DIY: Valentine’s Treats

February 14, 2013 by Tails Magazine in Fun Stuff, Newsletter with 0 Comments

Our pets might not be able to indulge in the typical Valentine’s Day fare (though we’re sure you’ll see a few drool-y glances in the direction of the nearest heart-shaped box of chocolates), but we can still show them lots of yummy love by baking them something homemade and healthy.

Here are some paws-itively scrumptious treats you can share with your four-legged love:

For Cats

For your feline-Valentine: Chewy Cat Treats from Joy the Baker

What you need:

1 large egg

1 4oz jar chicken and brown rice baby food (or something meaty, like canned wet cat food)

1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons water

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup cooked white (or brown) rice

Other things you might add: 1 tablespoon of catnip or a hearty tablespoon of extra wet cat food.

Directions:

Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, baby food (or wet cat food), parsley, olive oil, and water. Add brown rice flour and cooked rice. Stir to incorporate. The mixture will be thick but spreadable.

Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet creating a rectangle that is about 1/3 of an inch thick. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Let rest until cool enough to handle, then slice soft dough into bite-sized pieces. Return pieces to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Image: JoyTheBaker.com

For Dogs

For your canine-Valentine: Fruity Oatmeal Dog Treats from Brownie Bites

What you need:

1 banana, ripe

1 cup shredded carrot

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

⅛ cup water

1.5 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup oats

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Mash the carrots with the banana, then add applesauce and water.

Fold in the oats and gradually add the flour until a dough is formed.

Lightly sprinkle a counter top with some whole wheat flour and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.

Use a small biscuit cutter (or any cutter of your choice!) and place treats on a lightly-sprayed cookie sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes, and then turn off the oven and let the treats stay inside for an additional 2-3 hours. This will dehydrate them further, creating a chewy (or crunchy, depending on how long you let them dehydrate) treat with a longer shelf life.

Share these sweet treats with your furry sweetheart and you’ll be sure to get an extra kiss or two!

Image: BrownieBites.net