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
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.