Should I Feed My Dog Homemade Dog Food?
Doglicious Says " I love people food best"!
Homemade dog food diets can be a wonderful choice for your dog, especially after the commercial pet foods scare. When you're home-cooking your dog's food you can control the quality of the ingredients that go into each meal, and completely eliminate all of those harmful commercial food additives, colorings and preservatives.
We've included several great homemade dog food recipes below...and for even more see our
Dog Food Cookbooks section...
It's true that correctly providing a homemade diet for your dog can take commitment on your part. It can be somewhat more complicated, and slightly more expensive, especially if you have a larger dog. However, in the long run, you'll be rewarded with a happier, healthier animal, and have far fewer vet bills! You'll be just delighted when you see how your dog will thrive!
It's strongly recommended by many experts that, prior to placing your dog on any homemade diet, you discuss this option with your veterinarian, or a holistic veterinarian with an in-depth knowledge of canine nutritional requirements and who is in favor of homemade diets for feeding a dog.
For a list of holistic veterinary practitioners by state, see our Dog Resources page...
A Word Of Caution About Raw Diets! 
There are a number of advocates who tout the benefits of feeding a dog raw meat. But there are also a great many veterinarians and "experts" who believe that raw meat can be extremely dangerous to everyone in the household.
So, who's right?
Salmonella, a bacteria associated with raw meats, is often implicated in serious illnesses in humans resulting from from raw meat contamination. Salmonella is present in some raw meats and eggs, but does not appear to cause as many problems for dogs as it does humans. Because of a dog's shorter gastrointestinal tract and quick elimination timetable, the bacteria does not have much time to multiply.
The experts believe Salmonella exposure does not present a great threat to healthy animals. In fact, it's been estimated that more than 35% of normal healthy dogs (most of which eat commercial pet food) already carry the bacteria, but have no symptoms . One study showed that, despite the fact that 80% of meat samples were positive for Salmonella, 70% of the dogs eating that meat tested negative.
It's important however, to be very careful and try not to feed your dog any "non-organic raw ground beef" due to extreme contamination problems in the meat packing industry. It's also imperative that you avoid any cross contamination when handling raw meats, whether for yourself or when feeding a dog.
When discussing raw food, bones are a frequent subject . Everyone accepts the fact that feeding a dog cooked bones is a serious no-no and is never to be done. Most raw food advocates, like Dr. Ian Billinghurst, creator of the "BARF" (Bones and Raw Food Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), advise feeding a dog "raw meaty bones." Presumably, raw bones don't splinter the way cooked bones do. However, there are many documented cases of even raw bones causing intestinal impactions or even perforations, which are deadly.
At the least, many dogs have fractured their teeth on raw bones; probably either from bones too big for the dog, or from bones left out too long--they dry out and become virtual concrete after as little as a few hours in warm weather. Grinding bones is a possible option; raw feeders claim that even ground bones will help keep the teeth clean. For super safety, though, human-grade bone meal from the health food store is the best bet.
The other main concern, expressed by veterinarians, is whether or not a homemade diet is balanced and contains all necessary nutrients. This is where education plays a big role. There are dozens of books and websites and other resources that provide adequate recipes. However, there is justified concern because over time, care givers tend to "simplify" or modify the recipe, dropping supplements or not varying the meats and vegetables used; this can indeed get you into trouble over time. If you do it, make sure you do it right!
Note, frozen raw food should be fed with great caution as it can cause ulceration of the digestive tract. All frozen meat must be thawed... and vegetables must also be thawed.
| BE VERY CAREFUL WITH FROZEN FOOD! |
Making Healthy Homemade Dog Food
Doglicious Says...
"Mmmm that smells really delicious...is it for me?
Things You Should Know First!....
Keep in mind that it's "essential" for you to follow any diet's recommendations for your dog's
age, size, weight, etc!
"What! Not this again"!!!
