My Favorite Products I Use at Home for Pets, Meals and Cold Season

Someone asked me the other day if I actually use any of my own products at home.

The short answer is yes, all the time.

Not in a “sitting on a shelf because I should” kind of way. I mean they are in my cupboard, on my supper, in Loki’s treat routine, and ready for those chilly days when everyone in the house starts reaching for something warm and comforting.

I like products that earn their spot. If I reach for something again and again, it is because it makes food taste better, helps me keep things simple, or becomes part of a routine that just works. Around here, that means oils for veggies, spices for chicken and pork, treats for the pets, and a few cold-season staples I like to keep close.

Pork chops seasoned with a flavorful honey garlic rub are ready to be cooked to perfection. Image was only enhanced by AI from my original photo

The products I reach for need to be easy to use

I am a big believer in simple food. Not plain food, and definitely not boring food, but simple food that does not take a pile of steps to taste good.

That is why the products I use most at home are the ones I can grab without thinking too hard. If supper is already busy, I do not want to pull out ten ingredients just to season vegetables or get chicken ready for the oven. A good oil or spice blend should do some of the work for me.

The same goes for pet treats. I want treats that feel like a normal part of the evening, not a complicated project. Loki knows her routine. Zeus knows his too. Once pets know where the good stuff is kept, they do not let you forget.

For me, a product becomes a favourite when it checks a few boxes:

• It gets used often, not just once in a while.

• It makes meals or routines easier.

• It tastes good or feels like a nice treat.

• It fits naturally into real life at home.

  
  

These are the ones that have earned their place.

Frontier Herb and Garlic oil makes vegetables easy

One of the products I use at home often is Frontier Herb and Garlic oil. This is the kind of thing I like having in the kitchen because it gives vegetables a boost without needing much else.

I use it when I want veggies to taste like I put in more effort than I actually did. Drizzle it over chopped vegetables, toss everything together, and roast or sauté until they are tender. That is it.

A bowl of perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes tossed in garlic, & herb, pour-over oil sits beside a bottle of the flavorful oil on a kitchen counter. Image was only enhanced by AI from my original photo

It works especially well with the vegetables that show up in a lot of Canadian kitchens through the colder months:

• Potatoes

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Squash

• Green beans

  
  

The herb and garlic flavour gives vegetables a savoury edge, which helps when you are making a basic weeknight meal. It also pairs well with simple proteins like chicken, pork, or fish.

My favourite way to use it is on roasted potatoes and carrots. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, coat them lightly with the oil, and roast until the edges get golden. Add a little salt and pepper if you like. It is simple, but it tastes like comfort food.

The real value is that it helps vegetables feel less like a side dish you “should” eat and more like something you actually want to go back for.

Turmeric and Ginger oil is my go-to for veggie flavour

Another one I reach for is Turmeric and Ginger oil. I love this on vegetables because it gives them warmth and colour.

Turmeric has an earthy flavour, and ginger brings a bit of brightness. Together, they make vegetables taste cozy without being heavy. It is a nice change from plain butter, salt, or basic seasoning.

I like it best on roasted vegetables, especially cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. These vegetables can handle that warm flavour really well. The oil helps coat everything evenly, so you get flavour in every bite.

A colorful and healthy baking tray featuring zucchini rounds topped with cheese and heirloom tomatoes, ready for the oven. Accompanied by jalapeño seasoning and golden turmeric ginger-infused oil for extra flavor. Image was enhanced by AI from my original photo

A simple veggie mix I like looks like this:

• Sliced zucchini rounds topped with parmesan cheese.

• Toss with Turmeric and Ginger oil.

• Roast until the edges are browned and the centres are soft.

• Finish with a little salt, if needed.

  
  

That is all it needs.

This oil is also nice when I want something that feels a bit different but still easy. It has enough flavour to stand out, but it does not take over the whole meal.

If you are someone who gets tired of making vegetables the same way every week, this is the kind of product that helps keep things interesting.

Honey Garlic Spice belongs on chicken and pork

When I am cooking chicken or pork, Honey Garlic Spice is one of my favourites.

Honey garlic is one of those flavours that works because it hits that sweet and savoury balance. It gives meat a nice flavour without needing a sauce from scratch. That matters on busy nights.

I use it on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, pork chops, and pork tenderloin. It is easy to sprinkle on before cooking, and it also works well if you let the meat sit for a bit before it goes into the oven, pan, or air fryer.

For chicken, I like using it when I want something that can go with almost anything. Add rice and veggies, put it in a wrap, or serve it with roasted potatoes. It does not lock you into one kind of meal.

For pork, it gives a nice flavour that feels a little more special than plain seasoning. Pork chops can dry out if you overcook them, so I keep the cooking simple and let the spice do the heavy lifting on flavour.

A weeknight chicken idea:

• Coat chicken lightly with oil.

• Sprinkle with Honey Garlic Spice.

• Bake or air fry until cooked through.

• Serve with roasted vegetables and rice.

  
  

That is a full meal without a lot of fuss.

I also like that this kind of spice makes leftovers useful. Honey garlic chicken can be sliced for a salad, tucked into a sandwich, or added to a quick rice bowl the next day.

Loki (the dog) gets Trail Beef Liver treats every night

Now for the pets, because they are very much part of the household routine.

Loki gets her Trail Beef Liver treats every night. She knows exactly when it is time, and she does not miss it. Dogs are funny that way. Once something becomes part of the day, they remember it better than we do.

