I was watching commercial television the other night, and an Ad came on, reminding me why I never watch commercial TV anymore - there are more Ads than actual programs! Needless to say shortly after I switched back to our regular streaming provider!
Anyway, this commercial caught my eye as it was a really cute animated Dog flying through the stratosphere, looping the moon and flying back to earth and into the arms of his loving owner.
I'm sure you'll recognise this incredibly well known Jingle for one of the best selling treats found in all good supermarkets..... and bare with me here as for copyright purposes I have to change it up a little! 'dog's go wakko, dogs go wakko, dog's go wakko for... you get the idea! I am sure they do. But, what if I told you there are so many better ways to treat your dog with real foods that never need a disclaimer stating things like this: 'This product is intended for occasional or supplemental feeding only and does not form part of a Complete and Balanced Diet. Feed in moderation and always have fresh water available' This got me thinking, why do people buy these sorts of 'treats' when clearly they aren't that great for their dogs if this has to be stated? And my very next thought was, it's so easy and CHEAP to make your own and they can be customized for your dog's tastes and address health problems at the same time.So here I am, writing this Blog to give you some easy recipes to make at home. And I promise you'll be humming that Jingle while you make them, I am humming it myself while writing this! Before I go any further, I'd like to just talk about the word 'TREATS'. It implies a small , occasional nice to have snack that should not be eaten all the time. Think of a chocolate bar - they are delicious and not terribly good for you, hence the term 'treat yourself occasionally'. I shall continue to refer to these recipes as 'Treatos' but they are actually not, they are real food with real nutritional purpose, but that's a mouthful, so 'Treatos' it is from now on. And these most definitely can form a part of a complete and balanced diet, in fact they will definitely bring variety and actually fortify their daily nutritional intake while addressing any health concerns your dog may have.
Bring on the TREATOS!
The following recipes are all flexible, and ingredients can be changed up if need be to suit your dog's needs. I have listed some of the nutritional benefits of each recipe as is and is a general guide only.
Turkey Time Treatos
Benefits
Low Fat (great for pancreatic sufferers) Novel Protein (low allergy Protein) High in Omega 3 and 6 Anti Inflammatory (reduces joint inflammation) High in Antioxidants Excellent source of Prebiotics
Ingredients
500gm Turkey Mince (1 Tray) 2 Cups Cooked, Mashed Pumpkin (Skin included) 2 Eggs, Beaten 2 Tablespoons of Two Seed Curcumin Meal Supplement (Contains Hemp Seed*, Linseed*, Coconut*, Turmeric*, Parsley* and Black Pepper. *Denotes Certified Organic Ingredients.)
Method
Chop the pumpkin into small cubes including the skin and cook with a small splash of water over a low heat until soft. Allow to cool and mash. Combine the Turkey Mince, Eggs, Pumpkin and Two Seeds blend in a bowl. Line a baking tray with Parchment (Baking) Paper. Smooth mix evenly over the entire tray. The mix should be thin and even, this will reduce cooking time. ** Bake in a Low Oven at 140 Degrees for an Hour, or until dry to the touch. Allow to cool and break into small pieces. Store in an Airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 Days. Alternatively, these freeze well in an Airtight container. ** The thickness of the mix will determine the cooking time. The thinner the mix, the faster the cooking time and the crunchier the Treato. If you want a softer treat, don't spread the mix, make it deeper.
Frozen Strawberry & Coconut Smoothie Treatos
Benefits
Meat Free alternative High in Plant Based Proteins A great source of vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin K, as well as potassium, magnesium, iodine, and folic acid. High in Calcium Joint Rejuvenation, assist Post Injury Healing Antioxidant rich to combat cellular damage Skin & Coat Health
Ingredients
425ml Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk (1 Tin) 2 Cups Frozen Mashed Strawberries 1 Mashed Banana 2 Tablespoons Healthy Bones Meal Supplement (Egg Shells*, Toasted Coconut*, Coconut Flour*, Dehydrated Chicken, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Parsley*. * Denotes Certified Organic Ingredients)
Method
Mash the Banana and Strawberries in a bowl or use a Blender to combine. Combine the Tin of Coconut Cream (or Milk) with the blended Fruit and the Healthy Bones Blend. Pour into Ice Cube Trays or cute shaped Moulds and freeze overnight.
Roast Chicken and Veg Treatos
Benefits
Low Fat (and a Cheap Protein) High in Plant Based Proteins High in Iron Anti Inflammatory (reduces reduction of skin conditions such as redness, irritation) High in Antioxidants High in Vitamin A & C & contains phytonutrients Excellent source of Prebiotics
Ingredients
500gm Chicken Mince (1 Tray) 2 Cups Cooked, Mashed Sweet Potato (Skin included) 2 Eggs, Beaten 2 Tablespoons Supergreens Meal Supplement ( Coconut*, Spirulina*, Barley Grass*, Broccoli*, Kale*, Moringa*, Wheat Grass*, Spinach. * Denotes Certified Organic Ingredients.
