Today’s guest writer is Stacy Mantle. She is writing about how to make treats for your dog for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is February 14, and who better to share this special day with than your best four-legged friend? This week, we’re looking at some fun (and healthy) Valentine’s day dog treat recipes you can make at home to share with your dogs.
Pet-friendly peanut-butter cookies, pumpkin muffins, and even cupcakes are a delicious way to treat your dogs this Valentines Day. Top your pet’s favorite treat with a not-too-sweet concoction of Greek yogurt and tapioca starch frosting your dog will adore.
To really help your pet feel special, use a heart-shaped silicone baking mold to create the ultimate Doggystyle Valentine’s Day Treat!
DOGTV has partnered with Kevyn Matthews, The Dog Chef, to bring you healthy and tasty recipes for your dog. Click here to read some of his recipes.
Easy Dog Treat Recipes for Valentine’s Day
When you’re making these easy dog treats, remember not to substitute ingredients. Each of our free recipes feature the healthiest ingredients for the best dogs. Here’s a look at just a few of our favorites:
Chickpeas: There are lots of dog-friendly flours, but for our recipes, we avoid the gluten to create a delicious concoction of chickpea (also known as Garbanzo) flour. Chickpeas have a lot of fantastic benefits for dogs. They are not only a rich source of protein, they also include plenty of potassium, magnesium and folate for healthy muscle development and cell recovery. Best of all, they are low-calorie so you won’t have to worry about packing on the pounds. When cooking for pets, forgo the wheat flour and try garbanzo bean flour.
Peanut Butter: When working with peanut butter for pets, always choose an all-natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and heart-healthy fats, but always check the label – some brands contain artificial sweeteners which can be deadly to dogs. Stick with one developed specifically for pets, like this hemp-infused organic peanut butter from GreenCoastPet.
Greek Yogurt: Always select an unsweetened type of Greek yogurt or make your own home. Close out the night with greek yogurt atop mixed berries and bananas. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, B6 and vitamin C. They help replenish electrolytes and promote healthy skin and coat.
Sugar-Free Juices: All-natural cranberry juice is pretty amazing for helping your dog’s urinary tract system. Always select a sugar-free (preferably juiced straight from the fruit). You can also substitute pomegranate or persimmon juice to increase free radicals, or treat your pets with an apple slice or two. Moderation is the key when it comes to fruits or you risk digestive upset.
NOTE: Make sure that any sugar-free or low calorie items you use for cooking for your pet does NOT contain xylitol. This toxic chemical is found in sugar-free gum, candy and even in some peanut butters. Read the ingredient list carefully.
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