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Alright, pet lovers, get ready to clear your counters and make some room in your fridge, because National Cook for Your Pets Day (November 1) is here! Yes, there’s an entire day dedicated to cooking up fresh, delicious meals for the ones who greet us with endless tail wags and purrs. This isn’t just another pet “holiday”—it’s a chance to whip up meals that show our pets just how much they mean to us. They’re family, right? And family deserves the best, even if they can be a little extra with those big, begging eyes.
Cooking for your pet isn’t just about the fancy gourmet dishes, though (don’t worry, no chef’s hat required). It's about knowing exactly what they’re eating, keeping their meals fresh, and maybe even sneaking in an extra veggie or two without them noticing. After all, our pets deserve to live their best lives, and it’s all about keeping them healthy, happy, and full. But before you go full Iron Chef for your pup or kitty, make sure to chat with your vet if you're thinking of making homemade meals a regular thing.
To kick things off for National Cook for Your Pets Day, here’s a list of ten foods you and your furball can enjoy together, guilt-free and flavor-packed. (No, they don’t need to know that their “treats” are actually healthy.) Bonus: We’ve even got a few quick recipe ideas for those ready to roll up their sleeves.
Carrots
The OG chew toy—crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-good for teeth!
Carrots are like the veggie version of a Milk-Bone. They’re low-calorie, full of crunch, and can even help clean your pet’s teeth. Plus, you can enjoy a snack right alongside them—double the crunch, double the fun!
For an extra-special treat, soak carrot sticks in dog-safe bone broth (no sodium added), then freeze them for a refreshing, nutritious snack that doubles as a natural toothbrush. It’s the perfect combination of flavor and function!
Apples (Hold the Seeds!)
For the pets who insist on dessert.
Apples make for a great snack, packed with fiber and a touch of sweetness. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core, as they contain small amounts of cyanide. Not to be dramatic, but just a reminder: no seeds, please!
Blueberries
Tiny antioxidants that pack a punch.
Great for skin, coat, and a healthy immune system, blueberries are a snack you can both enjoy straight out of the fridge. These tiny powerhouses make great training treats for dogs and are a fun “chasing snack” for cats.
Pumpkin
The answer to “why does my pet love fall?”
A spoonful of pumpkin puree is a fiber-rich treat that helps with digestion. Perfect for pets with sensitive stomachs, this snack is like nature’s little helper for their bellies.
Green Beans
Because some pets really do like their greens.
A great low-cal option for our more “figure-conscious” friends, green beans add fiber and vitamins without piling on the pounds. Sauté a batch and sneak a few for yourself—they’re just as good for us as they are for them!
Peanut Butter (No Xylitol!)
The ultimate trick-and-treat.
This one’s a no-brainer. Dogs go nuts for peanut butter, but don’t forget to double-check the label—xylitol, a sugar substitute in some brands, can be dangerous for pets. A little dab on a spoon (or toy) will keep your furry friend happily occupied for minutes. Bonus points if the only ingredient in your peanut butter is just nuts!
Your pet’s “chicken dinner” dreams come true.
This classic recipe is a safe go-to for pets—and a fan favorite. Packed with protein, a bit of rice for fiber, and easy on sensitive tummies, chicken and rice will keep your pet’s coat shiny and their tail wagging. Add a sprinkle of veggies, and you’ll have a stew that’s as good as gold!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup brown rice
2 cups sweet potato, cubed
2 large chicken breasts, cut into 6 pieces each
2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, carrots)
Instructions
Place ingredients in slow cooker in order listed, covering chicken completely with vegetables
Cook 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Remove from slow cooker, shred chicken and stir into rice and veggie mixture until evenly distributed.
Store covered in fridge for up to three days or freeze in single-serve portions.
Because who doesn’t love a good burger?
Salmon patties aren’t just for human brunch. They’re loaded with omega-3s to keep your pet’s coat glowing like a celeb at the Met Gala. With sweet potato adding fiber and essential nutrients, these patties help digestion, too. Tip: Make a few extra and throw them in the freezer!
Ingredients:
Fresh salmon or other low-mercury fish (twice the amount of sweet potatoes)
Sweet potatoes (certified organic, if possible)
Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil per cup of mixture for added healthy fats
Instructions:
1 .Buy fresh salmon (or trout/mackerel) and organic sweet potatoes. Aim for twice as much fish as sweet potatoes.
2.Steam or bake the fish without spices or additives until thoroughly cooked. Let it cool, remove bones, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Peel, boil, and mash sweet potatoes until tender.
4. Mix the fish and mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl, using a ratio of 2:1 (fish to sweet potatoes). Add 1 tbsp olive oil per cup of mixture if desired.
5. Form into patties and let your pet enjoy!
A loaf to love.
Meatloaf isn’t just for Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey is a lean protein that’s great for pets, and when paired with hidden veggies, it’s the ultimate hack for sneaking in some extra nutrients. Serve it warm or cold, depending on how much of a picky eater your pet is (we know, some pets have “standards”).
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup broccoli cut into small pieces
2 carrots grated
½ cup brown rice cooked
⅓ cup flaxseed
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 medium egg beaten
¼ cup parsley, fresh chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F degrees.
Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
Place all in the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and press down evenly.
Bake for an hour.
Drain off any grease, slice and serve.
A meal they’ll drool over—and so might you.
This beefy bowl is hearty, packed with flavor, and satisfies even the most carnivorous of pets. Sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness and fiber, which is great for their digestion. Perfect for those pets who think they’re living in a luxury steakhouse.
Ingredients
3 pounds ground beef 7 cups cooked crumbled ground beef
2 cups brown rice or swap white rice
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon butter
28 ounces beef stock (optional) + ½ cup water 28 oz = 3.5 cups, add ½ cup water for proper ratio to make rice
1 ½ cups fresh broccoli, shred or cut finely or a 12 oz frozen bag
2 cups fresh carrots, shred or cut into small coins 2 large carrots
2 cups sweet potato, small cubes or shred 1 large sweet potato
2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Make the rice (optional preference of how) Feel free to swap in beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for better flavor. You can also use a good buillon to water for extra flavor.
Chop, shred, or process in a food processor all the veggies. (Small dogs love this step!)
Make Ground Beef and Veggies
Brown and crumble 3 lbs of ground beef in a large skillet. Place in a large bowl.
In a large cast iron pan or skillet, briefly saute carrots, broccoli, and sweet potato until just soft for a few minutes on medium.
Mix Dog Food
Into the large bowl with ground beef, add warm rice, warm sauted veggies, and fresh spinach. Mix well with a large spatula.
Portion 4-5 cups per zip lock back, and store in an airtight container or larger zip top bag in the freezer.
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So, on November 1, why not give your pet the homemade meal they didn’t know they were dreaming of? It’s more than a treat; it’s an experience in tail-wagging gratitude. This National Cook for Your Pets Day, grab a ladle, sprinkle in some love, and let the bonding over breakfast, lunch, or dinner begin!
Who knows? You might even make it onto their list of “favorite humans” for the day.
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