Best Dog Cookbooks and Training Guide Compared

Compare top dog cookbooks and training guides - vet-approved slow cooker recipes, dehydrated treats, small-dog meal plans, and training tips for calmer meals...

If you’re anything like me, you want the very best for your dog but can feel overwhelmed by all the options out there. Whether you’re curious about slow-cooked, vet-approved meals, dehydrated treats you can make at home, fun recipes for special occasions, portioned plans for a small dog, or practical behavior fixes to keep mealtime stress-free, these titles offer approachable ways to take control of your pet’s diet and wellbeing. You’ll find straightforward recipes, step‑by‑step techniques, and real-world tips that make cooking for — and living with — your dog feel manageable and rewarding.

Books and guides like these grew out of a longer shift toward homemade, whole-food pet nutrition and science-based, humane training. Over the past couple of decades owners have moved away from one-size-fits-all commercial feeds toward recipes and methods that let you manage allergies, improve ingredient transparency, control portion sizes, and save money while adding variety to your dog’s plate. Dehydration and slow-cooker methods make bulk prep easier and longer-lasting, while breed- or size-specific cookbooks help you fine-tune calories and nutrients. Pairing food guides with a positive training manual also means you can reinforce good behavior without stress — useful whether you’re teaching table manners or making training treats.

In the sections that follow you’ll get a closer look at each title: Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook (vet-approved recipes and a 30-day meal plan), Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook (homemade meals, treats, cakes, and cocktails), Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook (101 recipes and dehydration how-to), The Small Dog’s Kitchen (balanced, portioned recipes and weekly plans for small dogs), and The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible (step‑by‑step solutions for managing aggression, reactivity, and anxiety). I’ll highlight who each book is best for, what you can realistically expect to make, and any pros or cons to help you decide which will fit your routine and your dog’s needs.

Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook — Vet-Approved Homemade Recipes, 30-Day Meal Plan & Wellness Tips (Paperback)

Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Nourishing Your Four Legged Friend with Vet-Approved Homemade Healthy Recipes, Including a 30-Day Meal Plan and Wellness Tips      Paperback – May 31, 2024

The Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Nourishing Your Four Legged Friend (Paperback – May 31, 2024) is designed for dog owners who want to move toward homemade dog food that’s convenient and reliable. If you’re juggling a busy schedule but care deeply about your dog’s nutrition, this cookbook helps you prepare healthy, vet-approved meals with minimal fuss using a slow cooker. It’s ideal if you want easy meal prep, clearer ingredient control, and a 30-day meal plan to get started confidently.

You’ll rely on this guide for everyday recipe ideas, step-by-step slow cooker instructions, portioning guidance, and wellness tips that support long-term feeding habits. Use it to plan weekly shopping, prep batches, or rotate recipes to keep your dog excited about mealtime.

You’ll appreciate that the recipes are labeled vet-approved, which adds peace of mind when altering your dog’s diet. The combination of practical slow cooker techniques and nutrition-minded guidance makes it simple to swap processed kibbles for wholesome, home-cooked meals without overcomplicating your routine.

The recipes are optimized for batch cooking, so you can prepare several days’ worth of meals with a single slow-cooker session. That means less time cooking for your pet and potential savings on commercial specialty foods.

The primary purpose is to provide you with a complete, easy-to-follow resource for creating balanced, nutritious homemade dog food using a slow cooker. It aims to demystify portioning, ingredients, and transition strategies so you can feed your dog safely and confidently.

  • 30-day meal plan: A ready-made schedule that helps you rotate recipes and ensure dietary variety.
  • Vet-approved recipes: Formulations reviewed by professionals to emphasize nutritional balance.
  • Step-by-step slow cooker recipes: Clear instructions for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
  • Wellness tips: Guidance on allergies, ingredient substitutions, portion sizes, and introducing new foods gradually.
  • Storage and reheating advice: How to portion, freeze, and thaw meals safely.
  • Life-stage considerations: Notes for puppies, adults, and seniors so you can adapt meals appropriately.
  • Ingredient sourcing and budget tips: Suggestions to keep meals affordable and high-quality.

