Pet menus for your pooch or cat on the go

You know that sad look your pet gives you when you're about to leave them home alone? Now you may be able to avoid that dreaded big eyed guilty stare at the door by bringing them with you instead.

A knock at the door is a delicious delivery for Trixie and Babette Tamara Waterston dogs. A steak, sans seasoning, cooked up in the W Hotel's award winning restaurant. When Waterston stays there she splurges for her dogs and orders them a meal off the room service pet menu.

"I saw the pet menu and I was pretty excited; we were pretty jazzed about it."

It is a trend pet owners say is barking up the right tree. Some restaurants and hotels nationwide are literally catering to your pet like the W Hotel.

"A lot of people are traveling with their pets. More so now than they were 10 years ago, and we felt it was important to be inclusive," said David Cronin, W Hotel.

Lowes Hotels offers gourmet pet menus and room service for cats and dogs. At a Four Seasons Hotel, presentation is a plus. You would hope your dog would slow down to appreciate every bite of this pet menu. And some DQ locations offer pup cups or dog treats.

"It's really important to promote the human-animal bond and to promote a positive relationship with us and our pets," said Dr. Martha G. Cline, Veterinarian, Clinical Nutrition.

The pet menus range from doggone creative to food even a finicky feline may think is just "perrrrrrfect." One features grilled chicken and rice or raw ground beef "mutballs" with cottage cheese for about $5. For about $6 you can get "sensational salmon". One pet menu even offers free range chicken chow hash for about $17.

You can drink with your dog too, one restaurant offers nonalcoholic, noncarbonated beer made from chicken and barley for your pooch for $4.

"I think it's really great that businesses are doing this," said Dr. Cline.

Dr. Cline said going gourmet is okay occasionally, but don't stray too far from your pet's usual diet.

"Treats and table foods should not comprise more than about 10-percent of a dog's calorie intake. I think owners just have to be aware if their own dog has any dietary limitations, any issues in the past with gastro sensitivity."

Waterston said she loves the pet-friendly menu, but much to the dismay of Trixie and Babette she only orders off it in moderation.

"This is a special treat just being able to stay here and bring the dogs."

Dr. Cline said if you have any concern about the ingredients in a pet menu be sure to ask the restaurant about it in case your pet has dietary restrictions or allergies.