Abstract: In one aspect, a kit comprises a cooking aid comprising vitamins and minerals; and a component that identifies ingredients, amounts thereof, and instructions for preparing a pet food for a companion animal from the ingredients and the cooking aid. In another aspect, a method comprises providing a cooking aid comprising vitamins and minerals, together with material on which information is printed that identifies ingredients, amounts thereof, and instructions for preparing a pet food for a companion animal from the cooking aid and the ingredients. Preferably the pet food meets the minimum nutrient requirements for complete and balanced nutrition for the companion animal as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).