We’ve put together some pawfect recipes for homemade cat and dog treats below, along with some information on best ingredients to use and what to be aware of.

Good to know

• The human digestive system works differently to those of our furry friends, so be aware that offering our pets treats off our plate is providing extra calories in their diet that could add up to extra kilos.
• Extra kilos can potentially lead to diabetes, bone and joint discomfort/damage and more.

Should you use natural or processed ingredients?

It’s best to use the most natural ingredients possible for these treats. Most things you’ll probably have in your pantry/fridge already. It’s best to check the ingredients labels anyway of the ingredients you use, such as peanut butter or tuna.

• When using peanut butter in treats or as a snack for your animal on its own, try to use natural peanut butter with no additives (salt, sugar or xylitol).
• There’s a high chance there will be canned fish used in a lot of cat treats, so when using any canned fish, like tuna, best to use a springwater variety, not oil. This will prevent extra calories ending up in your recipe where they’re not needed.

Recipe for Cats

Tuna Biscuits

What you’ll need:

• 175g canned Tuna (in water), drained
• 225g plain flour
• 220g dried cornmeal or polenta (keep some extra out for sprinkling)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2tbs water
• Rabbit/bunny shaped cookie cutter
• Rolling pin

Method:

1. Be sure to preheat your oven at 180 degrees, fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a medium/large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients together until a soft dough has formed. Leave it aside to rest for 10 minutes.
3. Using the extra dried polenta or cornmeal, sprinkle some over a flat surface. With your rolling pin, roll the dough out over the sprinkles into 1cm thickness. Cut as many bunny shaped biscuits out as you can with your cookie cutter.
4. Bake the bunny biscuits for 15-20 minutes. Once baked and slightly golden (prevent from overcooking so they aren’t too tough), leave to completely cool before feeding to your cat

Recipe for Dogs

Peanut Butter and Banana cookies

What you’ll need:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 225g plain flour
• 3tbs natural peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• Egg shaped cookie cutter

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a medium to large bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly until you reach a dough texture, then let the mixture rest for five minutes. If the mixture is too wet, add some extra four in small amounts until you reach the desired texture.
3. On a flat, lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into 1cm thickness and cut as many egg shapes with your cookie cutter.
4. Bake for 32-35 minutes, until golden brown. Make sure to leave them to cool completely before treating your dog.

Smelling bad dog breath is just part of being a dog owner, right? Wrong!

When it comes to taking care of your dog’s health, most pet owners think about vaccinations, regular vet visits, nutritious food, and exercise. Unfortunately, an oral care regimen isn’t a top priority for them. But it should be, because 4 out of 5 dogs over age 3 develop periodontal disease. *

How teeth & gum problems begin.

Every time your dog eats, food particles stick to their teeth—and where there’s food, there’s bacteria. If not removed, food particles mix with saliva and bacteria to form plaque.

Within a few days, plaque calcifies and hardens into tartar. Tartar also provides a home for more plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums, and may result in a common condition known as gingivitis.

Warning signs of gingivitis include:

• Bad breath
• Reddening and swelling of the gums where they meet the teeth
• Bleeding of the gums

Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral care. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a non-reversible stage of periodontal disease. This condition can result in bone and tooth loss, as well as infection. So, as you can see, it’s important to begin an oral care routine early in your dog’s life—and then maintain it daily.

You have an oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and mouth clean. So why not take a few steps to help keep your dog’s teeth and mouth fresh, too?

Here are steps you can take to look after your dog’s oral care.

Daily brushing— It might sound intimidating but brushing your dog’s teeth will keep their breath fresher. It also reduces plaque and tartar build-up, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Most pet stores stock special finger brushes or dog toothbrushes that slip over your finger to brush your dog’s teeth. Canine toothpastes in appetising flavours help make the experience a little more enjoyable for your dog. Never brush your dog’s teeth with toothpaste developed for people.

Regular veterinary exams and cleanings— In addition to toothbrushing, regular dental exams and cleanings by your veterinarian will help to keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Your vet can help spot and treat problems before they become more serious issues.

