Potcakes have grown up on the streets of the Bahamian islands for generations. This means that, unless they were lucky enough to find a rescue or their “forever home,” their diet has primarily consisted of scrounging for whatever they could find, from trash, to handouts, to unsuspecting farm and wild animals. This history has contributed to their resilience and adaptability, but today, they deserve to eat safe and healthy versions of the foods they are accustomed to. We have made a list of some of our favorites.
DO LET THEM EAT:
Peas n rice – Pigeon peas mixed with rice and cooked in pots, is the traditional Bahamian recipe from which Potcakes earn their names. Locals would leave their pots with caked on leftovers of this nutritious dish out at night for the island dogs to lick them clean. This is a tradition honored in many potcake homes to this day.
Cooked animal meat and seafood of all kinds are always a big hit.
Green Peas/Broccoli/Carrots – yes please!
Pumpkin, sweet potato, quinoa – tasty treats!
Here are a couple of tasty, homemade recipes for those who like to go the extra mile for their potcakes, and possibly save some money at the same time!
Also, don’t forget about the base mixes that you can order to turn some of potcake’s favorite foods into a homemade meal in a jiffy.
DON’T LET THEM EAT:
Cooked bones from chicken, beef, pork or other animals. They splinter and can cause intestinal damage. This means people also have to be careful so we don’t leave trash with cooked animal bones where they can be accessed by stray animals. If you happen to find one on the beach, it should be thrown in a trash receptacle.
Grapes, raisins, and chocolate can be fatal to dogs.
Some grains, such as corn, can cause allergic reactions for some dogs. Keeping an eye on the ingredients going into their foods makes it easier to adjust their diet when needed.