Mega Healthy Dog Biscuits (because our furry friends deserve good food, too)

This is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Purina ONE, but all my opinions are entirely my own. #pmedia #ONEDifference http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Something a little different – this one is for all the dog lovers out there.  Here is a recipe for some yummy mega healthy dog treats that will keep your furry companion healthy and happy! Because they deserve great food, too!

Those of you who own dogs can’t imagine life without them.  Loving, loyal, playful, friendly, genuine, beautiful – these are a few of the words that describe my dog, Maggie.  She’s been with us for many years.  She’s one of us, part of our family.  And as such her health, happiness and well-being are important to us.

Maggie turns 9 this year.  It’s hard to believe!  It feels like just yesterday that we brought that sweet tiny puppy with over-sized paws home with us. She was loving and cuddly from the start and she immediately won her way into our hearts.

Maggie’s always been a very healthy, active dog and still is.  And so when I heard about an opportunity to participate in the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge I eagerly got on board.  Others dog owners who have participated have been reporting observing an improvement in their dog’s energy, dental & eye health, skin, coat and digestion.  I was intrigued and excited to get started, so I signed up and then grabbed the $3 off coupon and went to the store to pick up some Purina ONE dog food – a nutrient rich formula. Maggie was eager to get started, too!

Maggie’s vet has always described her teeth, skin and coat as exceptionally healthy.  She’s always enjoyed a good diet and we regularly brush her fur, both of which are key contributors.  So as to whether her teeth, skin and coat improved over these past 28 days has been hard to judge because they’re already so healthy to begin with.  But her energy levels have been great and she eagerly devours her Purina ONE dog food at every meal!

Our bounding, leaping, happy Maggie!

Something I appreciate about participating in the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge is that it’s kept Maggie’s health in the forefront of my mind.  What I mean is that it made me think about additional things I can do to help keep Maggie healthy and strong.  For example, I used to make my own dog treats for her but the past couple of years, with two little kids who have more energy than 10 Maggie’s put together (!!) finding the time to do that had become increasingly challenging and before long I just plain forgot about it.  Instead we just started buying her healthy dog treats.

But I’ve now resumed making my own dog treats and let me tell you – it’s so satisfying.  I’m always thrilled when I concoct a mega healthy treat for my children – packed full of all kinds of crazy healthy ingredients – and they naively gobble it up, never guessing what’s in it because it tastes so good!  Now, Maggie isn’t half as picky as my kids are, but it’s still so rewarding to see her enjoy those healthy homemade treats, knowing she’s benefiting from all the healthy ingredients. And like I said, she’s one of us.  Healthy living plays a central role in our family’s life.  And why should it be any different for the furry member of our family?

So today I’m going to share one of my doggy recipes with you that Maggie LOVES.

These Mega Healthy Dog Biscuits are packed with whole grains, oats, wheat germ, coconut oil, olive oil, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, cinnamon, honey and fish oil!  These dog biscuits are a fantastic source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

While the first batch was cooling on the wire rack in the kitchen, Maggie kept hovering around.  As soon as the biscuits were cool enough her patience was finally rewarded. So what do you think, Maggie?  Do they smell good?

The biscuits passed the smell test and now she’s eagerly licking her chops…

Okay girl, it’s all yours!

You want another one?  Coming right up!

Yep, they’ve passed the taste test as well!

Let’s get started! Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add the coconut and olive oil, honey and peanut butter, and squeeze the fish capsules into the bowl.  Be sure to use high quality fish oil that has been tested for PCB’s.

Stir the mixture until it resembles coarse sand.

Slowly add the water, starting with 1/2 cup and add more as needed.  You want a thick dough that holds together without being too sticky.

Stir until a stiff dough forms.  Use your hands to knead it to make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.

Use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuits.  Gather up the scraps of dough, roll it back out, and cut out the remaining biscuits.

Place the biscuits on a lined cookie sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for about 40 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and hard.

Allow the cookies to cool completely.  Store them in an airtight container.  Will keep for a few days.

To your furry family member:  “Enjoy!”