Make Snack Time Special This November 1
National Cook for Your Pets Day, celebrated every year on November 1st, is the perfect opportunity to treat your pets to something special. While store-bought treats are convenient, homemade goodies made with love, quality ingredients, and a nutritional boost like NuVet Plus® K-9 Powder and NuVet Plus® Feline Powder take snack time to the next level. This day is a chance to be creative in the kitchen, making treats that are as nourishing as they are tasty.
Boost Your Pet’s Health With NuVet Plus
Many commercial pet treats include fillers, artificial flavors, colorings, and preservatives that may affect your pet’s digestion and well-being. By preparing treats at home, you have full control over the ingredients. You can avoid allergens, customize flavors, and even add supplements like NuVet Plus Powder for an extra health boost.
Homemade treats also give you a way to connect with your pets. Preparing something special allows you to share a fun, hands-on activity with your family and grandkids, making it a joyful part of the day.
Boost Your Pet’s Health With NuVet Plus
NuVet Plus Powder is a premium, natural supplement formulated for both dogs and cats. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that support immunity, joint function, and skin and coat health. Add NuVet Plus Powder to your homemade recipes so pets enjoy tasty treats and a nutritional boost.
NuVet Plus Powder is versatile. You can sprinkle it on dry kibble, mix it into wet food, or include it in baked treats. When baked, the nutrients remain intact, helping pets stay healthy with every bite.
Pro Tip: When trying new recipes, introduce them gradually and in small portions. This helps your pet’s digestion adjust while you discover their new favorite flavors.
Healthy Pet Treat Recipes
Here are three easy, wholesome recipes to try this National Cook for Your Pets Day. Each includes NuVet Plus Powder to enhance nutrition.
Pumpkin Paws Protein Bites
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked protein (choose one: shredded turkey, salmon, whitefish, or chicken, which is high protein for cats)
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin, unsweetened (for gentle digestion)
- 1 egg (binder and extra protein)
- 2–3 tbsp oat flour (optional, just enough to hold the mixture together, keep minimal for cats)
- 1 tsp NuVet Plus K-9 Powder for dogs OR NuVet Plus Feline Powder for cats
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix protein, pumpkin, egg, and the correct NuVet Plus Powder for your pet until well combined.
- Add oat flour gradually if the mixture is too wet. It should be moldable but not too sticky.
- Form small bite-sized balls or press into mini muffin cups.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until firm.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Serving Size: Dogs: 1–2 bites depending on size; Cats: 1 small bite at a time. Storage: Allow the Pumpkin Paws Protein Bites to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Always discard any bites that show signs of spoilage or if they’ve been left out for more than two hours.
Why This Is Good for Cats and Dogs
- High-Quality Protein: Protein and egg support muscle health, energy, and overall wellness.
- Digestive Support & Gentle Binder: Pumpkin provides fiber for healthy digestion; oat flour helps hold the treats together and is gentle on sensitive stomachs.
- Added Nutritional Boost: NuVet Plus Powder supports immune health, skin & coat, joint health, and overall wellness.
Salmon Snaps for Paws
Ingredients:
- 10 oz can of salmon, undrained (packed in water, not oil)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of oat flour
- 1 tsp NuVet Plus K-9 Powder for dogs OR NuVet Plus Feline Powder for cats
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the canned salmon and its liquid to a food processor and pulse until the salmon is finely chopped. You can also use a fork to break up the salmon in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the processed salmon, egg, and flour. Mix until a firm, tacky, but not sticky dough forms. Add a little water if the dough is too dry or a bit more flour if it’s too sticky.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Use a small cookie cutter (about 3/4-inch) to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For an easier method, simply cut the flattened dough into small squares with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and crunchy.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving.
Serving Size: Dogs: ¾-inch cookies are fine for small dogs; medium dogs can have 1–2 pieces, large dogs 2–4 pieces; Cats: Use the ¾-inch cookies or cut them into even smaller pieces. Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze them for longer storage.
Why Pets Love This Recipe
- High-quality protein source: The salmon provides a source of high-quality protein essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s support joint health, maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- NuVet Plus Powder: Provides added support for your pet’s immune system, joints, skin, and coat.
Chicken Carrot Chompers
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken
- ¼ cup grated carrots
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp oat flour
- 1 tsp NuVet Plus K-9 Powder for dogs OR NuVet Plus Feline Powder for cats
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, grated carrots, and egg until well combined.
- Add the flour and continue to mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your pets.
Serving Size: Dogs: 1–2 treats per day for small dogs, 3–4 for medium dogs, and up to 5 for large dogs (depending on your dog’s weight and daily calorie needs). Cats: 1 small treat per day as an occasional snack. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Benefits for Cats and Dogs
- High-quality protein: Lean chicken provides essential amino acids that help build and maintain strong muscles in both cats and dogs.
- Nutrient-rich goodness: Carrots and chicken offer vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B vitamins, and selenium that support overall health and vitality.
- A teaspoon of NuVet Plus Powder: Enhances every bite with key nutrients that promote overall vitality.
Important Note: As always, these treats are to be used occasionally and are not nutritionally balanced enough to replace a full meal or a primary source of nutrition. For pets with allergies or food sensitivities, consult your veterinarian before trying new treats.
Tips for Safe and Healthy Pet Cooking
- Avoid harmful ingredients. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, leeks, chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, raw bread dough, salt, fat trimmings, bones, milk and other dairy products, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine and xylitol are toxic to pets.
- Use high-quality ingredients. Organic or minimally processed items give pets the best nutrition.
- Introduce new treats gradually. Start with small portions to minimize digestive upset.
- Follow supplement guidelines. Use NuVet Plus Powder according to your pet’s weight.
Make It a Fun Activity
National Cook for Your Pets Day is a great time to get creative. Try different shapes, textures, and flavors. Let kids and grandkids help measure, mix, and shape treats while you supervise the oven. It’s a fun way to involve the family in making snacks your pets will love.
Final Thoughts
On this special day, take the opportunity to make treats that are both delicious and nourishing. With NuVet Plus Powder, you can combine flavor with premium, nutritional support for your pets.
Whether it is dog biscuits, cat bites, or other creations, cooking for your pets can be a fun and healthy way to celebrate them. With a little time in the kitchen, you can create treats that keep tails wagging and cats purring, while supporting their overall health and well-being.
Celebrate National Cook for Your Pets Day by giving your pets the gift of tasty, wholesome treats with a boost of NuVet Plus Powder K-9 for dogs and NuVet Plus Feline Powder for cats today.
At NuVet Labs, our mission is simple: to help pets live long, happy, and healthy lives. Through science-backed nutrition and a community focused on wellness, we support your journey as a devoted pet parent.
Because every wag, purr, jump, and cuddle matters💚
Start your pet’s wellness journey today with NuVet supplements and step into each season stronger, together.
Shop NuVet Labs supplements. One chewable wafer (dogs) or one scoop of powder (cats and dogs) daily promotes a healthier, happier pet. Dosage may vary by weight.
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