A–Z Food Recipes for Cats and Dogs – Wholesome, Easy-to-Make Meals and Treats

I have always loved cooking and have a passion for creating tasty, nutritious meals for myself and my cats and dogs. All of the recipes included in this chapter are simple and quick to make and have been tried and tested on hundreds of my animal clients with great success. Many animal rescue centres and my Diploma in Animal Healing students make my cat and dog treats to sell at animal charity fundraising activities, and my recipes have even appeared on BBC television.

For a decade or so I have been perfecting recipes in which the ingredients are more than just a substance to fill an empty stomach when our pets are hungry. Real food is far more than that: it has a nutritional value that fuels the body with goodness, creates positive energy and restores and strengthens all the systems.

In my clinic I see animals at all stages of life – from puppies and kittens through to adolescents, adults and seniors. The diet and food routines of these pets may vary as they get older or develop certain ailments, so I have created a variety of food recipes packed full of vital nutrients and key vitamins and minerals to support the body and help in overall health. Please refer to the A–Z Common Conditions chapter to see the recipes Dr Rohini and I particularly recommend you tailor to your pet’s condition.

These days I am seeing more pets that have been diagnosed with various stages of cancer, and so I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making for your dog some of the cancer-fighting recipes included below, such as the Combat Cancer Vegetable Harvest Bake and the Combat Cancer Turmeric and Chickpea treats.

In my first book, The Animal Healer (Hay House), I wrote about a most remarkable dog called Frosty who was diagnosed with cancer and given six weeks to live. Her wonderful guardians, Shaun and Christine, brought Frosty to see me. After gaining the permission of her oncologist vet I put some food changes in place for Frosty and she responded well. Her new diet consisted entirely of organic fresh produce, including free-range chicken and eggs, brightly coloured vegetables and fruits full of beta-carotene and lycopene – well-documented anti-cancer compounds.

It took patience, dedication and an outstanding commitment from Shaun and Christine to see things through, as Frosty battled against the ravages of chemotherapy and exhaustion. Yet she always looked forward to the food her guardians made for her every day, and this helped give her the strength and stamina to live. We believe this diet also helped minimize the side effects of her chemotherapy. Frosty fought back and lived a further two years, enjoying a full and active life with her guardians.

We can help change an animal’s life for the better by changing the way they eat. Every cat and dog I have been a guardian to has relished eating real food. I honestly believe they appreciate it as much as I love making it. It is such fun making healthy dog and cat foods: even if you try just one recipe in this chapter as a treat for your pets, they will love you forever! Observing my dogs’ interest in every stage of the cooking and eating process – they sniff the air and salivate at the smells wafting through the kitchen – is a joy to behold. Tastes and smells remain in our animals’ memories throughout their lives, just as they do in our own.

Enjoy the recipes!

Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

140g (5oz) self-raising flour

1 large free-range egg

85g (3oz) dried seaweed, such as bladderwrack, kombu or dulce

2 tablespoons bladderwrack-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil)

Method: please use the instructions below for preparing and baking all the biscuit recipes in this chapter.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Grease a 20 × 29cm (8 × 11in) baking sheet.
2. Put the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them until they form a soft dough. Spread dough 1cm (½in) deep on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until just firm.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cut into bite-sized squares.
4. Keep in an airtight, labelled container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze for up to one month.

Calendula biscuits

175g (6oz) organic self-raising flour

1 large free-range egg

1 tablespoon unset (runny) honey

2 tablespoons calendula-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil below)

3 tablespoons calendula petals, sieved from the infused oil

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits above

Catnip Feline biscuits

115g (4oz) dried catnip

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons catnip-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil)

1 tablespoon unset (runny) honey

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits above

Chamomile Tea & Honey biscuits

4 tablespoons cold chamomile tea (in a cup, steep two chamomile teabags in boiling water, then leave to cool)

115g (4oz) milled linseed meal

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons chamomile-infused honey (see recipe under herb-infused honey)

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

Charcoal K9/Feline D-Tox biscuits

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

85g (3oz) activated charcoal

2 free-range eggs

2 tablespoons unset (runny) honey

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

In recent years, activated charcoal has been used to treat toxic ingestions, as it helps absorb poisons from the gastrointestinal tract. It is also useful in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This recipe is helpful only with specific conditions, so it should not be fed as a regular treat.

