When you’re a pet parent-- no matter what kind of pet you have-- you want the best for your critter. One of the most important things you can do to make sure your pet is happy and healthy is to ensure their diet is full of delicious and nutritious options. Sometimes it’s easy to get confused with all the different types of pet food out there-- each one claiming to be the best for your pet. Doing the best by your friend means you do your research, and make an informed decision as to what works for you and your pet.

But one option a lot of pet parents might forget is the benefits of cooking a meal for your critter at home, just as you would do for any friend or family member! We wanted to put together an article of some great recipes you can cook for your pet to celebrate National Cook for your Pet Day, but also offer some alternatives in case you don’t feel like cooking! Keep reading to find out:

• Easy pet recipes you can cook tonight
• Columbus pet stores that offer some delicious treats
• Pet-friendly restaurants in Columbus worth a visit
  

What is National Cook for Your Pet Day?

A new holiday to celebrate with your pet!

In case you didn’t already know, November 1st is the official National Cook for your Pet Day. There seems to be a holiday for everything now, and some are quite interesting-- National Spaghetti Day (January 4), National Eat a Red Apple Day (December 1), and even National Black Bear Day (June 6)-- just to name a few. But as pet owners, we love any opportunity we can get to celebrate our pets, and rush to our social media to show pictures of our pets for National Cat Day (October 29), International Dog Day (August 26), and even World Snake Day (July 16). Cook for your Pet Day gives us an opportunity to do something fun with our pets-- include them in our cooking!

Many people aren’t aware of the holiday because it happens to fall on the day after Halloween when we’re trying to recover from our candy overload from the day before. But what better reason to start November off healthy than by cooking for our pets? Even if you’re not the best cook, there are still some super easy recipes that your pet will just be thrilled over. But cooking for your pet doesn’t have to be limited to just this day! Supplementing your pets’ diet with cooked or raw food appropriate to their species is a great way to ensure they’re getting all the nutrition they need to live their lives to the fullest.

Recipes for Dogs

Treat your pup to something a little different today, and try one of these recipes for dinner instead.

Pet-Friendly Crockpot Chicken and Brown Rice

1 cup brown rice

2 cups water

½ pound green beans broken

1 medium sweet potato cut into chunks

3 carrots sliced

2 boneless chicken breasts

This recipe contains some delicious ingredients for your dog, and is sure to be a hit tonight! Simply put all the ingredients into the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours. When it’s done, stir and let cool, then enjoy! Feel free to substitute the vegetables or the protein for something your dog likes more. This is a great recipe because it makes quite a bit that can be refrigerated for up to three days.

Muttloaf

5 ounces of carrots finely sliced

4 ounces fresh or frozen peas

1 pound minced beef

3 ounces breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons tomato puree

1 ounce chopped parsley

2 eggs beaten

2 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese

3 eggs hard boiled and shelled

This super easy muttloaf will have your pup wishing it was National Cook for Your Pet Day the next day as well! Start this recipe by steaming the carrots and peas. Then mix the meat, breadcrumbs, tomato puree, parsley, and beaten eggs. Fold in the veggies. Roll the mixture into a ball and divide in half. Place half the mixture into a greased pan and push down making a dip in the center. Add the cheese and place the hard boiled eggs into the center well. Place the rest of the mixture on top to cover the eggs. Then cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1.5 hours. Let cool and sprinkle with parsley. Your pup will be begging for seconds!

Recipes for Cats

Your kitty will definitely appreciate the change up in their regular meals-- even picky eaters!

Mackerel Recipe

1 cup canned mackerel

1 tablespoon sunflower seed oil

1 tablespoon organic cooked brown rice

1-2 tablespoons of water or broth

Combine all the ingredients into a food processor. Puree until well blended and serve to your eagerly awaiting cat. Feel free to substitute the mackerel out as well for your feline’s favorite fish or cooked chicken.