Method
Chop the sweet potato into small cubes including the skin and cook with a small splash of water over a low heat until soft. Allow to cool and mash. Combine the Chicken Mince, Eggs, Sweet Potato and Supergreens blend in a bowl. Line a baking tray with Parchment (Baking) Paper. Smooth mix evenly over the entire tray. The mix should be thin and even, this will reduce cooking time. ** Bake in a Low Oven at 140 Degrees for an Hour, or until dry to the touch. Allow to cool and break into small pieces. Store in an Airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 Days. Alternatively, these freeze well in an Airtight container. ** The thickness of the mix will determine the cooking time. The thinner the mix, the faster the cooking time and the crunchier the Treato. If you want a softer treat, don't spread the mix, make it deeper.
Frozen Meaty Pupcicle Treatos
Benefits
A superfood that assists in building the Gut Microbiome High in Glucosamine, chondroitin and Gelatin for Joint Health Natural alternative to Steroids or Chemical Pain Relief A great source of vitamin C and vitamin K Antioxidant rich to combat cellular damage. Skin & Coat Health
Ingredients
500ml of Optimal Gut Health Bone Broth (2 Cups) (Beef Marrow Bones, Pork Hocks, Chicken Feet, ACV) 1 Cup Frozen Blueberries
Method
Combine Two Cups (500ml) of boiling water & one heaped Tablespoon (15-17 grams) of powder. Whisk very well to combine and allow to cool. Distribute the Frozen Blueberries evenly into several Ice Cube trays. Pour over the cooled Bone Broth. Refrigerate overnight. You can have fun with this one, why not try to make Pupsicles? Simply use Icy Pole Molds instead of an ice cube tray or cute shaped mould. For the 'handle', simply slice a Carrot into thin Batons (sticks). Insert into the mould and freeze overnight.
Skin Soother Fishy Treatos
Benefits
Low Fat (great for pancreatic sufferers) Novel Protein (low allergy Protein) High in Omega 3 and 6 and 9 Packed with nutrients & anti-oxidants. Spirulina contains over 100 nutrients & is considered to be the most complete single food source on the planet. Effective antimicrobial agent, particularly for candida (yeast) eradication.
Ingredients
500gm White Fish (Basa or Hoki is great)** 2 Eggs, Beaten 1 Cup Coconut Flour 2 Tablespoons Skin Soother Meal Supplement ( Coconut*, Spirulina*. * Denotes Certified Organic Ingredients) ** Substitute with 1 Tin of Tuna or Salmon in Spring water if need be
Method
Mince the Fish Fillets (or Tuna in Spring water) in a Food Processor or use a stick Blender.
Combine the Fish Mince, Eggs, Coconut Flour and Skin Soother blend in a bowl.
Line a baking tray with Parchment (Baking) Paper. Smooth mix evenly over the entire tray. The mix should be thin and even, this will reduce cooking time. **
Bake in a Low Oven at 140 Degrees for an Hour, or until dry to the touch.
Allow to cool and break into small pieces. Store in an Airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 Days. Alternatively, these freeze well in an Airtight container.
** The thickness of the mix will determine the cooking time. The thinner the mix, the faster the cooking time and the crunchier the Treato. If you want a softer treat, don't spread the mix, make it deeper.
Ingredients To Avoid In Your Own Dog Treat Recipes
We’re all about making healthy, natural treats for our dogs, but far too often the recipes we come across feature ingredients that we shouldn’t be giving to our dogs. Just because you’re making those treats at home and know exactly what’s going into them, doesn’t always mean they’re healthy.
Avoid these ingredients in your own dog treat recipes:
Peanut butter.
You may be surprised to see peanut butter at the top of the list since so many commercial treats are peanut butter flavoured, but peanut butter is actually really bad for your dog. It contains aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin. Mycotoxins are one of the most carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances. Most peanut butters also contain harmful fats and tons of sugar.
Peas.
These starchy vegetables and they commonly contain anti-nutrients, or substances that can rob your dog of valuable nutrition. Nuts are also a source of anti-nutrients so keep them out of your treats too.
Starchy carbs (potatoes, rice, cereal grains).
Carbs serve no purpose in your dog’s diet and they can actually feed the harmful bacteria in your dog’s stomach!
Sugars.
Your dog’s already sweet enough (and he doesn’t need you to add any sugars … seriously, they’re no good). White sugar just feeds all the things we try to keep our dog safe from yeast, parasites and harmful bacteria. It can cause diabetes, allergies, and even inflammation. It also feeds cancer cells. Just say no to sugar.
If you’re looking for a way to share the love with a yummy treat for your dog that’s also healthy, try one of these and see him jump for joy! Perhaps he may very well preform his own 'loop of the moon' just like that catchy cute Ad described!
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