Dog Cookie Recipe — Tips & Tricks
Making homemade dog cookies is really simple and easy. A kitchen, simple healthy ingredients and some great dog cookie recipes will get you started, and I hope a few tips and tricks will make it an even more enjoyable time for you and your fido.
Most kitchens probably already have the things you will need to make them: mixing bowls, spatulas, wooden spoons, a few general pots and pans, and a good baking sheet. A whisk can incorporate dry ingredients well and a food processor and/or blender may come in handy too.
Recipe Notes
When you’re making homemade dog treats for your dog one of the most important things to do is to pay close attention to the recipe. Dog cookie recipes usually have specific amounts of dry and liquid ingredients listed. Inaccurately measured wet or dry ingredients (flour, water), for example, and your dog cookies may not turn out right at all!
Click Here for Treat and Cake Recipes Your Dog Will Love
Sometimes liquid is included in unusual ways like pureeing liver or including the water from a can of tuna. Be sure to read the directions all the way through BEFORE you begin so you notice when you are supposed to include the liquid in this way in your dog cookie recipes. There’s nothing worse than pouring the liquid down the drain, only to find out later in the recipe that you needed it!
With many dog cookie recipes you can do a little mixing and matching. A few common recipe substitutions are tuna for salmon, (which can be harmful to your dog), liver for egg, and specific vegetables for some carrots or apples. Be a little creative when using most dog treats recipes and use what you have on-hand. As long as you keep the dry to liquid ratio used in the recipe, you should be fine. Besides, your dog will vote with their tummy, by not eating something they don’t care for.
If you are concerned about making a particular substitution in your dog cookie recipe, make a small batch and let your favorite pooch tell you. Any leftovers not eaten can be taken to a rescue group, or shelter; call first to see if they’ll accept homemade treats.
It is strongly advised to be aware of ingredients that are not good for dogs. The first example is chocolate. Carob chips or powder is a safe substitution since chocolate can be very toxic to dogs. Some of the dog cookie recipes found here originally included garlic or garlic powder. Garlic is somewhat controversial, so it has been removed from most of these recipes. Some people claim that it may cause anemia-related health problems in dogs. You can use your own good judgment, or consult your veterinarian about using or other ingredients of concern. especially if your dog has health or age related issues.
Finishing Touches
Many dog cookie recipes can be jazzed up just by adding a little parmesan cheese to the top of the cookies before baking. Most dogs love parmesan cheese and it goes well with many kinds of dog cookies, adding flavor, but calories as well, so be aware..
You can make your cookies in squares or rectangles, or more attractive by cutting them out into shapes like commercial dog biscuits. It’s easy to find dog bone-shaped cookie cutters and cookie cutters in the shape of dogs, fire hydrants (my favorite!) and other doggie items in kitchen stores and online. Your dog may or may not know the difference (or care!) but they are very cute.
You can even cut out cardboard shapes of bones or dogs or even their favorite toy shapes, and use them as guides when you are cutting shapes in your dog cookie dough.
Thank goodness many dog cookies freeze well so you can make a big batch all at one time. Storing them in freezer proof bags will keep their nutrition and freshness longer. You may want to fill a dog treat bag with some, or make several dog treat bags to store in your freezer so you will have some ready whenever you want to take some out. Just remember to label them with the date (for freshness) and recipe name (so your husband doesn’t eat them on a midnight freezer raid!)
This article focused on tip & tricks for dog cookies. Please feel free to read my other articles that provide additional great tips & tricks for making dog cookie recipes.
