4 all-natural pet food recipes you can make at home
Even if you buy top-of-the-line grub for your four-legged friend, you can’t always ensure that its production was as good for the environment as the food is for your cat or dog. And even pet food companies that tout sustainable practices might be incorporating some ingredients that you wouldn’t really feed your pooch or kitty, given the choice. So in honor of Earth Day—and the love you have for your furry companion—try whipping up one of these healthy, all-natural pet food recipes at home instead. You have complete control over the ingredients and cooking process, which ensures a healthy meal for both your pet and your planet:
- Homemade dog food [AllRecipes]. Ground turkey, brown rice, and frozen broccoli. These might be the types of ingredients you put in your own stew, so you know that this recipe is quality enough to feed to your pup. It’s as simple as putting everything except the broccoli in a Dutch oven with water and simmering for about 20 minutes, then adding the frozen veggies and cooking another five. This recipe would also probably do well in the slow-cooker if you want to let it simmer while you’re at work.
- Chicken, broccoli and rice dinner [Heavy]. Cooked broccoli has more benefits than just adding some much-needed color to your dog’s food dish. It also offers calcium, and can even help freshen your pup’s breath. So this recipe is a solid option if your dog is at risk of osteoporosis, or just needs a breath mint. The recipe calls for five pounds of diced chicken, eggs, rice, broccoli, and a healthy dose of olive oil. So it promises plenty of protein, and lasts for as long as five days when you stick in the fridge (though it might not make it that long).
- Homemade fish dinner [Heavy]. Cats aren’t the only critters who enjoy a nice can of salmon; canines do, too. That’s why this fish dinner recipe incorporates two pounds of frozen fish, like tilapia or swai (two budget-friendly options), as well as a can or two of pink salmon. You’ll match the fish with three eggs and three cups of diced veggies of your choice (beans add some extra protein, but green beans, kale, and cabbage will all bring their own vitamins and minerals). Finally, add some cooked white or brown rice, oatmeal, or even cooked lentils to the mix for added fiber.
- Spinach and chicken Purrk Me Ups [Ebay]. Dogs aren’t the only ones who deserve a little extra TLC in the kitchen; your kitties are just as cuddly and integral to your family. So they should have their own homemade grub, too. These simple treats are a quick and easy way to dote on your feline friend. All you need to make them are half a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs; a cup of fresh spinach; a cup of oatmeal; an egg; flour; and a tablespoon of dried catnip. Steam the chicken thighs, then blend the meat with the oats, spinach, and catnip in your food processor until it’s just shy of smooth. Roll out the dough on a floured countertop and cut cute shapes out of it, or simply slice it up with a pizza cutter. Bake for 20 minutes, then dole out to your kitties as needed.