21 May 2011 Homemade pet treats: Cooking up special goodies for Fido couldn’t be easier

by Don Bingham

We do a lot of “grand-dog sitting” when our adult children need to be out of town. Our guests might be Melvin (black chow), Cassie (who knows?), Bently (daschund), Phanton (Miniature Australian Shepherd) or Fudge (chocolate Labrador).

Melvin was trained to receive a reward each time he returns from a nature walk outside. He loves the treat time.

When time permits, homemade pet treats are a special way of enjoying these delightful friends!

Here are some options:

Homemade Peanut Butter

Puppy Poppers

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 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 ¼-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.

Homemade Dog Snickerpoodles

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup honey

2 eggs

3 3/4 cups white flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup cornmeal

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix vegetable oil, shortening and honey with eggs. Beat well, add flour, soda and cream of tartar. Knead dough until mixed well. Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into balls. Mix the cornmeal and cinnamon together in a bowl and roll balls in mixture. Place two inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Press the balls down with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees. Cool on a rack. Store in airtight container.

Homemade Dog

Milk Bone Biscuits

3/4cup hot water

1/3 cup margarine

1/2 cup powdered milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

3 cups whole-wheat flour

In a large bowl, pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt and egg. Add flour, half a cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat or roll to half-inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. They will dry out quite hard. Makes about one pound of biscuits. Costs around 30 cents per pound.