When Polly Wants a Cracker and Chloe Wants a Kiss

My dogs are members of my family, and I consider them my furry kids. My house just would not be the same without them, and as with my human children, I worry if I am making good decisions for them. But unlike human children who eventually learn language to communicate, my dogs will never be able to just say what it is they want, or tell me whatever is bothering them. It is the same with food. They cannot tell me if it tastes off, or something is not quite right. Usually they approach dinner time with gusto so if they do not eat, I know something is wrong.

With all of the recent scares about contaminated pet food, I decided that I would be far more comfortable giving my three dogs human quality food. My next question was exactly what can dogs have? It has been widely publicized that macadamia nuts and chocolate are toxic to dogs. (Always consult your veterinarian if you are not sure about a certain food). After careful research, I discovered that much of what we consider human food is actually good for dogs. As with humans, moderation is key. I started whipping up batches of stews and even entrees for them. Mostly, I use a lot of meat and a little fat like bacon drippings or sometimes roasted chicken drippings from the pan, (let it cool and skim off most of the fat). Chop up some carrots and potatoes, mix together and you have a 5 star doggie dinner that you do not have to stress over. Whatever you make, always make sure it is room temperature or cool enough for them to eat.

Recently, on a trip to the butcher shop I found out that I was not the only pet owner who was doing this. I met a Boxer breeder who has been preparing her own dog food for years, and even offered me some biscuit recipes to try on my own dogs. I accepted them and went home and tried them. They were a huge hit with the four legged crowd at my house!

Chloe Kisses

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 teaspoons beef OR chicken bouillon granules
1/3 cup bacon grease
1 egg
1/2 cup ice water

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, stir together the whole-wheat flour, powdered milk, garlic powder, wheat germ and beef bouillon granules. Stir in the bacon grease and egg. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is wet enough to stick together. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Place biscuits 1 inch apart onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Cool before serving.
Store in a tightly covered container.

Peanut Butter Treats

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour, or as needed
2 cups white flour
2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
2 1/2 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth (pre-packaged)
1/2 cup extra crunchy peanut butter
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine wheat flour, white flour, and oats, in large bowl. Stir in water and peanut butter. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, mixing in more flour as needed until dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with small cookie cutters into desired shapes, and place 3/4 inch apart on greased cookie sheets.

Bake 40 minutes. Turn oven off; leave biscuits in oven until completely cool. Store in a tightly covered container.

Note: If you are going to make dog treats, I would suggest buying a special cookie cutter, to avoid mix-ups with other family members. They are made with human quality food, but may taste much different than the cookies humans eat!