How to Make -
Home Made Meaty Dog Treats
Ingredients:
350g whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon of stock (chicken, beef or pork)
1/4 pint hot water
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (375°F). Ensure your oven rack is in the middle position to allow even baking.
2. Prepare the Mixing Bowl
Take a large mixing bowl and add the 350g of whole wheat flour. Make sure the bowl is large enough to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Dissolve the Stock
Dissolve the stock cube in 1/4 pint of hot water. Stir until the stock is completely dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Combine Flour and Stock
Gradually pour the dissolved stock into the bowl with the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to come together.
5. Add Salt and Egg
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and crack the egg into the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
6. Knead the Dough
Once the mixture is combined, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is firm and you can form it into a ball.
7. Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Make sure your surface and rolling pin are floured to prevent sticking.
8. Cut the Treats
Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your preferred shapes. You can use bone-shaped cutters or any other fun shapes that you like.
9. Bake the Treats
Place the cut-out shapes onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure there is enough space between each piece for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The treats should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
10. Cool Completely
Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. It is crucial to ensure they are fully cooled before feeding them to your dog to prevent any risk of burns or discomfort.
Store the finished treats in an air tight container. They should last for up to two weeks at room temperature. Alternatively, you can freeze them for a longer shelf life. Allow a couple of hours to defrost before giving them to your dog.
Are Homemade Dog Treats Good for Training?
Absolutely! Homemade dog treats are not only good for training but can often be more effective than store-bought options for several reasons:
High Value: Dogs tend to value homemade treats more highly because they are fresher and often more flavourful. This high value makes them more effective as rewards during training.
Size and Consistency: You can control the size of homemade treats, making them perfect for training. Small, bite-sized treats are ideal as they allow for frequent rewards without overfeeding your dog.
Customised Ingredients: You can include ingredients that your dog particularly loves, increasing their motivation during training sessions. For instance, if your dog is particularly fond of peanut butter or cheese, you can incorporate these into the treats.
Healthier Options: Since you control the ingredients, you can ensure the treats are healthy, providing good nutrition alongside the training benefits. This is especially important if your dog requires a special diet.
By making your own dog treats, you not only ensure they are healthy and safe but also create a powerful tool for training and bonding with your pet.
