Tasty and Healthy Ideas for Homemade Pill Pockets

At some point, almost every furry friend will have to take medication. For most pets, swallowing a pill plain is a guaranteed struggle. That’s why pill pockets are so popular, helping make the process easier by associating it with a delicious treat.

For pups or cats on long-term medications or those who have learned to spot those pill pickets a mile away, switching to a homemade option may be just the thing the doctor ordered. For one, you’ll save money (pill pockets can be pricey for those with daily medication needs). Also, like any treat, they can add more calories to your pet’s diet (and mostly empty ones at that).

That’s when homemade pill pockets can save the day!

Homemade Pill Pockets for Your Furry Friend

Whipping up a batch of pill pockets for your pet is now easier than ever thanks to Pinterest and other sites. DIY pill pockets for dogs typically include the following base ingredients:

• Flour
• Peanut butter
• Water or milk

For kitties:

• Flour
• Chicken broth (low sodium)
• Bits of dehydrated tuna or chicken

Since each pet has his/her own preferences for taste and texture, you may have to get a bit more creative. Some tasty recipes you might try include:

• Chef Henry the Dog’s Pill Pockets for Dogs
• Fido Bakery’s Healthy Pill Pockets for Dogs
• Green Anthropology’s DIY Pill Pockets for Pets

Other Tasty Options

If your pet is very resistant to the idea of the pocket, there are many other delicious food options you can use to mask the pill. In some cases, pills can also be crushed and mixed into a favorite food or your pet’s dinner. However, this is not true for every medication. Please speak to The Pet Experts at Elmhurst Animal Care Center before deviating from your pet’s dosage instructions.

Some good alternatives to pill pockets might include:

• Dollop of peanut butter (make sure it’s free from Xylitol)
• Tuna
• Bit of chopped liver
• Piece of hot dog
• Banana chunk
• Small piece of cheese (not the molded variety)
• Spoonful of pureed sweet potato or pumpkin
• Wrapped in a bit of deli meat or piece of tortilla

While these snacks may be a hit with your best friend, they should be given sparingly. If your pet requires ongoing medication and is averse to swallowing pills, we can work with you to come up with some options. In some cases, medications come in different forms (your pet may have an easier time with a liquid, for example).

Whenever you need help with a fussy pet, we’re here for you. Give us a call for some good solutions to keep your pet both happy and healthy.