HEALTHY HOMEMADE DOG TREATS
HEALTH IS THE KEY INGREDIENT
Treats you make yourself are a great way to control your dog’s diet, and limit the intake of fat and calories. They’re also positive alternatives to many commercial brand dog treats, which are often filled with unhealthy additives, preservatives, fillers, and byproducts. However, it’s important to understand which foods are beneficial to dogs and which can be dangerous, even deadly.
USE THESE HEALTHY INGREDIENTS:
- Pumpkins: contain healthy antioxidants, and vitamins C and E. These help with cataracts and heart problems, and are great for weight loss and digestion.
- Peanut Butter: is full of protein, vitamins B and E, niacin, and heart-healthy fats. Pick raw, unsalted peanut butter, and avoid sugar-free or “light” peanut butter.
- Yogurt: is high in calcium and protein. It can also contain active bacteria, which act as a probiotic and aids in digestion.
- Salmon: is full of omega-3 fatty acids, and helps maintain a healthy, shiny coat, and supports a robust immune system.
- Eggs: are full of protein and contain easily digestible selenium and riboflavin.
- Oatmeal: is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which is especially beneficial for older dogs with irregular digestion.
- Cinnamon: helps improve circulation and contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve joint pain due to arthritis. Cinnamon also helps regulate blood sugar and lowers cholesterol levels.
- Parsley: or parsley flakes helps freshen breath and contains vitamins A and C.
FOODS TO ESCHEW – NOT CHEW:
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Avoid all sugar-free foods and artificial sweeteners when making pet treats! All chocolate, except white, is poisonous for them, as well. Small dogs are more at risk. Foods that you enjoy can be toxic to pets. Don’t feed your furry friends onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, walnuts, or avocado.
PEAMUTT BUTTER PUMPKIN PUPCAKES:
- INGREDIENTS:
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (chunky)
- 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Nutrition Facts: (1 Mini PupCake)
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 1.8 g
- Total Carb: 2.4 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl mix water, pumpkin, egg, vanilla and peanut butter thoroughly.
- In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients together and stir well.
- Spoon into a greased mini muffin pan, making sure to fill each cup completely and piled high.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until firm (but not too brown).
- Cool and store in a n open container or paper bag in the refrigerator. Makes 30 mini pupcakes.
