HAM AND CHEESE ON RYE
Did you know?
Ham, a small amount, WITHOUT the FAT trimmings or seasoning, can be eaten by dogs, but only in extreme moderation. During the Holidays, Vets see many pets who have chewed/splintered/swallowed/eaten that left over COOKED HAM BONE, with all the FAT/gristle still attached. It’s not so much the small amount of ham, but the FAT and COOKED BONE, that does most of the damage.  A small amount of Low Sodium, Gourmet Lite Ham, if fed in moderation, does NOT appear to cause any of those FAT associated problems; indigestion, upset stomach/diarrhea, even pancreatitis (inflammation of the Pancreas). Again, it’s feed in moderation + see Note.
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 dog doesn’t have any digestive upset, you can use it.
Rye Flour is wheat free, but not gluten free. It is however, 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).

Dill Pickles and Potato Chips are decoration only 🙂

HAM AND CHEESE ON RYE
2 cups Rye Flour
1/4 cup Ham – chopped (Gourmet Lite – less sodium) – See Note
1/3 cup cheese, grated (lactose free – low fat)
2 eggs – lightly beaten
1 clove garlic, crushed – always optional
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
Note: If you’re not comfortable with using ham in this treat recipe, then please, leave it out – your fur kids won’t mind.
Suggestions: Add cooked Chicken, Turkey or Beef as substitute.
Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F) and line a cookie try with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk water and eggs together and set aside.
In a food processor, add to the bowl, the oil, cheese, ham, garlic and flour.
Pulse for a few seconds then scrape the side of the bowl, and pulse again.
With the machine running, add the egg mixture until the dough forms a ball.
Turn out on to a rye floured work-surface and knead for around a minute.
Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters, a sharp knife or a pastry cutter.
Place on a baking sheet and bake 20 – 25 minutes (depending on your oven, they vary).
Remove tray from the oven and flip each biscuit over.
Bake for an additional 20 – 25 minutes (again, depending on your oven).
Remove from oven and allow to rest on cookie tray for 5 – 10 minutes.
The cookies may still be slightly soft to touch, they will harden a little, as they cool.
Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield: about 42 cookies depending on the cutter size

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 HAM AND CHEESE ON RYE 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, Ham and Cheese on Rye