Prolonged feeding of only one or two versions of any homemade dog food recipe or commercial dog food should not become the norm for your dog. Feeding a dog a good variety of nutritional foods plus vitamins and supplements is the best strategy to ensure your dog enjoys a prolonged healthy life (this applies to any and all diets, homemade or commercial, and all recipes!)....and they really relish all of the different tastes.
One of the main concerns, expressed by veterinarians, is whether or not a homemade diet is balanced and contains all of the necessary nutrients for a dog's health. Here's where education plays a big role. There are a great many books, websites and other resources that provide adequate recipes. We offer a "Canine Cookbook" here! However, there is, indeed, justified concern because over time, care givers have a tendency to "simplify" or modify the recipe, dropping supplements or not varying the meats and vegetables used. This can get you into trouble over time. If you do feed a homemade diet to your dog, make sure you do it right.
If you want to make substitutions or try other ingredients, visit www.balanceit.com and use their Abridged Diet Evaluator to make sure you are getting close to the amounts needed.
In order to prepare large quantities of any of the recipes, just increase the amount of ingredients proportionately and mix together the protein, starch, oil, vegetables, and calcium. Then, freeze in daily feeding-sized portions for convenience and defrost as needed. Vitamins/minerals, enzymes, and probiotics should always be added freshly to each meal.
About Vitamins and Supplements
All homemade diets should contain a good quality human supplement added at the time of feeding. Some of the cheaper human supplements, such as One-A-Day, are not well digested, even by humans, and should not be used for feeding a dog. Small dogs have a higher metabolism rate than big dogs; smaller dogs, those under 25 pounds should get half of a human supplement per day; bigger dogs can be given a whole human supplement.
You can also use specially, made for dogs, vitamin supplements, such as the Dr. Goodpet brand. Additionally, there are many good animal supplements available at your local feed store or health food store. Just be sure to use the recommended amount for any of them. Most supplements can be ground in a coffee or spice grinder, or with a mortar and pestle and added to the food; or you can get them in capsule form, open them, and add the powder to the food.
Probiotics, including L. acidophilus and other "good" bacteria will help to maintain your dog's normal bacterial population and prevent colonization by disease-causing bacteria. Digestive enzymes are important to keep the pancreas from being overworked, and to aid digestion so your dog gets the greatest benefit from the food it eats. Human supplements can be used at the full human dose; they are impossible to overdose.
About Meat and Bones
Meat, in the recipes, may be fed cooked or raw. Meat amounts in the ingredient lists are given in raw weight. (while many holistic veterinarians recommend feeding raw meat, there are potential risks to your dog's health from bacteria contamination in meat. Please discuss this issue with your veterinarian before feeding raw meat). If feeding a dog raw meat, it is recommended that the meat be frozen for 72 hours at -4 degrees F prior to use in order to kill encysted parasites. Most meats can be safely refrozen once. So, after you mix the meal, it can be put back in the freezer until thawed for feeding. Regular raw ground beef is not recommended; if used at all, it must be organic.
Be sure to always follow safe meat handling procedures!
Also, feeding a dog bones can pose many risks; even raw bones can cause cracked teeth and serious intestinal problems. While whole bones are really not recommended, you can substitute ground bone for bone meal in the recipes. Bone meal must be edible, human grade. Never use bone meal intended for gardening or plants when feeding a dog! A dog's nutritional requirements can be achieved with a vegetarian diet, but this is not recommended. Dogs are carnivores and should be given a diet that includes meat for it's optimal health and longevity.
And now for the recipes...
Check back with us often as we keep adding new recipes....
Bone Appetite Dog Food Recipes - A Canine Cookbook
Doglicious says: "I just love having my very own personal chef"! Bone Appetite!
Did you know, although humans may smell the aroma of a pot of stew cooking on the stove, dogs can distinguish the smell of each individual ingredient, from the beef itself to the potatoes.
