We don’t know about you, but Buster has been getting a few too many Beeno’s while we’re all working from home. And we can’t run to the shops every time you need more. So here’s a few healthy recipes for yummy, easy to make dog snacks that will have Spot learning new tricks in no time:

 

Spinach, carrot and zucchini treats

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked and mashed pumpkin 
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter*
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
  • 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 zucchini, shredded
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

 

Method: 

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the mashed pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs until well combined.
  • Gradually add oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated.
  • Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. 
  • Add carrot, zucchini and spinach, beating just until incorporated.
  • Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together.
  • Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters or a knife, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. (Baking times vary based on the size and thickness of the cookies.) 
  • Let cool completely.

 

This is a tried and tested recipe from Damn Delicious.

 

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Yoghurt 'Pupsicles'

 

The weather may be getting colder and gloomier, but that doesn’t mean your pup doesn’t need a refresher after a good run or playtime in the yard. Here’s how to make this super simple snack.

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups plain yoghurt
  • 1 large banana
  • 4 tablespoons peanut butter* 

 

Method: 

  • Blend yoghurt, banana, and peanut butter in a blender or food processor.
  • Place small cups in a rimmed baking pan and spray with cooking spray. (Instead of cups, you can use a silicone muffin pan/mold.)
  • Fill cups half way with yogurt mixture. (You can place one small pet treat in each cup to serve as an edible popsicle stick.)
  • Transfer pan to freezer and freeze for 2 to 3 hours.
  • Remove a "pupsicle" from the freezer and hold onto the stick as your furry friend enjoys his treat. Once the frozen portion gets to be a manageable size, your dog can enjoy the treat on his own.
  • For dogs who are overeager and will want to chow these down right away, consider letting them soften a bit before handing them out.

 

We’ve put this Good Housekeeping recipe to the test and it is a winner!

 

Easy DIY doggie treats

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut butter*
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour, plus more for cutting out the cookies

 

Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and milk. Drizzling the milk in slowly will allow you to combine it more efficiently.
  • In another large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder and whole-wheat flour.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter-milk mixture. Combine all of the ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
  • On a sheet of wax paper, sprinkle a tiny bit of wheat flour on the surface and roll out the dough to reach your desired dog treat thickness. Using your dog bone cookie cutters, cut out dog treats and place them onto a greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

 

This recipe from SheKnows is really simple and quick to whip up when you’re caught with an empty treats jar by surprise.

 

*Please make sure that you are using ingredients, and especially peanut butter, suitable for dogs, some low fat/sugar varieties contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. 

 

Feel free to get creative and add shredded chicken, bacon bits, tuna or any of your dog’s favourite foods to these treats. Just keep in mind that this may affect their shelf life. You can also mix it up if your dogs are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned above. 

 

Do you have any tried and tested dog treat recipes in your arsenal? We’d love it if you shared it with us on our Facebook page and member’s group. 

 

If you need any information about the current pandemic please visit https://sacoronavirus.co.za/.

 

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