Ingredientes reais

Cooka_s-Crew-Aline2-683x1024
Lembra daquela torta favorita feita pela sua avó? Não importa quão deliciosa seja uma padaria, quão famoso seja um Chef, não importa qual cidade, qual país, NÃO há torta que chegue perto da dela. Por quê? Bem, sim, é feita com AMOR e dá para sentir o gosto!

É amor

Remember that favorite pie made by your grandma? No matter how delicious a bakery, how famous a Chef, no matter which town, which country, there is just NO pie that can ever come close to hers. Why? Well, yes, it’s made with LOVE and one can taste it!

Cooka simply does not approve of feed-grade

image_2
Feed grade refers to the quality of a finished product which is not suitable for consumption by humans. It is only legally allowed to be served to animals because of the ingredients it contains or how it has been processed. Further, it may include by-products, additives or fillers.
When Cooka was a little puppy she would just stalk away from her bowl, patiently waiting till we brought our own food to the table. Maybe it’s her nose, maybe she has a sixth sense, or maybe she is just spoiled, whatever the reason, we vowed to follow her instincts and only use human-grade ingredients. From our plates, to the plates of our dogs!
Cooka_s-Crew-Cooka4

Human-grade nourishing ingredients

image_2
At Cooka’s we believe that the health of our pets starts from the food we feed, or better, share with them. A 100% natural and wholesome diet, made with human-grade nourishing ingredients, will benefit the life of our furry companions and of course ours too. Cause there is just nothing like the joy, when coming home to a wagging tail.

Fresh meat & poultry

Fruit & vegetables

Dairy & fats

Flour, grains & super-seeds

Herbs & spices

Super-foods

Fresh fish & crustaceans

Fresh meat & poultry

image_2
Cooka just adores Senhor Nuno, our local meat merchant from Mafra. Her tail starts wagging as soon she hears the tires of his truck arrive on the road of our bakery. Nuno’s meat is always of premium quality and fully traceable. And of course only human-grade.

Pork

In Chinese medicine pork is considered a cooling and neutral food, which may make it a suitable option for dogs with skin sensitivities. Pork is an excellent source of zinc, a mineral important for the body's natural defence system. At Cooka’s we use pork hearts, as they are superior in nutrition to other muscle meat. Especially rich in B12, a vitamin known to be important for the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

Beef

At Cooka’s we highly prize the heart of beef, which is a muscle meat just like other cuts of steak, but much denser and with an even higher nutrient and protein content. Beef heart contains all essential amino acids and is also rich in zinc, selenium and phosphorus. It also has more than double the elastin and collagen content than other cuts, which can help to promote healthy joints and to keep the fur shiny and the nails strong. Providing a highly concentrated source of Coenzyme Q10, which may help boost energy levels and strengthen the body's defense system.

Chicken

Considered a lean protein, which makes it perfect for the health-conscious dog. Protein is the main source of energy for our pets and chicken provides that boost without a high calorie count. Chicken is known to help build muscle mass and provides a great dose of Omega 6, important for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Rich in essential amino acids and glucosamine, it also helps to strengthen the bones.

Gizzard

Considered a delicacy in many cultures, gizzards are know to provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Especially rich in zinc and iron, which may help to strengthen the body's natural defenses and assist in wound healing. Gizzards are also high in protein, those building blocks needed for muscles and tissue health.

Liver

The forgotten super meat

Once considered a special treat with exceptional health benefits one rarely finds liver on today's menu. Time to rethink, as liver can contain up to 100 times more nutrients than muscle meat. It is also nature's most abundant source of Vitamin A, in its most bio-available form for carnivores. Extremely rich in B Vitamins, iron, copper, zinc and CoQ10, make it a great addition to any dog's diet. And yes, dogs just LOVE the taste!

Rabbit

Rabbit is a lean meat and has the highest protein ratio compared to chicken, pork, turkey, duck, fish, lamb or beef which does wonders for our dog's muscles! It also contains essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair and can help boost the immune system.

