Basic Dog Treats (pet food)

Basic Dog Treats Recipe - Made with Unbleached Flour, Whole Wheat Flour, Cornmeal, Milk, Dry Yeast, and Chicken from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 60 medium-sized biscuits

Introduction

Making homemade dog treats is a rewarding experience that allows pet owners to control the ingredients that go into their furry friend's snacks. This Basic Dog Treats recipe is designed to be simple yet delicious, using ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and will surely make your dog wag its tail in delight.

History

The tradition of making homemade dog treats dates back several decades when pet owners sought to provide healthier, preservative-free options for their pets. This Basic Dog Treats recipe is inspired by the early practices of using simple, wholesome ingredients to create nutritious snacks for dogs. Over time, the recipe has been refined to enhance flavor and nutritional value, making it a favorite among pet owners today.

Ingredients

Mix together
3.5 cups of unbleached flour
2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of cornmeal
0.5 cup of skim milk powder
1 tbsp (or 1 package) of dry yeast
3.5 cups of lukewarm chicken or meat broth

How to prepare

Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm chicken or meat broth. It is recommended to use a rich broth for better taste. Allow the yeast broth mixture to sit for 10 minutes. Then, stir in the mixture of flour. Roll out the resulting dough to a thickness of 0.25 inches. Cut out dog biscuit shapes from the dough. Brush the biscuits with an egg wash. Bake them on greased cookie sheets at 300°F for 45 minutes. After that, turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside overnight to finish hardening. This recipe yields 60 medium-sized biscuits.

Variations

For added flavor and nutritional benefits, consider incorporating pureed pumpkin, grated carrots, or finely chopped parsley into the dough. These ingredients can enhance the taste and provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, always use lukewarm broth to dissolve the yeast, as hot liquids can kill the yeast, affecting the dough's rise. Rolling the dough to a consistent thickness of 0.25 inches will ensure even baking. Additionally, using a variety of cookie cutter shapes can make the treats more appealing and fun for your pet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these treats as a reward during training sessions or as a special snack between meals. Remember to adjust your dog's main meal portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the treats at a low temperature and allowing them to harden in the turned-off oven overnight is crucial for achieving the right texture. This technique ensures the treats are crunchy and have a longer shelf life.

Ingredient Substitutions

For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, substitute whole wheat flour with rice flour or oat flour, and use a dairy-free milk powder alternative. These substitutions can help make the treats suitable for all dogs.

Make Ahead Tips

These dog treats can be made in large batches and stored for future use. Following the proper storage instructions will ensure they remain fresh and tasty for your pet.

Presentation Ideas

Present these treats in a decorative jar or a personalized treat bag to make them even more special for your dog. Adding a ribbon or a custom label can turn these treats into a thoughtful gift for fellow pet owners.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these treats with a bowl of fresh water to help your dog stay hydrated. For a special occasion, serve alongside a small portion of wet dog food or a homemade dog-friendly cake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the treats and thaw them at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but if desired, briefly warm the treats in the oven to refresh them.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content per treat will depend on the size of the biscuits. On average, each medium-sized biscuit contains approximately 40-50 calories. It's important to consider these treats as part of your dog's daily calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains whole wheat flour and cornmeal, which are sources of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide energy for your dog, supporting their daily activities and overall health. The total carbohydrate content will vary depending on the size of the treats but is an essential component of a balanced diet for dogs.

Fats

The skim milk powder in this recipe contributes a minimal amount of fat, making these treats a low-fat option for dogs. The low-fat content is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and supporting cardiovascular health.

Proteins

Whole wheat flour and skim milk powder are sources of protein in this recipe. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues and supporting overall health in dogs. These treats can complement your dog's diet by providing an additional protein source.

Vitamins and minerals

Whole wheat flour and cornmeal are good sources of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients play vital roles in energy metabolism, oxygen transport, and bone health, contributing to your dog's well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and milk, which are potential allergens for some dogs. If your dog has a known allergy or sensitivity to these ingredients, consider alternative flours or milk powders that are suitable for your pet.

Summary

Overall, these Basic Dog Treats are a balanced snack option for dogs, providing carbohydrates for energy, proteins for tissue health, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat and calories, making them a healthy treat choice.

Summary

This Basic Dog Treats recipe offers a simple, nutritious way to pamper your pet with homemade snacks. By following the recipe and tips provided, you can create delicious treats that support your dog's health and happiness. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or explore variations, your dog is sure to enjoy these homemade delights.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Basic Dog Treats. It was a sunny afternoon in the spring of 1980, and I had just finished attending a local pet expo in town. I had always been a lover of animals, so it was no surprise that I found myself wandering through the aisles of the expo, admiring all the different products and treats for our furry friends.

As I made my way through the crowd, I stumbled upon a booth that was filled with homemade dog treats. The smell of freshly baked goodies wafted through the air, and I couldn't help but be drawn in by the delicious aroma. I struck up a conversation with the elderly woman behind the booth, who introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins.

Mrs. Jenkins had been making homemade dog treats for over 30 years and had quite the following in our small town. She shared with me her passion for cooking for pets and how she had learned the art of pet-friendly recipes from her own grandmother. As we chatted, she handed me a sample of her Basic Dog Treats, and I was blown away by how simple yet delicious they were.

The recipe was a combination of just a few basic ingredients – flour, eggs, peanut butter, and a splash of milk. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the treats were not only tasty but also packed with nutrients that were beneficial for dogs. She shared with me the importance of using quality ingredients and avoiding any harmful additives or preservatives in pet food.

I was so inspired by Mrs. Jenkins and her homemade dog treats that I begged her to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe and told me to spread the love by making them for my own furry friends. I thanked her profusely and promised to do just that.

Once I got home, I wasted no time in whipping up a batch of Basic Dog Treats for my beloved pup, Fido. As I mixed together the ingredients and rolled out the dough, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and fulfillment. The aroma of freshly baked treats filled my kitchen, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

When the treats were finally done baking, I eagerly offered one to Fido, who gobbled it up in seconds. His tail wagged furiously as he begged for more, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of his pure delight. From that moment on, I knew that I had found a new passion in cooking for my furry friends.

Over the years, I have continued to make Mrs. Jenkins' Basic Dog Treats for Fido and all the other dogs in my life. I have experimented with different variations, adding in ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and even bacon to create new and exciting flavors. Each time I bake a batch of treats, I am reminded of the day I met Mrs. Jenkins and how her passion for cooking for pets inspired me to do the same.

I have shared the recipe for Basic Dog Treats with friends and family, and it has become a staple in many households in our community. I take pride in knowing that I am providing wholesome and nutritious treats for our furry friends, just like Mrs. Jenkins taught me all those years ago.

So here I am, decades later, still making homemade dog treats and spreading the love one batch at a time. I may have learned the recipe from Mrs. Jenkins, but the joy and satisfaction I get from cooking for pets is all my own. And I know that wherever she may be, Mrs. Jenkins is smiling down on me, proud of the legacy she has left behind.