Although the following recipes have not been given an authoritative endorsement or officially analyzed and tested, they are nutritionally wholesome and well-balanced for long term use in feeding a dog. Make sure you read and understand all of the instructions before you start! Do not ever eliminate or try to economize on vitamins or other nutritional supplements, they are mandatory for your dog's long term health and well-being.
Experts have recommended that adult dogs be fed at least twice daily. The recipe just below lists quantities that are sufficient for a single day's feeding for a 10 pound, moderately active dog. Adjust the amount of ingredients proportionally for your dog's weight, size and daily activity. Because they have a slower metabolism large dogs require less food than smaller dogs. Dogs that are very active require between two and five times more food. Supplements listed are usually sufficient for a dog weighing approximately ten pounds, regardless of the amount of activity. If digestive problems present themselves, energy (carbohydrate) sources may be decreased but those calories must be substituted through additional sources of fat or protein that are not provided for in these diets.
In the following homemade "Diet For Adult Dogs" use ONE protein source and ONE energy (carbohydrate) source. Keep in mind that meat can vary tremendously in fat content; poultry is much lower in fat than any mammal meat, so do not exceed recommended amounts unless you are trying to put weight on your pet!
Diet For Adult Dogs
In the following homemade "Diet For Adult Dogs" use ONE protein source and ONE energy (carbohydrate) source. Keep in mind that meat can vary tremendously in fat content; poultry is much lower in fat than any mammal meat, so do not exceed recommended amounts unless you are trying to put weight on your pet!
Protein Source - Select One (meat amounts provided are in raw weight)
* 16 boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, chopped
* 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
* 12 oz lean bison, lamb, or organic beef, ground or minced
* Optional: once a week, substitute 4 oz organic liver for 1/2 of any meat source
*For a lower protein/phosphorus diet, substitute egg whites for 1/3 of any meat and 1/2 cup white rice (not quick-cooking) for 1/3 of any meat.
Energy Source - Select One
* 1 cups cooked macaroni
* 1 cups cooked rice
* 1 cups rolled oats, quick, cooked
* 2 cups steamed or pureed veggie mix, or 2 jars organic baby food vegetables (no corn or white potatoes)
Supplements - Add At Feeding Time
* 1 tsp. fish oil (wild salmon, herring, menhaden; or cod liver without added Vit A and D)
* 400 mg calcium (elemental, as calcium citrate or carbonate) or 1200 mg (approximately 1-1/2 tsp) human grade bone meal powder
* 1/4 tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride) - give 3 or 4 times a week
* 1/2 human multiple vitamin-mineral supplement for dogs under 25 pounds; 1 whole for dogs over 25 pounds. Giant breeds do not need more.
*1 probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement
Dogs can be fed a vegetarian diet if necessary. However, as carnivores, their ideal diet is a meat-based one. Vegetarian dogs should get Vitamin B12, carnitine (250 mg) and taurine (250 mg) once a week. Vegetarian dogs of breeds prone to developing dilated cardiomyopathy should get extra taurine (100 mg) and carnitine (50-100 mg) daily.
FOR ALL DOGS: Pay attention to your dog's health: it's weight, energy level, skin condition, eyes, ears, odor, coat quality, stool consistency, and oral health. If these are not maintaining or improving, consult your veterinarian about changing various components of the diet.
Watch the video below for an "All Natural Dog Stew" recipe and some other supplement ideas....
Alternating Foods
Doglicious says: "Variety is the the spice of life...and I just love different tastes"!
If that's true for people, why shouldn't it be true for dogs too? Don't they deserve to enjoy different tastes! Variety can also be critical to a dog's overall well being. Some foods may have nutrients necessary for a dog's health, while others may not. Therefore, it's important to alternate feedings of different foods to your dog; this applies to all diets...commercial or homemade.
Here are more recipes to give your dog the variety it should have for a balanced diet...and also to make mealtime a real taste treat every day...
