Monthly Archives: May 2013

Today’s Dog Treat Cake Recipe

3m BIRTHDAY CAKE
Did you know?
Today is Miss Matilda Belle’s  ♥ 2nd birthday ♥
Carrots
are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients and are packed full of vitamin B, C, D, E and K along with folic acid and the anti-cancer protecting ingredient – beta carotene. Clinical trials have shown that dogs supplemented with beta carotene have a heightened immune response, which protects them from illness and infection. Carrots also contain potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and silica.
Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants that help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide. Honey also helps when your pup might be sick and have a cough. Honey contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K, plus calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, potassium, manganese, copper, and iodine.
Cinnamon, a great addition to dog treat cookies is also antibacterial, and slows down the spoilage of food. Initial studies have indicated that cinnamon may have anti-cancer and anti-bacterial benefits. Cinnamon is a known to aid indigestion, diarrhea and GAS in your dog and has great anti-inflammatory properties, especially for senior dogs struggling with arthritis. Studies have shown cinnamon improves brain function in dogs too.

Birthday Cake-1
3m BIRTHDAY CAKE

1 cup plain flour
1½ cups carrot, grated
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1 small ripe banana – mashed
3 tbsp. honey
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda, gluten free
1 – 2 tsp. cinnamon
1 pinch sea salt – optional
Frosting:
115 grams (4 ounces) low fat cream cheese
1 tbsp. lactose free milk or yogurt
2 tbsp. peanut butter – organic

Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and spray 20 cm (8 inch) cake pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oil, water, banana, honey, vanilla, eggs and beat well.
Stir in the grated carrot.
Sift the dry ingredients and add to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.
Pour mixture into prepared cake pan.
Bake for 45 – 50 minutes depending on your oven.
Remove from oven and allow to rest in cake pan for 5 minutes.
Remove from cake pan and place on wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Birthday Cake-2

Frosting:
In a small bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave or allow to come to room temperature.
Add milk or yogurt and peanut butter and beat to combine.
Spread over cake and (add candles – optional) serve!

Storage, Refrigeration and Freezing instructions:
Store in air tight cake container in refrigerator.
Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
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 3 months – Always allow 3m BIRTHDAY CAKE to thaw completely before feeding.

half eaten birthday cake

Feed this 3m BIRTHDAY CAKE as a BIRTHDAY TREAT only.
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.

Today’s Dog Treat Cookie Recipe

CRANBERRY CHEESE COOKIES
Did you know?
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. Cranberries also contain nutrients that fight plaque from forming on your dog or cat’s teeth. Cranberry nutrients are best known for preventing recurring urinary tract infections (UTI). The nutrients combat the bacteria from your pet’s digestive tract that can invade their urinary tract and possibly cause infection.
Eggs add high quality protein – essential for body building and enhanced immune system health. Added benefits include essential fatty acids for hormonal, skin, kidney, heart, liver, reproductive, coat and brain health. Eggs also contain vital anti-oxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eye and reduce the effects of ageing, which is accelerated by poor modern diets. Eggs are a good source of Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium and Fatty Acids.

Cranberry Cheese

CRANBERRY CHEESE COOKIES
2½ cups brown rice flour
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup grated lactose free cheese
2 large eggs
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 tbsp. water
Preheat oven to 165° C (325° F) and line two cookie trays with parchment paper.
Place the brown rice flour, cranberries, cheese, eggs and olive oil in a food processor.
Pulse until cranberries are chopped and mixture appears crumbly.
With the processor running, pour 4 tbsp. water down the chute into mixture.
Alternative method: Chop the dried cranberries into small pieces, place brown rice flour, cranberries, cheese, eggs and olive into a large bowl. Using your hands or a heavy spoon, stir to combine the (dry and crumbly) mixture. Add 4 tbsp. water and work to combine.
Working with flours that lack gluten can be tricky; the dough crumbles and pulls apart easily, if you find you just can’t incorporate all of the crumbles in the bottom of your mixing bowl, don’t worry, in the next step, you will be able to bring it all together.
Turn onto floured work surface and using your hands work the crumbly mixture into a smooth dough ball. The dough appears oily but not sticky wet.
Place dough between two pieces of cling wrap or freezer paper and roll (or using your hands, pat out) to ½ inch thickness.
Using a cookie cutter of your choice or a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut out shapes.
Place shapes on cookie tray. Gather dough scraps and repeat process of work, roll (pat), cut and place until all dough is used.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove cookie trays from oven and let cookies rest for 5 minutes on tray.
Place cookies on wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield – approximately 100 small cookies (great for freezing or gift treat bags for your fur kids, fur friends special occassion).

