Tasty Homemade Treats For Pets

Both cats and dogs love treats, but many of the commercial treats available have fillers and contain a lot of cornmeal. Some dogs are becoming allergic to corn because they're getting too much of it as a primary ingredient.

Bake healthy, homemade goodies for your pets and skip the corn! To make treats for your cat, simply make them smaller (bite size).

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

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a bowl, mix water, applesauce, vanilla and egg thoroughly.
3. In a separate blow, combine flour, nuts, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well.
5. 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.

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Veggie Bones

2-Tbls. Bran
2-Tsp. Baking Powder
3-Tsp. Minced Fresh Parsley (good for doggie breath)
1/4 C. Shredded Carrots
1/4 C. Shredded Cheese (your choice--mozzarella, cheddar)
2-Tbls. Olive Oil
1/2 Tsp. Flaxseed (optional)
1/2 C. Water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Mix together parsley, carrots, cheese and oil. Combine the dry ingredients separately from the veggie mixture. Slowly add 1/2 c. water and mix well. Dough should be moist but not wet. Knead for a minute.
2. Roll out dough to 1/4" thickness. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes and place on baking sheet.
3. Bake 20-30 minutes until biscuits have browned and hardened slightly. They will continue to harden as they cool. Store in an airtight container once thoroughly cooled.

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Pumpkin Wafers Treats

One 15 oz. can mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling)
3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if your pet is sensitive to
wheat) You can mix this dry--no need to cook it first
1/2 cup dry powdered milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300F. Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls (about half a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

If you'd like to make bite sized cookies for small dogs or cats, training rewards or just small treats, you can use a pastry bag? and squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for tasty bite sized cookies!

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Nutty Mutty Chewies

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1 1/4 cups white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together applesauce, peanut butter, honey and egg in a bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices, then stir into the applesauce mixture. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top and pat down gently with your hand. Bake for 8-10 minutes then cool. Makes 25 cookies.

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Dug Out Bones

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup skim milk
1 egg
dash of salt

Directions:
Preheat over to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, mix peanut butter, milk and egg. Add wet mixture to dry and mix well. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Makes 30 cookies.

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Baked Bulldog Bones

1-1/4 cups water
4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup grated cheese
1 tablespoon cilantro
1 tablespoon parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well, then knead by hand to form a stiff dough. Roll out dough to 1/2 thick and cut into various shapes.
2. Place cookies on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. Cool completely before serving. Makes 30 cookies.

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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 should consult with your veterinarian before giving him special treats.