VERY BERRY DOGGY GRANOLA BARS
Did you know?
Coconut contains No Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and also contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties.
Cranberries contain a unique array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients and research is continuing into what appears to be excellent anti-cancer properties. They are well known in protecting against Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) in your pet.
Cherries provide beneficial properties for a range of inflammatory-related conditions in your pet. A recent study by University of Michigan researchers revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 per cent.
Pumpkin seeds are known to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis without the side effects of using anti-inflammatory drugs. They are also a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites.
Sunflower seeds are incredibly rich sources of many essential minerals. Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper. Many of these minerals have a vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, as well as regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities.
Sesame seeds contain two unique substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans, and have been shown to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.
Maple syrup is an antioxidant powerhouse. Researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that maple syrup is filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help prevent several chronic and inflammatory diseases like diabetes and cancer. It settles digestion issues and helps with muscle recovery as it is an excellent source of manganese, which helps repair muscle and cell damage; it also keeps bones strong and blood sugar levels normal.

VERY BERRY DOGGY GRANOLA BARS – Wheat and gluten-free
2½ cups old-fashioned rolled Oats – gluten free
1 cup unsweetened flaked Coconut
½ cup unsweetened dried Cranberries, chopped
½ cup unsweetened dried Cherries, chopped (you can use blueberries)
½ cup Pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp. Sunflower seeds
2 tbsp. Sesame seeds
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
¼ cup unsweetened Applesauce
1 – 2 ripe Bananas, mashed (depending on size)
½ cup unsalted natural crunchy Peanut Butter – organic
2 tbsp. Maple Syrup – organic
Preheat the oven to 180° C (350º F.) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Place the oats, coconut, cranberries, cherries (or blueberries), seeds and cinnamon in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
Combine the peanut butter, banana, applesauce and maple syrup in a bowl and stir with a fork until the mixture is creamy.
Add the peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture and either mix together, you may need to use your hands, until the mixture appears to be thoroughly combined, OR mix with your stand mixer, on a medium speed using a paddle attachment until everything is combined. The mixture is sticky and doesn’t look as if it has come together, that’s OK, in the next step it happens.
Press the sticky mixture into the parchment-lined jelly-roll pan.
Bake 15 minutes, depending on your oven, or until it is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the jelly roll pan.
When cooled, use a knife to cut it into small bars or break into bits.

Storage, Refrigeration and Freezing instructions:
Store in zip lock bags or air tight containers in your refrigerator.
Allow 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 VERY BERRY DOGGY GRANOLA BARS 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: Cooking for your dog, Dog Cookies, Dog Food Recipes, Dog Recipes, Dog Treat Recipes, Dog Treats, Dogs, Golden Retriever, Very Berry Doggy Granola Treats