Jackson Free Press

Most of us love our dogs enough to consider them a member of the family, so why not bake for them as if they were?

The process is simple considering the abundance of resources aimed at preparing a healthy, all-natural doggie diet. And with the holiday season in full swing, why not whip up a batch of treats—free of the harmful additives and by-products many store-bought versions pack—for your dog to enjoy while the rest of the family feasts?

Variations of the following all-natural recipes were taken from Jonna Anne's "Make Your Own Healthy Doggie Biscuits Box" (Ivy Press Limited, 2007, $10). In addition to 30 recipes, baking tips and nutrition advice, the book includes three dog-themed cookie cutters: a fire hydrant, a doghouse and a bone. "Make Your Own Healthy Doggie Biscuits Box" also features several recipes to accommodate special needs like allergies, weight control, dry skin/dull coat and all-vegetarian diets.

When you're cooking for your dog, steer clear of using ingredients that are toxic to him or her such as chocolate, coffee, citrus oils, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, walnuts, mushrooms and onions.

HEALTHY HARVEST FRUIT COOKIES
Cranberries and apples provide not only natural sweetness, but they also aid in urinary tract function. You can use rice or spelt flour as a substitute if your dog has a wheat allergy.

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal (slow cook variety)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup minced apple
1/4 cup minced cranberries (dried or fresh)

Mix together the flour and oatmeal, then stir milk into flour mixture. Add minced apple and cranberries and mix well. Mold dough into small rounds and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes or until cookies are firm and golden-brown.

BREATH-BUSTER BONES
These biscuits are made with fresh mint and parsley to aid digestion and freshen Fido's breath.

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup fresh chopped mint
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
2/3 cup brown rice flour

Combine oil, egg, mint, parsley and milk by whisking together in a small bowl. Blend in flour slowly, mixing until a stiff dough is formed. Place dough on a floured surface and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown.

RESOURCES
"Better Food for Dogs: A Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide," by David Bastin, Jennifer Ashton and Grant Nixon (Robert Rose, 2002, $20)

"Holistic Guide For a Healthy Dog," by Wendy Volhard and Kerry L. Brown (Howell Books, 2000, $16.95)

http://www.copperpaws.com
http://www.naturaldogfood.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com