Homemade Dog Treats: Special Needs

Ok not special needs in regards to physical condition, but more towards dry skin and stale breath. These dog treats are treats as medicine. Sort of...

These recipes will help ward of fleas, help with dry skin, and freshen up your dogs breath.

Please do remember to check with your vet about garlic; I want to say that I've heard that garlic can potentially be bad for dogs. Because I'm not sure if I heard it correctly, I am still including the flea prevention treat recipe, which has garlic as an ingredient.

These dog treats are flavored with beef stock and fresh garlic, which contain allicin, an antibiotic and antifungal. It has been reported that garlic helps to ward of fleas, but again, I'm not 100% as to the health benefits towards dogs. (I'm not sure if I heard that garlic is bad for dogs or really doesn't ward off fleas; so ask your vet before trying out these cookies.)

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Makes: 24

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (280 g)- whole wheat flour

1 cup 9120 g)- oatmeal

2 cloves- garlic (minced)

2 tbsp (30 ml)- olive oil

1 cup (225 ml)- beef stock

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend wheat flour, oatmeal, and garlic together.
2. Add the oil and slowly stir in the beef stock in order to form a stiff dough.
3. Place the dough on a flourerd surface and roll out about 1/2 inch thick and cut in to shapes with cookie cutters (or make flattened balls).
4. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN PER SERVING

Cal 70.71, protein 2.71 g, carbohydrate 11.72 g, sugars 0.00 g, dietary fiber 1.91 g, fat 1.76 g, saturated fat 0.27 g

These healthy dog treats contain a little red wine vinegar to help control fleas. The vegetable oil is great for vitamin E and helps to maintain healthy skin.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Makes: 36

INGREDIENTS

4 cups (560 g)- whole wheat flour (fine ground)

1/2 cup (45 g)- powdered milk

2 tbsp (20 ml0- red wine vinegar

1 cup (225 ml)- beef stock

1/2 cup (125 ml)- vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the flour and powdered milk in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the red wine vinegar, beef stock, and vegetable oil, and blend until you make a stiff dough.
3. Place the dough on a floured counter and roll out about 1 inch and cut into shapes with cookie cutters (or make flattened balls).
4. Pierce each treat with a fork and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375F for 25 minutes or until firm.

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN PER SERVING

Cal 72.92, protein 2.17 g, carbohydrate 10.15 g, sugar 0.83 g, dietary fiber 1.91 g, fat 2.60 g, saturated fat 0.66 g

Many dogs tend to have bad breath, and sometimes a simple dog treat won't help. If your dog continues to have bad breath, you'll want to take a trip to the vet. There are a nmber of health concerns that can cause bad breath. But, for a temporary fix, these treats contain parsley which is rich in chlorophyll, a natural breath freshener. The mint not only helps with fresh breath but aids in digestion, as well.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Makes: 24

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp (45 ml)- vegetable oil

1- egg (medium)

1/2 cup (35 g)- fresh mint (chopped)

1/2 cup (35 g) fresh parsley (chopped)

2/3 cup (150ml)- milk

2 cups (280 g)- brown rice flour

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the oil, egg, mint, parsley, and milk and whisk together.
2. Blend in the flour slowly and beat until you form a stiff dough.
3. Place the dough on a floured counter and roll out about 1/2 inch and cut into shapes with cookie cutters (or make flattened balls).
4. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350F for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN PER SERVING

cal 62.97, protein 1.48 g, carbohydrate 10.58 g, sugar 0.48 g, dietary fiber 0.69 g, fat 1.62 g, saturated fat 0.33 g

I would not post recipes that I have not tried myself. Well, not me personally, but my pups.

Three of three dogs all approved! That's one yorkie, one APBT, and one St Bernard/Collie mix.

If you're worried that your pooch is a picky eater, well the St. Bernard/ Collie is a very picky eater, only eating select dog cookies. And, well, these dog biscuits suit her taste buds.