Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn
There are three things you can count on in life – death, taxes and dogs never refusing a treat.
Dogs will eat anything (and drink out of anything – but that’s another story) so if you want a healthy pooch, give them a nutritious snack by making your own food rewards for your pup. They’re generally simple and fun to make because they only require a few ingredients (dogs aren’t picky – remember?) so pull up a bowl (mixing, not doggie) and try my favorite dog treat recipes. Your pooch will lick you for it.
10. Bowser Banana Bars
In a large bowl, mix together 2-1/4 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk, 1 egg, 1/3 cup ripe mashed banana, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 beef bouillon cube, 1/2 cup hot water and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Once the ingredients are well blended, knead the dough for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Roll to 1/4 ” thickness and cut into bars. Place on ungreased cookie sheets (I like to use parchment paper) and bake for 30 minutes in a 300 degree oven.
9. Lip-Licking Liver Snacks
Liquefy 2 lbs of chicken livers in a food processor. Pour into a mixing bowl and add 2 cups corn meal, 2 cups wheat germ, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic (not garlic salt) and 1/2 cup dried parsley. Mix until it’s the consistency of brownie batter, then spread evenly on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper until it’s 1/3 inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Let cool, then cut into whatever shapes your dog likes. Keep them in the refrigerator in a sealed bag.
8. Peanut Butter Chews
Combine 2 cups whole-wheat flour and 1 Tbsp. baking powder in a bowl. Combine 1 cup smooth peanut butter and 1 cup milk in another bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well, then knead the dough on a floured board. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes with a knife or cookie cutter. Bake for 20 minutes on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper until lightly brown. Cool on a rack and toss one to your pup.
7. Cheesy Chow for Chows and Friends
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese, 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 1 egg and 1/2 cup evaporated low fat milk. Wet your hands, then scoop out the dough with a spoon and roll into balls. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Store in an airtight container or bag.
6. A Veggie Treat A Day Keeps The Vet Away
In a bowl, mix 1 cup shredded carrot, 1 ripe mashed banana, 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice, 1/8 cup water, 1-1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup rolled oats. Knead until doughy, then place on a floured board and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bars, circles, stars and other shapes with a cookie cutter and place on a lightly-greased or parchment-covered cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, cool on a rack and serve to a trick-performing dog.
5. Popeye’s Doggie Donuts
Combine 1/2 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 3/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1 egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix 2-1/2 cups white flour, 1/2 cup wheat flour and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and knead into a dough. Roll the dough into small balls, then poke a hole in the middle to make a donut shape. Place on a parchment-covered baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes at 300 degrees. Cool and roll once across the floor for Fido.
4. Microwaved Micro-waggers
Combine 1 cup whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup nonfat dry milk, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup buckwheat flour and 1/2 cup instant oatmeal in a large bowl. Add 1/3 cup bacon drippings (or vegetable oil) 1 beef bouillon cube (smashed), 1 egg and 1/2 cup hot water. Knead into a dough ball, roll to 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Microwave at half power for 10 minutes, then cool overnight.
3. Pooch Pretzels
Dissolve 2 tsp active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon brown sugar in 2/3 cup warm water. Combine 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, 3 Tbsp soy flour, 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk and 3/4 tsp salt in a large bowl. Beat 1 egg and add half to the dry ingredients, saving the rest for later. Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil and the yeast mixture to the bowl, mix, then place on a floured surface and knead into a dough. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until double in size. Divide the dough into smaller balls, then roll each into a string and shape into pretzels. Place on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees 15 minutes. Remove and brush with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle with 3 Tbsp wheat germ. Return the pretzels to oven and bake at 300 degrees for 15 more minutes until browned and firm.
2. Mutt Muffins
Core, slice and chop 1 apple. In a large bowl, mix 1-1/2 cups wheat flour, 1/4 cup oatmeal, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp honey and 2 eggs. Add the chopped apple and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix. Spoon the dough into greased muffins pans, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into the centers comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for five minute, then remove and cool on a rack.
1. Gee, Your Dog Breath Smells Terrific!
Mix 1 Tbsp vegetable oil and 1 cup water in a bowl. Slowly stir in 2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint and 1/3 cup chopped parsley. Knead the dough, then roll out on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with a knife or cookie cutters, place on a parchment-lined pan and back at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Let cool, then toss one to a bad-breath bowser.