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 CRANBERRY CHEESE 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.

Today’s Dog Treat Recipe

BEEFO’S
Did you know?
Parsley
acts like an antioxidant in that it eliminates toxins and maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels. It is very beneficial for the liver, digestive system, to re-boot the immune system, reduce stress levels in the endocrine system and will benefit every area of digestion. It has diuretic qualities and is an antispasmodic, aiding in protecting the bladder from the accumulation of bladder stones. Parsley is also a carminative, helping to reduce as well as release cramp-producing gasses.
It can aid in the expelling of tapeworms and other parasites.
Olive Oil is very effective at arming the body’s immune system so it can efficiently fight off disease. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, prevents and lessens the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is rich in polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, contains high levels of antioxidants, oleic acid, in addition to some compounds (squalene and terpenoids) that are believed to be effective in preventing cancer, which kills a staggering 50 percent of dogs over age 10.
Garlic – When it comes to garlic, most dog owners are divided on their opinion.
Even though Garlic is related to Onion and contains thiosulphate (which can cause hemolytic anemia, liver damage and even death) it is Onions which have MUCH higher concentration levels of thiosulphate. Garlic it should be noted, contains very small, barely traceable thiosulphate levels, which are not stored in the body and do not build up.  A dog would have to consume a HUGE quantity for any negative effects. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, boosts the immune system, makes dogs less desirable to fleas and is antiparasitic. Fresh, raw organic garlic is always best, but Kyolic Aged Liquid Garlic is also good. Powdered garlic lacks medicinal qualities, but does tempt taste buds.
See * Note

Beefo's
BEEFO’S
500 grams (1 pound) beef stew meat – chuck, round or blade steak.
1 tbsp. Parsley
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 small clove Garlic, crushed/pressed (optional)
Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
Cut beef into 3/4 – 1 inch cubes (no smaller as the pieces shrink while cooking) and place in medium size bowl.
Add parsley and olive oil (and optional garlic) and using your hands or a heavy spoon, mix thoroughly until all the meat is well covered with the oil mixture.
Place meat cubes on to the lined baking tray.
Bake for 1 to 1½ hours (bigger pieces take longer time in the oven plus, ovens vary).
Remove from oven and stir in baking tray.
Reduce heat to 100° C (200° F) and return to oven for another hour to 1 to 1½ hours.
Remove the BEEFO’S from oven and place them on a kitchen paper lined wire cooling rack to cool.
When done, BEEFO’S should be small, dry, crunchy, drooling morsels, perfect for training treats and rewards.

Storage, Refrigeration and Freezing instructions:
Store
in zip lock bags or air tight containers in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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 2 months – Always allow treats to thaw completely before feeding.

Feed these BEEFO’S 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.

*Note:  (I may post the occasional Treat/Cookie recipe listing garlic in the ingredients – it will always be an OPTIONAL INGREDIENT – and therefore your choice to include or not.
I have checked with the 3m’s Vet regarding the inclusion of Garlic in their diet).

