumpkin needs to be offered cooked. You can roast, bake or grill it with coconut oil or butter. If you are not that adventurous, you can buy the canned, pureed variety as long as it is not a pumpkin pie mix. Our felines can only tolerate pure pumpkin (no spices). If you cook your own, don't forget to remove the seeds.
Pumpkin is also an ingredient in premium treats and canned foods. You will find these at smaller specialty pet food stores and some big-box pet stores in the gourmet aisle.
Squash is another vegetable you can cook for your feline. Cooking is essential because your feline cannot break down the benefits in the raw form. Squash can aid in both inflammation and digestive issues.
Next, let's cook up some zucchini, which is rich in vitamins A, B and C. That is all the good stuff our felines need for a healthy coat. It also promotes healthy eyesight and has anti-inflammatory properties (good for our senior felines).
Again, if cooking is not your thing, look for quality feline food that has added the vegetables. My thinking is as follows: If you are already cooking these vegetables for yourself or your family, then you can cook them for your beloved feline, too.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.