Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get into the kitchen more often? Perhaps you want to feed your pet more wholesome and tasty treats – food that YOU could eat yourself! If so, we have some pawfect recipes for you to try out. Not only are they easy to make, it’s a fun way to spend time and further bond with your pet!
So, what kinds of nutrients does your pet need in the first place?
- Protein – animal meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs
- Fat – from meat or oil
- Carbohydrates – grains or vegetables
- Calcium – from dairy or an ingredient such as egg shells
- Essential fatty acids – certain plant oils, egg yolks, oatmeal, and other foods
Not too different from us humans, right? Of course, there are many foods that are toxic to pets– like chocolate, grapes, onions, etc. so be sure to check beforehand. The ASPCA is a great resource; you can always consult with your vet as well! Now that you know the basics, you can start preparing delicious meals for your pets. Below are some easy recipes to keep in your arsenal:
Fido’s Feast
This is a recipe that you may want to feast on yourself! It’s a great way to ensure your pup is getting the proper nutrients – the more colorful the food, the better!
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 3 pounds ground turkey
- 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
The easiest way to prepare this dish is to pop all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it sit for the day! Then, you can take the mixture and store it in your fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it in easy single-serve portions for later! The best part about this recipe is how versatile the mix is – you can swap any of these ingredients, as long as it’s safe for your pet’s consumption!
Kai’s Kibble
Did you know you can make your very own crunchy dog kibble? No need to keep spending money on those huge bags anymore! Follow this recipe and you’ll never buy bagged kibble again!
- 6 cups of flour – white, whole wheat or oat
- 1 cup of powdered milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup baking oil
- 2-1/2 cups of milk, broth or water
First, pour the flour and powdered milk into a mixing bowl. Then, mix the eggs, oil and milk, broth or water into another bowl. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix into a thick, moist dough, similar to bread. At this point, you can add in anything else to jazz up the flavor! Cheese, meat, fruits, veggies – as long as it’s safe for your pup!
Once you’re satisfied, spread the dough onto a greased cookie sheet and place the tray in a 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes. Allow it to cool and break it up into bite-sized pieces for your dog Simply store the crunchy dog food in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
We’ve been so conditioned to think dog food is something that comes in a bag or a can – however, you can make nutritious meals for your pups with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Let us know what you think about these recipes in the comments below! We’d love to hear your ideas.