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.
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
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:
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 ” 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- hours or until lightly browned. Note that the tops may crack.
Sweet Potato Fries
This is one you and Fido can actually share!
Ingredients:
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:
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.
Favorite Biscuit Treats for Cats
Here’s one variety, but feel free to substitute your cat’s favorite ingredient for the catnip.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
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:
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
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:
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
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 ” 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.