Guides

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Treats

Author: Mary DiSomma

I’ve had dogs in my life for so long. Mine hover at my feet waiting for carrots to drop every time I make homemade chicken soup. I can’t imagine the kitchen without them.

In honor of my dogs Cuba (Yellow Lab), Floyd (Black Lab), Sandy & Danny (Cavalier King Charles), and Larry (Golden Retriever). Don’t get me wrong,—I’m not here to dump on cats. I have had three of those, too: Jasmine (Lynx Point Siamese), Onyx (Maine Coon), and I don’t think my neighbors will mind if I include Pig (American Shorthair), who comes to my kitchen door daily for snacks and attention.

When I decided to create a home baked dog treats, I knew one had to have carrots and the other peaches! So, for a special occasion or “just because my dogs are so lovable and cute,” try your hand at these easy dog biscuits. Of course, they’re just as good without the frosting, so if your pup can’t have dairy, they’re not missing out. Either way, you're definitely in for some extra dog cuddles!

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Treats

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Treats

Two recipes sure to make your dog’s tail wag! They make a fantastic gift for the dog lovers in your life. Note: Please check with your vet before making these treats for your pups.

Yield
48 Doggie Treats
Prep Time
20 minutes 20 min
Cook Time
30 minutes 30 min
Total Time
50 minutes 50 min

Ingredients

Recipe 1: Carrot & Spice Doggie Biscuits with Cream Cheese Filling

Frosting

Recipe 2: Peaches and Cream Dog Biscuits Recipe

Instructions

Recipe 1: Carrot & Spice Doggie Biscuits with Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Prepare the biscuits: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, 2¼ cups flour, cinnamon, ginger and baking powder. Give the mixture a good stir. Mix in the grated carrots. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Gradually add the milk, water, and honey. Whisk until combined. Add the egg mixture to the oat mixture and mix until combined.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Work in additional flour as needed until the dough does not stick to your work surface. Roll dough into ¼-inch thickness and make cut outs using your favorite cookie cutters. Place the biscuits on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 20 - 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Baking time varied depending on the size of cookie cutter used. Remove cookies from the oven and let set for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
  4. Prepare the frosting: With a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese, honey, and vanilla.
  5. Assemble the biscuits: Once biscuits are completely cool, spread the frosting onto the bottom side of half of the biscuits. Place the remaining biscuits on top and press gently. Refrigerate biscuits in an airtight container. These doggie treats are best enjoyed within four days. Believe me, your doggie’s tail will be wagging!

Recipe 2: Peaches and Cream Dog Biscuits Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the fruit, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar. Set aside.
  2. Combine the 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1¼ cups whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar. If you’re using spices, add them to this dry mixture now. Using a pastry cutter, incorporate the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the cream and work the dough until it comes together. Stir in the fruit mixture. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work area. Work additional flour in as needed.
  4. Using a small cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Bake time varies based on size of scoop used. Remove from the oven and let set for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
A Guide to Dog-Friendly Treats

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My Life with Dogs

I met a lovely sales lady at a local department store that changed my life forever. I was discussing with her how I was considering getting a dog. It was my first time selecting one. Don’t get me wrong, my husband and I have always had dogs, but they have always been geared for hunting. This time, I was ready to pick out my own little companion. I mentioned some breeds I was researching, and she stopped me in my tracks and said before you do anything, promise me you will research the Cavalier King Charles. That was it. The more I read of the breed, the more certain I became that this was the breed for me.

Sandy & Danny were part of a litter of seven. Sandy (shown left) was the only girl. The breeder has six girls and they would name the dogs when they were born. This litter was named after the characters in the movie Grease. They made me promise that I would keep the names. When I came home with these cute pups, my husband was a little skeptical. How was he going to be seen with such a small dog? Once he realized that they are great bird flushers, he began taking them to our family farm to hunt with the big dogs. Danny & Sandy are now 11 years old. They are my once-in-a-lifetime dogs. The loves of my life. So, for my Cavies, I have created these homemade doggie biscuits. Sandy & Danny love them, and I am certain yours will too.

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