Just a few resources for those who are considering alternative foods and medicines for their pets.
Hope it helps.
Source: Tres at www.caninecare.com and http://www.5stardog.com/dog-food.asp
Source: www.homeovet.net
Source: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/
Source: ANHC - Richard Pitcairn http://www.drpitcairn.com/
Source: The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy http://www.theavh.org/
Hi guys. Since the number of brands is now over 100 on the food and treat recall list, like the rest of America, I got creative. Gourmet Sleuth (www.gourmetsleuth.com) has a number of great recipes for bake it yourself dog biscuits. I've attached the two easiest I found -- they are yeast free, but contain wheat products (if anyone's dog has trouble with wheat). These two recipes are as easy to make as peanut butter cookies.
There are additional recipes which are vegetarian, wheat free, etc. The only caution they add is that some of the recipes they source call for raisins -- which are a big no-no for dogs. Otherwise, this is a great resource.
Also, Bridge Kitchen supply on 45th b/w 2nd and 3rd has dog bone shaped cookie cutters for $1.13 a piece. I've made gifts for a few friends in the building with the recipe and a cookie cutter.
So, here they are. Enjoy!
Gourmet Sleuth – Easiest Dog Biscuit Recipes
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/recipe_dogbiscuit.htm
Important Note from Gourmet Sleuth:
"It was brought to our attention by one of our readers that some recipes we link to may advocate putting raisins in the dog biscuits. Raisins or grapes are potentially fatal to dogs. We suggest you avoid using raisins in any pet food. Read more... and The Wrath of Grapes (PDF)"
Basic Dog Biscuit Treats
Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought versions.
I N G R E D I E N T S
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1 teaspoon iodized salt
2 teaspoons bone meal (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 large eggs mixed with a 1/4 cup beef broth beef broth
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add oil, peanut butter and egg mixture and stir to combine. Knead the dough for 2 -3 minutes until it holds together well adding additional broth if the dough is too stiff. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out to about 1/2" thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with a knife or your favorite cookie cutter.
Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and allow the biscuits to dry in the over for 2 hours or overnight. Once cooled they can be stored in zip lock bags.
Storing Dog Treats
In general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time - the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.
Refrigeration and Freezing - Refrigeration will prolong the life of more fragile dog treats. Make sure to store in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag. You can also freeze most treats in zip lock freezer bags. Allow to thaw completely before use.
Cheesy Dog Biscuit Treats
Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought versions.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker)
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour.
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.
In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.
On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.
Storing Dog Treats
In general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time - the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.
Refrigeration and Freezing - Refrigeration will prolong the life of more fragile dog treats. Make sure to store in a tightly sealed container or zip lock bag. You can also freeze most treats in zip lock freezer bags. Allow to thaw completely before use.
