National Cook for Your Pets Day

There's no better way to spoil your best four-footed friend than getting hands-on in the kitchen. National Cook for Your Pets Day is the perfect excuse to whip up wholesome, homemade treats that your dog or cat will actually love.

Because pets can have sensitive stomachs, cooking at home lets you control every ingredient. Below you'll find safety guidelines plus three easy recipes each for dogs and cats.

Ingredients to Always Keep Out of Pet Treats

Some human favorites are genuinely dangerous for animals. Before you start cooking, make sure none of these make it into the bowl:

• Raisins and grapes
• Onions, shallots, and chives
• Garlic
• Tomato
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Yeast dough
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol
• Macadamia nuts

When in doubt, double-check with the ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid feeding pets before introducing anything new.

Homemade Treats for Dogs

Rather than cooking a full meal that could upset your dog's digestion, make small treats and feed them in moderation so his balanced diet stays intact.

Pumpkin Ginger Dog Biscuits

Dogs love these, and the ginger can help settle an upset tummy.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• Pumpkin
• Ground ginger
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• Water, as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2. Mix the flour and ginger until fully combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin, coconut oil, and egg.
4. Blend the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture.
5. With the mixer on low, add water a little at a time until a dough forms but isn't sticky.
6. On a floured surface, roll the dough out thin.
7. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, an upside-down glass, or a knife.
8. Place biscuits about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet and bake until lightly browned. The tops may crack.

Sweet Potato Fries

This is one you and Fido can actually share!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Wash and peel the sweet potato, then cut into long, thin fries.
3. Toss the potatoes with the coconut oil and spices in a bowl or bag.
4. Spread in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet, without overlapping.
5. Bake 15 minutes, flip, and cook another 10 minutes.
6. Cool completely before letting your pup enjoy them with you.

Liver Treats for Diabetic Dogs

Don't leave a pup with diabetes out of the fun. Other dogs love these, too.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 to 1.5 pounds beef liver, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish with parchment.
3. Pulse the liver in a food processor until finely chopped.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.
5. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake about 15 minutes, until the center is firm.
7. Cut with a pizza cutter and store refrigerated in a sealed container.

Energetic breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Siberian Huskies especially appreciate a protein-rich reward after a good walk.

Homemade Treats for Cats

Cats can be famously picky, so these recipes lean on aromatic ingredients like catnip and fish to win them over.

Catnip Biscuit Treats

Feel free to swap the catnip for another favorite ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• Organic catnip
• Dry milk
• Milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Add the wet ingredients and mix into a firm dough.
4. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut with a small cutter or knife.
5. Bake 20 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp both sides.
6. Cool completely before serving.
7. Store in an airtight container; they also freeze well.

Cheesy Kitty Treats

They smell good enough to eat, but save them for your kitty!

Ingredients:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Whole wheat flour
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Cornmeal
• 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Water, as needed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
3. Combine all ingredients except the water and stir.
4. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dough forms a ball.
5. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into small shapes.
6. Bake about 25 minutes.
7. Cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.

Fish Treats for Finicky Eaters

For a cat with a delicate stomach or picky palate, these nutrient-dense bites really tickle her fancy.

Ingredients:

• Quinoa flour
• Brown rice flour or oat flour
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
• 4-5 ounces sardines, tuna, or salmon
• Chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
3. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until combined; the dough will be sticky.
4. Pat the dough into a round and cut shapes, or pinch off pieces and roll into small balls.
5. Bake about 10 minutes, until dry to the touch.
6. Cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.

A Note on Moderation

Homemade treats are a wonderful way to bond, but they should stay a supplement to a complete, balanced diet. If your pet has a health condition or you're unsure about portions, the AVMA's guidance on selecting nutritious pet food is a helpful starting point, and your veterinarian can tailor advice to your companion.

Ready to add a new best friend to your family celebrations? Browse our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, and ask our team about financing and payment options when you visit.