Summer Treats

I have been dehydrating apricots one of our family favorites. Dehydrator out and ready for action, what about some dog treats?

Does your dog like chicken jerky?

Try this recipe (and save some for yourself!).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Dog-friendly seasonings (parsley, rosemary, sage) fresh and chopped very fine

Directions:

1. Rinse the chicken breast and remove any fat,which slows down the dehydrating process and will shorten the jerky's shelf life.

2. Slice the chicken into strips about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick; slicing with the grain will make the jerky even chewier.

3. Coat the strips with oil and seasoning.

4. Place the strips on the dehydrator tray, spacing them evenly; make sure they do not touch. The drying process depends on adequate airflow between the strips.

5. Put the tray in the dehydrator, turn it on and set the temperature for 140 degrees (if you have a temperature setting, mine does not).

It will probably take between 3 to 12 hours for the strips to fully dry, depending on how thick you cut them and the exact temperature of your dehydrator. After the first hour, you might start checking the strips on an hourly basis. To determine the dryness level, remove one strip from the dehydrator, cut into it with a sharp knife and examine the inside. When the meat is completely dried, you will not see any moisture and it will be the same color throughout. If it needs more time, put it back and check every half-hour.

When your chicken jerky is done, store it in air-tight containers; zip-lock bags work great for this. Refrigerate the containers for an even longer shelf life.

Another treat: Sweet Potato Chews

Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Slice the sweet potato into 1/4 inch slices by cutting down the middle lengthwise.

Dehydrate at the highest setting until done. Drying approximately 6-8 hours will leave them with a chewy texture. For crunchier treats dehydrate longer until the desired consistency.

Bon Appetit!

Dog Treats From China - Warning

Caution from FDA

According to the FDA, chicken jerky pet products that are imported from China are causing dogs to get sick and even die. According to the report, most dogs appear to recover; however, some have died. The report says,

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with illness in dogs. In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. These complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians."

People should watch for the following signs:

decreased appetite
decreased activity
vomiting
diarrhea, sometimes with blood
increased water consumption
increased urination

If the dog shows any of these symptoms, stop feeding the chicken jerky and immediatley consult a veterinarian.

The report also states,

"Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose)."

Not the First Warning

The FDA issued a caution to dog owners in September 2007 and December 2008. The number of complaints from dog owners and vets prompted the FDA to release this recent warning.

Read full FDA report.

Save Your Fingers!

Does your dog grab treats so that you fear for your fingers?

Here is a way to teach your dog "EASY" when offering a treat:

First, try to work this lesson when your dog is well-fed and somewhat tired.

Start with medium value treats that your dog likes but does not go crazy over. Visibly place a treat in your palm and close your hand.

Ignore when your dog paws and nips your hand trying to get the treat. Once the dog stops to figure out what might work, capture this moment and open you hand as you say, "EASY".

Repeat until your dog understands that that only calm grasps earn the treat.

Extend the behavior by holding the treat between your fingers and reminding your dog, "EASY".

Ball Game

Is your dog ball crazy?

Loves to retrieve a ball?

Or is happiest with a ball or two in his mouth?



Try a different ball game; "roll a ball"

First use a ball too big to fit in your dog's mouth.

Tell your dog to stay while he watches you place a small treat on the floor by the ball. Then roll the ball forward to almost cover it.

Stand close behind the ball so it rolls toward you and release your dog to get the treat.

As he takes it, the ball will roll. Say, "Yes!" and reward by tossing a treat behind him. He will turn away from the ball to get that treat. Place another treat under the ball.

Repeat this several times, encouraging him to push the ball toward you to get the treat, rewarding with a tossed treat. He will expect a treat under the ball and will quickly return to push it again after collecting the tossed treat.

At this point, quit putting the treat under the ball and just encourage him to push it. Dog s are optimistic - he will look for the treat and the ball will roll. You might use, "Yes, roll the ball," and reward with a tossed reward treat. Soon your dog will understand that pushing the ball earns treats. Gradually stand farther back from the ball, and he will learn to roll it a longer distance.

Turkey Day Treats

You can include your dog in your Turkey Day celebration with this canine-friendly sweet potato recipe.

These dog treats are not hard and crunchy; they are more like cookies in texture. You can keep them in an airtight container for up to three days; to store them longer, put them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer.

