PEANUT BUTTER AND CRANBERRY TREATS
Did you know:
Peanuts are a type of legume or bean, which is why they are so rich in protein.
In addition to protein, peanuts contain vitamin H or biotin, and vitamin E. Vitamin H improves the sheen in a dog’s coat, strengthens the nails and is good for the skin. Vitamin E is an immune system enhancer. Peanuts also provide your K9 companion with many other vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy, including fiber, niacin, folate and magnesium. Choosing organic, salt and sugar free peanut butter will give your pet the maximum taste and nutritional benefit possible.
You can make your own peanut butter fresh with organic and unsalted raw or roasted peanuts. Simply put the shelled peanuts in your food processor with a small drizzle of peanut oil and process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy — the more oil, the creamier the consistency.
Cranberries are rich in vitamins including A, B1, B2, C, and many nutrients. They are full of minerals and polyphenol antioxidants, which can benefit the cardiovascular system, immune system and even act as an anti-cancer agent in your dog or cat.

PEANUT BUTTER AND CRANBERRY TREATS
2 cups all-purpose flour – gluten free
1/2 cup oats – gluten free
1/2 cup cornmeal – gluten free
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs – lightly beaten
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
Preheat the oven to 200° C (400º F) and line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl combine the water, oil, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla and set aside.
In another bowl mix together the flour, oats, cornmeal and cranberries.
Make a well in the center of the flour/cranberries and add the peanut butter mixture.
Mix thoroughly, you will probably need to use your hands. Form into a dough ball.
Place the dough ball on a floured surface and pinch off small pieces of dough and form into small to walnut size balls (depends on your pet’s size and their treat size preference – you can make them as small or as large as you like). Place the balls onto cookie trays and press down lightly and flatten with your fingers or fork tines. (The treats don’t spread, so you can place them close).
Bake for 20 minutes.
If you are making smaller sized treats, you need to reduce the baking time, they will cook quicker given the smaller size. Bake smaller sized treats for 15 – 17 minutes depending on your oven.
Remove cookies from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes on the cookie tray.
Remove cookies and place on wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield is about 36 one inch round cookies.

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 PEANUT BUTTER AND CRANBERRY TREATS 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, Peanut Butter and Cranberry Treats