Duck

Duck is rich in iron and it provides dogs with a lean, easy-to-digest protein source. Some dogs are allergic to chicken or beef in dog foods, so switching to a food with a more novel protein like duck may help alleviate gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation

Fruit & vegetables

image_2
Cooka loves her ‘greens and colors’ (she calls it her rainbows), as they provide important nutritional support. Did you know that about 30% of a dog’s diet should consist of fruit and veggies? At our bakery we use fresh apples, fresh carrots, fresh beetroot and frozen wild berries. 

Apples

This humble disease fighting fruit packs a healthy and nutritional punch for us and for our furry families. R​​​​​​​ich in Vitamin A, apples may boost your pup's natural defences. Vitamin C can aid healthy bones and muscles and antioxidants are always busy counteracting those cell-damaging free radical. Apples are also a great source of soluble fiber, which contributes to your dog’s digestive health.

At Cooka’s we use fresh farm apples from local suppliers.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, helping with both constipation and diarrhea.
It supports digestive health and promotes regular bowel movements.
Packed with vitamins A, C, and E for immune and skin health.
Low in calories and great as a healthy treat or food topper.

Spinach

Spinach is rich in iron, supporting healthy blood and energy levels.
It contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E for immune and skin health.
High in fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.
Should be fed in moderation due to its oxalate content, which can affect kidneys in excess.

Sweet peas

Sweet peas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
They contain vitamins A, B, and K, plus minerals like iron and potassium.
Support eye, heart, and immune health.
Should be given cooked and in moderation — never feed canned peas with added sodium.

Potatoes

Potatoes provide energy-rich carbs for active dogs.
They contain vitamin C, B6, iron, and magnesium for immune and nerve health.
Good source of fiber when cooked, aiding digestion.
Must be cooked and plain — raw or seasoned potatoes can be harmful.

Broccoli

Broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber, aiding digestion in dogs.
Rich in vitamins C and K, it supports the immune system and bone health.
Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and disease.
Best served cooked or raw in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.

Carob

The carob tree has fruit that look like brown pea pods, which carries pulp and seeds. Carob is a sweet and healthy substitute for chocolate and its use for health benefits goes back 4,000 years to ancient Greece. Boasting a naturally sweet flavor, it also contains a variety of healthy nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and protein. Carob is also a good source of fiber and pectin, a substance that helps to flush toxins from the body.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables with plenty of nutritional benefits for our canine companions. One of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, these yummy roots can help promote healthy skin, and coat and strengthen the eyes, nerves and muscles in our fur-families. Abundant in Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and powerful antioxidant, which helps to prevent disease and infection. Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, potassium, calcium, and iron. Their natural anti-inflammatory properties make them also a great choice for dogs with food allergies.

The sweet potato was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago.

Bananas

Bananas are like nature's smile. From the packaging to the yummy inside, bananas just make happy. These sunny fruits are ultra-rich in potassium, a mineral known to aid muscle and blood vessel functions and vitamin B6 important for the development and proper functioning of a dog’s brain. B6 is also responsible for the secretion of melatonin which is responsible for the sleep cycle. So just in case your dog deals with irregular sleeping patterns, add a few bananas to the dinner plate. Bananas contain also a lot of Biotin, responsible for shiny fur and healthy skin.

Bananas grow on plants that are officially considered a herb and are officially classified as a berry.

Pears

Pears are well known for being one of the most fiber-rich fruits found, important for a healthy digestive system. Mildly sweet, pears are rich in important minerals like niacin and potassium and vitamins A, B, E and K, which support optimal skin, blood, and brain health in us 'hoomans' and in our dogs. Pears, like many fruits, are a great source of antioxidants, which  effectively slow the aging process by battling those free radicals. This prevents cell damage which that can lead to inflammation, diabetes, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

There are over 3000 varieties of pears grown around the world. The Chinese consider the pear, which they call “li” to be a symbol of immortality.

