Bone a Fidos (pet food)

Bone a Fidos Recipe - Pet Food with Dry Yeast and Beef

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45-60 minutes | Servings: 60

Introduction

Bone a Fidos is a delightful and nutritious homemade dog treat recipe that combines wholesome ingredients to create a crunchy snack your furry friend will love. This recipe is designed with your dog's health and taste preferences in mind, ensuring a treat that's not only enjoyable but also beneficial. Whether you're a seasoned dog treat baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to show your pet some extra love.

History

The tradition of baking homemade treats for dogs dates back centuries, evolving from simple meat-based snacks to more complex recipes incorporating various grains and vegetables. Bone a Fidos is inspired by this rich history, blending traditional ingredients with modern nutritional knowledge to create a balanced and tasty treat. This recipe is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions, celebrating the joy of cooking for our beloved pets.

Ingredients

2.25 tsp dry yeast (or 1 packed tablespoon compressed fresh yeast)
0.25 cup warm water
pinch of sugar
3.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cup cracked wheat or 1 cup cornmeal
1 cup rye flour
0.5 cup non-fat dry milk (lightly spooned into the cup)
4 tsp kelp powder
4 cup beef or chicken broth

Glaze

1 large egg
2 tbsp milk

How to prepare

Equipment: cookie sheets lined with parchment or aluminum foil; rolling pin; 3-3.5" bone cutter or 2.5" round cookie cutter.
Place 2 oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Sprinkle the dry yeast or crumble the compressed yeast over the water (110°F if using dry yeast, 100°F (38°C) if using compressed yeast).
Add a pinch of sugar and allow the yeast to sit in a draft-free spot for 10-20 minutes.
The mixture should be full of bubbles.
If not, the yeast is too old to be useful.
In a large bowl, place all the dry ingredients and stir to blend them.
Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of the broth.
Using your hands, mix in the bowl to form the dough, adding more broth if needed to make the dough smooth and supple.
Knead each half of the dough briefly on a lightly floured counter.
Keep the second batch of dough covered with a moist towel while shaping and cutting the first batch.
Roll out the dough into an 18 x 13 x 0.25" rectangle.
Cut it into desired shapes using a 3-3.5 inches bone cutter or a 2.5 inches round cookie cutter.
Reroll the scraps.
Repeat the procedure with the remaining dough.
For an attractive shine, lightly beat together the egg and milk.
Brush the glaze on the cookies.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until brown and firm.
For even baking, rotate the cookie sheets from top to bottom three quarters of the way through the baking period.
Use a small, angled metal spatula or pancake turner to transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
The dough must be used immediately.
The baked cookies will keep for many months.
Allow the cookie sheets to cool completely between batches.

Variations

For dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences, consider substituting chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth. You can also experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables or herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results, always use fresh ingredients, particularly the yeast, to guarantee proper rising. When mixing the dough, add the chicken broth gradually to achieve the right consistency without making the dough too wet. For a uniform bake, roll the dough to an even thickness and rotate the cookie sheets as directed. Lastly, the glaze not only adds an attractive shine but also an extra layer of flavor, so don't skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bone a Fidos as a reward during training sessions or as a special treat. Remember to adjust your dog's daily food intake to account for the treats to maintain a balanced diet.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, providing a dry heat that helps achieve a crunchy texture. Proper kneading and rolling of the dough are crucial for the texture and consistency of the treats.

Ingredient Substitutions

If your dog is sensitive to gluten, you can substitute the flours with gluten-free alternatives like oat flour or rice flour. For a dairy-free version, omit the non-fat dry milk or replace it with a dairy-free milk powder.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Bone a Fidos can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows for flexibility in preparation and ensures fresh treats for your dog.

Presentation Ideas

For a festive touch, use cookie cutters in shapes that match the season or your dog's interests. Package the cooled treats in decorative bags or containers for a thoughtful homemade gift to fellow dog owners.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bone a Fidos with a bowl of fresh water or a homemade dog-friendly smoothie for a hydrating and satisfying snack time.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. There's no need to reheat, but if the treats lose their crunch, you can briefly bake them in a preheated oven to restore their texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each Bone a Fido treat contains a moderate amount of calories, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes as a part of a balanced diet. The exact calorie content can vary depending on the size of the treats you cut, so it's important to adjust the serving size based on your dog's specific dietary needs.

