November 1st is National Cook for Your Pets Day, a perfect excuse to head to the kitchen and create something special for your furry family members. Cooking for your pets can be a fun, bonding activity, especially when kids join in to measure, mix, and roll. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about what makes a healthy diet for dogs and cats.
The Joy & Benefits of Homemade Pet Food
Preparing homemade meals or treats allows you to know exactly what’s going into your pet’s bowl. You can choose wholesome ingredients, skip artificial additives, and customize recipes for pets with allergies or sensitivities. Home cooking can even help you cater to senior pets or picky eaters who may prefer fresh, simple foods.
Beyond the nutritional side, cooking for your pets is a wonderful way to connect. Many animals love being nearby as their humans bake or cook, watching curiously and catching subtle scents of peanut butter or chicken. Kids particularly enjoy helping prepare treats for a family dog or cat; it’s enriching for everyone involved.
A Word of Caution
While homemade food sounds appealing, it takes careful planning to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. Dogs and cats require specific ratios of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. Feeding a home-prepared diet without veterinary guidance can lead to deficiencies or imbalances over time.
Cats, in particular, are obligate carnivores, meaning they need nutrients found only in animal sources, such as taurine and certain fatty acids. A diet lacking these essentials can result in serious health concerns. Dogs, on the other hand, are more omnivorous and can safely enjoy a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, but they, too, need complete nutrition to thrive.
The safest approach is to consider homemade food as an occasional supplement, food topper, or special treat, not as a full-time diet, unless it is formulated under veterinary supervision.
Pet Nutrition Experts to Consider/Consult
If you are interested in consulting with a pet nutrition expert for your pet’s homemade diet, I recommend speaking to Jessica Fisher of The Pet Parenting Reset and Wild Wellness. She can work with you to design a meal plan, recipes, etc., that meet your pet’s nutritional needs and address any health issues or concerns you may have.
Jessica is speaking at the Texas Pet Sitters Conference in 2026, and I’m excited to hear what she has to share.
If you want to get a general DIY recipe, Dr. Judy Morgan has recipes on her site. To access them, click this link and enter your email to download the recipe.
The Importance of Portion Control
Even the healthiest food and treats can cause trouble if portions get out of hand. Overfeeding leads to obesity, which affects joint health, breathing, and energy levels. On the flip side, underfeeding pets may leave them lacking key nutrients. Treats, for example, should make up no more than 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories; smaller portions for smaller pets, larger ones for bigger breeds.
Homemade Treat Recipe
Easy Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pet Bites
For a kid-friendly pet project this National Cook for Your Pet Day, try this quick recipe that’s safe for most dogs and many cats (in moderation).
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup rolled oats, blended into coarse flour
- Optional: 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
- Stir in oat flour until you form a dough.
- Roll small bite-sized balls or press into cookie shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for about 30 minutes.
These treats store well in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for later use.
National Cook for Your Pets Day
Cooking for your pets is not just about feeding. It’s about showing love through thoughtful choices and fresh ingredients. Celebrate National Cook for Your Pet Day by enjoying a little kitchen time with your pets and/or kids, always keeping safety and nutrition in mind.
Only the Best for Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston Pets
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services.
Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