Chicken broth for cats and dogs

1. Place a cooked chicken carcass in a large, lidded saucepan and add 550ml (1 pint) of water.
2. Bring to the boil and then turn off the heat and leave to cool, preferably overnight, with the lid on.
3. Remove the carcass and then strain the liquid (broth) into a glass container with a lid. Keep refrigerated and use within three days.

Extras: add vegetables such as carrots, green beans, courgettes (zucchini), potato, broccoli (florets and stalks) to the broth. When cooked, they will soften nicely and add fibre to your pet’s diet.

Combat Cancer Vegetable Harvest Bake

A selection of fresh vegetables – such as pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, courgette (zucchini), carrot, cauliflower and beetroot.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Wash the vegetables thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.
2. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Remove and allow to cool in the sheet.

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a small handful to daily feed.

These vegetables are a rich source of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B C, E, B6, beta-carotene and dietary fibre. Rich, deep-red vegetables such as beetroot contain betacyanin, a powerful anti-cancer agent. Feel free to feed this healthy recipe to your pet at any time.

Combat Cancer Vegetable Combo

A selection of prepared fresh vegetables – such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, peas, spinach, Swiss chard.

1. Wash the vegetables thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Lightly steam the vegetables. Remove from the steamer and allow to cool.
3. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a small handful to daily feed.

These vegetables are a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, K, B6 and E, plus folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Feel free to feed this healthy recipe to your pet at any time.

Combat Cancer Fruit Combo

A selection of fresh fruit – such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, apple, banana, fig, raspberries, watermelon and kiwi.

1. Wash the fruit thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces (if using peaches, nectarines, apricots or other stoned fruit, remove stones).
2. Offer your pet a small handful of any of the above fruit – on a separate plate alongside their daily food. Allow them to self-select what they want.

These fruits are a rich source vitamins A, C, E, K, plus beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and flavonoids such as lycopene and lutein (which are well-documented anti-cancer agents).

Combat Cancer Turmeric and Chickpea Treats for dogs

115g (4oz) chickpea flour

55g (2oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

½ tablespoon turmeric

2 apples, grated

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

EGGS FOR CATS AND DOGS

Every part of an egg is highly nutritious for dogs and cats, including the eggshell. In the wild dogs and cats steal eggs from birds’ nests as they are a high-quality source of protein, especially when prey is difficult to find. Eggs are naturally rich in vitamins A, B2, B12 and D, plus iodine, selenium and phosphorus. They are an excellent and healthy snack to feed and add to home-made recipes.

Most dogs love all the egg recipes listed below; however some cats can be fussy and you may need to experiment to see which one is best for your cat. Always start off with cooked eggs if your pet is fed a diet of dried food, as raw could give them an upset tummy. You can gradually introduce a raw egg to meals when you have established your pet is happy with natural foods.

I usually boil half a dozen eggs at a time and keep them in the fridge until I need them. Apart from a midday or night-time nutritious snack, I use hard-boiled eggs for positive-reward dog training. They are also a very handy snack for pets with diabetes, as they maintain glucose levels without the spiking effects of grain-based treats.

Hard-boiled Egg K9/Feline treat

4 large free-range eggs

1. Add eggs to a pan of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Leave eggs to cool, then remove the shell and offer one egg per dog or cat as a treat. Keep hard-boiled eggs with their shells on in the fridge for up to three days.

Eggshell K9/Feline Calcium treat

After you have used the yolk and white of an egg keep the shell. When you are using the oven to bake other things, pop the eggshells on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven for 20 minutes at 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.

1. Once the shells have cooled, place them in a pestle and mortar or a coffee grinder and grind down to a fine, sand-like consistency.
2. Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks (label and date the jar).
3. Every few days, sprinkle a teaspoon over your pet’s food, or add a tablespoon to one of the dog and cat biscuit recipes in this chapter.

The main ingredient of an eggshell is calcium – 1 teaspoon contains approximately 800–1000mg of calcium. The eggshell membrane is also used as a dietary supplement and has been shown to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis, stiffness and painful joints. The membrane contains proteins such as chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, well-known, over-the-counter compounds you can buy at the pharmacy to help with these conditions.

