Bird Food

 

1 1/2 cups bird seed

1/2 package unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup

1/4 cup boiling water

You are going to want to 

start by boiling the water in a small pan.

Add the water to a large bowl and whisk in unflavored gelatin.

Then add in syrup and mix well.

Stir in flour with a spoon.

Then add this mixture to your bird seed.

Mix well with your hands incorporating as much of the bird seed into the flour mixture as possible.

Add your mixture into the container of choice. the mason jar along with the dowel rod.

Press it down really well into the jar to make a mason jar bird feeder.  Hang bird feeder and watch the birds.

Bacon Bark Sticks

 

Ingredients:

– 1 egg

– 1 ¼ cups fat free milk

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 4 tablespoons bacon fat

– ¼ cup bacon, crumbled

– 3 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl whisk together the egg, milk, honey, bacon fat, and bacon.

3. Stir the flour in, ½ cup at a time until full incorporated.

4. Knead the dough until fully combined.

5. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a 4” by 12” rectangle.

6. Using a pizza cutter, cut out 4” by ½” sticks until all the dough has been used.

7. Line the sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

8. Cool completely before serving.

9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Carrot Peanut Butter Doggie Cupcake

Ingredients:

– 1 large egg

– 1/4 cup peanut butter

– 1/4 cup vegetable oil

– 1/3 cup honey

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 1 cup whole wheat flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a six cup cupcake tin with cupcake papers. Combine the egg, peanut butter, oil, and honey in a large bowl.

Add in the carrots and stir to combine.

Combine the flour and baking soda in a small bowl and add to the carrot mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.

Divide among prepared cupcake tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs on it.

Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack. Frost tops with a little peanut butter before serving to your furry friend.

Chicken Jerky Strips

 

Chicken Jerky Strips

These all-natural chicken jerky strips make the perfect snack for your dog, but they’re not just for canines—you can eat them yourself! To make processing easier, pop the meat into the freezer 15 minutes before slicing it, and slice it thin!

Ingredients:

– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, sliced into strips about ¼ to 1/8 inch thick

– ½ cup vegetable oil

– 1 Tablespoon salt

– Dog-friendly seasonings, such as parsley, rosemary, and sage

Directions:

Rinse off chicken breast and remove any fat. Slice the chicken with the grain. Next, coat the chicken slices with your dog-friendly seasonings.

Place the chicken breast strips in an even layer across the entire the tray, leaving an equal amount of space between pieces and making sure that they do not touch each other. This is so air can flow between them while they are drying out, which helps dehydrate them.

Once the strips are all set out, place the trays in the food dehydrator, turn it on, and set the temperature for 140 degrees. It will probably take between 3 and 12 hours for the chicken to fully dry, depending on how thick you cut your slices and the exact temperature of your food dehydrator. Check the strips once every hour after the first hour. To do that, simply open up the tray and take one slice out; cut it open with a sharp knife and examine the inside. You should see no moisture at all, and if it is properly dried, the chicken will have the same color throughout. If it is not finished, put it back in for another hour. Once it gets close, start checking once every half hour.

In an oven, bake the chicken strips at 200 degrees for approximately 2 hours.

Once your chicken jerky is done, store it in sealed containers; zip-locking bags work great for this. Write the date you made it on them. You can also store the finished product in the refrigerator for an even longer shelf life. There, you’re done. Enjoy your healthy snacks!

Carob Dipped Dog Biscuit

 

Ingredients:

– 1 Egg

– 1/4 Cup applesauce

– 1/2 Cup beef or chicken broth

– 1 Tablespoon honey

– 1 Tablespoon molasses

– 1/4 Cup oil

– 2 1/4 Cups whole wheat flour

– 2 Cups carob chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300* F

In a large bowl combine egg, applesauce, broth, honey, molasses, and oil. Gradually stir in flour.

Dough should be stiff -add flour or water to adjust if it is not

On a floured surface, roll out dough into 1/4 inch thickness.

Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make shapes from the dough

Place on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.

Melt carob chips in microwave or double boiler.

Dip half of the heart into the melted carob.

Place cookies on waxed paper and let stand until carob is set.

Devour

DIY Homemade Frosty Paws Doggy Ice Cream

 

DIY Homemade Frosty Paws Doggy Ice Cream

Simple, easy, and dogs love it! It’s great for pets in the summer, a healthy treat, or for those pups that just had dental work done! Although dairy isn’t good for your pooch, the lactose in yogurt is far less than milk and the live cultures are great for their digestive system!