If you like, use 1 1/2 cups mashed, cooked sweet potato or pumpkin in place of the canned.

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

1 15 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
blend in.....
2 cups barley flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nutritional yeast

Turn dough out onto lightly floured counter, and knead two or three times if necessary to completely incorporate the ingredients. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into shapes, and transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Scraps may be rerolled and cut. Score large cookies with a fork, if desired. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees until firm and lightly brown.

Makes about 12 large treats.

Howl-O-Ween Treats

I came across an article on how to throw a Halloween paw-ty for dogs and a recipe for treats.

I will save you the details of planning the paw-ty. Instead, you can just use your imagination. Although the suggestion to schedule the party for a day or two before Halloween so as not to be disturbed by trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell during the paw-ty was a great idea. The treats sound yummy for both humans and dogs, so I thought I would share.

Howl-O-Ween
Tricking Treats

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (real pumpkin, not pie filling)
1/4 teaspoon real vanilla
1 egg
4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl, mix water, pumpkin, vanilla, and egg thoroughly.
3. Combine flour, pecans, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well, making sure no dry mixture is left.
5. Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup completely.
6. Sprinkle the top of each muffing with oats and bake for one hour and 15 minutes.
7. Cool completely and store in a sealed container for up to one week.

Makes 14 bewitching treats

Barbecue Bites

Treat your dog to summertime barbecue with this tasty treat from Bubba Rose Biscuit Company where you can find handmade, all-natural, corn, wheat, and soy free dog treats using locally sourced organic ingredients.

Bubba Rose Biscuit Company Pawlickin' Chicken

Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
1 cup brown rice flour
1 cup cooked ground chicken
1/2 cup oat bran
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (one without onions)
1 egg
1/2 cup water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients except water
3. Add water slowly and mix until a dough forms. (If the dough's too dry, add more water; too wet, add a bit more flour.
4. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
5. Use cookie cutters to form biscuit shapes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (for easy clean up), and place the biscuits on the sheet. (The biscuits can be arranged fairly close together as they will not expand much during cooking.)
6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store the biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Peanut Butter and Dogs

Have you given your dog peanut butter?

Dogs LOVE peanut butter.

I have always put peanut better in Ebony's Kong which is a super-strong rubber toy that is hollow. It is claimed to be the "World's Best Dog Toy." What I know is that Ebony is busy and happy with a Kong full of peanut butter. Some people freeze it which definitely adds time to the dog's enjoyment!

Try these recipes for homemade dog treats with peanut butter:

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups white flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, one cup at a time, forming a dough.
3. Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. You can use cookie cutters if you like.
5. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.


Peanut Butter Bones

1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 cup mashed potatoes
1 cup milk
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup chicken stock 1 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup rye flour
1/2 cup rice flour
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose white flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 ° F (165 ° C).

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. In a large saucepan, mix together the potatoes, milk, molasses, stock, and peanut butter. Heat, stirring frequently until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Add yeast mixture. Gradually blend in the egg, wheat, rye, and rice flours. Add enough white flour to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball and roll to 1/2-inch (12 mm) thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out biscuits. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4-inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits.

Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool overnight. Makes several dozen bones that freeze well--and have the consistency of pizza crusts, a favorite snack for most spoiled dogs!


Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

½ cups water(add more water later if required)
½ cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup oats

Directions:

Blend wet ingredients together. Whisk dry ingredients together and mix into wet mixture to form a ball of dough. Roll out and shape. Put onto a non-stick cookie tray or lightly greased one. Cook 20 minutes at 400 F. Turn off oven and allow the biscuits to cool in oven until crisp and hard. Store in airtight container.


Peanut Butter n' Honey Crunchies

1/4 cup honey
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 cups chicken broth or water
1/3 cup peanut oil 1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat bran
3-4 cups oat flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

In a small dutch oven or large saucepan, combine honey, peanut butter (try to find a brand that has no added suger, salt or other ingredients; ideally it should only contain peanuts), chicken broth, and peanut oil. Heat, stirring often, until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat. Stir in rolled oats and oat bran and let cool until lukewarm -- or cool enough to work with. Gradually blend in oat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured (oat flour or rye flour) surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball, and roll to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick. Use a mini-cookie cutter or cut into small squares. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits. If the dough becomes too crumbly to work with after a few rollings, sprinkle with a little water to bind it together and knead it for 30 seconds or so.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn over. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. After you finish baking all batches of biscuits, turn off the oven, spread all the biscuits in one baking pan and set them in the oven to cool for a few hours or overnight. The extra time in the oven as it cools off helps make the treats crispier. These make a more delicate crunchy biscuit.

