Homemade Pet Treats as Gifts

If you are a pet lover then there's a good chance that many

of your friends have pets.  Today's post features recipes for

homemade treats for the furry friends on your Christmas list.

Sweet Potato Dog Chews

The only ingredient of this simple recipe is a large, washed sweet potato.

Preheat the oven to 250º.  Slice the potato into about 1/3" thick slices.

(Slice the potato lengthwise for larger, longer lasting chews.)

Lay the slices flat, without overlapping, on a cookie sheet lined

with parchment paper.   Bake for 3 hours, turning the slices over

about halfway through cooking.  Allow the chews to cool

completely on a wire rack before serving.

Store chews in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for

up to 3 months.  Cooked as directed, these treats will be soft but

chewy.  If your dog prefers a crispier treat, cook an additional 30

minutes.  The chews may appear too soft when they're first

removed from the oven but they will continue drying and

become harder and chewier as they cool.

Banana and Honey Canine Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 bananas,  mashed

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

4½ cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350º.  Combine water, bananas, honey, vanilla,

and applesauce in a large mixing bowl.  Stir in flour and baking

powder.  Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and a

dough is formed.

Knead dough on a floured surface for several minutes or until

it is no longer sticky.  With a rolling pin, roll dough to about

¼" thickness.  Cut into biscuit shapes using a bone-shaped

cookie cutter or with a regular cookie cutter.  

Place biscuits onto 2 lightly greased cookie sheets (coconut oil

works great.)  Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow

biscuits to cool completely before serving or packaging.

Super Easy Kitty Treats

Ingredients:

3 jars baby food meat (or veggies)

1½ cups cream of wheat or wheat germ

Small amount of tuna juice

Mix well and drop by ¼ spoonfuls onto a wax paper-covered plate.

Cover with another piece of wax paper.  Cook in microwave on

high for 5-8 minutes until formed and firm.  Store in the refrigerator.

Note:  check the baby food labels to make sure they don't contain

onion or garlic powder.

Savory Cheese Cat Treats

Ingredients:

3/4 cup white flour

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

1/4 cup cornmeal

Preheat the oven to 350º.  Combine cheeses and yogurt.  Add

flour and cornmeal.  If needed, add a small amount of water

to create a nice dough.  Knead dough, roll into a 1/4 inch thick

'tube' then cut into one inch slices.  Place on a greased cookie

sheet and bake for 25 minutes.  Makes 2 dozen.

I can personally attest to the popularity of the first 2 recipes - Archie

and Boswell love them.  These recipes are simple and easy to make

and will be a hit with beloved dogs and cats this holiday.