The cookbook feels thoughtfully structured for real-life use. Recipes are written in a straightforward, conversational tone that makes them accessible even if you’re new to home cooking for pets. The layout supports quick meal planning and the 30-day meal plan is particularly helpful if you want a clear, guided start.

Because the recipes are vet-approved, you’ll find guidance on essential nutrients and common pitfalls—like excessive sodium, harmful spices, or unbalanced macronutrients. At the same time, the book encourages you to consult your veterinarian for breed-specific or health-condition adjustments, which is a smart and responsible approach.

  • Vet-approved recipes for added confidence.

  • Emphasis on nutritional balance and life-stage adaptations.

  • Convenient slow cooker format suited to busy schedules.

  • 30-day meal plan removes guesswork and establishes routine.

  • Practical wellness tips for allergy management and safe transitions.

  • Cost-effective batch cooking and storage guidance.

  • May require extra time initially for ingredient shopping and prep compared with kibble.

  • Home-cooked diets can need ongoing vet monitoring to ensure long-term nutritional adequacy for specific medical conditions.

  • If you prefer a wider variety of culinary styles (e.g., raw feeding or dehydrated recipes), this book focuses mainly on slow-cooked options.

This cookbook gives you a practical, trustworthy toolkit to make the transition to homemade meals less intimidating. By following the guidance and the 30-day meal plan, you’ll likely find it easier to keep your dog healthy, satisfied, and excited about mealtime while maintaining your own daily workflow.

Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook — Vet-Approved Homemade Recipes, 30-Day Meal Plan  Wellness Tips (Paperback)

Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook: Homemade Treats, Meals, Cakes & Drinks — Paperback (July 27, 2025)

Fun  Healthy Dog Food Cookbook: Homemade recipes for treats, meals, cakes  сocktails      Paperback – July 27, 2025

You’ll reach for the Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook when you want to make homemade dog food, healthy dog treats, party-worthy dog cakes, or playful dog-friendly cocktails for photos and special occasions. This paperback (released July 27, 2025) is designed to help you prepare everyday meals, training treats, and celebratory goodies that are both tasty and mindful of canine nutrition. Use it for daily meal planning, batch cooking for busy weeks, or rewarding your pup during training without relying on store-bought snacks.

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You’ll appreciate that the cookbook balances creativity with practicality. The recipes are approachable, using ingredients you can find at a grocery store, and many include straightforward substitutions for common allergies and sensitivities. The tone feels like a friend guiding you through the kitchen, so you won’t be intimidated even if you’re new to cooking for dogs. Another reason to like it: most recipes are clearly labeled with prep times and portion guidance, making it easier for you to feed multiple dogs or scale recipes up and down.

The main purpose of this book is to make it simple and safe for you to prepare nutritious, homemade meals and treats for your dog. Key features include:

  • A mix of recipes for daily meals, training treats, and special-occasion cakes that let you tailor food to your dog’s needs.
  • Sections dedicated to healthy ingredients, storage tips, and safe food handling so you can avoid common hazards.
  • Step-by-step instructions with clear ingredient lists, prep times, and serving sizes to help you plan.
  • Dog-friendly “cocktail” recipes — non-alcoholic, ingredient-safe fun drinks for photos or cooling down on hot days.
  • Practical tips for portion control, modifying recipes for puppies or seniors, and recognizing foods that should be avoided.
  • Suggestions for using treats during training, including ideas for high-value rewards and small, low-calorie options you can carry on walks.

If you care about what goes into your dog’s bowl, enjoy cooking, or want healthier alternatives to commercial snacks, this book is a great fit. It’s also useful if you host dog-themed events or want Instagram-friendly treats without compromising safety.

