The images really impressed me as they show how much people actually care for their pets.

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1. Magic Minty Breath Freshening Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of cornflour
• 1/3 cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 F. (180 C.) degrees.
• Mix flour, cornflour, mint and parsley together in a large bowl.
• Stir in 3/4 of a cup water and save the rest.
• Add olive oil and mix thoroughly.
• Roll mixture out onto a floured surface to about 1cm thick (if the dough does not stick together add some more water until mixture is less crumbly).
• Cut into desired shapes and place onto greased baking tray spaced at 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 40 minutes.

See if your dogs breath improves!

2. Healthy Dog Snacks

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups plain flour
• 2 tsp toasted wheat germ
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• rind of 1 lemon
• 12 tsp butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup ground walnuts
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Combine all the ingredients.
• Knead until thoroughly blended.
• Divide into 6 parts. Roll each into a log.
• Wrap loosely in waxpaper. Freeze.
• When needed, thaw and slice into 1/2 thick slices (across roll).
• Preheat oven to 375F.
• Place cookies on an ungreased cookie pan. Bake about 12 minutes.
• Makes 6-8 cookies per roll.

3. Oatmeal Cookie Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice 2 packages Reg. Flavor oatmeal (mixed w/milk)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup carrots
• 1/3 cup spinach
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tbsp brown gravy mix
• 4 tbsp applesauce
• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil

Enjoy!!!

Just ran across a funny video and thought I should share it. Enjoy!

Causes of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis appears in adult dogs, females having a higher incidence. Usually, the exact causes are very hard to determine but here are some factors that might be responsible for this disease:

• Hyperlipidemia (high fat content in blood) & Hypercalcemia (high amounts of calcium in blood) as well as other metabolic disorders.
• Certain drugs and toxins – i.e. some types of diuretics, antibiotics.
• Concurrent disease like Cushing’s syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus,  hypothyroidism, and idiopathic hyperlipemia (a disease of Miniature Schnauzers).
• Contaminated food or water
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Inappropriate diet – high in fats (so beware of feeding your dog table scraps or greasy people food)

Schnauzers and Yorkies appear to be more prone to pancreatitis than other breeds.

Symptoms

Clinical signs of pancratitis include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by the abrupt onset of vomiting and severe pain in the abdomen. Acute pancreatitis can also lead to severe dehydration and may progress to hypovolemic shock (tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses).

Considering the fact that all the mentioned symptoms can point towards several disorders, diagnosing pancreatitis can often prove to be challenging. There are certain ways of determining pancreatitis in dogs among which: blood tests showing elevated amylase and/or lipase levels; a new serum test called canine pancreatitis lipase immuninol reactivity; TAP (trypsinogen activation peptide); abdominal ultrasonography which may reveal an enlarged and swollen pancreas; radiography (x-rays).

Acute pancreatitis (fulminant necrotizing pancreatitis) may lead to attacks, shock and death in a matter of hours. A pancreatitis attack may leave the pancreas permanently damaged and your dog can get prone to other diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency .

Treatment

The first and probably most important step in treating pancreatitis is withholding the food, water and medication for at least 24 hours. Why is this important? The pancreas needs to rest and stop producing digestive enzymes. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance can be done with intravenous saline solutions. Depending on the dog’s response, a special, low-fat diet can be started in the next few days.  Acute pancreatitis is usually treated through hospitalization until the dog overcomes the shock and dehydration.

Dogs which do not respond to medical treatment may require surgery to drain an infected pancreas. Dogs which recover from pancreatitis are susceptible to recurrent attacks, which can be mild or severe. These episodes can be prevented by eliminating predisposing factors like high-fat diets, large meals, table scraps. As the diet is very important for your dog’s health, I would recommend feeding a fat-restricted diet, 3-4 meals per day, small portions, along with a proper exercise program.

The symptoms of  dog diabetes

The symptoms of early diabetes are frequent urination, drinking lots of water, a large appetite, and unexplained loss of weight. In more advanced cases the symptoms are lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, and coma.  However, if not treated, diabetes can affect all organs. Enlarged livers, infections, and neurological problems might appear.

Certain dog breeds are more prone to diabetes than others. For instance, Keeshonds, Beagles, Pulis, Miniature Pinschers, Cairn Terriers, Golden Retriever, miniature Schnauzer, and the standard Poodle are more likely to develop diabetes. Also, female canines are more susceptible than males, particularly when they reach 6-9 years.

The treatment for diabetes can include a change in the diet, a weight loss program or medication, depending on the severity of the condition.

