This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Veterinarian Lucie Hénault launches the book The vet cook. Delicious recipes for the family and safe for the dog.
Who other than a great lover of animals could have thought of creating a book of recipes that would be aimed at them as well as their masters? “I’m crazy about animals, I admit it! So much so, in fact, that I sincerely believed, when I was very young, that I was a dog disguised as a child! » says Lucie Hénault laughing.
From kindergarten, the little girl knew that she would one day become a veterinarian. And for 25 years, the partner-owner of a group of eight independent veterinary establishments, also at the origin of the Web magazine Flair & Cie (finalist in the next Les Mercuriades competition) watches over tons of animals. She also has four: two dogs (Coby and Bou) and two cats (Strauss and Majesté).
But between being a veterinarian and being the author of a book of human-canine recipes, there is a world of difference… especially when there is nothing comparable!
Think about your meals according to your dog
The idea of the book The vet cook. Delicious recipes for the family and without danger for the dog slowly matured in the head the DD Hénault after the birth of his children. “I admit, like everyone else, I gave pieces of my food to my dogs,” she says. Or perhaps it was my children who dropped it on the floor. And you know as much as I do that dogs are very, very greedy. »
The veterinarian therefore began to adapt the meals she prepared for her family, because, more than anyone, she was aware that her diet was not ideal for her animals. “We regularly use more than 20 ingredients in cooking that are harmful or even dangerous for dogs,” she explains. Examples include alcohol, coffee, chocolate, nuts, garlic, onions, chives, raisins and peanut butter. »
It’s easy to imagine that with such a list of prohibitions, the quest for perfect dishes for humans and their canine companions has been long. “It wasn’t easy, indeed! Simply replacing garlic and onions in recipes has been a real adventure,” says M.me Hénault, who tested an impressive number of things with one of his aunts for more than two years.
But the veterinarian, blessed with a talent behind the stove – she is after all the daughter of a farmer and a dietitian – held on until the publication was sent to press. The vet cook. This unique book will be published on April 9.
On the menu of the vet chef
Lucie Hénault’s book, abundantly illustrated with photos of her animals, those of her friends and, of course, tasty little meals, contains nearly 50 dishes suitable for humans and their canine companions. Lunches, salads, soups, main courses (including several vegetarian and pescetarian), side dishes and even 11 desserts are on the menu of this very nice book. There are fun recipe titles like salad woofdorf, the sweet (sofa) potato puree, or the homemade broth from “Sit down, good dog!” »
However, the veterinarian is never far away, with anecdotes and valuable advice to complete the recipes. “I incorporated questions that I am often asked. For example, can a dog eat too much protein? Well, yes, if he is old or has kidney problems. I even answer the existential question: “Should you sleep with your dog or not?” », joked the DD Hénault.
And what are her favorite dishes among all those she offers? “I really like the salmon from Aunt Paule, who had a dog daycare,” says the author. I’m also thinking of Zazou-zaatar fries, in which I replaced the salt with this spice and which everyone loves. Without forgetting the friend’s breads, one of the most appreciated recipes by my family and my animals even if it is based on tofu. Be careful, however, it must be adapted to the size of your dog. A muffin-style portion for the big ones, and just one bite for the little ones. »
And what about the kitties in all this?
The book The vet cook was designed for humans and their canine companions, but one wonders why felines aren’t also given a chapter. Lucie Hénault honestly replies that she hasn’t thought about it.
“We are less accustomed to giving pieces of food to our cats than to our dogs, and they are less hungry for table scraps than them,” she admits. It should also be noted, she indicates, that cats do not have the same diet as their canine friends. The latter are omnivorous, while the felines are strictly carnivorous; Notice, moreover, to vegetarian and vegan owners: your cat must only eat animal proteins.
“On the other hand,” adds the veterinarian, smiling, “nothing says that this first book will not be followed by another with recipes for humans and cats, why not? » Challenge launched, DD Hénault!
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.