Make Your Own Pet Food
When it comes to planning your own food budget, it comes as no surprise that it’s often cheaper to cook your own food versus eating out. So does this same concept apply to our four-legged counterparts? The answer is yes. While it’s a lot easier to pop open a can, the extra time it takes to cater your pet’s meals will pay off big. Not only will you save some money, but your pet is likely to benefit from a healthier diet that is free of filler and by -product. To save time, you could make a large batch at once and freeze whatever you won’t use immediately.
Just remember to consult your vet before making the switch, and go over the recipes you intend to use. You’ll need to make sure that your homemade food contains all the essential nutrients that your pet needs. In general, dog food should be comprised of one-third protein (from meat, eggs, or dairy products) and two-thirds grains and vegetables. Cats, on the other hand are pure carnivores, so their diet should be at least half protein and half grains and vegetables. We like these recipes below:
Canine Casserole
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $3.50
- 1 cup cooked turkey or chicken
- Half cup steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, squash, spinach, sweet potato)
- Half cup prepared brown rice
- 4 Tbsp. no-sodium broth
Kitty Chow
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: About $3
- 1 cup chicken, boiled or microwaved
- ¼ cup fresh broccoli, steamed
- ¼ cup shredded carrots, steamed
- Chicken broth