Makes several dozen small treats that keep and freeze well.


Peanut Butter Puppy Poppers

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375'F. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk, then add to dry ingredients and mix well. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Bake for 20 minutes on a greased baking sheet until lightly brown. Cool on a rack, then store in an airtight container.

Cookies and Pupcakes

Now you can give your dog a cookie or cupcake without guilt.

Here are two dog friendly recipes:

Cheese Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 ¼ cups cheese
1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 to 5 Tbsp water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit.
Mix all ingredients well.
Bake for 10 minutes.


Banana Pupcakes

Perfect for doggie Birthday parties!

Ingredients:

2 cups water
2 bananas
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking soda
1 egg
3 Tbsp honey

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mash bananas add the rest of the ingredients to the mashed bananas.
Mix well.
Pour batter into cupcake pans.
Bake for 20 minutes

I wonder if Ebony would share? These sound tasty.

Holiday Dog Treats

I came across these recipes for dog treats, but they sound good enough for me to eat. I wonder how they taste? I am sure my dog will love them; maybe I will too.

Stay tuned........

Noel Nibbles

2 tablespoons honey
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cups white flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon nutmeg
2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup unsweetened chunky applesauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix together honey, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add water, applesauce and egg and stir, mixing well. Add nuts. Spoon into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup two-thirds full. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on a rack and store in sealed container. Makes 16 muffins.

Festive Holiday Cookies

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups water
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine applesauce, egg, peanut butter, vanilla and water. Mix well. Add flours, corn meal, oats and peanuts and mix well to form a dough. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until thoroughly mixed together. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes. Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on rack. Makes 30 cookies.

New Year Delights

2 tablespoons honey
2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup unsweetened chunky applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup dried apple chips
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix together honey, water, applesauce, vanilla and egg. Add flour, apple chips, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg and mix thoroughly, scraping sides and bottom of bowl to be sure no dry mixture is left. Spoon into greased muffin pans so that each cup is three-quarters full and bake for approximately 1 hour until lightly browned. Cool and store in an airtight container.
Makes 12 muffins.

Favorite Dog Treat

No more left over turkey?

No problem, this recipe can be made with ground meat.

Dogs love it!


Jerky Turkey Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1 lb. raw ground turkey (or chicken)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.
2.Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree the mixture.
3.Line a jellyroll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (it makes clean-up easier) and pour the mixture into it.
4.Spread evenly.
5.Bake two hours with the oven door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape.
6.Remove from oven and using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into small, individual-sized portions.
7.Place pieces back in the oven, flipped over, and bake an additional one to two hours, or until the treats are dry and leathery.
8.Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Halloween Ideas for You and Your Dog

Fun ideas that can include your pooch this Halloween.

1. Take your dog to the pumpkin patch.

Venture out into the country and find a dog-friendly pumpkin farm. Many of the pick-your-own pumpkin patches are dog friendly and may even host a doggie pumpkin patch day where dogs can explore, run and play in the fields. Have your pup help you pick the perfect pumpkins for carving.

2. Dress up and go trick-or-treating.

Dogs make the perfect costume accessory. There is nothing cuter than a great costume combo for a pet and their owner. There are endless possibilities for dog costumes these days. With a little extra creativity, a costume theme will unite you and your dog as a festive pair.

Be sure to check your community event calendars to search for pet costume contests, a fun-filled way to show your pet's great costume. Who knows you might even get some candy and biscuits out of this opportunity.

3. Watch the Great Pumpkin.

Snoopy's Halloween classic is a great way to spend time with your pet. Host a movie party for your friends and their dogs to enjoy this Halloween adventure or simply curl up on the couch and night in with your special pooch. This is a great way to catch up with friends and keep your pets included in the festivities.

4. Bake autumn dog treats.

Sure you can bake special goodies for your dog anytime, but autumn is a great time to make festive cut-out biscuits. Ghost, pumpkin and bat shaped cookies will taste good to Fido and keep your biscuit jar seasonally updated. Check out these treat recipes.

