We love to pamper our pets. Our pets are our children after all, and what better way to treat them right than with a nicely cooked meal? Not only can you control your pet's intake of nutrients and minerals, they can be really healthy too, ensuring that they would live long and fulfilling lives by your side. So, dust off those pots, pans and baking trays, it's time to get your hands dirty (for your pet)!

Recipe 1: Poochie Meat Cakes

This is an excellent little recipe that is great for both dogs and humans! It's filled with plenty of great nutrients for your pets, and it's pretty easy to make too! (Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com)

Ingredients (For 36 portions):

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 large potatoes, grated
• 4 large carrots, grated
• 2 large celery stalks, chopped
• 6 pounds ground beef
• 8 eggs
• 1 dash salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats

Directions:

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 205 degrees C (400 degrees F). Grease 36 cups of 3 large muffin tins.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool several minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, ground beef, and eggs. Mix ingredients together using your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add salt, olive oil, rolled oats, and rice; mix well.
4. Step 4: Fill each muffin cup with some of the meat mixture, and pat down the top to make it firm. Bake 45 minutes, or until surface feels set. Cool on a rack 10 minutes or longer.
5. Step 5: Remove the meat cakes by turning the muffin tin upside down over a sheet of aluminum foil. Tap each muffin cup to release the cake. Refrigerate or freeze in sealed plastic bags.

NOTE: Do not feed to dogs while still hot.

Recipe 2: Pet Cookies

Who says we can't make pet treats on our own? Here's a fool proof and really (and I really mean it) REALLY simple recipe to treat that good boi/gurl/non-binary pet for being that wonderful companion.

Ingredients (12 portions):

• 2 cups wheat germ
• 2.5 ounces strained chicken baby food
• 1 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the wheat germ, baby food, and water together. Add more water if necessary to form a dough. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork dipped in water. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
3. Step 3: Remove when cool

 

Recipe 3: Kitty Kisses

Don't think we've forgotten about our feline friends as well! This is a really simple recipe that utilizes one of the only things known to attract a cat: catnip! This secret weapon, combined with the other ingredient listed on this recipe, will be a surefire win in your cat's book.

Ingredients (20 portions):

• 3 ounces wet cat food
• 1 tsp catnip (optional)

Directions:

1. Step 1: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the cat food and catnip into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth and looks a little like frosting. Spoon pureed cat food into a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag to make it into a makeshift piping bag.
3. Step 3: Squeeze 1/2 inch kisses onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

 

Recipe 4: Homemade Dog Food

Want a fit and healthy pupper that will last beyond ancient in doggo years, and would be quite friendly on your wallet too? Follow this recipe for a dog food recipe that will not only taste delicious, but will also last.

Ingredients (8 portions):

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 pounds ground turkey
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

Directions:

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Let cool completely.

 

Recipe 5: Chicken and Tuna Cat Food

This recipe is really meant for the elderly, but in no way should it be restricted to only those too old to chew their food! The blended food makes it easy for nutrients to be absorbed by the body, and makes it easier for the cat to finish what they eat too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken breast cooked
• 1 can tuna with oil (for moisture)
• 1 1/2 tbsp cooked vegetables (peas, zucchinis, pumpkins, carrots would be great choices, steam vegetables for best results)

Directions:

1. Step 1: Combine all three ingredients in your blender or food processor.
2. Step 2: Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Serve! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or the freezer for up to three weeks.

And there you have it, 5 simple recipes that would keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come. If you would like more recipes, feel free to reach out to us, or google recipes that would be sure to keep your pets joyful and strong.

However, if you do feel like cooking isn’t your strong suit, you are always welcome to shop at our store! We have a range of wonderfully healthy and well suited diets to meet your furry friend’s needs.

Source: allrecipes.com, damndelicious.net, excitedcats.com/