Carbohydrates

This recipe provides a good balance of carbohydrates, primarily from all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and rye flour. These ingredients offer a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy for your dog. Carbohydrates are essential for fueling your pet's daily activities and supporting overall health.

Fats

The Bone a Fidos recipe is low in fats, making it a healthy option for dogs needing to manage their weight. The minimal fat content comes from the natural ingredients used, ensuring that your dog gets the necessary fats without the risk of excessive intake. Healthy fats are crucial for maintaining your dog's skin and coat health, as well as supporting cognitive function.

Proteins

Proteins are well-represented in this recipe through the chicken broth and the small amount of non-fat dry milk. These ingredients contribute to the overall protein content, supporting muscle development and repair. Protein is an essential component of a dog's diet, playing a critical role in almost every bodily function.

Vitamins and minerals

Kelp powder is a standout ingredient in this recipe, offering a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which supports thyroid health. The various flours used also contribute essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, which are vital for energy metabolism. Together, these ingredients ensure a treat that's not just tasty but also nutritionally beneficial for your dog.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as soy, nuts, and eggs (except for the optional glaze). However, it does contain gluten and dairy (from the non-fat dry milk), which some dogs may be sensitive to. Always monitor your pet for any adverse reactions when trying new treats.

Summary

Overall, Bone a Fidos are a nutritious and balanced treat option for dogs, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in fats and calories, making them a healthy choice for pets. Be mindful of potential allergens and adjust the recipe as needed to suit your dog's dietary requirements.

Summary

Bone a Fidos are a wholesome, homemade treat that offers a nutritious and delicious way to pamper your pet. With a balance of essential nutrients and the option for customization, this recipe is a great addition to your dog's diet. Enjoy the process of baking for your furry friend and the joy it brings to both of you.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all I could about cooking and caring for animals. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook herself, had always been my inspiration and mentor in the kitchen. She had a special knack for creating delicious dishes not only for humans, but for our beloved pets as well.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her prepare a meal for our dog Fido, she pulled out a recipe card that caught my eye. It was titled "Bone a Fidos" and it promised to be a delightful treat for our furry friend. Curious and intrigued, I asked her where she had learned this recipe from. With a twinkle in her eye, she told me a story that has stayed with me ever since.

She explained that many years ago, she had met an elderly woman at the local farmers market who had shared the recipe with her. This woman had spent her whole life rescuing and caring for animals, and she firmly believed that homemade meals made with love were the best way to show our pets how much we cared for them. The recipe for Bone a Fidos was one of her favorites, and she had passed it down to my grandmother with the hopes that it would bring joy and nourishment to many furry friends.

As my grandmother began to gather the ingredients for the recipe, I watched intently, eager to learn all I could. The main ingredients were simple and wholesome – lean ground beef, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish. She explained that these ingredients were not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that would keep Fido healthy and happy.

The first step in making Bone a Fidos was to brown the ground beef in a large skillet until it was cooked through. The smell of sizzling meat filled the kitchen, making my mouth water with anticipation. Next, she added the cooked brown rice, diced sweet potatoes, and carrots to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all the flavors.

As the mixture simmered on the stove, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma, my grandmother shared with me the importance of cooking for our pets. She explained that many commercial pet foods contained unhealthy fillers and additives that could harm our furry friends in the long run. By making meals from scratch using fresh, wholesome ingredients, we could ensure that our pets were getting the best nutrition possible.

After the mixture had simmered for a while, my grandmother carefully spooned it into individual serving bowls for Fido. She topped each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish. As she set the bowls down in front of our eager pup, his tail wagged with excitement, and he dove into his meal with gusto.

Watching Fido enjoy his homemade meal brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I could see the joy and satisfaction in his eyes as he savored every bite, knowing that he was not only enjoying a delicious treat but also receiving the love and care that he deserved.

From that day on, Bone a Fidos became a staple in our household, a favorite meal that we would often make for Fido and our other furry friends. My grandmother's dedication to cooking for our pets inspired me to continue learning and experimenting with new recipes over the years, always striving to provide the best care and nourishment for our beloved animals.

As I look back on that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom she passed down to me. The recipe for Bone a Fidos will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and devotion we have for our furry companions. And as I continue to cook and care for animals in her honor, I know that her legacy will live on through the delicious meals we share with our beloved pets.