Dairy & fats

image_2
Some dogs, just like us, have difficulties in digesting milk, due to the high lactose content. But cheese, which is naturally low in lactose makes for a wholesome dairy treat and provides a great source of Calcium. At Cooka’s we only bake with cheese from the Azores, the pristine Atlantic Islands where cows still roam free in the green fields. Our preferred choice of fat is old-fashioned lard. Being a pure animal fat it is highly nourishing and beneficial for our dog’s health.

Sunflower oil

The golden oil of the sunflower is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids (omega-3’s cousin) and is lower in saturated fat than animal fat. Sunflower oil benefits healthy skin and a glossy fur, strengthens the immune functions and the heart and provides energy. Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamin E and K and phytosterols.

Yogurt

Yogurt can be very beneficial for our dogs. High in protein, a good source of calcium, which is vital for healthy bones and full of probiotics which are important for the digestive system. Our preferred yogurt is Greek yogurt

Salmon Oil

Salmon oil is a powerful supplement for dogs, offering a wide range of health benefits primarily due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). It promotes a healthier skin and a shinier coat, helping to reduce dryness, itching, and shedding. Additionally, it supports brain development in puppies and cognitive function in senior dogs, while also contributing to heart health by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. For dogs with joint pain or arthritis, salmon oil can ease inflammation and enhance mobility. It also helps strengthen the immune system, manage allergies, and can even stimulate appetite in picky eaters. When used as part of a balanced diet, salmon oil may also support healthy weight management. Always consult your vet for the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight and needs.

Lard

Fat provides the highest concentrated source of energy for our canine companions.

It helps to transport nutrients across the cell membranes and it also is an important co-factor to fat-soluble Vitamins like A, D, E and K. Without fat, these Vitamins cannot be fully absorbed. ​​​​​​​

Azores Cheese

Many 'pawrents' are worried about feeding diary to their pets. Lactose can be difficult to digest for some dogs and commercial cheese varieties are often loaded with additives. However, a small amount of cheese can be rather beneficial, as it provides a great source of nutrients, like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin A and B12 and plenty of protein.

Azores cheese is made traditionally, without any additives or preservatives.

Flour, grains & super-seeds 

image_2
Seeds are tiny powerhouses and Cooka always likes adding a few spoonful. Flax, chia and hemp seeds are all staples in Cooka’s kitchen. Just like humans, many dogs are becoming more and more sensitive to wheat and gluten. Cooka’s preferred choice of flour is made from rice which is neutral by nature and a slightly sweet grain. 

Quinoa

Grown in South America for thousands of years, quinoa formed the staple diet of the Incas. Being actually a seed from the same family as beets, these humble pseudo-grains contain twice the protein of rice or barley, making it a complete protein. A good source of calcium, magnesium and manganese, quinoa is also the least allergenic of all the grains and pseudo-grains and has an excellent amino acid profile, as it contains all nine essential amino acids.

In the ancient days, quinoa was called ‘THE GOLD OF THE INCAS’.

Oats

Oats were grown already gown in ancient China and Greece. The Greeks were the first people to turn oats into porridge. Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of Vitamin E and B, minerals like zinc, iron and selenium, rich in fibres and antioxidants. The many health-benefits of these grains include weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart problems. Compared to other grains, oats are rather  high in protein and fat. Protein quality is also an important fact, meaning that that it can be easily digested and used by the body and provides a good balance of amino acids.

Tapioca

Tapioca flour comes from the cassava root. This starch-based ingredient is commonly used to thicken foods like soups, stews or our yogurt-based cake and cookie frosting. The flour has a very low nutritional value, but being a ‘resistant starch’ it is very beneficial for the digestive system, as it improves the population of “good” bacteria in the gut microbiome.

Rice Flour

A wheat and gluten free grain which dogs can easily digest. It has soothing stomach properties and can help to expel toxins. Rice is also known to calm the nervous system and may help fight depression (yes, our furry kids also can get the blues, especially when left alone too long). This slightly sweet grain may help to strengthen the organ health. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) rice is considered a ‘clean burning’ food, which helps to drain dampness from the body.

