I don't know what got into me, but all of the sudden I thought it would be a good idea to make my own dog treats. I think it was because I saw a pin on Pinterest for treat recipes, and I didn't realize how easy it was to make your own. They're basically just weird flavored people cookies.
I am always scanning the ingredients list of the store-bought treats we get, and I only buy them if all of the ingredients are actually recognizable as food. The other thing I look for is price, and some of those fancy whole-food treats can get pretty expensive. Why? I have no idea. These were the cheapest thing ever to make. Don't have a dog? These would make awesome gifts for the dog lover in life!
Pumkin + Flax Dog Treats
(adapted from White on Rice Couple)
1 14.5oz can pureed pumpkin
1/4 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. flax seeds
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients in order listed, stirring thoroughly after each addition. When it came to adding the last few coups of flour, I mixed with my hands, which was easier. The dough should be pretty stiff and sticky. Roll out to 3/8" thickness (mine were definitely not that precise), and use LOTS of flour for this.
Then, cut out into whatever shapes you like! I wanted smallish treats, since our dog is a monster and wants many treats all. the. time. These are about 1 1/2" in diameter, and I used an empty honey jar to cut them out. Of course, you could get cutsey and find dog-themed cookie cutters to use as well. Piko isn't too into aesthetics; she said circles were fine with her.
Bake for about 30 minutes for smaller shapes like these; adjust the time based on the size/shape you choose.
The best part about making these was how many it made. I got well over 150 treats from this batch, plus Piko stole some of the rolled out dough while the first batch was baking. She was an ever-loyal watchdog throughout the process, staring at me in case I accidentally dropped anything on the floor. What a lady! I had all of the ingredients on hand, except for the pumpkin, so these were c-h-e-a-p to make. Win!
Let me know if you try making these!
shanti >> sondra
I am always scanning the ingredients list of the store-bought treats we get, and I only buy them if all of the ingredients are actually recognizable as food. The other thing I look for is price, and some of those fancy whole-food treats can get pretty expensive. Why? I have no idea. These were the cheapest thing ever to make. Don't have a dog? These would make awesome gifts for the dog lover in life!
(adapted from White on Rice Couple)
1 14.5oz can pureed pumpkin
1/4 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. flax seeds
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients in order listed, stirring thoroughly after each addition. When it came to adding the last few coups of flour, I mixed with my hands, which was easier. The dough should be pretty stiff and sticky. Roll out to 3/8" thickness (mine were definitely not that precise), and use LOTS of flour for this.
Then, cut out into whatever shapes you like! I wanted smallish treats, since our dog is a monster and wants many treats all. the. time. These are about 1 1/2" in diameter, and I used an empty honey jar to cut them out. Of course, you could get cutsey and find dog-themed cookie cutters to use as well. Piko isn't too into aesthetics; she said circles were fine with her.
Bake for about 30 minutes for smaller shapes like these; adjust the time based on the size/shape you choose.
Let me know if you try making these!
shanti >> sondra
