Editor’s Note: I stumbled upon Serena’s blog, Pretty Fluffy, a few months back when she started The 13 Project, a sweet initiative that encouraged people to commit to 13 acts of kindness towards dogkind before 2013. The Dogster staff signed up, and I was hooked on Serena’s work — not only because her blog was written with heart, but also because it was wonderfully designed and uses nothing but fabulous photography.
Serena often publishes treat recipes that look good enough for a two-legger to eat, so I was delighted when she announced she was putting together a treat-focused eBook with Pretty Fluffy photographer Sarah Dickerson. The book is available for download (check out the coupon code for a Dogster discount at the bottom of this article), and the Fluffy gals have graciously agreed to share some holiday-appropriate — and yes, dog-safe — recipes with you. We hope you enjoy! –Janine Kahn, EIC
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We’re so excited to be here on Dogster today sharing two of our favorite winter recipes from our new eBook 52 Weeks of Treats: Simple & Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for Every Season.
The idea behind our book is simple. There are 52 weeks in the year, and we’ve put together 26 recipes –- one for each fortnight. The recipes are split into the four seasons, allowing your dog to enjoy ice cold treats in summer, and then filling, hearty snacks in the cooler months.
The pages are packed with mouth-watering images, easy step-by-step instructions, handy hints, and nutritional information. Your dog will never turn his nose up at a treat again!
The recipes in 52 Weeks of Treats focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Some of our favorites include Cinnamon Honey Donuts, Raspberry and Coconut Bark, Puppylato, Hearty Beef Bites, and Sweet Potato Pretzels. There’s an allergy section for pups with sensitivities towards wheat, gluten, eggs, and dairy products.
A main goal of the book was to keep it simple. You don’t need to be a master of the kitchen to make our treats. A lot of our ideas don’t even require you to turn on the oven.
Please note that treats should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Before making any changes or additions to that diet, check with your vet regarding your dog’s nutritional needs.
And now, on to the recipes:
Gingerbread Men
Festive cheer for your naughty or nice pup
What You’ll Need:
3 Cups Wholemeal Flour
½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Ginger
1 ¼ Cups Water
¼ Cup Olive Oil
½ Cup Molasses
2 Tablespoons Honey
To Make:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees Celsius). Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
1. Get two large bowls. In one bowl combine ¾ cup water, olive oil, molasses, and honey. In the second bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, and finely chopped ginger.
2. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until all are combined. Slowly add the remaining ½ cup of water until the mixture forms a dough. Discard remaining water.
3. Divide the dough into two, wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3.5 hours.
4. Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator and roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness.
5. Use a Gingerbread Cookie Cutter to cut out the biscuits. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Place on a baking rack to cool, then serve.
Handy Hint: Once the biscuits are cooled, you can decorate them with drizzled carob or melted yogurt drops if desired.
Makes approximately 20 Gingerbread Men.
Raw Cranberry-Date Bites
Winter flavors, bite size
What You’ll Need:
½ Cup Medjool Dates (pitted)
½ Cup Raw Almonds
1 Handful of Dried Cranberries
To Make:
1. Grind almonds in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the pitted dates and cranberries, blend until everything is incorporated and begins to form together in a ball.
3. Place mixture in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
4. Roll into bite sized balls and serve.
Handy Hint: Mixture too sticky? Add a few more almonds to the blender, or spice it up with a tablespoon of cinnamon.
Makes approximately 12 Bites.
Editor’s Note: Before releasing the book, the authors had a vet check through all the ingredients and recipes — so they’ve all been approved for dogs to safely eat. That said, some of you might be concerned about the inclusion of almonds. We double-checked, and while almonds are not toxic to dogs overall, in very large quantities (like pretty much anything in large quantities) they can cause a stomach upset. This recipe calls for only a small amount and should be fine.
For more recipes, handy hints, and shopping and allergy guides you can find out more and download your own copy of 52 Weeks of Treats here.
As a special for Dogster readers, Pretty Fluffy is offering 10 percent off the price of $12.95 for the next 48 hours. Enter the code DOGSTER10 at checkout.
We hope you enjoy the treats as much as we enjoyed creating them!
xoxo,
Serena and Sarah
