2 DIY Pet Treat Recipes to Help Kids Learn About Nutritional Science

Our furry friends teach us so many lessons. We practice observation when we watch their behaviors, explore science concepts when we inquire about their nature and build impactful 21st-century skills like responsibility when we take care of their needs. For all our pets teach us, they deserve some extra love this National Pet Day, April 11 — a great day to spend family time making homemade treats for your best animal friends!

Before your family gets started, be sure to review recipes together. Remember, an adult will need to help complete steps like chopping. You know your dog or cat better than anyone, including their allergies, dietary restrictions and age-appropriate food options. Review all ingredients for anything that could cause your pet irritation and check with your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new foods. As with our own favorite snacks, these treats should be given in moderation alongside a healthy diet.

Purr-fect Cat Treats

Meat is an important part of a cat’s diet. They get vitamins, amino acids and proteins from meat that help give them energy, keep their heart strong and improve their overall health. Plus, most cats just love to eat it! Try making these turkey triangle treats from Chewy to make your cat’s day and give them a boost in needed protein.

Tail-Wagging Good Dog Treats

Sources of antioxidants such as sweet potatoes boost dogs’ immune systems. These super vegetables also help with a dog’s vision, soothe tummy aches and even provide fiber to aid their digestive system. Many dogs also find this healthy snack irresistible when cooked. If you want to incorporate sweet potatoes into your dog’s diet, try making these fun homemade sweet potato treats from Chewy!

The Importance of Nutritional Science

Like cats and dogs, we also can eat specific foods to give us energy and improve our well-being. Nutritional science tells us that vitamins, minerals and other components make up the food we eat. By eating a variety, we can meet our nutritional needs and help keep our bodies happy and healthy! Different food categories help us in so many ways — check out just a few below:

• Dairy, the main source of calcium for many Americans, helps us maintain bone strength.
   
• Fruits contain many essential nutrients like vitamin C, which helps the body heal scrapes and cuts.
   
• Eating vegetables can help reduce risk of certain diseases. Many contain vitamin A, which can even protect against infections.
   
• Whole grains are a source of B vitamins that assist the body in releasing energy.
   
• Several protein sources offer a variety of nutrients that help to build strong muscles and support their function.

Next time you reach for a snack or toss your furry friend a treat, consider what nutritional science tells us about the impact it will have on our health.

Learn More

For more DIY fun and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning for your family, check out our STEM activity blogs!