With Scrumptious Valentine’s Day Treats <3
Valentine’s Day’s approaching–and it’s all about love, isn’t it? So, who says that love–and Valentine’s Day sentiments and gift giving should be limited to humans? Because, really, who is it who doesn’t fail to greet you with zeal, cry when you’re away and remain by your side through thick and thin? You know the answer…go ahead and fill in the blank_____________.
There are many ways to show your pooch how much you treasure her. A cozy bed, a chewy toy, a purdy sweater, a long belly rub and with TREATS. Now, of course, canines cannot enjoy chocolate, the oft default gift human guys give their gals. It’s practically poison for them, so please remember that and keep the choco to yourself! No worries, though, because there are plenty of yummy snacks your dog can savor. And, the gift of food is often more from the heart when you and make it yourself.
Here are a few fun and easy delectables that you and your family can whip up for your darling doggie. In fact, they’re not only delightful but healthy and nutritious as well!:
Apple Crunch Pupcakes (from cesarsway.com)
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups water
¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
2 tbsp honey
1/8 tbsp vanilla extract
1 medium egg
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup dried apple chips (unsweetened)
1 tbsp baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl
Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended
Pour into lightly greased muffin pans
Bake 1 ¼ hours
Cinnamon Honey Heart Dog Biscuits (from dogingtonpost.com)
Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Cup pureed Banana
1/2 Cup plain Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Oat Flour
1/4 Cup Rice Flour
1 Cup Wheat Flour
Instructions:
In a small bowl combine the cinnamon, oat flour, rice flour, and 1/2 cup wheat flour. Set aside. In a separate bowl mix water, banana, yogurt, honey, and canola oil with an electric mixer. Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Mix in remaining wheat flour 1/4 cup at a time until a stiff dough forms.
Place on floured surface and roll to desired thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Bake at 300 degrees. If rolled to 3/8″ baking time is 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tip: After shutting off the oven I leave the dog biscuits in the oven for a couple hours to make sure they are completely dry and crunchy. Then they can be stored for a long time without worrying about spoilage.
Whether for Valentine’s Day, as a reward for good behavior or any day, creating your own treats is an always great gift for your dog, because you love her and she loves you…unconditionally. Yet while fun in the kitchen can make for a grand ole’ time, not all of us have the time to do it themselves. If that’s the case, you can always purchase savory and healthy snacks for your pup…If you’re in this neighborhood and need a healthy tidbit, drop by Pups@Play where you can find an assortment of doggie refreshments, all yum yum and healthy.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your precious pup!
By Julie Lauton