Mutts Meals
Mutt Loaf
We are lovers of good meatloaf so here's an adaptation of a basic meatloaf recipe, using lean meats and adding different grains and vegetables for variety. Dogs seem to love garlic, so we included it, finely chopped; if you have any concerns about feeding garlic to your dog, you can use a very small amount or, it can easily be left out. There are mixed opinions as to whether, or not, feeding a dog small amounts of garlic is safe.
You can increase the recipe's ingredients to make a few of these loafs at a time and freeze them, using different flavors for variety. Use ground "organic" beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb. You should avoid pork or veal because it can be too fatty . In place of the oatmeal, you can try other whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the oven rack in the middle slot. Mix all the ingredients together with your
hands. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, or use a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and form a loaf in the center. Bake for 1 hour.
Feed according to your dog’s size and calorie needs.
Ingredients:
* 2 pounds ground meat
* 1 cup cooked organic oatmeal ( preferably a minimally processed steel-cut whole-grain oat, like Irish oatmeal.)
* 3/4 cup organic flaxseed meal
* 1/2 cup fresh organic parsley, finely chopped
* 2 large organic eggs
*1 tablespoon, or less, finely chopped garlic (optional)
* 2 cups fresh or frozen organic vegetables (Use a variety of vegetables, such as peas,green beans, spinach and grated carrots; (no corn and do not ever include onion!)
* Optional: pulverized calcium, Nori (seaweed), chopped pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. You can substitute whole wheat bread crumbs for the flaxseed meal.
*Don't forget to add the essential vitamins and supplements needed for your dog's well being freshly at each feeding!...Bone Appetite!
Mutt Stew
Ingredients:
* 5 cups of water – brought to a simmer
* 2 lbs of ground turkey and 1/4 lb of chicken liver, chopped – add ground turkey and liver to simmering water and simmer for ten minutes
* 1 lb frozen green beans, 1 tsp fresh sage, 5 tsp bonemeal powder, 5 tbs nutritional yeast – add all these ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes
* 2 1/2 cups of oatmeal, 2 tbs safflower oil – add oatmeal and oil, remove from heat and allow oatmeal to absorb water!
This will take on the consistency of porridge — this makes 3600 calories. Please refer to nutrition books on how many calories are appropriate for feeding a dog each day.
* Always remember to add essential vitamins and supplements at the time of feeding...Bone Appetite!
Mutt Stew 2 (people can eat it too)
Ingredients:
* 2 lbs. organic ground hamburger
* 1 can water
* 2-3 carrots, cut-up int small pieces
* 1/2 c. oatmeal
* 1 small can tomato sauce
Brown the meat, but don't drain; add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook slowly about 45 minutes. Store in a wide mouth glass jar. If you intend to freeze, leave 1 1/2 inches of head space in the jar. You may also store in smaller containers to have individual servings.
NOTE: If you make this stew for people instead of for a dog, you may want to drain the cooked hamburger and add 2 onions, chopped up. But NEVER give a dog raw or cooked onions! Bone Appetite!
Mutt Marrowbone Crockpot Stew
Ingredients:
* Beef marrowbones (or chicken or turkey parts with bones)
* 2 cups rice or barley (pre- cooked - more if desired)
* 4 (or more each) Vegetables - from the following list:
carrots
kale
beets
green beans
zucchini
yellow squash
broccoli
parsley
* 2 cloves (or less) Garlic - optional**
* 2 tablespoons Olive oil (more if desired)
* Water
Preparation:
Cut the vegetables into chunk sized pieces. Put all ingredients into a crockpot, fill 3/4 full with water. Cook on low heat for 4-8 hours.
Once cooked, place all ingredients, except bones to a blender. Take the marrowbones, remove the marrow and add into the mixture in the blender.
Blend all ingredients together until thick. Discard all bones.
Pour the stew mixture into daily-sized containers or plastic bags. Can be frozen for later use...
Bone Appetite!
