Delectable Doggy Delights with Jenny Morris

Delectable Doggy Delights with Jenny Morris

I have to admit,  when Jenny Morris agreed to be the Cover Model for this issue, I was relieved. Not only was this to be the first shoot for the year, but it would also be our debut for our live video interview stream on YouTube. Having someone like Jenny Morris to interview was a huge advantage, simply because she is such a down to earth person to work with. I met Jenny briefly at a Paw-a-While event where we co-judged the dog show and off the bat, you could see that she was easy to work with. Not only did she help me to calm my nerves, she gave me tips to remember some of my queues.

A Home Filled with Love (and Tail Wags)

Jenny’s face lights up when she talks about her dogs. “They’re an extension of myself. They’re my family,” she says. And like any beloved family members, they’re treated with all the comfort they deserve. “They sleep inside, not outside. They eat well. They’re loved.”

With a history of unique pet names, Jenny’s current canine companions include Tutti, a spirited black Labrador, and Pepper, an elder pup who has been with her for years. “I’ve had a Tutti, an Obrish, I’ve had an Ubu, and an Optel,” she laughs. “I love giving them different names.”

One of her most memorable pets was Optel, a rescue who arrived in terrible shape. “Someone asked me to foster her for a week while they found a home. But when she came to me, she had broken legs that had healed incorrectly, and she was just… a mess. She was so scrawny, and her fur was patchy. She had no teeth and was just this funny-looking, lovable creature. But she became family, and she never left. Until the day she passed, she was ours.”

Star Pups and Kitchen Cameos

With a life so immersed in the culinary world, Jenny’s dogs have naturally found their way into the spotlight. “Tutti has been on my radio show quite a few times,” she says. “During Covid, I filmed a lot from home, and I couldn’t keep my dogs out of the kitchen. They became unintentional stars.”

Mornings in the Morris household follow a familiar rhythm. As the day begins, Tutti makes her way up the stairs, her tail thudding cheerfully against the door. The moment Jenny opens it, she is greeted with enthusiastic kisses before they both head down to the kitchen. As Jenny puts the kettle on, her furry companions take their positions, eagerly anticipating the sound of the fridge door opening—a signal that a morning treat is on its way.

It’s these little moments that bring her so much joy. “They’re loud, they wake up the whole neighborhood, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Cooking for Pets: A Growing Trend

Jenny has seen a rising interest in home-cooked meals for pets, something she has always embraced. “Growing up, my parents bred miniature poodles, and my job was to prepare their food—grated liver, chopped carrots, fresh parsley. So I’ve always believed in supplementing my dogs’ diet with fresh ingredients.”

But it’s not just the dogs. “I had a cat, Nunkey Punkey, who would steal broccoli if I left it out. And Pepper and Tutti? They love carrots. Raw, cooked—doesn’t matter. I’ve even seen them nibbling on watermelon. I don’t give them the seeds, of course, but they love the sweetness.”

Jenny takes great care in ensuring her pets’ diet remains safe and well-balanced. She avoids feeding them harmful ingredients, knowing how dangerous certain human foods can be. Chocolate, raisins, and xylitol are strictly off-limits due to their toxicity to dogs. Even potatoes don’t make the cut in her kitchen when it comes to pet meals. For Jenny, moderation is key, and she carefully selects what goes into her pets’ bowls to keep them happy and healthy

A Heart for Animal Welfare

Beyond her love for her own pets, Jenny has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare, dedicating her time and voice to causes that support animals in need. Her involvement in fundraising efforts has made a tangible impact, with one of her most public campaigns being Tattoo for Tails with the SPCA. Initially hesitant about the idea, Jenny admitted, “I’m not one for putting things in my body—not even medication—but they convinced me.”

The campaign aimed to raise awareness and funds for shelter animals, and Jenny bravely took the plunge, getting a delicate lily tattooed on her back. The event was highly publicized, with people tuning in to witness the moment and support the cause. The initiative was a tremendous success, raising an impressive R168,000 for the SPCA, providing much-needed resources for rescued animals.

For Jenny, this was more than just a fundraiser—it was a symbol of commitment to the animals who don’t have a voice of their own. “It was worth every second of discomfort knowing that those funds would go toward food, medical care, and shelter for animals in need,” she says. The experience solidified her dedication to rescue work, and she continues to support and advocate for various welfare organizations across the country.

Her love for rescue animals has led her to foster as well, though it often turns into permanent adoption. She believes fostering is one of the most important things people can do for rescue animals. “It helps socialise them. If you can house-train them, get them used to people and other pets, their chances of finding a forever home are so much higher. So many wonderful dogs get overlooked just because they aren’t ‘easy’. Fostering changes that.”

The Doggy Birthday Cake

One of Jenny’s most famous pet-friendly recipes is her Doggy Birthday Cake, which she demonstrated for us. “People want to celebrate their pets, and I wanted to create a cake that’s safe and delicious for them. No sugar, no unnecessary additives—just good protein like chicken livers and chicken breast.”

The cake, topped with cream cheese and garnished with carrot stars and dog-friendly kibble, is a Morris household favourite. “Tutti loves it. She’s a proper little princess, but she will gobble this up in seconds.”

You can find the recipe for Jenny’s Doggy Birthday Cake on the food post.

What’s Next for Jenny?

With a seventh cookbook in the works, Greedy Girl, and an upcoming trip to visit her granddaughter, Jenny has a busy year ahead. “The cookbook is a mix of everything—local flavours, international dishes, and a little cheeky fun.”

Jenny’s passion for animals continues to shape her journey, influencing not only her personal life but also her collaborations and advocacy efforts. As she explores new culinary projects, television appearances, and book launches, she remains committed to supporting animal welfare initiatives. Whether it’s fostering, fundraising, or simply spreading awareness, Jenny believes in using her platform to make a difference. “I always say that animals find us—we don’t find them. And when they do, they change our lives just as much as we change theirs,” she reflects. Her love for animals isn’t just a passion; it’s a lifelong mission.“If you foster, you’re probably going to fall in love and keep them,” she laughs. “But fostering saves lives. If you can socialize a puppy, house-train them, and get them ready for their forever home, you’re giving them a better chance at a happy life.”

Jenny is also excited about her future television projects and ongoing partnerships with pet-friendly brands. She recently switched her dogs to Lionel’s Choice pet food and has noticed an incredible improvement in their health. “Pepper has always had a skin condition, but since changing her diet, her coat is healthier, and she just looks so much better – it’s just my honest experience.”

As for the future? “I’m always working on something new. Whether it’s in the kitchen, on TV, or in the world of animal welfare, I’ll always be busy.”

For more on Jenny, follow her on social media: @JennyMorrisChef. And for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from our cover shoot, be sure to check out Pet Prints Magazine’s social channels.

Because in Jenny’s world, good food and wagging tails always go hand in hand.