Tuesday, September 10, 2019

How to make your own dog treats...

Plus a recipe for homemade Chicken Jerky for both dogs and cats follows....

Originally from Mother Nature Network:



MARY JO DILONARDO
November 21, 2017, 1:11 p.m.
homemade dog treatsThe way to your dog's heart is through his treat jar. (Photo: Oliver Wilde/Shutterstock)
Your dog is your best pal and you likely give him lots of treats. Sure, he likes your love and affection, but tasty goodies really get his attention.
Store-bought morsels are fine, but if you really want to offer your canine BFF some true devotion, why not head to the kitchen and whip up something special. Here are five healthy and relatively simple recipes for homemade treats you can make for your dog.
cheddar bar dog treatsThese Cheddar Bars are easy to make and don't require any cookie cutters. (Photo: Doggy Desserts)

Cheddar Bars

From "Doggy Desserts" by Cheryl Gianfrancesco
Yield: Approximately 54 bars
Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup all-natural applesauce, no sugar added
  • 1/3 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 cups unbleached white flour
Directions:
  • In a medium bowl, mix all the wet ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients.
  • Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, and mix well.
  • Pour the batter into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and cut into 1 1/2 inch bars.
    apple carrot dog treatsApple Carrot Dog Treats are healthy and seemingly tasty tidbits. (Photo: The Cozy Cook)

    Apple Carrot Dog Treats

    Yield: 280 tiny bites
    Total Time: 55 min
    Prep Time: 25 min
    Cook Time: 30 min
    Ingredients:
    • 2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (unbleached white flour is OK, too)
    • 1/2 cup oats
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup apple, peeled and grated (about 1 small apple)
    • 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/4 cup water
    Directions:
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    • In one bowl, mix the flour, oats and brown sugar. In separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the oil and water.
    • Peel and grate apple and carrots and mix into the egg/water mixture. Gradually add wet mixture into flour mixture and stir until a dough has formed. You can add up to 1/4 cup additional water but I didn’t find it necessary as the apple added a lot of moisture.
    • Carefully roll out dough and cut out desired shape with a cookie cutter, glass rim, or anything else of desired shape. (I used a small cap!)
    • Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the treats are firm. Smaller shapes require slightly less cooking time than larger treats.
    • Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely prior to sharing with your furry friend.
    • Store the treats in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them; when you need more, let them thaw at room temperature prior to serving.

    pumpkin carrot bites

    Sneak some goodness to your pets with these Pumpkin Carrot Bites. (Photo: Pawsitively Pets)

    Pumpkin Carrot Bites

    Ingredients:
    • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin (get the kind that has ONLY pumpkin in it)
    • 1 egg, slightly beaten
    • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    Cooking Instructions:
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Stir pumpkin, egg, carrots and flour in a large bowl until moistened.
    • Roll the batter into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
    • This dog treat recipe yields approximately four dozen Pumpkin Carrot Bites. We recommend storing these treats in your refrigerator for longer shelf life.
    3-ingredient dog treatsThe dog bone shape makes these 3-Ingredient Chicken Dog Biscuits just perfect. (Photo: The Midnight Baker)

    3-Ingredient Chicken Dog Biscuits

    Yield: 1 dozen, 3-inch biscuits
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 25 mins
    Author: Judith Hannemann
    Ingredients:
    • 1 1/4 cup flour (not white, but any other kind you want. I used whole wheat)
    • 3 tablespoons oil
    • 1/3 cup chicken broth/stock
    Instructions:
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
    • Mix all ingredients in a bowl. You may have to add a bit more stock to get a rollable consistency.
    • Turn out on lightly floured surface and roll to 1/8-inch thickness.
    • Cut into desired shapes and place on prepared sheet.
    • Bake 15-20 minutes.
    • To dry out the biscuits for longer shelf life, turn off the oven but don't remove the sheet of biscuits. Keep them in there until the oven completely cools.
    two-ingredient dog treatsYou can't get much easier than 2 Ingredient Dog Treats. (Photo: Glitter Cottage)

    2 Ingredient Dog Treats

    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes
    Ingredients:
    • 3 bananas
    • 3 cups oats
    Instructions:
    • Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
    • Peel and mash 3 bananas using a blender, stand mixer, potato masher, etc.
    • Mix in 3 cups oats and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing oats to expand.
    • Roll out dough onto baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
    • Flip dough and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
    • Using pizza cutter or knife, slice treats into bite sized squares.
    • Store treats in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!)
    Mary Jo DiLonardo writes about everything from health to parenting — and anything that helps explain why her dog does what he does.

    From Healthy Pets: 

    Homemade Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Ingredients
    • Free-range organic chicken breasts
    Directions
    1. Slice chicken breasts into half-inch strips and place on dehydrator tray.
    2. Dehydrate at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.
    3. Reduce temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for another four hours or until meat is thoroughly dry.
    4. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
    Chicken Strips
    Dehydrated Chicken Strips
    Chicken Jerky Treat
    Dog Treat




    FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com



    Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 


    Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

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    Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                         
    Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
        Regards,
        S.J. Francis
        In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  
    Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
       “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
          My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                     My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
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    And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2019 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
    Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
    donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                             
    Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?  

    Tuesday, July 9, 2019

    First-aid tips for hiking with your dog...