The overall quality feels strong for a paperback cookbook in this niche. The layout is user-friendly, with recipes grouped by type and clearly marked for ease of use. Instructions are concise but thorough, so you’ll be able to follow along without guessing at temperatures or times. Ingredients skew toward wholesome, whole-food options rather than processed fillers, which is appreciated if you prioritize balanced nutrition. Photography and styling (if included) make the dishes look appealing without presenting unrealistic expectations. A small caveat: always consult your vet before making major diet changes or introducing new ingredients to a dog with medical issues — the book is a practical kitchen companion, not a veterinary substitute.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-follow recipes suitable for beginners and experienced pet cooks.
  • Wide variety: meals, treats, cakes, and dog-safe cocktails for different occasions.
  • Practical tips on portioning, storage, and substitutions for allergies.
  • Encourages healthier, whole-food alternatives to many commercial products.
  • Great resource for producing training treats that are both tasty and appropriately sized.

Cons:

  • Not a replacement for personalized veterinary dietary advice for dogs with specific medical conditions.
  • Some specialty ingredients in a few recipes may be harder to source depending on where you live.
  • If you prefer ultra-technical nutritional breakdowns (exact calorie counts and micronutrient profiles), you may find the guidance more practical than clinical.

This cookbook is a friendly, usable tool that helps you make smarter choices in the kitchen for your dog, making meals and treats more fun and healthier for your pet.

Fun  Healthy Dog Food Cookbook: Homemade Treats, Meals, Cakes  Drinks — Paperback (July 27, 2025)

Dehydrated Dog Treats: 101 Homemade Recipes and Step-by-Step Dehydration Guide for Healthy, Happy Dogs

Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook: 101 Homemade Recipes for Nutritious Dried Delights, Including Step-by-Step Instructions for Effective Dehydration ... Dog Guides for a Healthy and Happy Dog)      Paperback – February 12, 2025

This book is ideal if you want to make healthy, homemade dog treats using a dehydrator or oven. Whether you’re a new pet parent learning how to prepare safe snacks or an experienced caregiver seeking variety, the Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook gives you practical recipes and techniques you can use for everyday rewards, special occasions, or training sessions.

You’ll use this cookbook to create long-lasting dried delights that are portable, shelf-stable, and often simpler to make than baked treats. Recipes cover single-ingredient jerky, mixed-ingredient bites, and vegetable- and fruit-based snacks so you can cater to allergies, weight goals, and taste preferences.

You’ll appreciate the step-by-step instructions that demystify the dehydration process. The book breaks down temperature settings, dehydration times, and how to test for doneness so your treats turn out consistently safe and chewy (or crisp) depending on your preference.

This cookbook emphasizes nutritious ingredients and includes tips on portion sizes and ingredient substitutions, helping you make choices that support your dog’s health. It also highlights food safety practices — crucial when you’re working with meats and raw ingredients.

The primary purpose of this title is to teach you how to create a wide variety of dehydrated dog treats that are healthier and more transparent than many store-bought options. It aims to make dehydration accessible so you can control ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize treats for your dog’s needs.

  • 101 Homemade Recipes spanning meats, fruits, vegetables, and mixed blends.
  • Detailed step-by-step dehydration guidelines, including temperature and time charts.
  • Tips for storage, packaging, and extending shelf-life without artificial additives.
  • Guidance on using common equipment — dehydrator, oven, and food dehydrating racks.
  • Suggestions for training-friendly sizes and textures so treats are practical for reward-based learning.
  • Options for dogs with dietary restrictions and simple substitutions for allergies.

You’ll find recipes clearly written and organized by type (meat, fruit, vegetable, combo), making it easy to pick a recipe based on the ingredients you have on hand. The directions are concise, with practical notes on texture and preservation.

The layout is user-friendly, so you can quickly reference dehydration times or ingredient swaps mid-prep. If you’re new to dehydrating, the cookbook functions both as a recipe collection and a mini-guide to dehydration science and best practices, which improves the overall usefulness.

  • Comprehensive selection with 101 recipes to keep variety in your dog’s diet.

  • Clear step-by-step instructions that help you master dehydration reliably.

  • Emphasis on nutritious ingredients and safe handling of meats.

  • Practical training-size recipe suggestions and portion guidance.