Feed them a daily dental treat –  Specially designed dog teeth-cleaning treats like Pedigree® DENTASTIX chews, help reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%, support gum health and have a unique x-shape designed to help clean between the teeth and down to the gum line by your dog’s natural chewing action.  Plus, who doesn’t love a tasty treat?

By giving your dog one Pedigree® DENTASTIX chew a day, you’re helping to provide them with a total oral health solution while ensuring that their teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.

Remember, one DENTASTIX Chew a day helps keep the tartar away!

*American Veterinary Medical Association

Getting your pets moving is just as important as looking out for your own physical health.

The same as humans, animals need to get enough exercise in their weekly routine to avoid health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems…

That’s why we’ve come up with a bunch of fun ways to get active with your furry friend!

Not only that, these activities will benefit your health as well, whilst encouraging you to get outside before we move into the colder months.

1. Go for a walk or run

Next time you plan on getting your steps up, grab your pup and make it a joint mission. The more comfortable your dog gets, the more you can up the ante – whether it be taking them along to your favourite hike trail or adding on a couple kilometres at the end of a run.

2. Take them to the beach

Nothing says beach day like taking your furry friend along for the ride! Between the warm sand, busy waves and hours on end of frisbee, there is no better way to get your pet moving! Park up at your favourite, dog-friendly beach and don’t forget to keep them hydrated and in close access to plenty of shade.

3. Set up an obstacle course

This one is a great way to challenge you and your pets creativity, agility and skill. Head to your local park and use materials you’ve got like camping chairs, stools, goal posts and more, to create your very own dog obstacle course. Not only will this get them moving, but it can also assist in improving confidence!

4. Play a game of tug of war 

A fan favourite for most dogs, tug of war is the perfect combination of fun and fitness for your furry friend. The game serves as a great form of resistance training for both you and your pet and as a handy tip – have a couple treats nearby to help train them to release the rope on command.

Show your pet the love it deserves and get moving this month with one or more of these fun activities!

Peanut Butter ice Cubes

This is a quick and simple idea that your dogs will love! Fill each mould of an ice cube tray with ½ tsp of all natural peanut butter (ensure it has no sweetener in, as this can be dangerous for your dog), top the peanut butter with some water and get it straight in the freezer to set! Once frozen, you’ll have tasty bitesize treats for them to enjoy.

Frozen Smoothie Bites

You can use any natural, unsweetened fruit or veggies for this, but we’re recommending banana and watermelon to make a cooling summer treat. Slice the Banana into thin chunks, and fill each section of a silicone mould ice tray with a banana piece. Puree the watermelon in a blender and top the banana chunks with the puree. Pop it in the freezer and leave for at least 4 hours. Once frozen, keep your dog occupied with these fruity frozen snacks!

Homemade Dog Bones

If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, try making your own healthy dog bones. These can even be wrapped up and given as a gift to any of your dog owner friends or neighbours! There’s lots of recipes you can try for DIY dog bones, but here’s a simple one to start with.

You’ll need:

• 2 eggs
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mashed pumpkin, or ripe banana if you’d rather

Preheat the oven to 180C. Mix the oats in a food processor so they begin to get finer in consistency, add the mashed pumpkin or the banana depending on preference, and the eggs, and combine in the mixer until a dough is formed. Scoop even spoonfuls onto a tray lined with baking sheet, and flatten into cookies (or form them into dog bone shapes if you’re feeling creative!). Bake for approx 16 mins, flipping over half way to bake evenly. Leave to cool completely.

Head into your local IGA to find all the ingredients you’ll need for any of these DIY dog treats.

What better than a day dedicated to celebrating those furry felines in your life! We’ve created a list of 6 paw-fect ways to celebrate International Cat Day.

Special time with your cat

It’s a simple one, but spending quality time with your cat is a lovely way to celebrate and enjoy your pet. Maybe quality time for you is entertaining them with toys, having lots of cuddles or just spending the day at home with your cat? Whatever it is, today is the day to do more of it!