K9 herb omelette

4 large free-range eggs

1 large sprig of herbs, finely chopped: try chives, thyme, sage or mint

1 tablespoon light olive oil

1 large carrot, grated

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and then add the herbs and carrot.
2. Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled, non-stick frying pan and cook over a high heat for 2–3 minutes, or until the entire egg and herb mixture is set and firm to the touch.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cut into bite-sized squares.
4. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Scrambled eggs

2 large free-range eggs

1. Crack the eggs into a microwave-proof bowl or jug, then whisk together with a fork.
2. Place in a microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes. Allow to cool and then feed.

Garlic K9 biscuits

115g (4oz) oatmeal

85g (3oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 cloves garlic, ground to a paste

1 tablespoon unset (runny) honey

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

Please see alternative recipe below for cats, using chives instead of garlic

Chive Feline treats

1 small bunch chives, finely chopped

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

115g (4oz) can sardines in sunflower oil (use all of the oil in the can)

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

Ginger K9 biscuits

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

115g (4oz) milled linseed meal

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons ginger-infused honey (see recipe under herb-infused honey)

A piece of fresh root ginger (1cm/½in long), finely grated

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

Hedgerow Hip Bites for dogs

225g (8oz) organic self-raising flour

2 large free-range eggs

4 good handfuls ripe autumn rosehips (remove pips)

2 tablespoons unset (runny) honey

2 tablespoons rosehip-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil)

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits

Variation: substitute the rosehips for one large grated eating apple or one banana, or two handfuls of blackberries.

ELDERBERRIES

Elderberries are the fruit of the elder tree and are packed full of vitamins A and C, plus beta-carotene and antioxidants. Studies have found that elderberries are effective in easing the symptoms of respiratory conditions: the bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell.

In fact, scientists have so enthused about elderberries that elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in Central America in 1995, and the fruit is listed in the 2000 edition of Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion.

Elderberries are best picked in July and August, when they have a deep and rich purple colour. The following remedy is great for mild cold and cough-like symptoms and for senior dogs needing a boost of energy from the goodness of elderberries. I created it to help Carley, a dog trainer whose own dogs were suffering from colds, and it proved to be a great success, as Carley explains:

K9 Bark Berry cough remedy

1kg (2lbs 4oz) ripe elderberries

Cloves

Lemons

Sugar

Root ginger

1. Wash and de-stalk the berries. Place in a large pan with enough water to cover. Bring to the boil and simmer until berries are soft, about 30 minutes.
2. Strain the berries through a sieve and retain the cooking liquid. Then, for every 550ml (1 pint) of liquid add 10 cloves, the juice of one lemon and 200g (7oz) sugar.
3. Return to the heat without the berries, add a 2½-cm (1-in) piece of fresh ginger, and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Boil hard for 8 minutes. Remove the cloves and ginger and let the liquid cool.
4. Pour into dark plastic 100ml (3½ fl oz) bottles, label and store in the fridge or freezer until needed.

HERB-INFUSED HONEY

Honey is a wonderful complement to your pet’s diet when infused with herbs in the way shown in the following recipes. Honey contains mainly sugars: equal amounts of fructose and glucose, a tiny amount of sucrose and maltose and a little water. It can be ingested and also used topically. The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5 and this relatively acidic pH level prevents the growth of many bacteria. Because of its unique composition and chemical properties, honey is suitable for long-term storage and is easily assimilated, even after long preservation.

To maximize the longevity of a herb-infused honey it is important to limit its access to moisture. If exposed to moist air, honey’s hydrophilic properties will attract moisture, which will eventually dilute it to the point that fermentation begins. Minimize excess water in herb-infused honey jars by harvesting fresh herbs on a hot, sunny afternoon.

Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. I often feed garlic-infused honey to my dogs, as garlic is a natural flea repellent. It is also good for first aid and shock. Allow cats and dogs to lick natural honey from your hand, as it is very calming and is recommended for pets that have been scared; it also helps animals that are in shock and traumatized.

Note: never let your pet ingest garlic on its own as it can burn the oesophagus.

Garlic-infused honey

1 jar unset (runny) honey

1 bulb garlic (use 6 cloves)

1. Strip the outer layer of skin from each of the garlic cloves. Gently prick the cloves all over and place in the jar of honey.
2. Put the jar in the fridge and leave to infuse for one week.
3. From time to time, agitate the jar by tipping it upside down – this help maximize the infusion process. After one week remove the garlic cloves. The honey will appear thinner in consistency and have a pungent garlic aroma.
4. Label and date the jar, and keep in the fridge. Use within six months.
5. Place ½ teaspoon garlic-infused honey on a clean plate, so pets can self-select.

