Make Your Own Pet Treats
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Making your own pet treats isn't as hard as you might think, and because you have control over the ingredients you use, they can be quite healthy for your favorite pet, too. Most pet treats only use a few ingredients, and some don't even need to be baked or cooked. In fact, many of these treats are so easy to make, the kids may be happy to join in and help. So, try these recipes and see your pets come beg for more!
Bacon Pet Biscuits
- 3/4 cup bacon grease - divided
- 5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet with 1 Tbsp. bacon grease or vegetable oil. Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Roll dough into 1/2-inch to 2-inch balls and place them 1-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, until they are golden brown. Allow to cool and dry on wire racks. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Barking Barley Brownies
- 1 1/4 lbs. beef or chicken liver, raw
- 2 cups wheat germ
- 2 Tbsp. whole wheat flour
- 1 cup barley, cooked
- 2 eggs
- 3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Liquify liver and garlic clove in blender container. When smooth add eggs and peanut butter, and continue blending until smooth. In separate mixing bowl, combine wheat germ, flour, and barley. Add processed liver mixture, olive oil, and salt, mix well. Spread mixture in greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. When cool, cut into small squares or bite-sized pieces. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Chicken Kittie Crunchies
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups rye flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 1 tsp. dried kelp or alfalfa
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat chicken or beef broth
- 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. brewer's yeast
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the first six dry ingredients. Slowly add oil, broth, and chicken, mix well. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thick, then place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool, then break into bite-sized pieces. Place pieces in a bag with the brewer's yeast and shake to coat them. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes 2 to 3 dozen pieces.
Bird Gorp
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 4 1/2 cups cornmeal
- Raisins or hulled sunflower seeds
Mix first four ingredients well. Add some raisins or sunflower seeds and pack the mixture into a suet holder or onto a pine cone, and hang in your garden for the birds to enjoy.
Yummy Horse Biscuits
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 celery stalk, grated
- 3 Tbsp. molasses
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, oats, and mix. Add vegetables, and stir well. Add water if necessary. Add molasses and mix with hands to combine. Roll into small round balls then flatten with a fork on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Place on a rack to cool. When the biscuits are hard, feed to your horse.
For More Information:
You can buy Pet Cookbooks and more from the Preferred Consumer Store:
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