Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Doggie Squares

Doggie Squares
These protein-packed squares can be baked as dry or moist as you choose.  Keep your dog healthy!
Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 to 1 cup oat flour, almond flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, or amaranth flour (use 1 cup if using canned salmon)
1 pound ground turkey, chicken, beef, venison, OR one 14¾-ounce can of salmon
1 egg
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix baking powder and flour; add meat or fish. Combine until dry ingredients are fully incorporated. Add egg and mix until completely combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 30 minutes until firm and dry to the touch. Cool in the pan. Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator (good for up to five days) or in the freezer (good for up to six months).
Hound JerkyChoose lower-priced cuts and meats marked down for same-day purchase. Save tough pieces cut from meats you prepare for yourself. Lean meats are safest for jerky, as fats go rancid. Beef tongue makes excellent jerky for dogs.

IngredientsNonstick cooking spray
1 to 3 pounds meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
Directions
If you have a dehydrator, follow your machine's instructions for making jerky but skip salts and other seasoning. If not, follow these oven-based instructions.

Coat two jelly roll pans or rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Set a metal cooling rack in each pan. Coat rack with spray.

Slice meat into thin, uniform strips and arrange on racks. (Pieces will shrink, so they can be placed close together.)


3. Bake at the lowest oven setting (most are between 150º and 200º). Depending on the meat's thickness, the bake time may be between 3 to 8 hours. The texture of the final product is your choice. You may leave it somewhat chewy or wait until it's completely dry.


4. Remove from oven and let jerky cool completely before storing in refrigerator or freezer. Since no salts are used in the process, this jerky shouldn't be stored at room temperature.
Leftovers Trail MixThis trail mix is perfect for bite-sized training treats and virtually cost-free because it’s made from leftovers. Toss leftovers in a freezer container until there’s enough to make a batch of trail mix. Then thaw, bake, and treat!
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
Pieces of meat, poultry, and fish (rinse off seasonings and sauces)
Potatoes, cooked (sweet as well as white)
Vegetables (no avocados or onions)
Fruit (no grapes or raisins)

Directions
If you have a dehydrator, follow your machine's instructions for drying vegetables, but skip salts and other seasoning. If not, follow these oven-based instructions.

Coat jelly roll pans or rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to the lowest oven setting (most are between 150º and 200º).

Cut ingredients into approximately similar-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick, Spread on prepared baking sheets. Place in oven and bake until all ingredients are dried but not browning, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool completely. Store in refrigerator (good for up to five days) or in the freezer (good for up to six months).

Homemade dogs treats may take a little more time to prepare, but they're worth the effort to keep the pets we love safe and healthy. The treat we get for our time in the kitchen? Peace of mind.

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