5. Take a Halloween hay ride.

This may not be the best idea for all dogs, but certainly those that enjoy being outside and going for rides might enjoy the opportunity to take a wagon ride in the hay. Autumn hay rides are a great past time and including your dog in the whirlwind festivities is a great idea.

6. Carve a pumpkin with your dog's image.

Profile portraits are fun for carving into pumpkins and easy to do. Simply take a picture of your pet's profile and blow it up to pumpkin carving size on paper. After you have picked a carving pumpkin, tape on your pooch's profile use your carving knife to trace your masterpiece. Making a dog-o-lantern is a fun way to keep your pup involved in the Halloween season.

7. Capture the memories.

Changing autumn leaves make a great backdrop for a family photo. It is time to get the family together and take some great photos of you and your pet in the naturally beautiful fall leaves. A few pumpkins and cornhusks make great fall backdrops for a homemade photo shoot. These photos are great for homemade cards and invitations.


Whatever your plans for the Halloween season, be sure to have fun, be safe, and most importantly remember to include your special pet in the festivities.

Trick or Treat for Bowser

What are your thoughts on Halloween costumes for dogs?

These are my favorites, so far......





And for the treat, try these:

TRICKY TREATS FOR DOGS
Makes 14 treats

2 cups water
3/4 cup canned applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a bowl, mix water, applesauce, vanilla and egg thoroughly.

In a separate blow, combine flour, nuts, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring well.

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well.

Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling each cup completely and bake for about 1 1/4 hours. Cool completely and store in a sealed container.


TASTY CAT CLAWS
Makes 18 treats

1/4 cup warm water
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons soft margarine
1 tablespoon cod liver oil
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup soy flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine water, cheese, margarine and oil.
Add flour and form a dough.
Roll to 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutter.
Bake at 300 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden.


Note: All recipes are for special-occasion treats for your pet. They should not replace meals and should be offered sparingly. If your pet has food allergies or special dietary requirements, check with your veterinarian before offering them.

If your pet is on a special diet, you may consult with your veterinarian and obtain a canned version of that diet. Often the canned formula can be rolled out, cut into shapes and baked. Most treats bake at 350 degrees F for 12 – 20 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Healthy Dog Treats

Obesity in dogs is a major health concern. Just as with people, canine obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Diabetes, pancreatitis, arthritis and heart disease are just a few of the problems that can be caused by or worsened if your dog is overweight. While many pets are fortunate to stay naturally slim, there are those who seem to get fat with little effort.

And then there are those accomplished actors who have refined the business of asking for a morsel to an art form. Here are a few suggestions for offering your pet some healthy alternatives when you want to give them a treat.

If your pet has any type of weight problem (underweight as well as overweight) please check with your veterinarian to rule out possible causes. If your pet has dietary restrictions, discuss giving any new food with your vet.

Vegetables

Anyone who's ever seen a dog eat grass or greens knows there's a vegetarian side to your pet. Before domestication, when dogs hunted for their living, they ate the entrails of their prey, which contained a considerable amount of digested vegetable matter. Most animals still want some of this vegetation, but can't digest the tough fibrous components on their own. Try offering your dog some cooked green beans, carrots or peas. Many pets love them, and you can even mix them into their regular diet.

Rice, Popcorn and Pasta

Another favorite for many pets are rice, popcorn and pasta. A bit of a rice cake or some air popped popcorn is a great substitute for a high fat treat. Cooked rice can be added for bulk to a weight control diet. It's a way of giving your pet more food without adding a lot of fat calories. Cooked pasta is also great. Many pets relish a few elbow macaroni or other plain pasta.

Egg Whites, Cottage Cheese and Yogurt

A cooked egg white is a great protein treat, hard boil a few and keep them on hand. (The yolk has all the fat!) A little dab of cottage cheese or plain yogurt substitutes for licking that ice cream bowl!

Prescription Diets

If your pet has a health problem that is being controlled on a prescription diet from your veterinarian, sometimes treats have to be eliminated. Ask your veterinarian if a canned formulation of the diet is available. Most companies do make both canned and dried versions. Remove the food from the can in one large piece. Use a cheese slicer or knife to cut 1/4-inch slices and put them on a cookie sheet. Bake them at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they are crispy, like a cracker. This gives your pet a crunchy treat that stays within the diet plan.