  • Useful tips for storage and maintaining freshness without additives.

  • If you don’t own a dehydrator, some recipes may take longer in an oven and require experimentation.

  • The book focuses on dehydrated textures — if you prefer baked or freeze-dried treats exclusively, the scope is narrower.

  • Some specialized ingredient lists may require extra shopping if you’re aiming for very specific dietary formulations.

This paperback (released February 12, 2025) is a friendly, practical resource that helps you create safe, nutritious dehydrated dog treats with confidence. You’ll gain techniques that save money and let you control every ingredient, making it a useful addition to your dog-care toolkit.

Dehydrated Dog Treats: 101 Homemade Recipes and Step-by-Step Dehydration Guide for Healthy, Happy Dogs

Small Dog Kitchen: Easy, Balanced Homemade Meals & Weekly Vet-Approved Plans (The Longevity Dogs Club) — Paperback, Nov 29, 2024

The Small Dogs Kitchen: Homemade meals specific for small dogs with balanced and easy recipes, weekly plans and vet-approved portions (The Longevity Dogs Club)      Paperback – November 29, 2024

You’ll find that The Small Dog’s Kitchen is designed for owners who want to cook homemade meals specifically tailored to the needs of small dogs. The primary use is to give you a practical, easy-to-follow guide for preparing balanced recipes, controlling portion sizes, and planning meals across a week. If you want to transition away from commercial kibble, manage weight, or address picky eating with fresh food you prepare at home, this book becomes a go-to resource for everyday meal planning and safe recipe choices.

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You’ll appreciate the focus on vet-approved portions and ingredient choices that match the metabolisms and appetites of smaller breeds. The tone is approachable, so you’re not intimidated by cooking for your dog. The inclusion of weekly plans saves you time and decision fatigue, while the easy recipes mean you can prepare meals even on busy days. It’s reassuring to see the emphasis on nutritional balance—you can feel confident you’re not missing essential nutrients when following the guidance.

The book’s purpose is to help you feed your small dog fresh, wholesome food without guesswork. Key features you’ll use daily include:

  • Balanced recipes formulated for small-breed needs, focusing on appropriate protein, fats, and carbs.
  • Vet-approved portions that help prevent overfeeding and weight gain.
  • Weekly meal plans that streamline grocery shopping and prep, with clear servings per meal.
  • Step-by-step easy recipes using accessible ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Tips on ingredient substitutions, storage, and safe human foods for dogs. These features are built so you can move from uncertainty to a consistent, healthy feeding routine quickly.

From layout to recipe clarity, the overall quality feels thoughtful and practical. The recipes are written in plain language, with clear portion measurements and prep times that respect your schedule. The paperback format (released November 29, 2024) makes it convenient to keep in the kitchen or take to the grocery store. You’ll notice the attention to the small-dog perspective—smaller serving sizes, snack ideas for tiny mouths, and tips on adjusting recipes for different life stages. For value, it stands out because it combines nutrition guidance, meal planning, and approachable cooking in one volume.

Pros:

  • Vet-approved portions: Helpful for weight management and peace of mind.
  • Small-dog focus: Recipes and plans tailored to smaller appetites and metabolisms.
  • Weekly plans: Makes meal prep and shopping efficient.
  • Easy recipes: Minimal fuss and accessible ingredients.
  • Emphasis on nutritional balance and practical feeding tips.

Cons:

  • Limited to small-breed needs—if you have mixed-size dogs, you’ll need to adapt portions.
  • If your dog has specific medical conditions, you’ll still need personalized veterinary advice beyond the book.
  • The paperback format is great for the kitchen, but you might prefer a digital version for quick searches (availability depends on the publisher).
  • Some ingredients might not be locally available in all regions, requiring substitutions.

You’ll find this book particularly useful if you want a straightforward, trustworthy way to move toward fresh feeding without getting overwhelmed. The focus on balanced homemade meals, weekly plans, and vet-approved portions helps you feed your small dog with confidence, improving both the variety and quality of what goes into your pup’s bowl.

