As the leaves turn golden in Pennsylvania and the evenings get crisp, there’s nothing cozier than a warm kitchen filled with the smell of something delicious cooking. November 1st is National Cook for Your Pet Day, the perfect excuse to whip up homemade, dog-friendly recipes that will make tails wag and noses twitch.
At Poop Genie, we know our furry friends are part of the family. Cooking for your dog adds variety to their meals and promotes healthy digestion and overall wellness. A dog’s digestive system is sensitive, so it’s essential to include fibre-rich, easy-to-digest ingredients and avoid harmful foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and excess salt—these can cause serious health issues as highlighted in our dog poop signs guide. And while you focus on keeping your pup healthy and happy, our dog poo service helps keep your yard clean and fresh, making pet parent life even easier.
Here are some cozy, gut-friendly recipes perfect for the cooler November weather:
- Cozy Chicken & Pumpkin Digestive Stew
Pumpkin isn’t just seasonal—it’s fantastic for your dog’s digestive system, which ties into understanding your dog’s poop frequency and overall gut health. It’s high in fiber and can help regulate both constipation and diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup skinless, boneless chicken breast (cooked & shredded)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Directions:
- Bring broth to a simmer in a pot.
- Add carrots and green beans, cooking until tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken and pumpkin puree.
- Let cool before serving.
Gut Health Tip: Pumpkin is a natural prebiotic, helping feed the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut.
- Sweet Potato & Yogurt Biscuits
Adding plain, unsweetened yogurt introduces probiotics, which support digestive health and balance your dog’s gut flora—just like the balance needed for a healthy home with dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Roll out and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until firm.
Tip: Yogurt is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs, but always check for lactose tolerance—most dogs do fine with small amounts, especially when combined with a focus on dog food quality and poop health.
- Turkey, Pumpkin & Brown Rice Mash
A simple, fiber-rich meal that is gentle on the stomach and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground turkey (cooked, no seasoning)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup carrots, chopped
Directions:
- Cook ground turkey until fully done.
- Mix with pumpkin, rice, and carrots.
- Let cool before serving.
Gut Health Tip: Brown rice is easy to digest and provides fiber, while pumpkin keeps your pup’s digestive system regulated.
- Gut-Friendly “Bone Broth Boost”
Bone broth is soothing, hydrating, and gentle on digestion. It can be served over meals or as a warm treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef or chicken bones (no seasoning)
- 8 cups water
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Directions:
- Simmer bones and vegetables for 12–24 hours.
- Strain the broth and cool.
- Serve a few tablespoons over your dog’s meal or freeze in ice cube trays for treats.
Tip: Bone broth supports gut lining health and adds extra flavor without harmful additives, and it can also make winter dog walks safer and more enjoyable.
Healthy Eating = Happy Tails
Cooking for your dog is more than a tasty treat—it’s an opportunity to support their digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. Including fiber-rich vegetables, gentle proteins, and probiotics can make a real difference in how your pup feels and digests their meals.
As the Pennsylvania fall rolls in, spend some time creating cozy, healthy dishes for your furry friend. And remember, while you’re enhancing their diet, Poop Genie takes care of the dog poop cleanup so you can enjoy more time bonding over delicious, gut-friendly meals.
Happy cooking, and here’s to happy, healthy tails this fall! 🐾