Food Sensitivities

Many pets have allergies or food sensitivities. Common culprits are dyes, flavorings, preservatives, carbohydrates and protein sources. If your pet is sensitive to any of these components, look for treats that are hypoallergenic, and have minimal or no dyes or preservatives. There are a number available in your local pet store.

The Last Word

If you can't resist feeding your pet little extras from the table or sharing every meal you have with him, consider carefully what you may be doing. A small dog that would normally weigh 10 to 12 pounds can gain a considerable amount of weight being given an overabundance of treats. A weight gain of one pound may not seem like much but to a small pet, one pound can be 10 percent of his body weight. That's like 15 pounds for a person! Use some healthy alternatives to help keep your pet in his best shape.

Is Your Dog an Obedience School"Drop Out"?

Is your dog an obedience school "drop out"? If not, congratulations! You've done a great job. But if your dog has failed to learn his lessons ... you are not alone.

I know lots of dogs that are obedience school flunkies, so to speak. I say this in a fun way, but if your dog is untrained or poorly trained, you know that there's nothing fun about it.

Some dog owners don't want a dog that is trained. But it is fun to have a dog that is well behaved, or one who will do tricks. If you are one of those people who would like to have this kind of dog, it is never too late to teach a dog new tricks.

The best way to teach or train a dog is to use positive reinforcement. Give praise or treats when the dog does what you want.

How do you do that?

After a "correct" response, immediately reward your dog. This should be done within one to two seconds of the command. If you wait too long to give the reward, your dog may not understand the connection between his good behavior and the treat.



For motivation and rewards, treats and praise work great.

Another great motivator is praise. A pat on the head or some cheerful words can be very effective motivators for many dogs.

Many pet stores have weekly training sessions for dogs and puppies. This can be a great way for your dog to start learning new "tricks".

But don't worry even if your dog is an obedience school drop out. All dogs are loveable! But remember - it is never too late.

Recipes for Doggie Turkey Treats‏

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday!

And as you know, it is the season for turkey ... lots of turkey. So much turkey that most of us get tired of white meat, dark meat and everything in between.

So what do you do with all those leftovers?

Got a great idea for you. Don't throw it out. Whip up a tasty nutritious doggie snack with turkey and other great ingredients. It's simple to make, tasty, healthy ... and your dog will love it.


Lazy Turkey Loaf (for dogs)

Makes 6 servings
2 pounds ground turkey
1/2 cup cooked vegetables
1 teaspoon garlic powder*
1 egg
1/2 cup quick-cook barley
1 cup quick-cook oats
4 ounces canned no-fat gravy

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl combine turkey, vegetables, garlic powder, egg, barley and oats. Mix thoroughly. Spoon into a greased loaf pan and pat down meat mixture until level. Spread gravy on top of loaf and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cool and cut into six even slices.


Jerky Turkey Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1 lb. raw ground turkey (or chicken)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.
2.Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree the mixture.
3.Line a jellyroll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (it makes clean-up easier) and pour the mixture into it.
4.Spread evenly.
5.Bake two hours with the oven door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape.
6.Remove from oven and using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into small, individual-sized portions.

Homemade Dog Treats

Pet stores are full of dog treats. But did you know that you can make your own healthy dog treats at home?

Here are some dog treat recipes to help you find a way to your dog's heart:

Bark-B-Q

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons oil
1 egg
1/2 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, oil, egg, water. Add to dry ingredients. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Beg-for-more Peanut Butter Treats

2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups white flour

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, one cup at a time, forming a dough. Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Chick'N Fingers

2 1/2 cups white flour
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup chopped chicken
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons softened margarine
1 egg
2 T milk

Preheat oven to 325 F. Combine flour, cornmeal, chicken, chicken broth and margarine. Form into a soft dough and knead for 3 minutes. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 3 to 4 inch finger shapes. Beat egg and milk together and apply to top of biscuits with brush. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 F for 35 minutes. Makes 24 fingers.

Spicy Treat-balls

2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup white flour
1/2 cup bran
1/2 cup brewers yeast
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons corn oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat honey, corn oil, egg and milk. Gradually add mixture to dry ingredients to form a dough. Form into 1-inch balls and bake at 350 F on an ungreased cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Makes 18 balls.


YUM!