APPLE OATS AND COCONUT COOKIES
Did you know?
Apples in addition to being tasty treats, provide nutritional benefits to your dog. They offer vitamin C and dietary fiber, and they are low in sodium and saturated fat. They contain calcium and phosphorus, and they also add to a dog’s skin and coat health by adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your dog’s diet. Dogs with sensitive digestion are said to tolerate apples well.
Oats are a great natural source of iron, manganese, zinc and B vitamins as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Oats are high in protein, and are equal to meat, milk and egg protein. Many Vets feel that the protein in oats is very hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction) and therefore an ideal nutrient to be included in a diet formulated for pets suspected of having a food sensitivities or allergies. The soothing properties can help a pet with some digestive issues. Oats also contain almost a complete list of the essential amino acids.
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut helps reduce allergic reactions, improves digestion and nutrient absorption, cholesterol levels, aids in the elimination of hairballs (cats) and coughing, and reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs. Coconut also helps to reduce heart disease and control diabetes as well as helping to protect against kidney disease and bladder infection.
APPLE OATS AND COCONUT COOKIES
1¼ cups Oat Flour – see handy tip
1 cup Rolled Oats
1 cup desiccated Coconut
1 tbsp. Honey
1 cup Applesauce
2 tbsp. Water
Handy Tip: Oat Flour can be made by grinding rolled oats in a food processor, blender or vita mixer until oats are the consistency of flour.
Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line two cookie trays with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, add all ingredients, mixing well to combine.
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of cookie mixture, roll into small balls and place on cookie tray about one inch apart.
Press down with fork tines to flatten.
Bake for 18 minutes, remove from oven, flip cookies and return to oven for another 7 minutes. (as ovens vary, always check towards the end of suggested cooking time and adjust time if necessary).
Remove cookie tray from oven and allow cookies to rest on tray for 5 – 10 minutes.
Place cookies on wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield: approximately 21 x 1 and 1/2 inch cookies, softer in texture.
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 APPLE OATS AND COCONUT 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.