homemade dog treats

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” 

-Mark Twain

So I have dabbled in making dog treats in the past.  They can be pretty expensive and time consuming to make.  I tried to find some different options that won't break the bank, but that will be simple, healthy, and not too costly.  Many dog treats that are available at stores have many preservatives, dyes, and cheap fillers; none of which are good for your pup.  So below are a few options that will make them tail wagging happy!

1) Dog biscuits

Ingredients

2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (substitute regular flour or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)

1 tsp. salt (or less)

1 egg

1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules (can substitute beef or chicken broth/stock)

½ cup hot water

Optional Add ins

Bacon or chicken broth, eggs, oats, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese, bacon bits

1. Directions
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Dissolve bouillon in hot water
4. Add remaining ingredients
5. Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes)
6. Roll dough until ½ inch thick
7. Cut into slices or bone shapes (you can purchase a bone shaped cookie cutter to make shapes with)
8. Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet
9. Cook for 30 minutes

2) Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 32 ounces vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup peanut butter

Directions

1. 1. Melt the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl
   2. Combine the yogurt and melted peanut butter
   3. Pour the mixture into cupcake papers
   4. Place in the freezer

3) No bake dog treats- pumpkin and oats

Ingredients

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup water
• 2½ cups oats
• additional oats as needed for rolling

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and water. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the 2½ cups of oats to the pumpkin mixture and stir well to fully mix the ingredients.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small spheres and set them aside.
4. After you’ve rolled the mixture into spheres, spread the additional oats on a plate, and roll the spheres in these oats to create a “coating” on the outside.
5. Refrigerate the finished treats for 24 hours before serving to firm the pumpkin puree.

4) Coconut clusters

Ingredients 

• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour (see note below)
• 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon applesauce, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup milk, low or fat free (see note above about milk substitutions)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Directions

1. Mix the first four ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add the rolled oats, about a 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture may be too loose (or dry) to clump together. If that is the case, gradually add one tablespoon of applesauce at a time. Check the mixture by squeezing a small cluster in your hand.  If it does not stick together, add one more tbsp of applesauce.
3. Scoop coconut clusters with a cookie scooper. Then, with damp hands, press into a cluster shape.
4. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Frozen dog yums

Ingredients 

1 cup water
1 cube chicken or beef boillion (dog's favorite)
4 small pieces of chicken or beef

Directions

1. Disolve boillion in water and tear meat into smaller pieces about 1/2 inch squares. Freeze for about 12 hours or until solid. Great for hot days.

I thought these were some interesting recipes to try.  Does anyone else have any recipes that use?  Feel free to comment!

References

Bullwrinkle. (2014). Frozen dog yums. Retrieved from http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Frozen%20Doggie%20yums.htm

Dog treat kitchen. (2014). Easy homemade dog treats. Retrieved from http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/easy-homemade-dog-treats.html

Elfenbein, F. (2014). Homemade No-Bake Dog Treats with Pumpkin and Oat. Retrieved from http://twolittlecavaliers.com/2014/01/homemade-no-bake-dog-treats-pumpkin-oat.html

Pajer, N. (2014, January 1). Recipe Ideas for Quick and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats . Retrieved from http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-nutrition/Recipe-Ideas-for-Quick-and-Healthy-Homemade-Dog-Treats#link2

adopting a dog

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” 

-Roger A. Caras     
     
     So today I adopted my second dog.  The first one was 12 years ago, and that was my family dog.  Now that I'm done with college, have my own place, and was lonely without a cute cuddly pup I knew it was time to start looking for my new furry friend.  I wasn't sure where to start.  Should I look for a breeder?  Well, I do love certain breeds like huskies, labs, German Shepherds, etc. However, these dogs will probably get a home, they are very expensive, they might come with their first shot out of the three, they aren't fixed, and there is a large risk for genetic mishaps.  So, it quickly became clear to me that I should start looking at adoption.  

     After about a month or so of searching I found the furry love of my life.  I think she is the cutest thing ever.  I did some research on what is important to know/do when adopting a dog.  Below is a following list of the 5 tips to know before bringing your new dog home, and 5 tips for the first day with the dog.  Although they are basic, they are vital.  

Here's my new girl, Ava!  

Before you bring your puppy home:
1) If you plan on crate training your dog, have the crate set up before they come to the house for the first time.
2) Make sure you see the dogs health history.
3) Dog proof your house, just as you would for a child. Put away any harmful substances or items that they harm them.
4) Purchase all the items that your dog will need beforehand such as dog bowls, food, leash/collar, tags, brush, shampoo, toys, etc.  It is never good to bring a dog home without any of the basics.
5) Research local vets. Find out different rates that they may have and they can also guide you and help answer questions.

First day home:
1) Attempt to keep the dog on the same food that they were on while at the kennels.  This will help to avoid any digestive issues.
2) Introduce the dog to where you want them to relieve themselves.  Routinely bring the dog to that area to try to avoid accidents.  Follow up with praise when the dog relieves themselves where you want them to.
3) Show the dog their new home to get them acclimated.
4) If you are crate training your dog, introduce them to their crate the first day.  You want the dog to feel comfortable inside there; the dog should feel like this is there space to relax and be safe.
5) Try to start a schedule such as walking, feeding, relieving themselves, and so on right from day one.  When a routine is in place it helps both the owner and the dog.

Here's a video which provides a few more helpful ideas:
AVMA tips for adopting a dog

I just saw this flier the other day, so I figured I would share it here if you live in RI or the surrounding area!  


I plan on posting weekly about everything dog related.  There are tons of dog lovers out there, so hopefully I can help teach and inform both myself and others at the same time.