Small Dog Kitchen: Easy, Balanced Homemade Meals  Weekly Vet-Approved Plans (The Longevity Dogs Club) — Paperback, Nov 29, 2024

Practical Positive Dog Training: A simple step-by-step guide to calm, manage, and rehabilitate aggressive, reactive, and anxious dogs — no expensive trainers needed. Paperback — April 15, 2025

The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible: Proven Step-by-Step Solutions to Calm, Manage, and Rehabilitate Aggressive, Reactive, and Anxious Dogs—Without Hiring Expensive Trainers      Paperback – April 15, 2025

You’ll reach for The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible when you need clear, hands-on strategies to calm, manage, and rehabilitate aggressive, reactive, or anxious dogs without hiring an expensive trainer. It’s designed for pet parents who want step-by-step instructions, behavior explanations, and practical exercises you can use at home. Whether your dog lunges at strangers, barks frantically at other dogs, or freezes in fear, this guide gives you tools to change those patterns safely and positively.

You’ll appreciate that this book centers on positive reinforcement and humane techniques. The tone is encouraging and accessible, so even if you’ve never worked on behavior modification before, you’ll feel supported. The emphasis on real-world application—rather than theory alone—makes it stand out. It focuses on measurable progress, teaches you how to read your dog’s body language, and provides clear protocols for common reactive scenarios. The promise of reducing or eliminating reliance on professional trainers is realistic because the book equips you to take daily, effective action.

The core purpose is to empower you to manage difficult behaviors through structured, repeatable methods. Rather than quick fixes, the guide aims to create sustainable behavioral change by teaching you how to change how your dog perceives triggers and how you respond to them.

  • Step-by-step protocols for common issues like dog-dog reactivity, leash aggression, and fear-based barking.
  • Behavioral assessments you can perform at home to pinpoint triggers and severity.
  • Trainer-tested exercises that build confidence and tolerance gradually.
  • Guidance on creating a safe management plan while you train, including leash tools and environmental adjustments.
  • Chapters on emotion regulation for both dog and handler, helping you remain calm and consistent.
  • Practical troubleshooting tips when progress stalls, and ways to adapt plans for different dog temperaments.
  • Emphasis on positive reinforcement methods and avoidance of punitive techniques that can worsen aggression.

The writing is clear, friendly, and pragmatic—meaning you won’t get bogged down by jargon. It reads like a calm coach guiding you through each step. The methods reflect contemporary positive training principles backed by observable outcomes, and the structure makes it easy to reference specific issues quickly. The book balances anecdotal case studies with actionable drills, so you see how methods work in practice. Layout and chapter organization prioritize quick-access solutions and progressive skill-building, which is especially helpful when you need a plan for immediate issues but also want long-term improvement.

  • Strong focus on positive reinforcement and welfare-friendly methods.

  • Clear, step-by-step solutions that you can implement at home.

  • Useful for a wide range of severity levels — from mild anxiety to more serious reactivity.

  • Practical guidance on management and safety, not just training theory.

  • Encouraging, non-judgmental tone that helps you stay consistent.

  • Not a substitute for emergency intervention in cases of severe or dangerous aggression; you may still need professional hands-on help sometimes.

  • Results require consistent effort and time; you’ll need patience and routine practice.

  • Some techniques may need adaptation for specific breeds or medical conditions, so consulting your vet is recommended if behavior is sudden or correlated with pain.

If you’re committed to learning humane, effective strategies, this book offers a strong, approachable roadmap to help you manage and rehabilitate reactive and anxious dogs—giving you tools to make meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Practical Positive Dog Training: A simple step-by-step guide to calm, manage, and rehabilitate aggressive, reactive, and anxious dogs — no expensive trainers needed. Paperback — April 15, 2025

Comparison of the five books

Below you’ll find a friendly, focused comparison to help you choose which book best fits your needs — whether you want easy slow-cooker meals, shelf-stable treats, small-dog portion control, fun celebration recipes, or help with behavior and training.