Trout Dinner

1 cup trout fully cooked

1 cooked egg yolk

1 tablespoon finely chopped broccoli

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until pureed. This is ready to serve immediately! The leftovers keep up to three days in the refrigerator, but we’re not so sure there will be any! As always, feel free to substitute the fish for your kitty’s favorite.

Recipes for Reptiles and Turtles

We can’t forget about our scaled and shelled friends! You can easily create these treats at home and share with your favorite turtle, iguana, or lizard.

½ cup carrot shredded

½ cup spinach or lettuce chopped

1 celery stalk chopped

1 calcium pellet

1 teaspoon alfalfa sprouts

¼ cup melon or strawberries

Place everything in a chew-proof bowl and sprinkle on the calcium pellet for your turtle friend. To serve to iguanas and other reptiles, add alfalfa and fruit. Enjoy!

Pet Stores Around Columbus with Healthy Treats

Sometimes you might not have time on National Cook for your Pet Day to actually put together one of these delicious meals for your critter, which is totally fine! These pet stores in the Columbus area are sure to have some amazing treats you can pick up on the way home from work. This way, you can still treat your pet to this special day and when you do have some time, you can whip up one of these recipes and celebrate all over again!

PetPeople

6950 Worthington Galena Rd.

Worthington, OH 43085

614-529-6736

Stop into PetPeople in Columbus and you’re going to be blown away by all the awesome food, toys, and accessories for your pet friend. They pride themselves on being one of Ohio’s best natural dog and natural cat food stores, and really strive to bring quality products to the people of Columbus. You can stop into their store and choose from a variety of options, or you can choose to have your pet food and treats delivered to your door. The employees at PetPeople are all pet owners, and know the ins and outs of the pet food they sell. You’ll find the perfect treats here for your dog or cat, and they’re also welcome to visit the store too!

Pet Wants Powell

614-582-8916

smoore@petwants.com

This family-owned business wants to provide your pets with the best nutrition they can get, which is why the decided to open their business in the Columbus area. Pet Wants Powell makes their products in small batches, using only the finest ingredients for your pup or kitty. They know that the right nutrition can really make a difference, and will help you put together a meal plan that’s best for your pet. They even offer free delivery of their delicious treats and food!

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Columbus

Sometimes you just want to get out of the house and spend some time with your pup. Whether you don’t feel like cooking, or just want to meet up with friends (and their dogs), here are a couple of pet-friendly restaurants in the Columbus area.

Brown Bag Delicatessen

898 Mohawk St.

Columbus, OH 43206

614-443-4214

Located in German Village, this is a great deli to bring your dog to! They offer seasonal dishes as well as deli classics, that are sure to fit any appetite. Their patio is one of the hottest spots in town, especially for dog lovers, so feel free to bring you pup along too!

Gresso’s

961 S. High St.

Columbus, OH 43206

614-444-0131

The next time you’re in the mood for some pizza and appetizers, head on over to Gresso’s, and don’t feel like you need to leave your pup at home! Dogs are welcome at this local pizza place, which is especially popular in the summer months. This spot also offers some delicious salads and sandwiches too, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, they’re sure to deliver.

World of Beer

3934 Townsfair Way

Columbus, OH 43219

614-476-2962

If National Cook for Your Pet Day happens to fall on a Friday where you have plans for happy hour, never to fear! World of Beer is your go-to pet friendly spot. It’s known as the place to get some great food, and to be impressed by their massive collection of beer. You can choose from an ever-rotating choice of draught beer, or choose from their enormous bottled selection. Either way, it’s a great way to end a long week and celebrate with your dog!

No matter how you choose to celebrate National Cook for Your Pet Day, we’re sure your pet is going to be thankful you are their human. Whether cooking up a dish, getting some natural treats, or bringing your dog to a pet-friendly restaurant, we’re really lucky we can celebrate this incredible day with our best pet friend! What do you like to cook or do for National Cook for Your Pet Day? Let us know in the comments!