Are you curious about cooking for your pet?
Mass-produced pet foods have questionable dog food ingredients.
Even cat food ingredients are tricky!
Creating home-cooked meals for your furry friend is a fun way to enhance their overall well-being.
As a concerned pet parent, you’re probably a conscientious consumer.
You may even be a gardener!
If you’re curious about growing an edible garden for pets, follow our tips below.
Preparing Your Pet Garden
- Save money on seedling containers by using egg cartons.
- Use only the best organic potting mix, not soil.
- If using pots, place rocks at the bottom for drainage.
- Only use all-natural pest repellent, such as essential oil blends.
- You’ll need four or more hours of full sun for most plants.
- Visit www.aspca.org/toxicplants for a complete list of plants to avoid.
Which Plants have the Best ROI?
Although you may enjoy gardening for the fresh air, many gardens to save a few dollars at the grocery store.
Growing your own vegetables is a great way to stop worrying about organic vs. non-organic produce for your pup or kitty.
Home gardens require some preparation and planning.
Herbs typically have the best return on investment (ROI) since they take up the least amount of space.
Herbs also require little effort after they sprout.
Vegetables needing multiple square feet of growing space, plants with extensive watering schedules, and those requiring specific pruning yield less ROI.
Best Herbs for Dogs
- Cilantro (Best ROI)
- Dill (Best ROI)
- Basil (Best ROI)
- Parsley
- Greek Oregano
- Lemon balm
- Sage
- Thyme
If you have a garden where Fido can roam, dogs enjoy nibbling ferns, bamboo, and lavender.
However, be careful when your pup gets near the lavender as the plant attracts bees.
Garden for Pets: Best Herbs for Cats
- Catmint – also an excellent mosquito and cockroach repellent!
- Cat thyme
- Cat grass – best in a pot vs. garden as it looks like a weed
- Catnip (Finicky cats may prefer catnip alternatives)
Garden for Pets: Best Vegetables for Pets
- Arugula/Lettuces (Best ROI)
- Turnip (Best ROI)
- Winter Squash (Best ROI)
- Cucumber (Best ROI)
- Radish
- Pumpkin
- Celery
- Summer Squash
- Snow Peas
- Carrots
- Kale
The following plants have the least ROI:
- Potato
- Brussel Sprouts
- Swiss Chard
- Asparagus
Don’t have time to garden?
Don’t have time to cook?
Download our FREE ebook Eastern Food Therapy for Pets!
