Make your own dog treats

If you're a dog owner, you probably want your pup to have the best possible snacks and food – choosing to make your own dog treats, or feed your pet organic foods made from the best ingredients is a smart decision. You're promoting health and wellness, and you know exactly what's going into your pets body. Look at it this way, would you feed your kid chicken nuggets and instant mac and cheese every night? I'd hope not! Making your own dog treats can cut cost in half, doesn't take up too much of your time, and when in doubt they always make excellent gifts during the holidays. I've put together some of my favorite low cost dog treats, and links to other sites so you can get ideas!

First though, lets look at the cons and hazards of giving your pet store bought treats. Rawhides, a common treat can come completely chemical filled, and have been linked to cancer. If you insist on giving them to your pet please note that they should be of the highest grade, and made in the USA – raw hide should only get gooey and gum up when chewed – if pieces chip off they can become lodged in your pets throat. In addition, Greenies, are the ever popular toothbrush shaped dog treat that promote good dental care have also caused problems when becoming lodged in pets throats, or not being digested properly. In addition to these popular treats if you are feeding your dog store bought “delicacies” every night you are completely canceling out any nutrients he should be getting from his regular food.

Try these simple recipes, and I bet you'll never go back to Kibbles N Bits Bacon treats

Bacon Bites:

You will need:

3 cups whole wheat flour

½ cup milk

1 egg

¼ cup veggie oil

4-5 slices of crumbled bacon

½ cup cold water

Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2 - 1/4" thickness. Bake for 35-40 minutes in a 325 degree oven

Liver Bits:

You will need:

Half a pound to a pound of chicken livers

1 cup of graham cracker crumbs

3 Tbs honey

¼ cup parsley

Place all ingredients in the bowl of food processor. Process until smooth. Pour into a microwaveable container, approximately 8" square or round. Microwave on high until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This takes 7 minutes in my microwave, but your mileage may vary. When cooked, turn out of pan immediately, allow the bottom to dry since it will be damp from condensation, and cut into squares while still warm.

Spread bits on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 200° for 1.5 hours.

Freeze or refrigerate.

Peanut butter dog cookies:

You will need:

1/2 stick butter or margarine

2 eggs

1/2 c. peanut butter

2 T. sugar

Pinch of salt

2-3 "handfuls" whole wheat flour

Melt butter in saucepan, add two eggs and stir briskly until it is one glutinous mass. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, sugar, salt, and flour. Bake in an 8x8 square pan for 15 minutes or until brown on edges. Cool and serve in small quantities.