**Use just 2 cloves (or less) when first introducing garlic to your dog's system, build up to more once they are accustomed to it.
**Be aware: there are different opinions regarding feeding a dog garlic. Some believe all garlic is bad for them and others believe small amounts won't harm them and is good for repelling fleas.
Chicken Stew For Mutts
Ingredients:
* 1 cup green beans or spinach
* 2 small carrots, diced
* 4 sweet potatoes, diced
* 1 cup of fresh peas
* 1 teaspoon of honey
* 1 teaspoon of sage
* 6 cups of homemade chicken broth
*2 cups of cooked chicken, diced
Preparation:
Mix the green beans carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, honey, sage, and chicken broth in a big pot and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about half an hour. Then add the chicken in and simmer it for another 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool completely before serving out. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days at most.
Bone Appetite!
Quick Muttburgers
Ingredients:
* 1 pound organic ground sirloin
* 1 large beaten egg
* 1/3 cup green peas or shredded carrots
* 1/3 cup green beans
* 1/3 cup spinach
* 1/2 teaspoon crumbled, dried seaweed
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (read our notes about feeding garlic!)
Peparation:
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape into patties and broil or saute in a skillet to medium rare. cool and serve at once...Bone Appetite!
Note: Be sure your dog gets it's daily vitamins and nutritional supplements to stay healthy!
Stew recipe from Halo Dog Food:
On Thanksgiving, when humans feast on turkey, Halo Dog Food decided to give away the recipe for "Spot’s Stew", the original inspiration for the pet food company.
Unlike other pet food companies, that keep their recipes under lock and key, Halo said it wanted to help people and their pets have a healthy Thanksgiving by sharing their Spot’s Stew recipe.
The formula was developed when Halo founder Andi Brown’s pet cat, Spot, was struggling with allergies and other health issues. Spot’s Stew was created in her kitchen in 1986 using ingredients found at the grocery store.
The recipe below can be tweaked to accommodate dogs.
Spot’s Chicken Stew from Halo
2 ½ pounds whole chicken
¼ cup chopped fresh garlic
1 cup green peas
1 cup coarsely chopped carrots
½ cup coarsely chopped sweet potato
½ cup coarsely chopped zucchini
½ cup coarsely chopped yellow squash
½ cup coarsely chopped green beans
½ cup coarsely chopped celery
1 tablespoon kelp powder
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
11 to 16 cups spring water
For dogs only: Add 8 ounces whole barley and 6 ounces rolled oats, and adjust the water content to a total of 16 cups, or enough to cover the ingredients.
Instructions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a 10-quart stainless-steel stockpot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat as low as possible and simmer for two hours – the carrots should be quite soft at the end of the cooking time. Remove from the heat, let cool, and debone the chicken.
With an electric hand mixer, or using a food processor and working in batches, blend all the ingredients into a thick stew. Using zip lock bags or plastic yogurt containers, make up meal-sized portions. Refrigerate what you’ll need for three days and freeze the rest. Seek your pet’s advice (and your vet’s) on ideal meal sizes.
Serving size:
Amounts will vary depending on age, activity level, health, weight, and season, but here are some guidelines: dogs vary a geat deal in size so consult the table below. The amount shown should be split into at least two meals daily.
Dog’s Weight
Up to 10 pounds-1 to 1½ cups
11 to 20 pounds-2 to 3 cups
21 to 40 pounds Total Daily Portion-4 cups
For each additional 20 pounds, add two cups. Remember, pets are individuals, so let intuition and observations guide you, and always consult your vet...Bone Appetite!
Home Made Dog Food With Rice
Making your dog's food at home takes the mystery out of what's in their food.
Here is a simple recipe for healthy and delicious home made dog food.
Ingredients:
1 box instant brown rice
1 pound cooked-boned-chopped chicken
2 cups grated carrots
1 can peas
Step 1:Cook entire box of rice according to directions. Let cool for about ten minutes. Stirring will speed up the cooling process. Rice is used here as an all natural filler for the dog food.