What the specification columns mean

  • Format: physical format as listed (you’ll want to know if it’s paperback, e-book, etc.).
  • Publication date: when the book was released.
  • Main focus: the book’s core purpose or specialty.
  • Recipes count: number of recipes listed in the title or clearly stated; “Not specified” if not given.
  • Meal plans included: whether the book provides multi-day meal plans (30-day, weekly, etc.).
  • Vet-approved?: whether the title explicitly says the recipes or portions are vet-approved.
  • Best for: a one-line suggestion of who will get the most value from the book.
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At-a-glance comparison table

Title Format Publication Date Main Focus Recipes Count Meal Plans Included Vet-approved? Best for
Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Nourishing Your Four Legged Friend with Vet-Approved Homemade Healthy Recipes, Including a 30-Day Meal Plan and Wellness Tips Paperback May 31, 2024 Slow-cooker, complete homemade meals & wellness guidance Not specified 30-day meal plan Yes (title says vet-approved) You, if you want hands-off, batch cooking and a structured month-long plan
Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook: Homemade recipes for treats, meals, cakes & cocktails Paperback July 27, 2025 Variety of treats, meals, celebratory cakes & dog-friendly “cocktails” Not specified Not specified Not specified You, if you want creative, celebratory and variety-focused recipes
Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook: 101 Homemade Recipes for Nutritious Dried Delights, Including Step-by-Step Instructions for Effective Dehydration Paperback February 12, 2025 Dehydrator-focused treats and dried snacks 101 No Not specified You, if you own a dehydrator or want long-lasting homemade treats
The Small Dog’s Kitchen: Homemade meals specific for small dogs with balanced and easy recipes, weekly plans and vet-approved portions Paperback November 29, 2024 Small-dog specific meals, portion control and weekly plans Not specified Weekly plans Yes (title says vet-approved portions) You, if you own a small-breed dog and need precise portion guidance
The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible: Proven Step-by-Step Solutions to Calm, Manage, and Rehabilitate Aggressive, Reactive, and Anxious Dogs—Without Hiring Expensive Trainers Paperback April 15, 2025 Positive training, behavior rehab for reactive/anxious/aggressive dogs N/A N/A Not applicable You, if behavior and training are your top priority rather than nutrition

How these books differ — quick guide to choosing

  • If you want convenient, nutritious daily meals made with minimal active time, choose the Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook. The slow-cooker approach is great when you want bulk prep and a structured 30-day plan to simplify feeding.
  • If you like making celebrations, themed treats, and playful recipes (cakes, party-style items, mocktails for dogs), pick the Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook. It’s geared toward variety and occasion cooking.
  • If you’re after long-lasting treats, training rewards, or natural snacks you can store, go with the Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook — it has a clear recipe count (101) and step-by-step dehydration instructions.
  • If you own a small-breed dog and worry about portion sizes and nutrient balance specific to small dogs, The Small Dog’s Kitchen is focused on that niche with weekly plans and vet-approved portioning.
  • If you’re dealing with reactivity, aggression, or anxiety and want practical, step-by-step training tools you can use yourself, The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible is the only behavior-focused title in the set.

Strengths and trade-offs (short bullets)

  • Slow Cooker Cookbook: Strength — low-effort batch cooking and a 30-day plan; Trade-off — less variety of quick single-serve snacks/treats.
  • Fun & Healthy Cookbook: Strength — creativity and fun recipes; Trade-off — may be less focused on strict portion control or clinical vet guidance (unless stated inside).
  • Dehydrated Treats Cookbook: Strength — long shelf-life treats and clear dehydration technique; Trade-off — specialized equipment (dehydrator) helpful or required.
  • Small Dog’s Kitchen: Strength — tailored portion sizes and weekly planning for small breeds; Trade-off — recipes may be over-specific if you have mixed-size dogs.
  • Practical Positive Dog Training Bible: Strength — focused behavioral solutions and step-by-step rehab; Trade-off — not a food resource — you’ll need a companion nutrition book if you want both.