Make tasty cat treats

Treats don’t have to be only for those big occasions, why not make Tuna Biscuits for your cat today! These bunny biscuits are easy to make and will be sure to make your furry friend very happy. Here’s a recipe you can make, don’t wait for Easter!

Volunteer at a local cat shelter

This is a lovely thing to do, especially if you love cats but you don’t own one yourself. Volunteering often involves giving the cats fun play-time, cleaning their shelters and feeding. It’s an endorphin booster for you and the cats!

Hold a cat themed party!

What’s more fun than watching your cat with their feline and human friends at a party? If you have socialised your cat and are confident it is happy to be around others, invite over your friends and their cats, serve treats and have toys to make it a special day!

Adopt a cat

You may have read our previous article about the benefits of owning a cat, if so, International Cat Day could be the perfect day to adopt one. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to provide a home for a cat in need, as long as it suits your lifestyle and theirs to ensure you both have a happy life together. Most adoption organisations have checklists to make sure that you and your chosen cat are a match!

Say ‘cheese’!

If you’re a cat parent who takes pictures of your cat on a daily basis, good on you! If not, today’s the day to get your camera out and take some snaps of your favourite feline. Why not put a photo or two in a picture frame to remember that everyday should be International Cat Day!

Benefits of owning a cat

Have you ever thought about getting a cat? There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a pet, and sometimes it can be tricky to make a decision, but there are lots of benefits to consider too! Here are just some of the positives of owning a cat…

Low maintenance

Most cat breeds are low maintenance compared to other pets such as dogs. You can still train your cat to do certain things, but you won’t have to worry about multiple walks a day, or a frequent grooming routine. Cats are also lovely pets for apartment and city living – they don’t need a huge amount of space to play or explore. They often find special nooks in your house or apartment that keep them happy and occupied, as well as a small amount of toys.

Cats are quieter

Again, unlike other animals, cats are very quiet most of the time! While they do make some noise, those meows and purrs tend to be quiet and if anything, comforting. Both of these noises are different with each cat and it’s worth learning what the different meows mean for your cat.

Health benefits

It’s scientifically proven that owning a cat can reduce stress and feelings of anxiety. Even a quick cuddle session with your cat can bring on this lovely benefit. Also, there is evidence to suggest that a cat’s purring has healing capabilities on muscles and bones in humans, due to the vibrations of the purring.

Kids and cats

Cats can be a beneficial addition to your family and for your kids, too! Having a cat or any pet at a young age can be useful for teaching kids about responsibility and caring for animals. Cleaning a litter box, or playing with and feeding a cat can teach kids important habits to keep when owning any pet. Don’t forget about the beautiful bond kids can make with their feline friend.

In celebration of National Best Friend Day on 8th June, we’re excited to have partnered with Mad Paws to celebrate the furry best friends in our lives! Mad Paws is Australia’s most beloved pet care provider. With quality Pet Sitters all around Australia, Pet Sitters is the paw-fect option for your pet if you’re heading away for a holiday and can’t take them with you, or if you just need someone to walk them or check-in on them for you.

We’re offering one lucky winner the chance of winning 4 x exclusive pet toys thanks to Mad Paws, specially for your furry friend/s! Plus, because you’re a Locals Matter Community Member, if you win, you will also receive a $100 IGA Gift Card.

To enter, tell us in 25 words or less, why your cat or dog is your best mate! Simply comment on the Facebook competition for your chance to win.

Enter Now

Aust. (excl TAS) residents 18+ only. Ends 10/6/22 11:59pm AEST. Only 1 entry per person. T&Cs apply.

Best of luck…

Winter has officially arrived and that means it’s time to get the extra blankets, slippers and socks out and snuggle up. Whilst you may be all warm and fuzzy, don’t forget to check on your furry friend/s in the colder months. Here are some top tips on ways you can warm your pet up to make sure they’re as cozy as can be.

But please remember, there are so many wonderful breeds of cats and dogs, and not all may feel the cold as much as you may think – research your cat or dog breed before applying these tips to know that your pet will be as comfortable as possible!

