After the latest reports on how the diet affects the longevity of dogs and the news of a few commercial dog food mishaps, some dog lovers have taken it upon themselves to cook and prepare meals for their pets. This is where the book The dog Ate It: Cooking for Yourself and Your Four-Legged Friends enters to answer the needs of responsible owners who care about their dogs' diets.

Dogs need a balanced diet just like people. Since most of the canine diet is similar to people's diet, the writers have written a book that not only serves as a cookbook, but also, addresses the special needs of dogs. In the introduction, the writers comment: I doubt there are many dog owners who can honestly say they've never fed their pets from the table. So why not get back to basics and, at the same time, provide your “best friend” and yourself with healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals like Chow Bella Burger Bites, Lamb Shish Kebabs, and Veal Breast with Veggies?”

Chapter one of the book addresses, in general, subjects such as what a healthy diet consists of, how much different sizes of dogs should eat, how to start a dog on home-cooked food, and the importance of exercise. The question and answer part at the end of the chapter is very useful and touches several important issues concerning the health of a dog.

The subsequent chapters begin with a general informative page or pages, followed by several recipes. A charming touch is the accounts of the first dogs of the three writers. Before a recipe, an introductory paragraph--sometimes about the origin of the recipe, other times about the personal experiences of the writers--entertains and educates the reader.

Then in the last chapter, pooch parties and party menus add a smile to the dog lovers' faces. Three appendices follow the nine chapters of the book. They are about foods to never feed to a dog, possible commercial dog foods if needed, and a list of books about the well-being of dogs.

The book is written in a clear, straightforward, yet chatty style, understandable by anyone of any age.

reading for entertainment.

the easygoing style of the writers and the way they introduced the recipes.

or rather the authors say they are not veterinarians, but dog lovers. Of the three writers, Linda Eckhardt is the award-winning author of fifteen cookbooks and a contributor to several magazines.
Barbara Bradley is a cattle rancher who raises Bichons, and Judy Kern is the ghost writer and book editor.

This book not only serves as a cookbook, but also, addresses the special needs of dogs while offering recipes that may be used for feeding both the people and their dogs.

This book would make a good addition to any dog lover's library. There is, however, one caveat to watch for: a few of the recipes appear to be strictly for dogs, and possibly, not for human consumption. I haven't tried any of the recipes, but I deduce this from my somewhat of an experience with recipes and cooking.

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Created Mar 23, 2008 at 11:58pm • Submit your own review...