These simple and delicious biscuits are fast and extremely cheap to make, but still drive canines crazy with their delicious texture and wholesome taste.
As people are becoming more aware of the impact a good diet has upon their dog, so it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that canines are fed a low fat and high fibre diet, without the chemicals and additives which so many large retailers add in to their dog food. It is no longer good enough for dogs to consume the parts of animals which humans overlook; nowadays, responsible dog owners recognise that the health of their dog is conditional upon their pets being fed a balanced and varied diet.
There are many organic dog treats available in large pet shops nowadays, but it makes more financial sense (and is much more fun!) to make dog treats at home. That way, dog owners can have full control over what their dogs are eating, and get the satisfaction of feeling proud that they have had a hand in the health and happiness of their pet!
Ingredients:
- 9 oz. (250g) strong plain flour
- 4 oz. (125g) medium oatmeal
- 4 oz. (125g) polenta
- 2 oz. (50g) dried skimmed milk
- 284 g. beef stock
- 1 sachet (7g) dry yeast
- 1 medium egg, beaten
Method:
- Preheat oven to 140ºC/275ºF
- Mix together the flour, polenta and dried milk in a large bowl.
- Set aside 3 tbs. of stock.
- Heat the rest in a pan until warm.
- Sprinkle on the yeast and allow to become frothy.
- Mix yeast into the flour mixture and turn out onto a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for about five minutes.
- Cut dough into quarters and roll each piece to 1/4in (5mm) thick.
- Cut into shapes and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Add the reserved stock to the beaten egg and brush biscuits with the mixture.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Turn over and brush with egg mixture and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Turn off oven, brush biscuits with the mixture for the last time and leave overnight in the oven to harden.
This recipe makes about 40 dog biscuits.
Additional Ideas
If the dog is undergoing obedience training, it is very simple to cut the biscuit mix into very small tidbit sized shapes and use as training rewards. The biscuits can be stored for weeks in an airtight container, as they are relatively low in perishable ingredients.
Dogs are particularly partial to yeast flavours, and it is the beef stock and yeast which make these biscuits so tasty for canines. Sprinkling the biscuits with grated hard cheese will make them absolutely irresistible to dogs, too.
Finding the Right Cookie Cutters for Dog Biscuits
Many online sellers stock cookie cutters in the shape of bones, fire hydrants, kennels and paw shapes. This makes for a very cute shape of cookie which can then be baked and packaged as Christmas gifts for dog owner friends.
