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Give Your Dog Healthy Treats – Three Terrific Recipes You Can Make At Home!
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Most of us think of our dogs as family members, so that means you generally want to do everything you can to make your dog happy by giving him little treats now and then. Unfortunately, most commercially made doggies treats are anything but healthy.
Doggie treats are usually one of two kinds, either chewing treats or a tasty snack. Regardless of which treat you want to give your four-legged friend, giving them something healthy is important. You know that a well-balanced diet is important for you, so it only makes sense that it just as important for your dog.
By learning how you can make your own doggie treats, you won’t have to rely on finding them at your local health food store. Making your own treats is preferable because you will know exactly what is in them and how fresh they are. These treats can be given more often as a part of a healthy diet, rather than an infrequent treat.
Right about now you are feeling both excited and sad. You are excited at the thought that you can make Max his own doggie treats but at the same time you are most likely saying “Who has time for this?!”
Believe it or not, you can whip up a few big batches of doggie treats in a very short period of time. These treats are also less expensive than the natural or organic treats you would buy at a health food store or online.
Are you ready to get started? We have 3 terrific recipes you, as well as your dog, are going to love!
1. Softie Treats
Soft treats are a great way to give your dog medication, for older dogs who might be having dental problems, or for any dog that is feeling a bit down. For some reason, soft treats make them really happy. For this recipe we have used beef, but you can change this for other flavors including sweet potatoes, chicken, turkey, peanut butter, or whatever flavor your dog likes best.
- Brown 2/3rds of a pound of ground beef
- Drain and move to a large mixing bowl
- Mix in one 6 ounce can of tomato paste
- Mix 2 large eggs and ½ cup of nonfat, dry (powdered) milk
- Mix in 1.5 cups of flour and ½ cup of cheese (your choice)
- Lightly coat a cookie sheet with vegetable spray oil
- Drop a teaspoon (or tablespoon if your dog is large) sized balls onto the sheet
- Bake for 10 minutes
- Allow to cool completely
- These will keep in an airtight container for 3 weeks in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 8 months!
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2. Peanut Butter Chews
Every dog in the world loves peanut butter and, perhaps best of all, it’s really good for them! Peanut butter is a great source of protein as well as a great source of Vitamin E and Vitamin H. if your dog’s coat has lost its shine, these little treats will add a beautiful luster and shine to his coat and nails as well as make his skin soft and supple again. Most store bought treats are simply filled with a peanut butter flavoring and not real peanut butter.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
- In a large bowl, mix 2.5 cups of flour, 1 large egg, and one teaspoon of baking powder
- Mix these together, then add 1 cup of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of honey
- Roll out this dough to ½ inch thickness and cut into shapes
- Bake on a cookie sheet for 20 minutes
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container
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Photo credit: bigstock.com
3. Chickie Jerky
Chicken is a high protein meat that is very low in fat. Chicken is also easy for your dog to digest. Most prepackaged dog foods contain at least some chicken. The great thing about making these yourself is that you know your dog is getting real, whole chicken and not processed pieces or chicken feet.
Jerky lasts a long time so this is a great one to make if you are pressed for time. Make a large batch and store it in the freezer for super long lasting results. To save some money, you can buy chicken thighs but large strips are easier to make when you use breasts.
- Rinse your chicken pieces in water and remove any visible fat
- Slice the meat going with the grain into very thin strips
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees
- Place the strips on a baking sheet but do not let them overlap
- Bake for 2 hours or until the meat is dry and firm
- Allow to cool completely
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or in the freezer for up to one year
READ ALSO: 15 Ways Your Home Might Be Poisoning Your Pet (We Never Thought About #9!)
Of course, eating healthy snacks is just one piece of a larger puzzle when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Your pet needs foods that will also help to keep his teeth clean and meet his nutritional needs which can vary over time. Exercise is just as important for your furry friend as it is for you so why not take a longer walk with your dog – you will both be happier and healthier for it!
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