Dinner & The Dogs
- Kate's Apothika
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
Dinner & The Dogs: Our Story and Why We’re Here
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
When Lola came to live with us 7 years ago, I never imagined that feeding her would become one of the biggest challenges—and ultimately, one of the most rewarding aspects—of our life together. Like many dogs, Lola had health struggles from the beginning, compounded by food allergies that left her itchy, and dealing with endless digestive issues. We were constantly searching for the right food, an end to pricey trips to the vet, and it felt never ending. Kibble after kibble, vet-recommended formulas, and expensive specialty diets all failed to solve the problem.
But then a turning point: food allergy testing. Working closely with our vet, her blood was drawn for a sample and we waited about 2 weeks for her personalized report back.
Once we had a list of everything Lola could and couldn’t tolerate, I realized that commercial diets—no matter how high-quality—weren’t going to be enough. Logistics, supply issues, and escalating costs during the pandemic made it difficult to keep her on a consistent diet. That’s when I made the decision to start cooking for her myself.
At first, it was overwhelming. I worried about nutrition, balance, and whether I was getting everything right. But through research, lots and lots of trial and error, and guidance from books like Chow by Rick Woodford, I built a system that worked for us. It wasn’t just about Lola, either. My other dog, Axel, quickly joined the fresh food journey, making homemade meals a full family routine.
Now, cooking for my dogs is second nature. Sunday has always been a special day for me—a time to slow down, cook an intentional meal, and fill the home with comforting aromas that both I and the dogs love. It’s more than just food prep; it’s a cozy ritual that brings warmth and connection to our space. I chop vegetables, cook proteins, and prepare nourishing meals that keep them happy and healthy. What once felt like a struggle has become a cherished routine. And surprisingly, I’ve found that feeding them this way isn’t as expensive or time-consuming as I once feared. Buying local, in-season ingredients and using what’s already in my kitchen has been a game-changer.
Dinner & The Dogs is about more than just feeding pets—it’s about connection, resourcefulness, and the simple joy of sharing real food with your four-legged companions. If you’re a pet parent navigating allergies, rising costs, or just looking for mindful options, I hope our journey inspires you.
Stay tuned for practical tips, simple recipes, and strategies to make fresh feeding work for you—even on a budget.
About the Author
Kate Bell is a writer, entrepreneur, and professional dog trainer specializing in puppy socialization and canine behavior. She founded Belle’s Pet Services in 2016 and is a retired member of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Inspired by her French Bulldog’s food allergies, Kate is passionate about natural canine wellness. When she’s not writing or experimenting in the kitchen, she spends time leading group dog hikes and puppy clinics with her best kitchen helpers, Axel and Lola.
#DinnerAndTheDogs #DogLovers #DogParent #DogLife #HealthyPets #FreshFoodForDogs #HomemadeDogFood #HealthyDogFood #PetNutrition #DIYDogMeals #DogMomLife #PetHealthJourney #CookingForDogs #InspiredByLola
Comments