Caring for your diabetic dog

Once diagnosed, your dog’s needs are going to change and you have to be ready to adapt to his new condition. Your help might be vital for him. If his treatment includes administering insulin you need to keep a record in order to prevent under-dosage or over-dosage. Hydration plays an important role in your diabetic dog’s life and you need to provide a constant supply of water. Diabetic dogs are thirstier than the rest.

In addition, you should keep sweets away from your dog. Don’t let your dog take treats from strangers and educate your children regarding the dog’s condition. You also need to be prepared for a case of hypoglycemia which happens when there is not enough sugar or glucose. In this regard, some honey is appropriate for balancing his glucose level. Remember to pay regular visits to your veterinarian and monitor your dog’s condition. Don’t neglect your dog; giving him some attention might increase his enthusiasm and strength.

The proper diet for a diabetic dog

The best diet for a dog suffering from diabetes is based on fiber and has zero fat and sugar. The extra fiber in the food allows your dog to digest and absorb carbohydrates better. Carbohydrates help in reducing the glucose content in the blood. As you know, the blood glucose peaks after every meal. If you feed your pet high fiber foods, the instances where the dog’s blood sugar level shoots up can be avoided. There are many commercial dog foods designed to help your diabetic dog. A homemade dog diet is also recommended but first you have to discuss the option with your vet.

A proper diet should be accompanied by a weight loss program. A daily walk should be enough for burning the calories. Keep in mind that your dog might be weak because of his condition and therefore, his exercise program must be appropriate.

Surround your dog with love and affection as this might help him fight the disease more easily.

Most Common Dog Poisons

#1. Human medication. Drugs that might be beneficial and life-saving for people can cause real damage and even death for dogs. The most dangerous medications are:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or kidney failure.
• Antidepressants, which may cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome – a dangerous condition described by high temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may cause seizures.
• Isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug, which  can be very dangerous even in small amounts. The signs of poisoning include seizures and coma.

#2. Flea and tick products. Be careful when you treat your dog from a flea energy. These types of products are responsible for poisoning thousands of dogs every year. Ingestion or excessive amounts can cause real problems especially for the small dogs. To avoid problems always follow guidelines on flea or tick products.

#3. Human foods. Don’t be tempted to share your food with your dog. A piece of chocolate or some macadamia nuts can be a serious threat for your dog. The most dangerous foods for dogs are: chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, cakes and sweets (anything containing Xylitol, an artificial sweetener). Read more on dangerous foods for dogs.

#4. Rodenticides: Rat and Mouse Poison. These substances can cause severe injuries in dogs and the symptoms may not appear for several days, particularly if the dog has eaten the poisoned animal. Be careful how you use these toxins and try to isolate your dog until your house is free from rodents. Also, inform your neighbors if you put out rat bait, so they can protect their pets from exposure.

#5. Pet medication. Believe it or not, some of the drugs prescribed by your veterinarian can affect the health of your dog. The most reported pet drugs are the painkillers and the de-wormers.

#6. Chemicals. We use chemical substances around our house on a regular basis. Products like antifreeze, paint thinner, and chemicals for pools can lead to stomach upset, depression and chemical burns for your dog. Store all chemicals and cleaners in pet-inaccessible areas.

#7. Heavy metals. Most common heavy metals are lead and zinc. Lead, which may be in paint, linoleum, and batteries, can be poisonous if eaten by your dog, causing gastrointestinal and neurological problems. Zinc poisoning may occur in dogs that swallow pennies, producing symptoms of weakness from severe anemia.

#8. Household cleaners. These products are very common and we tend to use them regularly. Bleach for instance, which is poisonous for people as well, can cause stomach and respiratory problems.

#9. Plants. Many people share the passion of growing plants and although they may look rather pretty, they can be very dangerous for dogs. Moreover, the fertilizer which is commonly used for plants, lawn and gardens is poisonous too. The most toxic plants are:

• Azaleas and rhododendrons. These plants contain toxins that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death.
• Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants may cause serious stomach problems, convulsions and heart damage.
• Sago palms. Ingesting just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.

Be sure you check whether a plant is toxic or not before buying it. ASPCA has an online list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

If you have any suspicion that your dog might be poisoned, try to identify the potential cause and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Diarrhea

A normal digestion process takes around 8 hours at the end of which a well-formed stool, containing no mucus, blood, or undigested food should be evacuated. When temporary diarrhea appears in dogs, the transit becomes very fast and the food arrives at the rectum in a liquid state, the result being a loose bowel movement. Rapid transit can have multiple causes like dietary indiscretion or food intolerance.