Ginger-infused honey

1 jar unset (runny) honey

25g (1oz) piece of root ginger

1. Chop or slice the ginger and add to the honey jar; remove after one week.
2. Label and date the jar, and keep in the fridge. Use within six months
3. Offer ½ teaspoon ginger-infused honey to your pet on a clean plate.

Herb-infused honey

It is best to stick to one type of herb per jar of honey. Rosemary, sage, thyme and chamomile (leaves and flowers) work well.

1 jar unset (runny) honey

A sprig of a single herb

1. Using a cotton thread, wind round the stems of the herbs and secure tightly to make a bundle.
2. Immerse the herb bundle in the honey. When the herbs are tied it is easier to remove them from the honey jar after infusing. Remove herbs after one week.
3. Label and date the jar, and keep in the fridge. Use within six months
4. Offer ½ teaspoon herb-infused honey to your pet on a clean plate.

HERB-INFUSED OIL

Like the herb-infused honey, herb-infused oil is a tasty addition to your pet’s diet. It is made by infusing a single type of dried herb and sunflower oil in a glass jar for a period of time – between four and six weeks – with the mixture being agitated (shaken vigorously) every day. The plant material is then removed by filtering the oil, leaving the oil with some of the therapeutic constituents and properties of the herb, and its colour.

Herb-infused oil can be added to the biscuit recipes listed above, but do not add it to your pet’s regular food as he or she may not want it. Always offer separately – place ½ teaspoon of herb-infused oil on a clean plate and allow your pet to self-select the oil. This is lovely to offer as a healthy treat some time during the day, other than meal times.

If you would like to harvest and dry your own herbs please refer to Chapter 4: Harvesting Nature’s Bounty for your Pet for more information. If you would like to purchase ready-made herb-infused oils, visit www.animalchoices.co.uk.

Herb-infused sunflower oil

Use only one herb per infusion.

50g (1¾oz) dried herb of your choice – select one of the following: catnip, chickweed, calendula (marigold), mint, nettle, rosehip or bladderwrack

500ml (18 fl oz) sunflower oil

1. Fill a dry, sterilized glass jar (see top tip below) with your chosen dried herb and cover completely with the sunflower oil – keep pouring until you reach the slope or shoulder of the jar, leaving a small space for the oil to breath.
2. Screw the lid on tightly and leave the jar in a warm place, or in direct sunlight, or on a sunny windowsill, for between four and six weeks – or until the oil has taken on the colour of the plant material. Shake the jar vigorously every day.
3. After the oil has infused strain the herb off into a sterilized measuring jug and put the oil in a (preferably dark) bottle.
4. Label and date the bottle and store in a cool, dry place. Use within three months. If unsure, smell and taste the oil and do not use it if it’s rancid.

If you have a dishwasher you can sterilize jars and lids in it. Alternatively, place clean jars, measuring jugs and metal sieves in a pre-heated oven at 90°C (200°F) for 30 minutes. Allow to cool before using.

K9/Feline fishcakes

2 × 115g (4oz) cans sardines in sunflower oil

115g (4oz) self-raising flour

1 large free-range egg

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 heaped tablespoon unset (runny) honey

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Grease a 24 × 21 × ¾cm (9 × 8 × ¼in) baking sheet.
2. Mash all the ingredients together in a large bowl, until they form a soft dough.
3. Spread dough evenly over the baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the sheet. Cut into bite-sized squares.
4. Keep in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month.

Variation: substitute sardines for the following: 1 × 215g (7½oz) can wild red salmon with juice or 1 × 150g (5½oz) can tuna in sunflower oil.

K9/Feline Nature’s Own Hotpot

225g (8oz) free-range minced (ground) turkey or chicken, or chicken breast meat

1 large carrot, grated

1 handful French green beans (cut small)

1 handful basmati rice

1 medium potato, diced

1 handful frozen peas*

2 cabbage leaves, shredded

1. Place all the ingredients in a large pan and add enough water to cover.
2. Bring to the boil and then gently simmer for 30 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed (top the pan up with water if it starts to dry out). Allow mixture to cool.
3. Keep in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month.

