by Blake Herzog
Right about now is the time when most of us start to turn toward home and look for ways to heat it beyond the reach of the furnace. We’re cleaning out the fireplaces and putting sweaters and socks on everything within reach.
The next step is to fire up the oven for meals, snacks and desserts, and who better to bake for than your loyal four-legged friends? They may have a fur-coat advantage over us but are just as eager to participate in the family fun!
Read on for three simple pet-safe recipes, two for dogs and one for cats — they’ll love your “fails” as much as your successes! These should be fine for most animals but if your pet has digestive issues you may want to check with your veterinarian before serving them. q
Chicken and Rice Dog Treats
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cooked finely diced chicken 1/2 cup rice, cooked and mashed
3 tablespoons rice flour
1 tablespoon parsley
1 egg
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to 350°. Mix all ingredients well, then spoon into a silicon mold with small, fun shapes. Bake until tops are golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Let cool and remove from molds.
Beefy Dog Biscuits
INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup flaxseed
1/2 to 1 cups beef broth
1/4 cup peanut butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to 350°. Stir the flour, oats and flaxseed in bowl. Add 1/2 cup beef broth and peanut butter. Form into a ball and turn out on a lightly floured surface. Roll to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cool and keep in airtight container for up to a week.
Crunchy Kitty Tuna Crackers
INGREDIENTS
6 oz. undrained tuna
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/3 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix ingredients together. Roll into 1/4-inch pieces. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 350° for 20 minutes. Allow to cool.
