Deli meat as treat (Sugar?)

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Sean & Rufus

Sean & Rufus

Member Since 2018
Hi all-

People keep mentioning that I should be careful with deli meat as a treat for Rufus. Rufus doesn't like freeze dried or any other kind of treat really, except for Temptations. And now, no more temptations.

Rufus used to get a 1/4 pound of turkey that would last him a week. It was his morning ritual. Well, he can't (or shouldn't) have that anymore, as I'm pretty sure he's allergic to turkey.

I've been giving him ham & roast beef sometimes. I noticed that both generally have about 2 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar per 3 ounces.

So If he's getting 3 to 4 oz per week, do you think the carb number and sugar level is acceptable? I really have no idea. I'm guessing the carbs aren't too bad, but is the sugar level acceptable?

Thanks!
 
Deli meats often have a lot of salt. They can also have flavorings/seasonings, preservatives and added sugars. Can he have chicken? Have you considered cooking some for him vs buying it from the deli? Willow has never had any interest in any treats but Temptations, and she LOVES cooked chicken.
 
FurBabiesMama said:
Deli meats often have a lot of salt. They can also have flavorings/seasonings, preservatives and added sugars. Can he have chicken? Have you considered cooking some for him vs buying it from the deli? Willow has never had any interest in any treats but Temptations, and she LOVES cooked chicken.
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I always get the ones without seasonings. The vet said that the salt might be good because then it will get them to drink more water! Haha not sure if that's a good way of thinking. Rufus does like cooked chicken, but not deli. If I cook it, then freeze it maybe? And defrost as needed?
 
Sean & Rufus said:
I always get the ones without seasonings. The vet said that the salt might be good because then it will get them to drink more water! Haha not sure if that's a good way of thinking. Rufus does like cooked chicken, but not deli. If I cook it, then freeze it maybe? And defrost as needed?
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That whole 'give them salt so they drink' reasoning sounds stupid. o_O Anyway...
I cook a few chicken breasts and freeze them. I keep one thawed in the frig at all times. I just tear off a chunk and microwave it for a few seconds (they like it warm.. I think mostly because they can smell it better) then tear it into little shreds to give to them. Both of my girls love it. That is usually Mia's testing treat.

This is how I cook mine (minus the salt and pepper): https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-co...ry-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-36891
 
FurBabiesMama said:
That whole 'give them salt so they drink' reasoning sounds stupid. o_O Anyway...
I cook a few chicken breasts and freeze them. I keep one thawed in the frig at all times. I just tear off a chunk and microwave it for a few seconds (they like it warm.. I think mostly because they can smell it better) then tear it into little shreds to give to them. Both of my girls love it. That is usually Mia's testing treat.

This is how I cook mine (minus the salt and pepper): https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-co...ry-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-36891
Click to expand...
I was going to say, he loves warm cooked chicken, but will hardly touch deli chicken. I'll give this a try. Thanks!
 
I had a vet tell me that ham is really bad for cats. I forget exactly why, I think it's hard for them to process it or something. Just thought I would pass that along.
 
katiesmom said:
I had a vet tell me that ham is really bad for cats. I forget exactly why, I think it's hard for them to process it or something. Just thought I would pass that along.
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Thanks for letting me know! I'm going to give the cooking a chicken breast a shot. hopefully he'll like it!
 
FurBabiesMama said:
That whole 'give them salt so they drink' reasoning sounds stupid. o_O Anyway...
I cook a few chicken breasts and freeze them. I keep one thawed in the frig at all times. I just tear off a chunk and microwave it for a few seconds (they like it warm.. I think mostly because they can smell it better) then tear it into little shreds to give to them. Both of my girls love it. That is usually Mia's testing treat.

This is how I cook mine (minus the salt and pepper): https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-co...ry-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-36891
Click to expand...
@FurBabiesMama do you use the olive oil or butter? Thanks!
 
I give deli meats with no fillers as a snack sometimes.... just no Honey Ham or anything like that. ;) a little roast beef should be fine. you could also give freeze dried treats, cat grass or catnip
 
Rufus is so fickle lately, the only constant is his LOVE for turkey. But he can't have turkey anymore. Ugh. I've gone back to hydrolyzed treats. a couple a time don't seem to raise his BG obnoxiously, so be it.
 
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