Quick picks depending on your situation

  • You want easy, balanced daily meals with minimal fuss → Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook.
  • You love baking and celebrating your dog’s milestones → Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook.
  • You want durable, homemade treats for training or long-term storage → Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook.
  • You own a small breed and need precise portions and plans → The Small Dog’s Kitchen.
  • Your dog needs behavior help — reactivity, aggression, or anxiety → The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible.

If you want, I can now summarize one-sentence pros/cons for each title, or suggest which two books pair well together (e.g., a meal-focused book + the Dehydrated Treats Cookbook for training rewards). Which would help you most?

Conclusion and recommendations — quick summary of all five books

Below you’ll find a concise wrap-up of strengths, drawbacks, and who each book will suit best. Use this to pick the resource(s) that match your goals—whether you want healthier homemade meals, long-lasting treats, portion control for a small dog, or practical behavior help.

Slow Cooker Dog Food Cookbook (May 31, 2024)

  • Summary: Vet-approved slow-cooker recipes with a 30-day meal plan and wellness tips. Great for hands-off, nutritious cooked meals.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Slow-cooker textures may not suit every dog or certain dietary needs.
    • Some recipes may need ingredient swaps for allergies or sensitivities.
    • Requires storage planning (fridge/freezer) and batch-cooking time.
  • Who this is for: You, if you want convenient, wholesome cooked meals and a ready meal plan—especially helpful if you’re busy but want to control ingredients.

Fun & Healthy Dog Food Cookbook (July 27, 2025)

  • Summary: A creative collection of treats, meals, cakes, and dog-friendly “cocktails” (word corrected to English: cocktails) for celebrations and everyday fun.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Many recipes are treat-like and can be calorie-dense—watch portions for weight control.
    • May lack vet oversight for special-diet dogs; some ingredients may need vet approval.
    • Better as an occasional-treat resource than a complete diet plan.
  • Who this is for: You, if you love baking/celebrating with your dog and want variety and novelty recipes. Not ideal if your dog needs a strict therapeutic diet.

Dehydrated Dog Treats Cookbook (February 12, 2025)

  • Summary: 101 recipes and clear dehydration steps for nutritious dried treats with long shelf life.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Requires a dehydrator (or longer oven time) and patience.
    • Prep and portion sizing may need tweaking for different breeds/ages.
    • Proper storage and food-safety awareness are important.
  • Who this is for: You, if you enjoy DIY, want preservative-free long-lasting treats, and already have—or are willing to buy—a dehydrator.

The Small Dog’s Kitchen (November 29, 2024)

  • Summary: Vet-approved, balanced meals and weekly plans tailored to small-breed portion sizes and needs.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Not applicable for medium/large breeds without recalculating portions and nutrients.
    • Some recipes may feel repetitive or require ingredient adjustments for picky small dogs.
  • Who this is for: You, if you own a small breed and need portion-controlled, vet-aligned recipes to manage weight and lifespan.

The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible (April 15, 2025)

  • Summary: Step-by-step positive-reinforcement strategies to calm and manage aggressive, reactive, or anxious dogs without hiring an expensive trainer.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Severe or medically linked behavior problems may still require professional behaviorists or vets.
    • Success requires time, consistency, and sometimes equipment or a second person—it’s not an instant fix.
  • Who this is for: You, if you want practical, humane training methods to work through mild-to-moderate behavior issues at home and are prepared to put in consistent effort.

Final takeaway and combined recommendation

If your priority is food and nutrition, choose based on format and dog size: Slow Cooker for easy batch-cooked meals, The Small Dog’s Kitchen for breed-specific portion control, Dehydrated Treats if you want long-lasting healthy snacks, and Fun & Healthy for special-occasion or novelty recipes (use sparingly). If behavior is your concern, The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible is a strong, humane starting point—just be ready to seek professional help for severe cases.

Together these books give you a practical, holistic toolkit: balanced feeding options, creative treats, and hands-on training advice. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and your dog’s specific needs, and consult your vet for any major diet or behavior-change plans.

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