Step 2:Add chicken and drained peas to the cooled rice. Fold in the chicken, peas and the raw grated carrots. Don't over stir, the rice will get mushy. The peas add interest and the carrots provide roughage.
Step 3:Put dog food into containers. Store in fridge up to one week. Store in freezer up to a month. To serve, pop into microwave for a few seconds to make heat up food.
Step 4: Feed about 1/4 cup a day for each 5 pounds of dog. Adjust as needed for your dog's weight...
Bone Appetite!
Mutt Munchies
Try some of these great dog treat "Munchies" recipes in your own kitchen:
Dog treats found in stores can be filled with empty carbs and chemicals. If you want a healthy treat for your dog, here are simple recipes to make...your dog will love them...
Soft Mutt Munchie Treats
* 3 (2 1/2 oz. each) jars of baby food, either beef or chicken
* 1/4 cup Dry milk powder
* 1/4 cup Wheat germ or cream of wheat
Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until brown. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate to keep fresh or freeze. Great for older dogs with teeth problems
Bad Breath Begone Mutt Treats
* 2 cups brown rice flour
* 1 Tablespoon activated charcoal - get this at drugstores, not the grilling briquets
* 3 Tablespoons canola oil
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2/3 cup lowfat milk
Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour and charcoal. Add all the other ingredients.Drop teaspoonfulls on oiled sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake 15-20 minutes. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
Apple Crunch Pupcake Treats
* 2 3/4 cups water
* 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
* 4 cups whole wheat flour
* 1 cup dried apple chips - you can also use fresh fruit
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 egg, beaten slightly
* 4 tablespoons honey
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooling spray. Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Add wet to dry slowly , scraping well to make sure no dry mixture is left. Pour into muffin tins. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out dry. Sotre in a sealed container. Makes around 12-14 pupcakes.
Peanut Butter Mutt Munchies
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 Tbs peanut butter
* 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1 egg white
* 1 Tbs chicken broth
Mix flour and milk until lumpy. Add peanut butter and broth. Mix parmesan cheese with first 4 ingredients. Add egg white. Mix well or until it has the consistency of pancake batter. Add baking powder. Pour onto greased cookie sheet, making 2" drops. Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool.
Cheesie Bacon Mutt Munchies
* 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 stick margarine, softened
* 2/3 cup brown sugar
* 1 egg, slightly beaten
* 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
* 1 1/2 cups regular oats, uncooked
* 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
* 2/3 cup wheat germ
* 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled
Combine flour, soda and salt; mix well and set aside. Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and vanilla. Add
flour mixture, mixing well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 16 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for a minute or so before removing to cooling rack.
Canine Cookies
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1 cup honey
* 2 egs
* 3 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
* 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 cup cornmeal
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Mix vegetable oil, shortening, honey with eggs. Beat well. Add flour, soda and cream of tartar. Knead dough until mixed well. Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into balls. Mix the cornmeal and cinnamon together in a bowl and roll balls in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet . Press the balls down with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400F. Cool on a rack. Store in airtight container
Party Pupsicles
Ingredients:
* 1 banana
* 1 quart orange juice
* 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher with a spout. Carefully pour the blend into empty ice cube trays. Store the trays in the freezer until the blend becomes solid. When ready to serve, pop the pupsicles out of the trays into a big serving dish.
Anti-Flea Mutt Munchies
Ingredients:
* 2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1⁄2 cup wheat germ
* 1⁄2 cup brewers yeast
* 1 cup chicken or beef stock
* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt or powder (see our notes on feeding garlic to a dog)
Preparation:
1. Combine the flour, wheat germ, and yeast in a bowl.
2. Mix the oil and garlic and slowly add to flour mixture, alternating with the chicken or beef stock.
3. Continue until all the ingredients are incorporated into a smooth dough.
4. Roll out on a lightly floured surface until 1⁄4-inch thick.
5. Use a 2-inch-round cookie cutter to cut into biscuits.
6. Place biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400ºF for about 18 to 20 minutes or until browned.
7. Let cool and leave for a few hours to dry out.
- 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
- 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 teaspoons honey (optional)
- 2 cups water
- 1 bowl of dry yeast
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees .
