Archie Squares (pet food)

Archie Squares Recipe - Homemade Pet Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25-30 minutes | Servings: 36

Introduction

Archie Squares are a delightful and nutritious treat designed specifically for our furry friends. This recipe combines whole wheat flour, powdered dry milk, and a hint of garlic powder, sweetened slightly with honey and enriched with bacon drippings for a taste that dogs adore. Perfect for training rewards or just a special snack, these homemade dog treats are easy to make and much healthier than many store-bought options.

History

The recipe for Archie Squares was inspired by a growing demand for healthier, homemade pet treats. As pet owners became more aware of the questionable ingredients in commercial dog treats, many sought alternatives that were not only safe but also beneficial to their pet's health. This recipe was developed with that in mind, using whole ingredients and avoiding additives and preservatives found in many commercial options.

Ingredients

2.5 cups whole wheat flour
0.5 cup powdered dry milk
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp brown sugar or honey
6 tbsp meat or bacon drippings, cold right from refrigerator, not melted or soft!
1 egg, slightly beaten
0.5 cup ice water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly oil a cookie sheet.
Combine flour, dry milk, garlic powder, and sugar.
Cut in meat drippings until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
Mix in the egg.
Add enough water so that the mixture forms a ball.
Using your fingers, pat out the dough onto the cookie sheet to a thickness of 0.5".
Cut the dough into squares appropriate for your dog's size.
Prick each cookie with a fork.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove from the tray and cool on a rack.
Store in an airtight container.

Holistic Pets Med Community

Visit Pets Holistic Med Community.
Pets Holistic Med is a community based on Holistic Pet Care Issues.
Membership to the site is free.
Also, feel free to participate in the Pet Holistic Forums, check out our free articles, web resources, and our eBook.
Dr. Mayra Alfonso has published a Holistic Pet Care Guide exclusively available on this site.
This manual is a must-have for pet owners.
Be sure you know the facts about your pet's healthcare options before damaging your pet's health and well-being with dangerous and risky treatments!

Variations

For dogs with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a grain-free alternative like coconut flour and use coconut oil instead of bacon drippings.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, keep the bacon drippings cold until they're cut into the flour mixture; this helps create a crumbly texture. Also, be sure to roll the dough to an even thickness to promote uniform baking. Pricking the dough with a fork before baking helps prevent the squares from puffing up too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Archie Squares as a reward during training sessions or as a special treat. Remember, treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily food intake.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is "cutting in" the cold bacon drippings into the flour mixture, which ensures the treats have a desirable texture. Baking at a moderate temperature allows them to dry out without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

For dogs sensitive to wheat or dairy, substitute the whole wheat flour with oat flour and the powdered milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk powder.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Archie Squares can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking, allowing you to prepare fresh treats on demand.

Presentation Ideas

For a special touch, use cookie cutters in fun shapes like bones or hearts instead of cutting the dough into squares.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these treats with a side of fresh, clean water and, for a balanced diet, a high-quality commercial dog food or a vet-approved homemade meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cooled Archie Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. No reheating is necessary, but they can be warmed in a low oven if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each Archie Square contains approximately 60 calories. Given as a treat, they should not constitute more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Archie Squares contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. The whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates, which are an excellent source of energy for dogs.

Fats

The bacon drippings contribute to the fat content in these treats, with each serving containing about 5 grams of fat. While fat is an essential part of a dog's diet, offering energy and supporting cell function, it's important to feed these treats in moderation.

Proteins

Archie Squares offer a moderate protein content, with about 4 grams per serving. Protein is crucial for a dog's muscle development and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanks to the whole wheat flour and powdered dry milk, these treats are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium for strong bones and teeth, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy, which can be allergens for some dogs. If your dog has a known allergy or sensitivity, consider alternative ingredients.

Summary

Archie Squares are a balanced treat when fed in moderation, providing energy, protein, and essential nutrients while keeping calorie and fat intake in check.

Summary

Archie Squares are a wholesome, delicious treat option for dogs, made with simple, nutritious ingredients. They're easy to make and can be customized to suit any dietary needs, making them a perfect homemade alternative to commercial dog treats.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Archie Squares. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmer's market in search of some fresh ingredients for my next batch of homemade pet treats. As I perused the stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, a kind elderly woman approached me with a twinkle in her eye.

"Hello, dearie," she said with a smile. "I couldn't help but notice you're looking for some ingredients for your furry friends. I have a special recipe that my beloved dog Archie absolutely adores. Would you like to give it a try?"

Intrigued, I eagerly accepted her offer and followed her to a small cafe nearby. She handed me a worn piece of paper with the recipe for Archie Squares written in neat cursive handwriting. The ingredients were simple - oats, peanut butter, honey, and a touch of cinnamon. As she explained the steps to me, I could see the love and care she poured into each batch of treats she made for her furry companion.

The kind woman told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She shared stories of Archie's antics and how he would eagerly devour these homemade treats with wagging tail and bright eyes. I could sense the bond they shared and the joy it brought her to see him happy and healthy.

I thanked the woman for sharing the recipe with me and promised to give it a try for my own pets. As I left the cafe, I couldn't wait to get home and start baking. I gathered the ingredients and carefully followed the instructions, mixing the oats, peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon into a sticky dough. The sweet aroma filled my kitchen as the treats baked to golden perfection.

When they were done, I carefully cut the squares and set them out to cool. My pets, a playful dog named Max and a curious cat named Whiskers, eagerly sniffed the air as the scent of freshly baked treats wafted towards them. I offered them each a square, and their eyes lit up with delight as they devoured the homemade goodies with gusto.

From that day on, Archie Squares became a staple in my household. I would often make a big batch and share them with friends and family who had furry companions of their own. The recipe was a hit with all the pets who tried it, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was providing them with wholesome and delicious treats made with love.

As the years passed, I continued to make Archie Squares for my beloved pets, cherishing the memories of that fateful day at the farmer's market when I learned the recipe from a kind stranger. I would often think of the elderly woman and her dear Archie, grateful for the gift of this special recipe that brought joy to so many furry friends.

Now, as I look back on those days with fondness, I realize that the true magic of the Archie Squares recipe lies not just in its delicious taste, but in the memories and stories that accompany it. It is a reminder of the bond we share with our pets and the simple joys that come from making something homemade with care and love.

And so, I continue to make Archie Squares for my pets, passing down the recipe to future generations in the hopes that they too will experience the joy and connection that comes from sharing a simple homemade treat with their furry companions. For in the end, it is these small moments of love and kindness that truly make life special.