Every pet owner wants to provide their pet with the best possible care, and this includes feeding them a suitable meal. Here are a few suggestions when considering to make your pets food at home:  

 
Unlike most humans, animals choose their foods by smell. Studies have shown that most dogs like liver, fat, garlic, lamb, beef, cheese and fish, whilst cats enjoy chicken, liver, fish, turkey, lamb, and prefer fresh to aged flavors.

Animals do not require salt to be added to their diet as the natural salt which is found in these foods is enough for them to meet their nutritional needs.

Although dogs are able to eat any vegetable they choose, cats should never be fed any starchy vegetable, such as peas and corn. Surprisingly, there are some dogs and cats that really do enjoy eating a variety of fruits!

When preparing your pet’s meal at home, it is always a good idea to add a grain, such as Kibble, wheat germ, cooked oatmeal or whole wheat bread to any meat dinner. Dogs should be fed 75% carbohydrate foods to a ratio of 25% meat; whereas cats should be fed ½ carbohydrate foods to ½ meat. Carbohydrate foods are grains and vegetables.

By making your dog or cat’s food yourself, you can be assured that your pet is getting a meal that is fresh and contains only healthy ingredients.  A very good recipe that can be adapted for either a dog or cat is:

Combine 1 chicken liver, 1 giblet, 1 chicken heart, 1 chicken neck, 2 cups water and 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley.

Cover and simmer until the giblet is tender.

Chop all the meat for dogs removing bones and mix with kibble; for cats, you may want to grind the meat in the blender.

Taking the time that is needed to prepare your dog or cat’s food will not only save you money in the long run, but will also provide your pet with healthy meals that can be adapted to add variety and account for personal tastes.  What more could your pet want?