Winter jumpers

Even though some cat and dog breeds have longer, thicker fur coats that keep them warmer in the cold months, an extra layer of warmth for walking outside in Winter or sleeping outside might be needed for those breeds with thinner, shorter fur, especially. It’s good to make sure that whatever coat/jumper you have for your pet fits correctly and has coverage for the neck, base of the tail and their belly.

Warm and comfy bedding

For both outdoor and indoor pets (outdoor especially), make sure your pet has bedding that suits their needs and sleeping style during the winter. Insulated kennels or enclosed areas are great for both cats and dogs and protect them from chilly temperatures, especially in early mornings and evenings. Providing extra blankets that are warm and soft, will maximise your pets comfort whether they’re indoors or out.

Extra tip: if your pet’s bed is on a floor which tends to hold the cold, try elevating it off the ground to prevent warmth escaping and moisture on the bottom of the bed.

Keep up the hydration

As we humans know, staying hydrated all year round is essential to our health and is the same for our furry friends too. When the colder months roll around it’s easy to not have the same thirst as in the warmer months, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure your pets have fresh water available, in and outdoors during the winter and if their water bowls are outside, that they haven’t frozen over.

Hungry bellies

During Winter, you may find that your pet is hungrier than usual, as more of their energy is used to keep themselves warm. For some breeds of cats and dogs, you may find they require adjusted nutritional needs during the winter. It’s important to be mindful of the amount of food your pet is eating if they aren’t as active due to the colder climate, to avoid weight gain. Talk to your vet to find out more about this and if you should think about any nutritional changes during winter.

Bonus tip: extra cuddles (obviously) or perhaps even a sleepover on Mum or Dad’s bed could do just the trick to warm up…

Worms are almost inevitable in pets, so knowing what to look for and how to treat them is important for your pet’s health.

Worm warning signs:

• Weakness
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Abnormally swollen stomach
• Scruffy coat
• Lack of appetite

Worms can basically be divided into two main groups; Intestinal worms and Heartworms, so it is important that you use the correct product for the worms you need to treat.

Intestinal Worms

The most common types of intestinal worms are Hookworm, Tapeworm, Whipworm and Roundworm.

Hookworm is one of the most dangerous of all intestinal parasites. It can be transmitted prior to birth or through suckling. It may be detected by the level of your pet’s lethargy, anemia, poor appetite and black tar-like stools that contain blood. Hookworm is usually not passed in the stool, and is therefore difficult to diagnose without a fecal test from your vet.

Tapeworm lives in the small intestine, and steals the nutrients from the food your pet eats. It can infect your pet when it eats its larvae from a host animal, such as a flea or a mouse. There are no obvious symptoms, but small, rice-like segments can be found around the pet’s anus or in the stool. Mature tapeworms cause your pet to eat more than normal, but with no weight gain.

To continue reading this article from Purina, click here.

One of the most common health concerns for household pets is intestinal worms in cats and dogs. These internal parasites usually live in your cat’s digestive system and can be detrimental to your cat’s health. If your cat or kitten has worms, it is important to seek the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of worms in cats

The most noticeable symptom of intestinal worms, such as tapeworms, in cats are visible white segments which appear in your cat’s stool, around their rear, or in their bedding. These segments resemble grains of rice, but are actually broken pieces of your cat’s intestinal worms.

Other symptoms of worms in cats may include:

• Weight loss and a bloated stomach
• A change in coat condition, with coarser or duller fur
• A change in bowel habits, particularly the onset of diarrhea
• Visible white worms in your cat’s stool, around their anus, or in their bedding
• Lethargy and lack of energy or interest that is out of the ordinary

If you suspect an infestation in your pet, consult a veterinarian and consider an effective worm treatment for cats. You can also deworm your kitten from two weeks of age.

When to treat your cat

Kittens are commonly born with worms or become infected early in life, especially with roundworms, which can be transmitted through their mother’s milk. Kittens should be wormed at two, four, six, eight and twelve weeks of age. After this, they can be treated with an all wormer for cats every three months.

To continue reading this article from Purina, click here.