Cooking For Kitty And Fido Too

Americans love their pets. It's evident in what we spend on them per year and the lengths we go t to keep them healthy and happy. Some pet parents are now even creating their own pet foods. This is a sweeping trend - not unlike regular parents making their own organic baby food. Making your own pet food does have pluses. However it does have one or two drawbacks too.

The entire concept was explored in today's New York Times Dining section. Samantha Storey wrote an interesting piece that included pet parent interviews and vets regarding this new trend. Cats and dogs receive a mix of organic veggies and grains mixed in with free range meats such as chicken, beef and lamb. It is costly in some cases with just one meal costing anywhere from $12 to $15 to make. Cat food sells for about a quarter a can (depending on where you shop)pet parents do have to be schooled in creating their companions food. Animals require calcium and cats taurine for their bones and eyesight. Some kind of calcium supplement such as Tums have to be added.

Is it worth it?The pluses are you know where the food is coming from. Unlike pet food companies that use leftover slaughter house "mystery meats" pet parents turn to their local butchers for the meat. it;s fresh and freshly ground, especially for them. The extras such as veggies and grains come from the kitchen pantry and grocery store. Home made food also clears up some health problems and in one case turned a cat's personality from cranky to sweet. However cats and dogs do need a sufficient dose of vitamins and minerals for well being and for good bone health. There's also a pet salad (a side piece written by Jeff Gordinier) . This is nothing more than wheat grass that cats love to eat it does nothing for their health, however it keeps them away from toxic plants (and also gets them to throw up easier)

If you can create your own pet food, do it. I would recommend a better blend of store bought and homemade foods. The little four legged ones will get the best of both worlds. - home cooking and specially formulated. They'll enjoy both.