National Cook for Your Pet Day: how to celebrate safely & deliciously

Every November 1st, National Cook for Your Pet Day gives pet parents a perfect opportunity to show your dog or cat some extra love with a special, homemade treat. While the idea of cooking for your pet may sound simple, creating a safe homemade treat for your pet requires careful planning and knowledge. Before you tie on that apron and start chopping vegetables, let's explore the essential dos and don'ts that will help you prepare treats that are both delicious and safe for your four-legged family member.

Safe ingredient ideas: how to cook for your pet

The goal for this holiday is simple: fresh, unseasoned, whole food. If you’re preparing a special meal or treat, think about the safe components you can add to their regular food, or a one-off treat that won’t upset their stomachs. For both cats and dogs, focus on lean protein, simple grains, and approved vegetables.

• Lean protein: Cooked, boneless, skinless chicken, turkey or lean ground beef. Serve it plain — no salt, oil or butter.
• Simple starches: Cooked brown rice, plain oatmeal or boiled sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into small, safe pieces). These are easy on the stomach.
• Veggies: Plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling), cooked carrots or green beans are excellent, nutrient-rich additions.

Remember that portion control is key. Celebrating National Cook For Your Pet Day is meant to be about a small supplement or treat, not a complete replacement for their regular, nutritionally balanced diet. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, even on special occasions.

The dos and dont’s of cooking for pets: a safety checklist

When you’re making the leap to cooking for your pet, safety is the number one priority. Many ingredients that are fine for you are actually toxic to dogs and cats, and prepping safely is just as important for pets as it is for humans

• DO cook all meats thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
• DON’T add any seasonings, salt, pepper or oil. Your pet doesn't need them, and they can be harmful.
• DO check all peanut butter for xylitol — an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
• DON’T ever feed your pet onions, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins or chocolate. These are all common, dangerous toxins.
• DO cut all food into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
• DON’T feed cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause serious internal damage.

The importance of nutritional balance

The fun of a single-day treat is that you don’t have to worry about complex nutritional breakdowns. However, if you find yourself enjoying this holiday so much that you want to switch to a long-term home-cooked diet, you need to bring in veterinary expertise.

“If you're thinking of making homemade meals a regular part of your pet’s diet, you must consult with a board-certificed veterinary nutritionist first,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer, says. “An unbalanced diet, even in the short term, can lead to serious health problems caused by nutrient deficiencies because dogs and cats have very specific and complex dietary needs.”

Making mealtime a memory

Whether you choose to steam a simple piece of chicken or bake a few homemade biscuits, the true spirit of National Cook for Your Pet Day is having fun and strengthening your bond with your dog or cat. Keep it safe, keep it simple and enjoy celebrating your best friend.