Puppy Love!

I love my dog.  She is always with me.  She is like my little furry shadow.  Even when she is hogging the bed and making me sleep curled up in a knot, I love her.  I like to reward her with the best food and treats I can find.

Recently I discovered that some of the ingredients we feed our beloved pets are far from nutritious, and are actually harmful.  Living an hour away from our favorite pet food store, Give A Dog A Bone, I went on a search for homemade dog treats for my girl.  I found so many interesting recipes and ideas.  Ava loves being a taste tester! These little treats were a huge hit with her. I always have the ingredients on hand so these are quick and easy for me to throw together.  You can add extra pumpkin or peanut butter.  Add extra spice, or leave it out completely.  These recipes are very versatile and can be changed up to suit your pups preference.  It is important to use the whole wheat flour and organic (or natural) peanut butter.  

Whole wheat flour is a great, nutrient dense, natural food. Whole wheat contains Vitamin B and Vitamin E, both of which help promote a health immune system and heart. Selenium, potassium, and Zinc are also in this flour, making it a great nutritional resource!

Natural peanut butter and peanuts are a wonder of nature- for both people and our pets! There are many health benefits offered from the nut, whether in whole form or as peanut butter. Just a few of the great benefits included are: A healthy, shiny coat - created from the omega fatty-acids and Vitamin A and E found in the peanut oil. And a more healthy immune system, supported by the naturally occurring Vitamin E in the peanut butter.

Canned pumpkin (in its pure form, with no added sugar or spices) is an excellent source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. The nutrients found in pumpkin help to keep a dog's immune system strong, thereby strengthening resistance to cancer and other disease.  Pumpkin puree can help remedy both constipation and diarrhea, making it a useful tool for dogs with digestive issues.

Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps with painful joints and arthritis; as well as improving circulation (healthy heart), digestion, and calms upset stomachs. Cinnamon is also a great natural food preservative, which helps keep your dogs' treats fresh longer!

You can add fresh, chopped parsley or a touch of mint oil to help fend off that dreaded dragon breath too! 

Try these little treats and I promise you you pooch will thank you!!

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup natural smooth peanut butter

1/4 cup water

2 Tablespoons canola oil

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice or a combo of the both

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F.  Lightly grease a baking sheet with baking spray.  

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder and spice(s).

In a medium sized mixing bowl, stir the oil, pumpkin and peanut butter together until smooth.

Make a well in the flour and pour in the peanut butter mixture.  Mix on low speed to combine the wet and dry ingredients.

Slowly pour in the water and mix together on a medium speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and kneed for approximately one minute until its no longer sticky.

Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter.  I always re-roll the leftover dough once to get a few more treats!

Bake for 12 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the cookies in the oven for 30 minutes.

Leave cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then remove and cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container once completely cooled for up to 2 weeks.