At Cooka’s we only use human-grade flour from a family-owned mill in Mafra. Mafra is famous for its palace, but most of all for its bread. 

Mandioca Flour


Pea Flour

Pea flour is a powder milled from roasted peas. In small amounts, pea flour can be a great and wholesome ingredient in dog food, as it is rich in iron and calcium and is also high in fibre.

Pea flour also contains a high proportion of protein and is sometimes used in higher proportions as a protein supplement. However, dogs cannot digest plant proteins as well as those found in meats so at Cooka’s we advise that these kind of protein-flours should never take the place of high quality meat ingredients.

Chia Seeds

Cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas Chia literally means strength in local tongue. Chia seeds are a true super-food. A rich source of B Vitamins and minerals, Chia actually contains more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more magnesium than broccoli. Chia seeds help to boost the body’s natural defences and are said to be great stress busters. Those tiny little seeds are also known to support electrolyte balance, which makes chia a great choice for endurance training.

Flax Seeds

Highly beneficial for dogs, as those tiny seeds are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, those good fats that nourish skin and fur. Lignans, another compound found in flax may improve heart health and assist joint and bone strength. A rich source of fiber makes flax also a great aid for the digestive health of our pets.

At Cooka’s we freshly grind our flax seeds to make sure that our pets get the very best of their nutritional value. 

Hemp Seeds

A highly nutritious seed, offering a powerful condensed source of vital minerals and vitamins like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin E and vitamin B. Those tiny super-seeds are a condensed source of vital minerals and vitamins, with the perfect ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids, which dogs cannot produce. Linoleic acid is especially important for the health of skin and coat. Hemp is also rich in Gamma Linoleic Acid, which may benefit joint and bone health.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are very high in fibre, which can help improve digestion. They also have one of the highest content of magnesium of all foods, which can help dogs maintain healthy bones, regulate blood sugar and pressure, and reduce the risk of heart diseases. They are also used to get rid of parasites, as they contain the amino acid cucurbitin, which works to paralyse and eliminate parasites from your dog’s digestive tract.

Herbs & spices

image_2
Nature’s pharmacists, superb antioxidants and highly nutritious. Cooka loves oregano, cinnamon, parsley and rosemary. 

Oregano

At Cooka’s we love Oregano. Often called ‘Natures antibiotic’, this herb is also anti-fungal and antimicrobial, which may help to protect from and fight infections. Oregano is rich in Vitamins and Minerals and has one of the highest antioxidant levels found in any food (4 times more than blueberries). It may help to expel parasites and is also said to aid digestive issues.

At Cooka’s we use dried oregano.

Parsley

Rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, parsley packs a powerful punch for your dog’s overall health. This highly beneficial herb is also antimicrobial and known to aid digestive health. It is a known diuretic which promotes the flow of urine and can lower blood pressure. Parsley is diuretic by nature, but this humble herb doesn’t just offer a dense nutritional profile, it can also act as a natural ‘mouthwash’ and treat canine halitosis… (you know, smelly doggie breath).

​​​​​At Cooka’s we use dried parsley.

Rosemary

Rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants, which can help to strengthen the natural defences. Rosemary is used by holistic vets to improve circulation and strengthen the blood. It is said to be beneficial for heart health and can assist animals that have been under stress. Rosemary is also one of Nature’s ‘best kept secrets’ to preserve food, as it’s two compounds rosemarinic and carnosic acid are known to inhibit the free radical chain reaction that leads to oxidation in fats.

At Cooka’s we use Rosemary extract to keep our cookies fresh and healthy for longer.

Cinnamon

This delicious spice has a myriad of medicinal benefits. Cinnamon is a strong anti-inflammatory, which can help to strengthen the defences of the body and may aid the repair of damaged tissue. It has the ability to slow down bacteria growth and may assist with health concerns caused by fungi. Cinnamon is also known to regulate blood sugar which could make it beneficial for overweight dogs and is said to be useful for gastrointestinal problems, like nausea, flatulence or diarrhoea.

At Cooka’s we use powdered cinnamon.

