What is an Edible Pet Food Spoon?

In 1987, Suzanna Goodin of Hydro, Oklahoma, decided that she needed an easier way to feed her two cats, Cinnamon and Ginger. They enjoyed canned wet cat food, but Suzanna did not like the mess of feeding them, especially the messy, smelly spoon that has to be washed off after the feeding. Suzanna decided that something needed to be done, and that her cats would be better served with an edible pet food spoon. The surprising part? Suzanna was only six years old at the time!

After realizing why she disliked feeding her cats, Suzanna heard her teacher announce the Weekly Reader Invention Contest. The teacher suggested that each student think about a problem that needed solving. Suzanna's twin brother Sam announced that he was entering the contest, so Suzanna decided to enter as well. She had her problem; messy cat food spoons, and set out to design a solution; an edible pet food spoon - so the cats could eat the spoon and do away with the leftover mess.

The edible pet food spoon was fairly difficult to design, especially for a first-grader. The cats had to be able to chew the spoon, but it also needed to be strong enough to scoop the pet food from the can without breaking. It needed to be made of ingredients that would not be harmful to the cats, and that they would eat. The edible pet food spoon had to be of the correct size and shape to scoop food out of the can.

A dog biscuit recipe was procured, and Suzanna and her grandmother formed the biscuit dough into spoon shapes. They experimented with flavors, adding charcoal to help freshen breath, brewer's yeast for vitamins, or garlic to various batches. The cats favored the garlic spoons, so the flavor was chosen.

Her family thought about going into business marketing and selling the edible pet food spoon, but they opted not to. Each edible pet food spoon had to be carefully shaped by hand, and was extremely time-consuming. However, she did win the Grand Prize of the Weekly Reader Invention Contest, and has paved the way for someone to perhaps improve upon her edible pet food spoon design one day.

An edible pet food spoon is an innovative utensil designed for feeding pets, which can be consumed by the animal after use. Made from pet-friendly ingredients, these spoons offer a sustainable alternative to plastic utensils, reducing waste and providing an additional treat for pets.

Edible pet food spoons are generally safe for pets, as they are made from ingredients suitable for animal consumption. However, it's important to check for any potential allergens and ensure the spoon is appropriate for your pet's dietary needs. Always consult with a veterinarian if you're unsure about introducing a new item to your pet's diet.

Using edible pet food spoons significantly reduces plastic waste, as they eliminate the need for disposable utensils. They are biodegradable and compostable, making them an eco-friendly choice. By choosing edible spoons, pet owners contribute to lessening the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

Edible pet food spoons are versatile and can be used with various types of pet food, including wet and dry formulations. They are designed to be sturdy enough to handle different textures, but it's best to use them with the type of food they are specifically made for, as indicated by the manufacturer.

Most pets are curious and interested in new things, so they often react positively to edible pet food spoons. The novelty of a utensil that doubles as a treat can be an enjoyable experience for pets, encouraging them to engage with their food in a new way.

Edible pet food spoons can be purchased at pet stores, online retailers, and sometimes directly from the manufacturers. They are generally affordable, though prices may vary based on the brand, ingredients, and quantity. They offer good value considering their dual purpose as a feeding tool and a treat.