What dog doesn’t love a dog treat? Our canine friends can get nervous when mom mentions the word, and we love them because they’re a great way to reward our well-behaved pups. However, the next time you’re looking for a treat and find the bag empty, don’t get in the car. Get in the kitchen! Making dog treats can be a fun and loving project, especially when you get the kids involved.
One of the benefits of making your own dog treats is that you can control the quality of the ingredients in them. To get the healthiest end product possible, try to use the types of ingredients that we humans would use for optimal health. Choose organic if possible when shopping for peanut flours, meals and butters and avoid genetically modified alternatives with added sugar. Also remember that no two dogs are the same. If your pet has special needs (and even if they don’t), it’s always best to check with your vet about your prescriptions before creating them. They will be able to tell you if there are any ingredients that should not be used.
In general, you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade human biscuits. The amount and type of fat in the recipe and local weather conditions will determine how long you should store dog treats before purging. Fats such as butter, meat, or gravy are more likely to go rancid than fats from vegetable oil or shortening. Treats stored in hot or humid climates will tend to spoil at a faster rate than treats stored in cooler climates.
You can extend the life of your dog treats by refrigerating or freezing them. Store them in a tightly closed container or ziplock bag (a freezer bag if you store them in the freezer). Be sure to allow your treats to thaw completely before using. (You don’t want Buster to break a tooth.)
Bacon Flavored Dog Biscuits
By the Humane Society of Santa Clara County
Ingredients
5 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of milk
2 eggs
10 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
1 pinch of onion or garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil to grease the pan
Instructions
Mix all ingredients well. Pinch pieces of dough and roll into two-inch balls. Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container.