Black Pepper


Catnip


Super-foods

image_2
What exactly are super-foods? Today we hear this term everywhere and it seems almost every food has turned SUPER. Which actually is true. Each vegetable, fruit, spice, herb… has its own special power and should be celebrated. But to keep things simple we keep fruit and veggies on their own page, as we do with seeds or dairy. Super-foods for now are reserved just for these food sources that don’t seem to fit(yet) into any other categories, like algae. 

TURMERIC

Turmeric is also known as the ‘Golden Goddess’ or ‘Kanchani’ (in Sanskrit) in India and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic traditions as a medicinal herb. Curcumin is the key phytochemical compound responsible for many of turmeric’s health-giving properties and also for its vibrant colour. Curcuminoids work by reducing the production of enzymes which promote inflammation. They are also potent antioxidants, protecting the cellular DNA from the day-to-day damage of modern life, sort of like protecting us and the fur-kids from from going ‘rusty’ inside. This golden spice is also known to relieve joint pain associated with arthritis, reduce allergies*, promote cardiovascular health, help to keep the intestines and bowel well functioning, and might even stop cancerous cells from spreading.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a microalgae that has been consumed for centuries and is nowadays considered a superfood due to its remarkable nutritional content and health benefits. It’s a leading protein food – over 60% of digestible vegetable protein and has a very high concentration of beta carotene, vitamins B-1,2 and 3, iron, trace minerals and the rare essential fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for vegetarian or vegan diets. Spirulina has strong antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties and latest research suggests that even small amounts of spirulina can help balance and stabilize the immune system, freeing up more metabolic energy for vitality, healing and assimilation of nutrients. It enhances the body’s cellular communication process with its ability to read and repair DNA, kind of like a kind of cellular tune up.

Spirulina is commonly nicknamed “The miracle from the sea.”

LOVE

The secret ingredient in our recipes is always L♥VE.

  • 100% Natural
  • 100% Real
  • 100% Honest
  • 100% Nourishing
  • Helps heart health
  • Lowers stress hormones
  • Boosts the immune system

Love is nature’s most potent drug and the best: It is for free. Let’s keep on LOVING!

HONEY

Honey has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, can help to reduce inflammation, sooth stomach ulcers and even assist in curing allergies.

Superfood Powders

Superfood Powders are dehydrated superfoods, which are then ground into a fine powder. Health-boosting, nourishing and our way to add ‘colours’ to our cookies and cakes.

  • Blue Spirulina – Powerful Antioxidant
  • Green Spirulina – Extremely High in Many Nutrients
  • Curcuma – Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
  • Beetroot – Strengthens the heart
  • Charcoal – Binds toxins
  • Butterfly pea – Stress and anxiety reducing

Moringa

Moringa is rich in Vitamins A to K, providing your pet’s body with more than 46 powerful antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatories. Moringa’s nutrient profile is abundant with mineral and trace elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Gelatine


Fresh fish & crustaceans

image_2
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which according to veterinarians may have health benefits such as decreasing inflammation. Fish is also a good alternative for dogs with food allergies to more common ingredients, like chicken.

Tuna

Tuna is a lean protein source which is high in many minerals important for the health of our dogs, including selenium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Tuna is also rich in vitamin B3, B6 and B12 and contains high levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very beneficial for cardiovascular health, reduce inflammations in the body, help improve skin conditions like itchiness, regulate cholesterol and improve eyesight.

Sardines

Adding a few sardines to your dog’s regular diet can help develop muscles and other connective tissue, boost the immune system, increase dental health, and protect against kidney disease. Sardines are a great protein source that provides significant amounts of Vitamin B3, B12 and D, selenium, and healthy omega-3 Fatty acids. These little fish are also a good source of phosphorus and calcium, great for the skin and coat and pawfect for dogs with allergies. Small fish, big benefits!

Krill


Shrimps


Green-lipped mussel


Salmon

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, may decrease inflammation, and can keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy.

Questions about your order?

Our team is happy to assist you.