Today’s Dog Treat Cookie Recipe

CINNAMON and CARROT CRACKERS
Did you know?
Cinnamon,
a great addition to dog treat cookies is also antibacterial, and slows down the spoilage of food. Initial studies have indicated that cinnamon may have anti-cancer and anti-bacterial benefits. Cinnamon is a known to aid indigestion, diarrhea and GAS in your dog and has great anti-inflammatory properties, especially for senior dogs struggling with arthritis. Studies have shown cinnamon improves brain function in dogs too. If you’re working with your dog on learning new tricks, definitely offer him or her a sniff of cinnamon before you begin your training session!
Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients and are packed full of vitamin B, C, D, E and K along with folic acid and the anti-cancer protecting ingredient – beta carotene. Clinical trials have shown that dogs supplemented with beta carotene have a heightened immune response, which protects them from illness and infection. Carrots also contain potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and silica. Carrots can be fed raw, cooked or pureed and are always a great addition to healthy treat recipes.
Rye Flour is lower in gluten than whole-wheat flour and contains high levels of proteins and fiber. It contains good amounts of iron, calcium and zinc and a whole slew of B vitamins. There’s also vitamin E a plenty. It’s also effective in lowering cholesterol levels, optimizing health of the heart and controlling blood pressure (US studies have showed between 0.5 percent and 10 percent of dogs suffer from high blood pressure – ages ranged from 2 to 14 years old).

Cinnamon and Carrot

CINNAMON and CARROT CRACKERS
4 cups rye flour
½ cup oat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 – 2 tablespoons water (extra if needed)
In a large bowl, combine flours and cinnamon.
In a food processor or blender combine carrot, 1/2 cup water, oil, honey, egg, and vanilla and process until smooth.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix to combine. Knead and press the dough with your hands, if it’s still really dry and crumbly, add a little of the extra water.
Continue to work the dough (and add water) until you can bring it together.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape and form into a ball.
Cut into 4 portions, it makes it easier to work with.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let dough balls rest for about an hour (bench top is fine).
Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line two cookie trays with parchment paper.
Roll out a dough portion to 1/8 inch thickness and using a pastry cutter, a sharp knife or a round cookie cutter, cut into bite size pieces (small, medium or large).
Transfer the crackers to cookie trays and poke holes with fork tines in each cracker.
Repeat the process of roll, cut, transfer and poke holes with the other dough balls.
Gather up the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove trays from the oven; reduce the oven temperature to 150° C (300° F) and allow crackers to sit and rest for 5 – 10 minutes, on the trays.
Return the cooled trays to oven and bake for a further 20 minutes.
Remove trays from oven and transfer crackers to wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield – approximately 84 x 1 inch square crackers and 36 round 1½ inch crackers.

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 CINNAMON and CARROT CRACKERS 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.

Today’s Dog Treat Cookie Recipe

BUCKWHEAT BEET BITES
Did you know?
Buckwheat Flour
is gluten free and is a great alternative for pets that are allergic to wheat. Buckwheat is one of the best sources of high quality, easily absorbed, protein in the plant kingdom. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals and contains eight essential amino acids including arginine, lysine, glycine, methionine and tryptophan, as well as rutin, a citrus flavonoid. This flavonoid promotes cardiovascular health.
Red Beetroot (Beets) are among the best foods you can add to your dog’s diet to provide valuable nutrients, natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Beets contain high concentrations of natural source betaine (a strong antioxidant believed to be effective in the prevention of heart and liver disease), Vitamin B & C, folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Beets help support allergy control, healthy weight, energy levels, inflammation relief, antioxidant levels and immune system.

Buckwheat Beet Bites

BUCKWHEAT BEET BITES
3 cups buckwheat flour
1 cup applesauce – unsweetened
1/2 cup beet puree (roughly 1 medium size cooked beet)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tbsp. maple syrup
2 teaspoons baking powder – aluminum and gluten free
Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line two cookie trays with parchment paper.
In a large bowl whisk together the applesauce, beet puree, oil and maple syrup.
In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
Slowly pour the flour into the wet ingredients and mix well to combine.
Once combined, wrap the mixture in plastic/cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Working with flours that lack gluten can be tricky; placing the dough in the refrigerator often helps.
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead gently for a minute or two.
Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and using a cooking cutter or a sharp knife, cut out cookies.
Place on lined cookie trays and bake for 15 – 18 minutes (depending on your oven).
Remove cookies from the oven and place on wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield 15 x 2 inch heart shaped cookies and 52 x 1 inch 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 BUCKWHEAT BEET BITES 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.

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