DIY Pill Pockets for your Dog

DIY Pill Pockets

If your dog takes capsules like my dog does then you may be having some difficulty getting them to take and swallow it.   Capsules are a bit difficult as they have no flavor and the texture may cause the dog not to eat it.  The trick is to place the medication in a highly palatable food.

You can certainly purchase ready made pill pockets that they sell but those can be an added expense.  Below is an easy recipe to make your own pill pockets.  You may already even have some of these ingredients on hand.

The three basic items that you will need are below, you can use whichever ingredient you think your pup will enjoy.

1 Tbsp milk (cow, coconut or almond milk)

2 Tbsp flour (rice, whole wheat, coconut, spelt, barley, oat, potato and lentil)

1 Tbsp of unsalted peanut butter (Make sure it does not contain Xylitol)

Many dogs love Peanut butter and it contains not only protein but healthy fats, vitamin B, Niacin and vitamin E.   Stay away from sugar-free Peanut Butter as it may contain Xylitol.  You can read about the dangers of Xylitol here.

If your dog is not a fan of peanut butter, you can use banana puree or pumpkin in place of it.

Mix whichever three ingredients you decide to use, place them in a bowl and mix well with a spoon.

It will turn into a doughy mixture, at this point you want to start kneading it.  Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, you can start forming small balls.

Start rolling to form balls of any size depending on the size of the pill and/or capsule.  If the balls get too sticky just add a bit of flour.

Once all the balls have been formed, you want to start poking small holes in the center.

Insert the medication in the hole. Push the medication in and form a ball making sure the pill is enclosed inside. You can serve it alone as a treat (or so they will think) or toss it in your dogs food.  Any unused ones you can store in the fridge for up 5 days.

Now, I like this method but I also give Ginger her medication using the the methods below especially if I don’t have any more pockets and I’m in a rush.

-If your dog is not lactose intolerant, you can roll the pill in a piece of cheese and form a ball, or cover the pill in some low-fat cream cheese.

-Chop up an all-beef uncured hot dog and use a chopstick to make an indentation and slide the pill inside to hide it.

– Canned dog food is also a great way to hide the pill, it works especially great for liquid meds too.  Just use a small amount…………….you can refrigerate the rest of the unused food for next time.  Liquid meds can be a bit tricky, if this does not work you may have to use a syringe.

These are just some simple ways to make pill time fun.  I have had to put Ginger on Gabapentin and these methods worked well!

Information courtesy of The Charlotte Observer Living

 

Disclaimer:  This information provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice.   As always, contact your vet if you have any questions and/or concerns regarding your pet.

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It is with a heavy heart that I announce the loss of our beloved darling, Ginger. She passed away July 16, 2020 at 14.5 years old. She battled CHF for as long as she could but her little body could take no more. Our hearts are shattered.
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