How to Prepare Delicious, Nutritious Meals for Your Pets from Scratch

Feeding our furry friends is about much more than just filling their bowls: It’s all about giving them the best chance of having a long, happy, and healthy life. 

While shop-bought pet food is convenient, making meals from scratch allows you to take full control over what goes into your pet’s diet. 

Whether you have a curious cat, a devoted dog, or a smaller companion, preparing meals at home can be a wholesome and rewarding experience for both of you.

Why Make Pet Food at Home?

Control Over Ingredients: No hidden fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavourings.

Tailored Nutrition: Ideal for pets with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health needs.

Freshness and Flavour: Home-cooked meals are often more palatable than kibble.

Strengthening Your Bond: Pets quickly learn that the kitchen is where the magic happens!

Before you start, consult your vet or a pet nutritionist to ensure your homemade meals meet your pet’s dietary needs.

What Should Be in a Pet’s Diet?

Each animal has different dietary requirements. Here's a brief overview:

For Dogs:

Protein: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or fish.

Carbohydrates: Brown rice, oats, sweet potato.

Vegetables: Carrots, peas, courgette, spinach (all cooked and chopped).

Fats: Fish oil or flaxseed oil for a healthy coat.

Calcium: Crushed eggshells or a vet-recommended supplement.

For Cats:

Cats are obligate carnivores and need more protein and taurine than dogs.

Protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, or oily fish like salmon or sardines (in moderation).

Organ Meats: Liver and kidney for taurine and vitamins.

Small Amount of Vegetables: Steamed carrots or pumpkin can aid digestion.

No Grains Necessary: Cats don’t need carbohydrates.

Sample Recipes

Simple Chicken & Rice for Dogs

Ingredients:

500g chicken breast (boneless and skinless)

1 cup brown rice

1 cup chopped carrots and peas

1 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Cook rice as per instructions.

Boil chicken until fully cooked, then shred.

Steam or boil the vegetables.

Mix everything together with a drizzle of olive oil.

Cool completely before serving.

Hearty Chicken & Pumpkin Bowl for Cats

Ingredients:

250g chicken thigh (boneless, skinless)

2 tbsp cooked pumpkin (plain, no spices)

1 tsp fish oil

Optional: a sprinkle of powdered taurine supplement

Method:

Boil or poach chicken until cooked through. Shred finely.

Mash pumpkin and mix with chicken and fish oil.

Add taurine supplement if advised by your vet.

Serve at room temperature.

Foods to Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to pets. Keep these far from their bowls:

Dogs: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol (sweetener), cooked bones.

Cats: Onions, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, raw eggs, dairy, dog food (lacks taurine).

Storage and Safety Tips

Cook in Batches: Freeze individual portions to save time.

Use Glass or BPA-free Containers: Prevent chemical leaching.

Label Clearly: Include the date and contents.

Reheat Safely: Gently warm food but never serve hot.

Final Thoughts

Preparing pet meals from scratch is a wonderful way to show your love through food. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just balanced, consistent, and tailored to your pet’s needs. Remember, a healthy diet is the foundation of a long and wag-worthy life!

If you’re new to homemade pet food, start by supplementing one or two meals a week and see how your pet reacts. Over time, you may find that your homemade efforts become their firm favourite.

Have you tried cooking for your pet? Share your recipes or tips in the comments below!