Dietary indiscretion refers to the fact that dogs have a clear tendency to eat garbage, leftovers, decayed food, plastic, wood, paper, grass and other indigestible foods. These types of food lead to irritation of the stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.

Food intolerance is different from food allergy (learn more about the difference and about dog food allergies). Food intolerance appears when dogs are unable to digest some particular foods. The most common triggers of food intolerance are: beef, pork, chicken, horsemeat, fish, eggs, spices, corn, wheat, soy, salty foods, spices, fats, and some commercial dog foods.

Diarrhea in puppies is often caused by viruses and parasites. Puppies get easily dehydrated so you should check with you vet immediately, before the diarrhea becomes severe.

Types of Dog Diarrhea and Treatments

Diarrhea in dogs can be of two main types: acute and chronic.

Acute Diarrhea is less severe than chronic diarrhea. It starts suddenly and lasts for a few days, up to one week. Acute diarrhea is usually seen as a healing process, a way through which a dog’s body gets rid of toxins. As I mentioned, dogs are prone to eating all kinds of foods, healthy or unhealthy. This often leads to diarrhea and vomiting.

Acute diarrhea can be cured at home and doesn’t necessarily involves visiting your vet. You can start by reducing the amount of food and by switching to something homemade. Cooked meat (low fat) with rice can be an excellent choice for treating diarrhea.

Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than a week. It can be continual or not (some days off, some days on); the stools can be watery, soft-formed, blood coated, mucus coated; your dog might appear to be fine or, on the contrary, he might look very sick; either way he is losing weight, his coat turns rough and he becomes lethargic. Chronic diarrhea can lead to the loss of important nutrients and to the dysfunction of the immune system. If not treated on time, chronic diarrhea can lead to an irreversible cycle of deterioration. Another problem is that sometimes, the treatment suggested by vets, usually based on hypoallergenic foods and antibiotics, doesn’t work. That is why you need to be careful about this type of disease and to treat it from its first symptoms.

Most Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

1. Rapid transit. When diarrhea is caused by rapid transit, its color is yellowish or greenish, the consistency is watery, the odor is foodlike (or sour milk at puppies).
2. Inadequate digestion. Diarrhea caused by inadequate digestion is large, gray, rancid, it can smell like food, its frequency is of three or four large stools in a day and it leads to weight loss in dogs.
3. Malabsorption. Malabsorption can lead to greasy diarrhea, it can smell like food and its frequency is of three to four large stools per day.
4. Bacterial infection. In this case, the diarrhea is foamy; it can be accompanied by vomiting. It can last for more than a week in which case don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
5. Gastrointestinal bleeding. The color of the diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal bleeding is either black, tarry (upper gastrointestinal bleeding) or red, bloodlike (lower gastrointestinal bleeding).

Treating Diarrhea at Home

Acute diarrhea can be treated at home, without the vet’s intervention. The first you need to do is to withhold food for up to 24 hours. Encourage your dog to drink as much water as necessary. The absence of food allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest and the water cleans his intestines of toxins. After 24 hours you can start feeding your dog easily digestible foods, preferably homemade. I would recommend boiled chicken (skin off) with cooked rice. Other options are: cottage cheese, cooked pasta, cooked lamb, boiled sweet potatoes or a combination of these. Don’t let him eat too much, only half of the amount he usually eats and divide the food into three or four meals. Do this for two or three days. Then you can gradually switch to his old diet, although homemade food is a lot healthier (learn useful homemade dog food recipes).

and

Meat Meal is “the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It shall not contain added extraneous materials not provided for by this definition.The Calcium (Ca) level shall not exceed the actual level of Phosphorus (P) by more than 2.2 times. It shall not contain more than 12% Pepsin indigestible residue and not more than 9% of the crude protein in the product shall be pepsin indigestible. The label shall include guarantees for minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, minimum Phosphorus (P) and minimum and maximum Calcium (Ca). If the product bears a name descriptive of its kind, composition or origin, it must correspond thereto.”

I am not sure if these definition are clear enough but here’s what you should understand:

• There is no such thing as “human grade meat meat”. The meat meal is never produced for human consumption and the manufacturers are not licensed to produce human-edible products.
• It doesn’t mean meat meal is of poor quality. There are different levels of quality but the law does not permit manufacturers to make any statements regarding the quality of the ingredients they use in their products.
• Whether of poor or high quality, meat meal is a highly-processed ingredient that doesn’t really help your dog. It keeps him from being hungry for a few hours but that’s it. The nutritional value is extremely low, if none.

