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!”
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup wheat germ
- 2 tablespoons unsalted sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 high quality fish oil capsules
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ to ¾ cup water
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet.
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the water, squeezing the fish oil from the capsules into the bowl with the other ingredients. Stir the mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Slowly add the water, starting with ½ cup and add more as needed. You want a thick dough that holds together without being too sticky. Use your hands to knead the dough a few times to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out to ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a lined cookie sheet. Gather up the scraps of dough, roll it out again, and cut out the remaining biscuits.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and hard. Let cool completely and keep stored in an airtight container. Will keep for several days.
cassidy murphy says
Hi, My Jack Russell and I were wondering… Why such a short shelf life? What can be done to extend the shelf life? Thanks, Cassie
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Cassidy, it’s just a recommendation because of the shelf life of the fish oil after they’ve been opened.
Marilyn says
Hi there !! May I use omega 3 oil (for dogs) rather than fish oil capsules? If so, how much would I need ?
Kind regards, Marilyn 😁
Jacqueline Sibongo says
i need more recipes for dog food.
Cinda says
Oh my goodness!!! All I have to do is gather the ingredients and my dog bubbles won’t leave the kitchen until they are done!!! She gets so excited when she knows I’m making them
Donna says
My Bluetick Coonhound can’t get enough of these!! It makes me so very happy to be giving her such a healthy treat. My neighbors all around me were gifted some for their dogs for Christmas and I’m pleased to say they were a huge hit! Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad, Donna, thank you! We have a coonhound also, a Treeing Walker Coonhound :)
Anonymous says
Our mongrel friend absolutely loves this one! Thank you for this recipe
MARIA says
Hi, can you use normal flour instead of whole wheat. I know not as nutritional
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Yes you can, Maria.
Debra Bonin says
Hi there, I am looking for an Omega 3 treat that I can make instead of buying to make for 3 very lovely retrievers but their hair has lost its softness. Would this be a good replacement for supplements? To buy supplements is 9 per day and 30 dollars for a 10 days supply!.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Debra, no, I would not recommend it as a replacement. While the treats have some nutrition the exposure to heat through baking will kill some of those nutrients, including some from the fish oil. How much I don’t know (we cook fish before eating it but the oils in it are still beneficial). I’m not a vet or animal health specialist but what I do is I give my dog one small capsule of fish oil every day mixed in his regular food. His coat is very healthy with a beautiful sheen.