- Grease 36 mini-muffin cups.
- Use a blender to grind oatmeal into a powder. Mix oatmeal, whole wheat flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
- Place bananas, vanilla and honey in blender, process, add water slowly.
- Pour liquid mixture gradually into bowl of dry yeast.
- Spoon batter into prepared pan, filling cups to the rim.
- Bake until done, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Tips
- If you use an aluminum pan, the muffins will bake faster than in a darker metal pan.
- Check muffins after baking 15 minutes. The muffins are small. Depending on your oven, they may be done baking in 15-20 minutes.
- Refrigerate or freeze pupcakes so they'll last longer.
Warnings
- Allow pupcakes to cool before tossing one to your dog.
- Pupcakes are treats! Don't over-indulge your four-legged friends. One or two pupcakes a day for a small dog or four for a large dog is plenty.
- You can use regular flour, but whole wheat is recommended.
Things You'll Need
Pass the Pupsicles!
Frozen Fruity Pops for Pups
We’re so mean. We feast on delicious frozen treats while our hot dogs drool. We couldn’t take it anymore. This summer, our dogs indulge with us. But no artificially flavored, popsicles for our sweet fur babies will do. For a much better choice, we got word from Woof Report reader Adrian (and treat taster, Benny) about fresh, frozen "Pupsicles" that are as healthy as they are yummy. For an easy-to-make natural treat your dog will love, don’t wait. Freeze up a batch today.
Pupsicles
Ingredients
- 2 mashed bananas
- 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup organic apple juice
- 2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
Instructions
– Puree all ingredients in a blender.
– Pour into ice cube trays or small plastic cups and freeze for one hour or more, depending on the temperature setting.
– Thaw just so slightly before serving.
This recipe yields three dozed treats.
Note: The apple juice can be substituted with a jar of baby food (any fruit flavor) because it has great nutritional value and is easy to digest. Just be sure to use an organic brand with no added sugars of preservatives.
Doglicious Frozen Treats
Homemade Frosty Paws
There is really nothing cuter than watching a dog lick from a cup between his paws. It’s one of life’s great pleasures.
Instead of sending you off to search for four-to-a-box pre-made treats, we invite you whip up your own big batch at home. It’s so easy, even your dog could do it -- but since he isn’t allowed in Safeway, it’s up to you.
The Scoop:
Here’s all you need to make Homemade Frosty Paws, a doglicious summertime treat:
1 Quart Vanilla Yogurt (preferably nonfat)
1 Medium Ripe Banana
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy)
2 Tablespoons Honey
First, puree the banana in a blender. Add the peanut butter and honey and continue processing until smooth. Then, add yogurt and process until all ingredients are blended together. Pour the mix into small containers. Glad reusable mini containers with tops work great and they’re eco-friendly. Dixie 3-ounce mini cups work well too. Freeze until solid. This mix makes about 10 per batch.
Watch the video below for another recipe "All Natural Dog Stew"....
We frequently add more dog food recipes so...please come back...
"In Dogs We Trust!"
Important Notice! Although we at Feeding A Dog are long time dog enthusiasts and dog advocates, we are not veterinarians or professional animal nutritionists. Our purpose is strictly to provide you with information, so that you can make your own decisions. Any and all of the information contained or stated on this web site and on our blog is provided for general information purposes. The information provided is not direct veterinary advice and should not be construed as such nor substituted for a consultation with a veterinarian or dog nutrition professional. Every dog and situation is different. If you have any concerns about your dog's health, please contact your veterinarian's office immediately. We all love our dogs and want only the very best food for them! "In Dogs We Trust"
