CARROT CHEESE ‘n PARSLEY COOKIES
Did you know?
Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are thought to help protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancer. Carrots are naturally high in beta carotene, an antioxidant, which protects against cell damage by soaking up free radicals. Clinical trials have shown that dogs supplemented with beta carotene have a heightened immune response, which protects them from illness and infection.
Cheese is a good source of protein for your dog. It also provides vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids. Low Fat Cheddar Cheese has less lactose (milk sugar) than milk and some other dairy products so it’s less likely to cause digestive problems plus, not all dogs are lactose intolerant. According to the ASPCA site, if you use only a small amount of low-fat cheese in homemade treats and your dogs don’t have any digestive upset, you can use it.
Parsley is a great addition to your dog’s food bowl. It inhibits cancer, is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and enzymes. It acts as a tonic, meaning it helps to boost the body’s overall functioning, clearing the bloodstream and liver of toxins. It also acts as a diuretic so it’s great for dogs who are prone to kidney and bladder infections, incontinence, and arthritis. It can help improve bad breath in dogs!

CARROT CHEESE ‘n PARSLEY COOKIES
1 cup plain flour (All Purpose) – see Note*
1/2 cup oats
1 cup grated carrot
1 cup grated lactose free low fat cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. parsley
1 tbsp. oil
1/2 cup lactose free milk (or pet milk) – see Note**

Note* – You can use use whole meal (whole wheat) flour.
Note** – You can substitute milk with water or low sodium onion free chicken stock

Pre-heat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line a cookie tray with parchment paper.
Mix together the flour, grated cheese, carrot & parsley and oil in a bowl.
Add the milk in small amounts until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
Turn dough out on to a lightly flour worktop and knead lightly.
Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and using a cookie cutter of your choice or a sharp knife, cut into shapes and place on to cookie tray.
Repeat process of knead, roll and cut until all dough is used.
Bake for 25 – 30 minutes.
If you like to peek while your cookies are baking, don’t worry too much if they appear spotted with brown ‘bits’, it just the cheese melting on the top of the cookies, as long as the cheese doesn’t burn, it’s good.
Remove the cookies from oven and place them on wire cooling rack to cool.
Yield about 24 – 30 soft treats depending on size.

Storage, Refrigeration and Freezing instructions:
Store in zip lock bags or air tight containers in your refrigerator – allow treats to come to room temperature before feeding.
Home-baked dog treats contain no preservatives, so they can mold or spoil the same as home-baked people cookies/cakes do. Other variables, ingredients/moisture content of the treat and climate conditions will also determine the storage time.
Refrigeration will prolong the life of home-made dog treats.
Freeze for up to 6 months – Always allow treats to thaw completely before feeding.

Feed these Carrot Cheese ‘n Parsley Cookies only as a treat.
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your pet’s diet.
As with any treat, always provide fresh water after feeding.

Be sure to check the recipe for any known foods or ingredients your pet may be allergic to.
If in doubt, check with your Vet.

Tagged: Carrot Cheese n Parsley Cookies, Cooking for your dog, Dog Cookies, Dog Food Recipes, Dog Recipes, Dog Treat Recipes, Dog Treats, Dogs, Golden Retriever