    Originally from Mother Nature Network:
    What you need to know before you hit the trail.
    JACQUELINE GULLEDGE
    June 30, 2018, 8:41 a.m.
    dog hiking with woman
    Before you embark on hike, make sure you pack enough water, food and first aid supplies. (Photo: Ioana Catalina E/Shutterstock)
    It's summer and that means lots of people will be hitting the trails and 
    embarking on long hikes. Many will even bring along their favorite 
    four-legged friend. While dogs may enjoy running carefree through
     the woods and sniffing everything they come across, there are several 
    things owners should do to make sure their dog has a safe and 
    pleasant hike. For starters, make sure your dog is physically ready 
    for such an outing and gather all your other gear.
    It's essential that owners also pack a first aid kid and know how 
    to treat common injuries before taking a dog on a hike, according
     to Dr. Nina Anderson, medical director of VCA Buckhead Animal 
    Hospital. Anderson answers some common questions regarding first 
    aid for dogs, what steps to take for treating injuries and preventative 
    tips so you can avoid the negative scenarios.
    What should you pack for a first aid kit specifically meant for a dog?
    There is a lot of overlap, including betadine or peroxide to clean wounds, 
    tweezers, ace bandage, gauze pads, eye wash, medical tape. I would add 
    Benadryl for insect bites. I recommend checking with your vet for 
    appropriate doses and that's not contraindicated due to individual health. 
    There is a product, Tuf-Foot, that can help cuts. (I haven't personally used it).
    dog drinking water outdoorsMake sure your dog drinks plenty of water before a hike and frequently throughout the day. (Photo: ArtifyAnalog/Shutterstock)
    How much water should a dog drink while hiking?
    A lot! Train your dog on short walks to drink from a foldable bowl or a 
    water bottle with an attachment so they can drink well before a long 
    hike. Many short water breaks are much better than a big belly full of 
    water.
    Is it OK for dogs to wear packs while hiking?
    Yes, but carry 10-15 percent of body weight only. Make sure you have 
    trained with your dog on shorter walks to make sure there aren't 
    pressure sores or chaffing. The weight may change the balance/weight 
    on the dog's legs, so practice is important. Age, size, breed and 
    athleticism plays into if a pack is appropriate. The human hiker 
    should plan to carry the majority of the supplies!
    Is a retractable or short leash better suited for hiking?
    NO retractable leashes! So many problems will be avoided if 
    on a short leash — problems with other dogs, people, wild animals, 
    eating plants away from humans, avoiding snakes, etc.
    Are certain types of treats better tailored to give a dog energy 
    and proper sustenance while hiking?
    Protein treats and plenty of water. If hiking for many hours, expect 
    that dogs will need to increase the volume of their food. Multiple 
    smaller meals are better than abruptly giving the dog a much bigger 
    meal on an empty stomach. If you're hiking a lot, discuss with your
     vet about the best-suited food for your dog's level of exercise and 
    lifestyle.
    English bulldogAnderson recommends not taking short-muzzled dogs on hikes. (Photo: ltummy/Shutterstock)
    Listed below are injuries a dog may sustain while hiking, and 
    Anderson provides steps for treating each of them:
    1. Insect bite/sting: Use a tweezer to remove stinger, clean with
      betadine and use your antihistamine. (Discuss the proper dosage
      with your vet before you go.)

      2. Sprained/strained ankle/paw: Place an ice pack on the sprain
      and slow down. If your pet is small enough, carry him. Do not splint
      the hurt leg.

      3.Foot pad cut (and other cuts): Clean with betadine and use foot
      protection if you have it. But again, you have to train with the dog
      first to make sure the booties are comfortable and fit well.

      4.Eating unknown plant/mushroom/etc: Ask your vet for the
      appropriate dose for making you dog vomit. Peroxide usually
      works.

      5.Snake bite (other venomous animal bite): Get to vet ASAP.
      Broken bone: Just like for human hikers, this is the end of the hike.
      Get help! Carry your dog or head back at a very slow pace with
      your dog.

      6.Heat exhaustion/stroke: Cool down. Do not hike with pugs,
      bulldogs, Frenchies or other short-muzzled dogs. It's super
       important to hike in cool weather and shade and take breaks.
      Training to get your dog adjusted to hiking is even more
      important than with humans. Overweight and long-haired
      dogs will have a harder time. Drink cool water in small
      amounts, wet their fur, feet and face, get in the shade and
      get to the vet ASAP, as this can be deadly.

      7.Ticks: Use flea and tick preventative medication as directed
      by your veterinarian all year-round.

      8.Ripped dew claw: Clean with betadine and use a light bandage,
      making sure it's not too tight to create tourniquet action that
      would cause foot to swell and pool blood in the foot.

      9.Allergic reaction: Use antihistamine dose previously discussed
      with your vet.
    dog by waterfallNo matter how tempting, it's best not to let your dog play in a creek or river. (Photo: dezy/Shutterstock)
    There are also several preventative measures owners can take to ensure 
    their dog is safe and comfortable. Anderson recommends all dogs be 
    microchipped in case they get lost or separated from you.
    When it comes to water, Anderson suggests dogs stay away from creek, 
    rivers and other water sources (no matter how much a dog begs.) Dogs 
    can easily drink too much water, lower their body temperature too much 
    or get swept away. Also make sure dogs don't relieve themselves near 
    water sources because their urine and feces will contaminate the water. 
    Always carry doggy bags or bury the dog's waste.
    "Prevention is key," says Anderson. "Use heartworm and flea/tick 
    medications and make sure that your dog is up-to-date on vaccines. 
    Discuss with your vet your dog's lifestyle and where you will be hiking."
    And above all else..."Don't overdo it!"

    FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com



    Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 


    Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

    POTW feature

    Coins That Count: 
    Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

         
                                                 
    Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                         
    Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
        Regards,
        S.J. Francis
        In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  
    Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
       “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
          My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                     My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                         Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
    Image result for black animals need help
     Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                      My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
                                                         
              A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                      A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com


    And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2019 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
    Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
    donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                             
    Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?