Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I enjoy baking treats for my dog, and I've done quite a bit of research to learn about what is safe (and what's not safe) for canines. I barely started flipping through this book when I found recipes with ingredients that are toxic to dogs. On page 54, the pumpkin pie biscuit recipe calls for nutmeg. Nutmeg can be hallucinogenic, and has been known to cause tremors, seizures and in some cases, death. It's particularly dangerous for smaller dogs. Avoiding nutmeg is the reason dog treat recipes that call for pumpkin include reminders to buy plain pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie mix. This recipe does note to buy plain pumpkin, but then adds the toxin back in! Many of the recipes call for garlic or for garlic powder, including the recipe for oatmeal garlic cookies on page 79, which calls for 4 cloves. The ASPCA has this note about garlic and dogs: "All close members of the onion family (shallots, onions, garlic, scallions, etc.) contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells if ingested in sufficient quantities. A rule of thumb is “the stronger it is, the more toxic it is.” Garlic tends to be more toxic than onions, on an ounce-for-ounce basis. While it’s uncommon for dogs to eat enough raw onions and garlic to cause serious problems, exposure to concentrated forms of onion or garlic, such as dehydrated onions, onion soup mix or garlic powder, may put dogs at risk of toxicosis. The damage to the red blood cells caused by onions and garlic generally doesn’t become apparent until three to five days after a dog eats these vegetables. Affected dogs may seem weak or reluctant to move, or they may appear to tire easily after mild exercise. Their urine may be orange-tinged to dark red in color. These dogs should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed." The author notes that onions can be toxic, but writes recipes featuring garlic in all forms, when garlic is more toxic, ounce for ounce. On pages 117 and 188, the author actively encourages using garlic and garlic powder as a flavoring. I could go on and on here . . . there are recipes that call for nuts. Nuts aren't recommended for dogs as their high phosphorus content may lead to bladder stones. I have no idea how someone who writes about dogs and wins awards could write a book that is this irresponsible.