I am aware that cooking is not a priority for many families and that dry food is a fast and cheap alternative but honestly, could you eat fast food for the rest of your life? No matter the quality of the dry food, dogs cannot have a healthy life if their diet consists mainly of kibble. Adding some diversity to your dog’s diet is essential. This is why I suggest replacing some of the kibble meals with fresh meat, some vegetables and fruits from time to time like sweet potatoes or bananas and maybe some rice and oats or other known sources of carbohydrates.

If you do not have the time to vary your dog’s food and you only feed him dry kibble, at least pick a high-quality product that combines one or more concentrated sources of protein in the form of meal. Avoid the products that contain a high level of ash because this means the meat meal used for production was consisting rather of bones than of lean muscles.

I have shared many recipes, both raw and homemade. If you are interested in adding a little variety in your dog’s diet check them out.

That’s about it. Thanks again Sabine Contreras for your informative articles.

17 Homemade Dog Food Recipes

I have gathered 17 easy and delicious homemade dog food recipes. Cooking for your dog might seem difficult at first but if you learn to manage your time, your dog will be much healthier. I would suggest preparing dishes in advance and freezing in individual serving sizes. Before trying any of these recipes on your dog, it would be better to consult your veterinarian, as some dogs can be allergic to a certain type of meat or other ingredients. I would also recommend avoiding the dangerous foods for dogs.  Here’s a list with the good foods for dogs, that can be used on any recipe

1. Easy Chicken Stew

• 1 lbs of cooked ground meat (chicken)
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice
• 1 yam
• 5 carrots
• A few potatoes (medium-sized)
• 1 cup of cooked green beans (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup of cooked peas
• Either a cup of chopped apple or a can of apple sauce

Cook the yam, the carrots and the potatoes together in a pot and mash when done. Mix with the meat and then add the green beans, the peas and the apple. You can add any supplements (vitamins, minerals) suggested by your veterinarian.

2. Chicken Meatloaf

• 1 lbs ground chicken or turkey
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables
• 1 egg
• 1-2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup uncooked rice

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Drain vegetables and put in food processor to puree. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Put in a loaf pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Cool before feeding your dog.

3. Yummy Chicken Breast and Pureed Veggies

• 1 large double chicken breast, including skin and bones
• 5 carrots
• 1 small beet
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1½ cups lentils
• 2 ½ cups brown rice

Cover the chicken, carrots, beet and sweet potato completely with water in a large soup pot and simmer about 40 minutes until everything is tender. Remove chicken to a very large bowl. Add vegetables to blender with enough extra water just to puree. Meanwhile, add the lentils and the brown rice to the stock remaining in the soup pot (there should be quite a bit). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low, cover well and allow steaming for about an hour. Remove chicken and skin from bones and chop finely. Mix pureed vegetables and chicken in the large bowl, adding steamed lentils/rice mixture when done. Blend well; add 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach if you want and 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed.

4. Buffaloaf

• 3 cups ground buffalo (lean)
• 2 eggs
• 1 and a half cups old fashioned oats
• ¾ cup grated mixed vegetables (including zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup cottage cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Hand-mix all ingredients and press into a loaf pan. Bake for 40 minutes. May be refrigerated, or frozen in slices for easy serving. Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or beef, if desired. Mixing meats is not recommended.

5. Delicious Rice

• 1 cup meat of choice, cubed
• ¾ cup carrot and sweet potato, cubed
• ¾ cup instant brown rice
• 1 cup water

Add all ingredients, except rice, to large pot and boil. When vegetables are tender, add rice and cook until done. Add more water as needed during cooking.

6. Steamed Veggies with Chicken

• 1 cup lean chicken (or turkey)
• ½ cup steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, squash, spinach, sweet potato)
• ½ cup prepared brown rice
• 4 tablespoons broth

Boil the meat and then boil the rice in the broth; steam the vegetables and then combine all ingredients.

7. Turkey with Rosemary Flavor

• 6 cups water
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½  (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower combination

Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large oven. Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture; bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the frozen vegetables, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate until using.

8. Rice and Chicken

• 3 pounds minced chicken meat
• 2 ½ cups frozen vegetable blend (no garlic or onions), minced
• 4 cups rice
• 6 ½ cups water

Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan or oven. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Cool completely before serving; store covered in the refrigerator.

9. Doggy Meatloaf with Vegetables

• 1 ½  pounds lean ground beef
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 2 eggs
• 2 slices white bread, torn into pieces
• 1 cup regular rolled oats
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 4 medium potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, cubed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a large roasting pan with oil and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, 3 stalks of celery, grated carrots, apple, eggs, bread, oats, wheat germ and tomato paste using your hands. Divide the meat mixture into four equal parts and make loaf shapes. Place the loaves in the roasting pan. Surround them with the potatoes, remaining carrots and remaining celery. Cover the pan with a lid.

