November 1st is National Cook for Your Pets Day! (No, seriously.) We love cooking for our pets from time-to-time. It’s a fun way to “treat” them without gorging them on calorie-laden pet treats. It’s not something most of us have the bandwidth to do every day, though, so we love setting aside a little time around National Cook for Your Pets Day to make something special. Here are two of our favorite, super-simple recipes for pets.

3-Ingredient Salmon Cat Treats 

Original recipe courtesy of The Cookie Rookie Photo: The Cookie Rookie We love these treats because they’re nutrient-rich and filler-light! They keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks and although you don’t necessarily have to, they’ll keep longer if you refrigerate them. INGREDIENTS 10 oz good canned salmon (undrained) 1 egg, beaten 2 cups whole wheat flour *Optional: Fish-shaped cookie cutter, small INSTRUCTIONS 1) Heat oven to 350°. Pulse 10 oz canned salmon and juice in a food processor to puree as well as possible. 2) In a stand mixer, combine salmon, egg, and whole wheat flour until dough forms. If dough is too dry, add up to 1/3 cup water, a little at a time. If dough is too wet or sticky, add a bit more flour. Dough should be tacky but not sticky. 3) Roll out dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Use a 3/4-inch cookie cutter in the shape of your choice to create your treats, or form tiny balls by hand and flatten with your thumb. 4) Place treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes. When they’re slightly browned and crunchy, they’re done. Don’t overbake! They’ll harden a bit as they cool.

Super-Easy Crockpot Dog Food 

Original recipe courtesy of Damn Delicious Photo: Damn Delicious Slow cooker dog food is where it’s at. We can throw everything in before work and it’s ready when we get home. Plus, it freezes well so we can dole out a portion a week – remember that it might upset your dog’s tummy to suddenly switch exclusively to homemade dog food. We offer this more as a special treat meal than as an every day menu item. INGREDIENTS 1 lb. pound ground beef 3/4 cups brown rice 1/2 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup chopped butternut squash 1 cup chopped carrots 1/4 cup peas, frozen or canned INSTRUCTIONS 1) Combine all ingredients and 2 cups water (or low-sodium beef stock) into a 6-qt slow cooker. 2) Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring as needed. 3) Let cool completely before serving. You can serve as a meal or as a topping to your dog’s usual food.