Ingredients:

– 32 oz. plain yogurt

– 1 mashed banana

– 2 T p’nut butter

– 2 T honey

1. Mix all these ingredients in your blender, then dump into ice cube trays, paper cups, or even a kong toy to freeze and serve. Let sit for at least 5 hours.

2. If you want to go all out for your mutt you can freeze these homemade frosty paws just like you would homemade ice cream. A salt-less automatic ice cream maker makes this as easy as using any other appliance in your home and the frosty paws will be ready to serve in 10 minutes.

Step 1: put all the ingredients in a bowl: yogurt, mashed banana, Peanut butter, honey.

Step 2: mix all the ingredients for the homemade dog treats

Step 3: freeze then serve this homemade dog treat to your dog!

Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Dog Donuts

 

Ingredients

1 cup Oatmeal Flour

1/4 cup Plain Yogurt

1/4 cup Oat Milk

1/4 cup Blueberries, diced

1/2 cup Banana, mushed

1 Egg

1/4 tsp Baking Soda

Coconut Spray

2 Wilton Mini Donut Pans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a bowl mix oatmeal flour, baking soda, yogurt, milk and egg togther.

Then add in the blueberries and banana.

Spray the pans with nonstick coconut oil, then pour donut batter into each well about 3/4 of the way full.

Put in the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes. When they are finished cooking let them cool on the counter for a few minutes before turning them out on a baking rack to cool.

Turkey Meatball Dog Treats

 

1 lb Shredded or Ground Turkey

1 Egg

1 Sweet Potato

1 Cup Gluten Free Quick Cook Oats

1 ½ tsp. Cinnamon

2 tsp. Honey

2 Tbsp. Fresh or dried Parsley

How to Make Turkey Meatball Dog Treats:

Poke 4 or 5 holes in sweet potato, Place sweet potato in oven preheated to 400°, bake for 35-40 minutes until soft. Or you can microwave for 8-10 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

Pull skin from sweet potato and scoop inside into a large bowl.

In a blender, chopper, or food processor combine parsley and egg, run until parsley is well chopped. Add to sweet potato in bowl.

Add turkey, oats, cinnamon, honey and parsley.

Mix with your hands until well combined.

Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Roll turkey mixture into balls, slightly smaller than a golf ball.

Place in oven that has been preheated to 350°. Cook for 15-20 minutes.

Allow to cool, store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

Cinnamon Roll-Overs Dog Treat

 2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk (or water if your pup is lactose intolerant)

1 large egg

1/4 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Get a small bowl and stir together the milk (or water), egg, and oil. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix gently, just until it forms a soft dough.

On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rectangle measuring about 9- by 12-inches. 

Drizzle the dough with honey and sprinkle on the cinnamon and nuts, then roll up the dough, starting at the long edge, and pinch the edge to seal it.

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into half-inch-thick slices and place them, cut side down, on the cookie sheet. If the knife gets sticky, dip it in water. 

Bake the Roll-Overs for fifteen minutes. (I check at twelve to make sure they're not burning.)

You can make an easy cream cheese "frosting" for these by mixing about four ounces of cream cheese and milk or water. Add just enough liquid to thin out the cheese. You can also make a bunch of these at one time and freeze them. Socrates thinks they taste just as good thawed!

Homemade Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs

Homemade Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs

Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Mix pumpkin, rolled oats, peanut butter, and water in a bowl until well combined.

3. Roll out the mixture and cut into chew-sized strips.

4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.

5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Servings: Varies based on size

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Minty Fresh Breath Dog Treats

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

1/4 cup water (more as needed)

3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Grind oats into a coarse flour.

Add parsley, mint, and coconut oil, and pulse until combined.

Slowly add water until a thick dough forms.

Roll out and cut into shapes.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until crisp. For a harder texture, bake for an additional 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).

Cool thoroughly before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.

Dehydrated Chicken Jerky

 

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) or use a dehydrator.

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).

Lay the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, or until fully dried and firm.

Cool completely before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Sweet Potato and Oatmeal Biscuits

 

1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 cup)

2 cups rolled oats (blended into a coarse flour)

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Blend oats to a coarse flour consistency.

Mix the mashed sweet potato, oat flour, applesauce, and cinnamon.

