Treats that treat the soul

MEALTIME IS over in my mini-zoo. Now, as my clever poodle-pup Wan-Wan knows, it’s time for treats.

Lots of my animals, especially the older ones, have health problems. To support the sick animals, I have a collection of foods, each adapted to specific needs, whether it’s for Wan with her liver problems, or for brat-cat Yoyo and one-eyed Angel with their failing kidneys or even for Mekhala with her weakened immune system.

You’d think that with so many ordinary illnesses, the animal nutrition companies would develop treats for specific health problems. Instead, the companies seem to have gone in a different direction.

Some of those treats were once very popular in my household, like the grilled saba or teriyaki chicken. These thick pieces of fish or poultry came in their own sauces, which were heavily spiced.

Of course all my animals loved these treats, but common sense told me not to give them to anyone. With all that salt and oil, the treats couldn’t have been good for anyone, not even the healthy animals. Too much salt and oil doesn’t do anyone any good, whether you’re a pet or a human.

Much more healthful treats are available, but not for animals with health problems. There are treats that are good for teeth or for exercise, or simply for fun.

My vet doesn’t want Wan to have any of these. They’re still a bit fatty for a bad liver. “Turkey is good for her, but not too much,” my vet suggests.

Now, I roast the turkey myself, avoiding any salt or spices, and removing all bones and skin. In this way, I’m sure that this treat is as safe as possible for my dog.

Luckily, Wan loves the stuff. So, alas, do Yoyo and Angel. When I take the turkey out of the fridge, the two cats stare at me hopefully.

The problem is this: both Yoyo and Angel are suffering kidney failure. It’s a common disease in elderly animals (and people too), and one that eventually can kill.

To protect their failing kidneys from having to work too hard, their special diets limit the amount of protein. They must have some protein, just not too much.

Angel, older than Yoyo, is suffering much more than he is. Her kidneys are weakening rapidly. As I’ve written before, I can see this wonderful cat growing increasingly feeble week by week. Her appetite is failing too. Her gums are inflamed because her kidneys aren’t working properly, and it’s difficult for her to chew her food. Right now, I have to feed her by hand.

Since Yoyo is much stronger, I give him a piece of Wan’s turkey. Every time Wan gets her bit of turkey, Yoyo gets a much smaller piece.

Luckily, he doesn’t notice the size of his portion compared with Wan’s and gladly gulps down his piece of heaven.

Slowly, Angel has begun to notice the turkey treats. She never cries for a treat, but my heart goes out to the yearning gaze of her one eye.

Here is a poor cat, so close to the end of her days, and all she wants is a bit of food that may or may not hasten that end.

A vet would say: “No way. No turkey. Only the food that’s good for her!”

I don’t know. Surely, there can be a balance somehow between the food Angel hates and the food she loves.

As soon as I pull off a bit of turkey and give it to her, she swallows it easily. With turkey, she doesn’t seem to have any problem with her teeth.

Perhaps mixing her treat and her food together might be a solution. Will I be able to fool this very clever cat?