When I first started making homemade food for my German Shepherd, Max, I was overwhelmed by all the equipment in my kitchen. Through lots of trial and error (and more than a few kitchen disasters), I’ve figured out which tools are actually essential for preparing healthy, homemade pet food.
Let’s dive into the must-have tools that will make your pet food preparation journey much easier and more enjoyable. I’ll share what I’ve learned from three years of cooking for Max, including which tools are worth the investment and which ones you can skip.
1. Food Scale
A digital kitchen scale is absolutely non-negotiable when making pet food. When I first started, I tried using measuring cups, but I quickly learned that precision matters when it comes to meeting your pet’s nutritional needs. My favorite moment was realizing that the “cup” of chicken I thought I was measuring actually contained way more protein than Max needed.
The scale doesn’t need to be fancy – any digital scale that measures in both grams and ounces will work perfectly. Make sure it can handle at least 11 pounds (5 kg) of weight and has a tare function to subtract the weight of your bowl or container.
2. Food Processor
Trust me, your hands will thank you for this one. A good food processor can chop vegetables, grind cooked meats, and even pulverize eggshells for calcium supplementation in seconds. I learned this lesson the hard way after spending an hour manually chopping sweet potatoes into tiny pieces.
Look for a processor with at least an 8-cup capacity and multiple blade options. The grater attachment comes in handy for carrots and other hard vegetables, while the S-blade is perfect for chopping and pureeing.
3. Large Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two large stainless steel mixing bowls. I remember the time I tried using my regular salad bowl and ended up with ground turkey all over my counter. Stainless steel bowls are perfect because they’re durable, easy to clean, and won’t retain odors or stains.
One bowl should be at least 4-5 quarts for mixing ingredients, and another similar size for holding prepared ingredients. Having multiple bowls also makes the assembly-line style of preparation much more efficient.
4. Storage Containers
Proper storage containers are crucial for keeping pet food fresh and organized. After ruining several plastic containers with stained, smelly leftovers, I invested in glass containers with snap-locking lids.
Choose containers that are freezer-safe and come in various sizes. I typically use 2-cup containers for daily portions and larger 4-cup containers for bulk storage. Label them with preparation dates – you’ll thank yourself later!
5. Heavy-Duty Pots and Pans
A good set of pots and pans is essential for cooking meats and grains. I recommend at least one large stockpot (8-quart minimum) for cooking big batches of rice or boiling organs, and a couple of heavy-bottom pans for browning meats.
Non-stick surfaces are helpful but ensure they’re scratch-resistant and durable. I once used a cheap pan that started flaking after a few uses – definitely not something you want in your pet’s food.
6. Quality Knives
A sharp chef’s knife and a smaller paring knife will cover most of your cutting needs. The chef’s knife is perfect for breaking down larger cuts of meat and chopping vegetables, while the paring knife helps with more detailed work like trimming fat or cutting smaller items.
I resisted buying good knives at first, but after nearly cutting myself with a dull knife while chopping frozen meat, I realized quality knives are a safety investment.
7. Measuring Spoons and Cups
While the scale is essential for main ingredients, measuring spoons are perfect for supplements and smaller portions. Get two sets – one for dry ingredients and one for wet. This prevents cross-contamination and makes the cooking process more efficient.
I keep one set specifically for measuring supplements and another for general cooking. This way, I never have to worry about supplement powders affecting the taste of other ingredients.
8. Cutting Boards
You’ll need at least two cutting boards: one for meat and one for vegetables. I use color-coded boards to prevent cross-contamination – red for meat and green for vegetables. This system has saved me from many potential mix-ups during busy prep sessions.
Look for boards that are dishwasher safe and have juice grooves to catch liquids. The larger the better – you’ll appreciate the extra space when prepping multiple ingredients.
Nice-to-Have but Not Essential Tools
While the above items are must-haves, there are a few tools that can make your pet food preparation easier:
A vacuum sealer has been amazing for portioning and freezing meals. It prevents freezer burn and makes storage more efficient. However, good-quality freezer bags can work just fine if you’re just starting out.
An immersion blender comes in handy for pureeing vegetables or making smooth consistency foods for senior pets. Max loves his pureed pumpkin, which I make with the immersion blender.
Final Thoughts
Starting to make homemade pet food doesn’t require a complete kitchen overhaul. Begin with the essential tools and add more as you develop your routine. The most important thing is having accurate measuring tools and proper storage solutions.
Remember that these tools are an investment in your pet’s health. While the initial cost might seem high, most of these items will last for years and can also be used for preparing your own meals.
Just like when I started cooking for Max, you’ll probably make some mistakes and learn what works best for you and your pet. The key is to start with these basic tools and adjust as you go along. Happy cooking!