* Frozen peas are a wonderful storecupboard superfood and a source of protein, vitamins B, C and K, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, carotenoids and folic acid. Add a handful of peas to any of the hot pot recipes at the cooking stage, to bulk out the fibre. Dogs and cats alike love lightly cooked peas.

Linseed K9/Feline biscuits

140g (5oz) milled linseed meal

85g (3oz) plain or self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons unset (runny) honey

2 tablespoons light olive oil

2 level tablespoons dried eggshells (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Grease a 24 × 21 × ¾cm (9 × 8 × ¼in) baking sheet.
2. Put the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them until they form a soft dough. Spread dough evenly over the baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool in the sheet. Cut into bite-sized squares.
3. Keep in an airtight, labelled container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month.

Variation: add a handful of finely chopped herbs: try sage, thyme or parsley.

Liver Cake K9/Feline Bake

450g (1lb) liver (chicken, lamb or beef) chopped into small pieces

280g (10oz) self-raising flour

2 free-range eggs

1 large handful finely chopped curly parsley

1. Place all the ingredients in a large blender or food mixer and mix until a soft dough is formed. Spread dough 1cm (½in) deep onto a baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes until just firm.
2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cut into bite-sized squares.
3. Keep in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to one month.

Mint K9 biscuits

175g (6oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons mint-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil)

1 teaspoon unset (runny) honey

1 handful finely chopped fresh garden mint

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits above

Nettle K9 biscuits

175g (6oz) self-raising flour

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons nettle-infused sunflower oil (see recipe under herb-infused oil)

1 teaspoon unset (runny) honey

1 handful finely chopped nettles

Method: see under Bladderwrack K9/Feline sea biscuits above

Prairie Woof Jacks

Oats are a key ingredient in these dog biscuits. Cultivated for food for thousands of years and with the highest source of plant protein of all cereals, oats are an excellent source of dietary fibre and great for anxious and stressed dogs as they help support the nervous system. Oats are packed with vitamins B1, B2, D and E.

4 tablespoons light olive oil

3 heaped tablespoons unset (runny) honey (natural, or infused with thyme or sage, see recipe above)

225g (8oz) oats or oatmeal

1 large apple, grated

2 handfuls ground natural nuts, i.e. walnut, cashew, pecan

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Grease a 20 × 29cm (8 × 11in) baking sheet.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan for a couple of minutes and then stir in the honey. Add the oats, apple and nuts. Mix well until a soft dough is formed.
3. Spread dough 1cm (½in) deep onto the baking sheet, pressing down evenly with the back of a tablespoon. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the sheet. Cut into bite-sized squares.
5. Keep in an airtight, labelled container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze for up to one month.

Woof Berry and Yoghurt dog treats

Blackberries are one of the most abundant fruits in the UK and are best when harvested between late July and October. Try and pick them on a warm, sunny afternoon, when they are at their juiciest. Dogs adore blackberries as they contain lots of vitamin C. You can also freeze them and use them in the winter months.

If you have picked blackberries from a hedgerow for use in this recipe, place them on a sheet of baking paper for an hour to allow any moisture to evaporate and any insects that have taken up residence to vacate the berries!

500g (1lb 2oz) carton organic natural yoghurt*

200g (7oz) ripe blackberries

1 ripe banana, mashed

3 level tablespoons good quality smooth peanut butter*

1. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine them until they form a mixture with a loose consistency.
2. Spoon the mixture into a silicon ice-cube tray or silicon cupcake moulds and place into a freezer.
3. After 2 hours the cubes should be firm to the touch. Pop one out as and when you want to offer your dog a treat.

In the summer my dogs and I adore licking these cubes, and they help keep us cool. In the winter months I let the cubes thaw for a few minutes before we eat them!

Variation: substitute raspberries, blueberries or strawberries for the blackberries.

* I like to use a yoghurt brand with high animal welfare standards, with the cows that supply the milk allowed to graze outdoors for part of the year. Choose a peanut butter brand that contains a high percentage of peanuts – around 95 per cent – and no palm oil. A very good example of this is a brand called Sun-Pat, available in the UK and USA. Also available in the USA is Woodstock Farms Organic Peanut Butter.