Bake for 80 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the meat is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 175 degrees F (80 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer. Allow to cool. Portion the food into containers with one loaf and one quarter of the vegetables in each one. Refrigerate. To serve, give your dog 1/3 of a container with each portion of kibble.

10. Poochie Meat Cakes

• 1 ½  cups brown rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 large potatoes, grated
• 4 large carrots, grated
• 2 large celery stalks, chopped
• 6 pounds ground beef
• 8 eggs
• 1 dash salt
• ¼  cup olive oil
• 1 ½  cups regular rolled oats

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease 36 cups of 3 large muffin tins. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool several minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, ground beef, and eggs. Mix ingredients together using your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add salt, olive oil, rolled oats, and rice; mix well. Fill each muffin cup with some of the meat mixture, and pat down to make it firm. Bake 45 minutes, or until surface feels set. Cool on a rack 10 minutes or longer. Remove the meat cakes by turning the muffin tin upside down over a sheet of aluminum foil. Tap each muffin cup to release the cake. Refrigerate or freeze in sealed plastic bags. Do not feed to dogs while still hot.

11. Doggy Fish Dinner

• 1 can of salmon (bones removed)
• 1 egg beaten
• 3 Tbsp cornmeal
• 1 potato
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter

Combine salmon, egg, and cornmeal. Form into patties and press into more cornmeal. Sautee in a canola sprayed pan until cooked through. Chop and steam the vegetables. Cut salmon patties into small bites and combine with the vegetables. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit of cottage cheese or yoghurt.

12. Cheezy Bites

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoon canola oil (or safflower)
• 4 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Knead into dough and roll out into a ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into bite sized pieces and bake on greased cookie sheet approximately 10 minutes or until brown.

13. Doggy Chicken Dinner

• 3 lbs minced or finely chopped chicken meat
• 2 ½ cups of frozen or finely chopped fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and celery; no garlic, onions or corn)
• 4 cups brown rice
• 7 cups water (you can substitute in 2 cups of chicken broth for added flavor)

Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for around 25 minutes or until the rice is soft and all of the liquid has been absorbed. Cool completely before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator.

14. Bacon & Cheese Twists Gourmet Dog Treat Recipe

• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup white flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 ½ teaspoons dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons bacon bits
• 1 tablespoon dry milk
• 1 tablespoon tumeric

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until it forms smooth dough. When the dough is ready, divide it into 24 pieces. (You can vary the number of pieces, depending on how large you want the twisters to be). Divide portion into 2 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope or stick. Place the 2 sticks side by side and pinch the ends together. Twist the 2 sticks and then place each twister carefully on a lightly greased baking tray.

Bake the twists in a preheated 300 degrees F oven for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. When they are done, turn off the oven and let them continue to dry and harden for a few hours before treating your dog with them. Guaranteed to be a winner with your dog, this recipes yields around 24 twists, depending on how big you make them.

15. Green Beans and Chicken

• 1 lbs of chicken meat
• 1 carrot finely chopped
• 1 small potato finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk finely chopped
• ½ cup sliced green beans (string less)

Place all ingredients into a large casserole dish. Cover with water and mix. Place lid on casserole. Microwave on High for 10 minutes and then Medium for 10 minutes. This should be cooked at least an hour before feeding so that it is well cooled.

16. Dog Biscuits

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon honey

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour and baking powder. Stir in milk and then add the peanut butter and honey. Mix well. Knead dough on a floured surface, and then roll out into a ¼ inch thickness. Cut into bite sized pieces and bake on a greased cookie sheet for approximately 20 minutes or until brown.

17. Magic Minty Breath Freshening Dog Treats Recipe

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• ¼  cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 325 F. (180 C.) degrees. Mix flour, mint and parsley together in a large bowl. Stir in ¾ of a cup water and save the rest.  Add olive oil and mix thoroughly. Roll mixture out onto a floured surface to about 1cm thick (if the dough does not stick together add some more water until mixture is less crumbly). Cut into desired shapes and place onto greased baking tray spaced at 1 inch apart. Bake for 40 minutes.

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Book

The best resource I have come across in terms of homemade dog food is written by Dr. John Miller. It contains 245 homemade dog food recipes. Visit Dr. Miller’s websiteand find out more about homemade dog food! That’s about it! If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it!