National Cook for Your Pets Day

November 13, 2020

Today, November 1, 2020, is Go Cook For Your Pet Day. Here are a few great recipes to honor your BFFF (best four-footed friend) in the kitchen this year.

Animals can have sensitive stomachs, so cooking for your pet challenges you to use healthy ingredients that your buddy will love while still maintaining his health. Drool-worthy recipes are abundant on the internet but keeping his preferences and needs balanced requires sifting through the lot. We’ve compiled three each for dogs and cats so you can make this special day truly that.

Special considerations

Remember NOT to include these ingredients in your pet’s special food.

●  Raisins

●  Grapes

●  Onions (including shallots and chives)

●  Garlic

●  Tomato

●  Chocolate

●  Avocado

●  Yeast dough

●  Caffeine

●  Alcohol

●  Artificial sweeteners

●  Xylitol

●  Macadamia nuts

What should I cook for my dog?

Rather than cook a whole meal for your dog which could upset his digestive system, consider making special treats and feed them small-scale so his balanced diet isn’t compromised.

Pumpkin Ginger Dog Biscuits

Dogs love these tasty treats and the ginger is good to settle an upset tummy (so save some for later).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ¼  to ½ cup water

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 275° F.

2.      Mix flour and ginger together until completely combined.

3.      In a large mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin, coconut oil, and egg.

4.      Add flour mixture and blend together with pumpkin mixture.

5.      With the mixer on low, add water a little at a time until dough forms but isn’t sticky.

6.      On a floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼” thickness.

7.      Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, a glass turned upside down, or a knife.

8.      On an ungreased baking sheet, put the biscuits about 2” apart and bake about 2-½ hours or until lightly browned. Note that the tops may crack.

Sweet Potato Fries

This is one you and Fido can actually share!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2.      Wash and peel the sweet potato, cutting it into long, thin “french fries.”

3.      In a bowl or plastic bag, toss the potatoes with the coconut oil and spices.

4.      Place on an ungreased baking sheet in one layer. Do not overlap potatoes.

5.      Bake for 15 minutes, flip potatoes over and cook for another ten minutes.

6.      Cook completely before letting your pup enjoy this treat with you!

Treats for diabetic dogs.

Don’t leave your beloved pup out even if he has diabetes. Here’s one just for him (other dogs like it, too).

Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1-½ pounds of beef liver, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2.      Line a jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse a food processor to finely chop the liver.

4.      Add remaining ingredients and continue to process until smooth.

5.      Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

6.      Bake for 15 minutes (the center should be firm).

7.      Cut with a pizza cutter and store refrigerated in a sealed container.

What can I cook for my cat?

Favorite Biscuit Treats for Cats

Here’s one variety, but feel free to substitute your cat’s favorite ingredient for the catnip.

Ingredients:

• 1-½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1-½ teaspoon organic catnip
• ⅓ cup dry milk
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3.      Add all the wet ingredients and mix to form a firm dough.

4.      Roll on lightly floured surface using a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

5.      Bake for 20 minutes, turning half way through to crisp both sides.

6.      Cool completely before giving these treats to Fluffy.

7.      These keep on the counter in an airtight container. They also freeze well.

Cheesy Kitty Treats

They smell good enough to eat, but save them for your kitty!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (I used Chobani 0% fat Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Several tablespoons of water

Directions:

1.      Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Combine all ingredients except water and stir together.

4.      Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together in a ball.

5.      Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

6.      Place on the parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes.

7.      Cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.

Treats for Finicky Eaters

If you have a cat with tummy issues or who is picky, these nutrient-dense treats will really tickle her fancy!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup quinoa flour
•  ½ cup brown rice flour or oat flour
•  1 tablespoon dried catnip
•  4-5 ounces sardines, tuna, or salmon (choose your cat’s favorite)
•  ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
•  ½ tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until thoroughly combined (dough will be sticky).

4.      You can either pat the dough into a ¼” round and cut out shapes or simply pinch pieces off and make them into little balls.

5.      Place on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. They should be dry to the touch.

6.      Let cool completely before delighting Fluffy with these treats.

7.      Store in an airtight container.