Chinese New Year Food Recipes for Pets
As we say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcome the Year of the Dragon, pet owners are eager to celebrate Chinese New Year (CNY) or the spring festival with their Fluffy Friends.
Lunar New Year celebrations bring a wealth of culinary delights!
Sharing the joy with our beloved cats and dogs is only fitting.
In this blog, we'll explore CNY food recipes crafted specifically for felines and canines.
In this simple way, we can ensure that they partake in the festivities with flavours inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Chinese culture.
DISCLAIMER:
Always consult your vet before giving new treats to your dog’s or cat's diet, ensuring the ingredients are safe and suitable for consumption.
Keep a close eye on your Fluffy Friend for reactions after trying these homemade treats.
1. Fiery Feline Fish Dumplings:
Kick off the celebration with some Fish Dumplings, a cat-friendly rendition of a Chinese classic.
Combine canned tuna, salmon, or a small whole fish with a touch of catnip for added appeal.
Wrap the mixture in a whole wheat dumpling skin and steam until cooked.
The aromatic flavours of fish and catnip will have your Fluffy Friend purring in delight!
2. Canine-Approved Dragon Stew:
Dogs can indulge in the festivity with a Canine-Approved Dragon Stew, a hearty and nutritious option inspired by Chinese flavours.
Use whole chicken or lean cuts of beef combined with dog-safe vegetables like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, or green beans.
Add a hint of ginger for its digestive benefits.
Simmer until the flavours meld into a delicious stew.
This warming dish is perfect for your canine companion during the Chinese New Year festivities.
3. Cat-Friendly Pineapple Tarts:
To prepare these Cat-Friendly Pineapple Tarts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of finely chopped canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup), one tablespoon of finely shredded cooked chicken, and one teaspoon of oat flour (ground oats).
Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed for a consistent blend.
Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized portions, forming tiny tart-like shapes or balls.
Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the treats are set.
The treats should be completely cool before placing them in your cat’s food bowl.
4. Zodiac Animals Dog Biscuits:
Pamper your pup with Year of the Dragon Dog Biscuits, a crunchy and delightful treat infused with Chinese-inspired ingredients.
Blend whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and a touch of powdered turmeric for a golden hue.
Remember that turmeric is safe for pups in small doses only.
Cut out biscuit shapes like the Chinese zodiac animals to add a festive touch.
Bake until golden brown, and watch your dog enjoy these special homemade biscuits.
Related: Simple Tips To Improve Your Senior Pet’s Life
5. Catnip-infused Noodles:
Longevity noodles are popular choices during the Lunar New Year holiday, and you can also create a dish for your feline companion with Catnip-infused Noodles.
Prepare your catnip-infused sauce by blending a small amount of catnip, chicken broth, and shredded chicken.
Cook up egg noodles and toss them with the sauce.
The enticing catnip aroma will make your cat eager to taste this festive noodle dish.
6. Pet-Friendly Rice Cakes
To prepare these Pet-Friendly Rice Cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain, cooked brown rice with 1/2 cup of unsalted natural peanut butter, ensuring it’s xylitol-free
Remember that xylitol can be harmful to dogs.
Add a mashed medium banana and, if desired, include one tablespoon of honey for added sweetness.
Optionally, mix in 1 tablespoon of shredded carrot for some veggie goodness.
Spread the rice mixture evenly on parchment paper, creating a layer about 1/2 inch thick.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Once done, allow the rice cake to cool completely before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Your best friend will surely love these wholesome treats!
Don’t forget to hydrate your pup by giving them easy access to their water dispenser!
7. Prosperity Pet Salad:
Create a Prosperity Pet Salad, a nutritious and crunchy dish for cats and dogs.
Combine cat-safe greens like cat grass or catnip for felines and dog-friendly vegetables like cucumber and celery for canines.
Add small, cooked pieces of chicken or fish for extra protein.
Toss the ingredients together for a fresh and wholesome salad that embodies the spirit of prosperity in the Year of the Dragon.
Remember that yu sheng or raw fish salad may cause food poisoning because of the bacteria in raw food.
8. Spring Rolls for New Year’s Day
Start with a filling from 1 cup of plain, cooked, and shredded unseasoned chicken.
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped vegetables, such as carrots, cucumber, and spinach.
Mix in 1/4 cup of cooked and cooled brown rice or quinoa. Next, soften rice paper wrappers by briefly dipping them in warm water.
Take care not to soak them for too long to avoid tearing.
Combine the shredded chicken, vegetables, and rice or quinoa.
Place a small amount of this filling along one edge of the softened rice paper wrapper.
Roll it up and fold the sides to create a spring roll shape.
Related: Celebrating Chinese New Year With Your Pets
What To Avoid
During CNY celebrations, it's vital to be mindful of certain foods that may harm pets if ingested.
Some common CNY foods that pets should avoid include:
- Onions and Garlic: These ingredients, commonly used in Chinese cuisine, can harm pets, especially in large quantities.
- Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs and should be avoided.
- Bones from Fish or Meat: Small and sharp bones are a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages.
- Fatty Foods: High-fat foods, like pork belly and bak kwa, can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
- Soy Sauce: The high sodium content in soy sauce might lead to sodium ion poisoning.
- Red Bean Paste: Red bean paste may contain high sugar levels, xylitol, additives or flavourings, and allergens that could trigger adverse reactions in some dogs.
- Nuts: Macadamia nuts, along with other nuts, can be toxic to dogs.
- Glutinous Rice Flour: Glutinous rice flour snacks, like nian gao and tang yuan, are difficult for dogs to digest. These treats can lead to internal organ irritation and bloating.
Therefore, it's essential to keep these CNY foods out of reach.
Educate guests about not feeding pets from the dinner table during family gatherings.
Contact your vet ASAP if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful.
It's always a good idea to consult your vet about specific concerns about your pet's diet and health.
Related: Easy DIY Dog Treats No Bake Recipes
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is the time for dragon dances to ward off bad luck and evil spirits and, of course, a lot of good food inspired by the rich culinary traditions of China.
Make this festive period enjoyable for your beloved Fluffy Friends with our easy recipes!
We hope you and your Fluffy companions have fun and remain in good health on this special occasion!
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