I like beef liver treats because they feel simple and straightforward. Loki is happy, and I like having something on hand that she gets excited about.

Treat routines are also about more than the treat itself. They are little moments. A reward after a good day, a bedtime habit, or a way to reinforce the behaviour you want to see.

For Loki, it is part of winding down.

A black tin labeled "Dog Treats" sits open on a kitchen counter, revealing a collection of broken dog biscuits inside. Image only enhanced by AI from my original photo

I always think pet treats should be given with common sense. Treats are still treats, so portion size matters. I keep them as part of her routine without letting them replace her regular food.

That balance keeps it easy. Loki gets something she loves, and I feel good about keeping the routine simple.

I make Silversides for Loki as an extra healthy treat

I make freeze‑dried silversides for Loki as an extra healthy treat. She loves small fish, and silversides are a simple, nutritious bonus I give once in a while — never a replacement for her regular meals.

Whenever you introduce something new to a pet’s diet, it’s best to go slowly. Sensitive stomachs are common, and not every food works for every animal. If a pet has allergies or health concerns, checking with a veterinarian is always smart.

For Loki, freeze‑dried silversides feel special. She enjoys them, and I like giving her something different now and then. I keep them plain with no seasoning or extras — simple is safest for pets.

(Silversides are small, silver‑striped fish that are often fed whole to pets because they’re a clean, natural source of protein.)

Zeus (the cat) goes nuts for his little paw-shaped pet treats

Zeus has his own favourite too. He goes absolutely nuts for his little paw-shaped pet treats, made with just three ingredients: home-ground oat flour, his preferred meat, and egg. Blended together, baked, and then freeze-dried, they’re his ultimate snack.

Some pets are polite about treats. Others make it very clear that the treat is the main event. Zeus is in the second group.

I like keeping small treats on hand because they are useful for quick rewards and little moments during the day. They work well when you do not want to give a large treat but still want to offer something special.

Small treats are handy for:

• Bedtime routines

• Rewarding good behaviour

• A quick “just because” moment

• Helping pets feel included when the household is busy

  
  

Zeus’s reaction says everything. He knows what he likes, and he is not shy about it.

The nice thing about having different pet treats at home is that each pet can have their own favourites. Loki has her evening beef liver routine. Zeus has his little paw-shaped pet treats. It makes the routine feel personal to each of them.

Lemon slices and Local Richbar honey stay ready for cold season

With cold season here, I always like to have lemon slices in my cupboard and some Richbar honey on hand.

This is one of my simple comfort habits. When the weather turns cold or my throat feels scratchy, I want something warm and soothing. Lemon and honey are classic for a reason. They taste good, they are easy to prepare, and they feel comforting when the house is chilly.

I like having lemon slices ready because it makes the whole process quick. Add a slice to hot water, stir in honey, and you have a warm drink that feels cozy within minutes.

A resealable pack of freeze-dried lemon slices from Moose Island Foods, offering an all-natural, preservative-free option for adding citrus flavor to dishes or beverages. Image was enhanced by AI from my original photo

Richbar honey is one of those pantry staples that does more than one job. I use it for warm drinks, but it can also go into tea, toast, marinades, dressings, or a quick glaze for meat.

For cold season, my simple drink is:

• Hot water

• A lemon slice

• A spoonful of honey

  
  

That is it.

This is comfort, not medical advice. Honey should not be given to children under one year old, and anyone with health concerns should follow medical guidance. For me, lemon and honey are part of feeling cared for at home when the season gets cold.

Why these products stay in my home

When I look at the products I actually use, there is a clear theme. They all make daily life easier in some small way.

The oils help me make vegetables taste better without extra work. The Honey Garlic Spice makes chicken and pork feel more finished. Loki and Zeus have treats they truly love. Lemon slices and Richbar honey help me keep a comforting cold-season drink ready.

These are not complicated items. That is why I like them.

A good product does not need to sit untouched for a “special occasion.” It should fit into ordinary days. It should make Tuesday supper better. It should make a pet’s tail wag. It should be there when the weather is cold and you want something warm in your mug.

That is what I mean when I say I use my own products at home. They are part of the rhythm of the house.

My everyday favourites at a glance

Product	How I use it at home	Why I keep reaching for it
Frontier Herb and Garlic oil	On roasted or sautéed vegetables	It adds quick savoury flavour
Turmeric and Ginger oil	On carrots, cauliflower, squash, zucchini, brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes	It brings warmth and colour
Honey Garlic Spice	On chicken and pork	It makes simple meals taste finished
Trail Beef Liver treats	Loki’s nightly treat	She loves the routine
Silverside Fish Treats	Loki’s extra treat	It feels special and simple
Little paw-shaped pet treats	Zeus’s favourite treat	He gets excited every time
Lemon slices and Richbar honey	Warm cold-season drinks	They are comforting and easy

The best products in my home are the ones that become habits for good reasons. They save time, add flavour, make the pets happy, or bring a little comfort when the season changes.

A delicious plate featuring a perfectly seared pork chop, accompanied by a medley of roasted baby potatoes, seasoned zucchini slices, and a colorful assortment of cherry tomatoes.

So yes, I use my products at home. I use them in the real, everyday way that matters most, at supper time, treat time, and those quiet moments when a warm mug of lemon and honey sounds exactly right. So, If you want to check out some of my favorite products, visit www.mooseislandfoods.ca to see what’s available.