Welcome to Happy Pup Kitchen — the place where wagging tails and delicious treats meet! 🐾
Hi there, I’m Maggie Collins, a 42-year-old chef living in Asheville, North Carolina. My kitchen is my sanctuary, and more often than not, you’ll find me in there with flour on my shirt, herbs on the counter, and my little sidekick, Benny, nestled at my feet. Benny isn’t just any pup—he’s a lovable Cockapoo with big, soulful eyes and a very particular palate.
My love for cooking started the way it does for many—sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, watching her fold butter into biscuit dough like she was handling silk. But the twist in my story? It took a tail-wagging turn when Benny came into my life. He was just a pup with a sensitive stomach and a fussy appetite. I tried every brand on the shelf, every vet-recommended blend, but nothing sat right with him. That’s when I decided to start cooking for him myself.
What began as a necessity quickly became a passion. I found myself diving into canine nutrition, learning how to balance proteins, carbs, and fats in ways that were both safe and scrumptious for dogs. Chicken and sweet potato meatballs, beef and quinoa patties, salmon with rice and spinach—you name it, I’ve probably tried it. And yes, I always do a little taste-test myself (well, the human‑safe bits!).
I even get a little help from artificial intelligence now and then—it helps me brainstorm new combinations, balance nutritional content, and fine‑tune recipes when I’m experimenting. It’s like having a culinary lab assistant that never sleeps!
I love the process of translating my culinary skills into meals that nourish Benny and make his tail wag like crazy. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly what’s going into his bowl—no mystery ingredients, no artificial junk. Just honest, wholesome food made with love.
My cooking philosophy? If I wouldn’t eat it, I won’t serve it to Benny. I believe our pets deserve the same care and joy in their meals that we give ourselves. Cooking for dogs has actually deepened my appreciation for simplicity, seasonality, and the pure joy of feeding someone you love.
Now, I share my recipes and experiences with other pet parents who want to cook at home for their dogs. From helpful tips on ingredient swaps to funny tales of Benny turning up his nose at a failed recipe—pumpkin and sardines, never again—it’s all part of the journey. I’m here to encourage others, whether they’re seasoned chefs or just starting out, to take the leap into homemade dog cuisine.
Cooking is love made visible—and in my home, that love comes with four paws and a happy bark.