Eco-Friendly Recipes for Dogs, Cats, and People: Fish & Sweet Potato Bake

Everyone has heard the warnings and knows the dangers of feeding "human" food to your pet. But when those big wet eyes stare at you as you eat your dinner, it is very difficult not to give in.

Lucy Postins, Founder of The Honest Kitchen and author of Made out of Love, offers two healthy and eco-friendly recipes that both you and your pet can enjoy! She says, "Preparing homemade meals for pets is a radically new concept for many people, but a simple and easy way to enhance the health of our four-legged friends and to choose sustainable, seasonable ingredients."

Our first eco-friendly recipe will get every mouth watering. This delicious dish can be made with virtually any sort of fish, but don't be tempted to choose just any filet from the grocery store - a region specific, sustainable fish guide can be found here. Fish is also a good choice for pets with skin sensitivities that flare up with more common meats like chicken or lamb.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets of your choice, such as Wild Alaskan Salmon or Tilapia
• 1 large sweet potato, cut into 1 inch cubes (¼ inch for cats)
• 8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (canola or other oil may be substituted)
• 2 heads fresh fennel, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Place the sweet potato cubes in a pan of water and boil gently for about 12 minutes until tender.

3. Place the pieces of fish in a 1 inch deep baking pan.

4. Drain the sweet potatoes and carefully arrange the cubes around the fish.

5. Next add the sliced fennel, scattering it evenly around the sweet potato and fish pieces. Add the olive oil liberally and sprinkle on the crushed garlic.

6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

7. Allow to cool enough to eat.

8. Your pet's portion may be served alone as an occasional meal replacement, or fed in small portions along with his usual fare.

9. Season your portion with black pepper and sea salt.