Gradually add water until you form a dough.

Roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. To make the biscuits harder, lower the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Cool thoroughly before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Chews

 

2 cups whole wheat flour (or dog-friendly flour alternative)

1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/4 cup chicken or beef broth

1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.

Add the peanut butter and pumpkin puree, then pour in the broth gradually while mixing.

Knead the dough until it’s firm.

Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 1-2 hours to remove moisture and harden the treats.

Let cool completely before serving.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Blueberry Oat Chews for Dogs

 

Blueberry Oat Chews are a healthy, soft, and delicious treat packed with antioxidants and fiber.  They're perfect for dogs who love a flavorful, chewy snack and make an excellent reward for training or just a wholesome treat!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (rinsed and

patted dry)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large egg

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil (optional, for

added moisture)

1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)

1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165C) and line a

baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries applesauce, egg, and oil (if using). Stir until evenly mixed. Gradually add the oat flour and rolled oats, stirring until a thick batter forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more oat flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

3. Shape the Chews

Drop small spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet or shape them into small discs or bite-sized balls.

4. Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chews are firm on the outside but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture

5. Cool Completely

Allow the chews to cool completely on a wire rack before offering them to your dog.

Storage:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days

Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving

Homemade Dog Gravy Recipe

 

1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil: Adds healthy fats and flavor.

1 pound ground chicken: A lean protein source that’s easy on your dog’s stomach.

1/3 cup chopped carrots: Provides fiber, vitamins, and a slight sweetness.

1/3 cup frozen green peas: Adds texture, fiber, and essential nutrients.

3 cups chicken stock (ensure it’s free from onions, garlic, or salt): Keeps the gravy flavorful and dog-safe.

2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy.

½ cup cold water: Used to mix with the thickener for a smooth consistency.

Optional Add-Ons:

1 teaspoon chopped parsley: A dog-safe herb that can freshen breath.

1 teaspoon turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory properties.

1/4 cup cooked sweet potato: Boosts sweetness and provides added nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

#1 Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to melt completely and spread evenly across the skillet. It should shimmer slightly when it’s ready, but avoid letting it smoke to preserve its nutritional benefits.

#2 Cook the Chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the preheated skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the chicken into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Continue cooking for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains.

#3 Add Stock and Veggies: Pour in chicken stock, followed by chopped carrots and peas. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will soften the vegetables and infuse the stock with the flavors of the chicken and veggies.

#4 Set Aside for Chunky Gravy (Optional): If your dog enjoys a chunkier texture, scoop out about 1 cup of the cooked chicken and vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a small bowl. This will be added back later to create a hearty, textured gravy.

#5 Prepare the Thickener: In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with ¼ cup of cold water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. The cold water ensures the thickener dissolves completely and prevents clumps in the gravy.

#6 Thicken the Gravy: Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the stock and meat mixture. Continue stirring as the gravy simmers for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the liquid start to thicken into a velvety sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to adjust the consistency.

#7 Cool and Blend: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the gravy cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender. Blend on high speed until the gravy reaches your desired smoothness. Be cautious of steam while blending, as it can build up pressure in the container.

#8 Add Back the Chunks: If you reserved the chicken and vegetables for a chunky texture, stir them back into the blended gravy. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chunks are evenly distributed. This creates a balanced gravy with both smoothness and chewable bits for your dog to enjoy.

#9 Serve: Allow the gravy to cool completely to room temperature before serving. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the gravy over your dog’s kibble or homemade meal as a tasty and nutritious topping.

Serving Size

How much gravy should you add to your dog’s food? A good starting point is about ¼ cup, but this can vary based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. For smaller dogs, a tablespoon or two might be plenty, while larger breeds may enjoy a bit more.

If you’re using the gravy to simply enhance the flavor of dry kibble, a light drizzle is often enough. However, if your goal is to soften the food for older dogs or picky eaters, you may want to add a little more until the desired consistency is achieved.

Consider Your Dog’s Size and Caloric Needs:

Small Dogs: Use a smaller portion, around 1-2 tablespoons, to avoid unnecessary calories.

Medium to Large Dogs: Larger dogs can handle ¼ cup or more, depending on their meal size.

Always keep your dog’s overall caloric intake in mind to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding, even with healthy toppers, can lead to unwanted weight gain. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level.