The Dog Days of Summer!

Hi Friends:

It's certainly not "ruff" being a dog around here.

Our pampered pups are enjoying the sultry lazy, hazy days of summer. When I'm bustling about in the kitchen, though, they do manage to rouse themselves from slumber and follow me around ready for the inevitable tidbit or cookie that comes their way. How can I deny these faces:

I recently came across a few simple recipes for dog treats and decided to give them a try. I know, who has time to make dog treats, but these are quick, easy and fun to make with the family. In addition, they are healthy containing no preservatives or additives, flavorful and less expensive than many store bought varieties!

I love this recipe from Sweet Paul Magazine:

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treats - Makes 60
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/4 cup warm water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl (you'll get a dry cookie dough), roll out until thin and use a cookie cutter to make cookies.

Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 30 minutes depending on thickness. Cool and store in an airtight container for two weeks.

What a good boy; so talented!

Dogs love a cool treat on hot days. Give this genius recipe from Lucky Pups a try; it's so fast and easy!

Pupsicles
Ingredients:
2 cups low salt beef or chicken broth
2/3 cup water
small treat sticks (like rawhide)

Mix broth with water, pour into ice cube trays, add a stick treat (like rawhide) and freeze. 

Serve!

Here's one more:

Two-Ingredient Dog Treat. This recipe from dog-milk.com is made with whole wheat flour and pureed baby food. I love it because it allows you to get creative and vary the flavor - think sweet potato, beef, or chicken.

Please, just one more treat!

Make a little time and give these recipes a try; I know you'll have some doggone fun!