Just as we humans love our treats and to a certain extent expect to get one when we have been particularly good or done something really nice for someone. It seems only fair that making some dog treats for our favorite pooch shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Before heading off to your nearest pet supply store to buy a treat for your dog; consider spending a little of your time and making your special puppy a treat made by you at home from one of the many dog treat recipes available.

In all my time having dogs as pets I have yet to own a pooch that didn’t adore a dog treat, even more so if it was homemade. Its not difficult, and there are 100s of dog treat recipes available just by doing a search on the web.

I have never had any problem with any of my pets using online treat recipes but it’s always a good idea to check that there are no ingredients that may be harmful to your pets.

My German Shepherd Alfie loves all of the treats I make for him, but there’s no doubt that this treat is his no1 choice.

Alfie’s Cheesy Dog Biscuit Treats - Ingredients:

* One cup rolled oats (something like Quaker) * One third (1/3) cup margarine * One cup water/boiling * Three quarters (3/4) cup corn-meal One * One tablespoon sugar * Two (2) teaspoons beef or chicken stock (instant bouillon) * Milk 1/2 cup * One (1) cup grated/shredded cheddar cheese * One (1) egg, beaten * Two to Three (2 - 3) cups whole wheat flour

Ingredients at the ready, lets get baking.

Make sure the oven is preheated at 325 degrees then its time to grease the cookie sheets.

Using a large bowl to put the boiling water, rolled oats and margarine into and then leave for around ten mins. Next step is to mix in the cheese and egg, milk, bouillon sugar and cornmeal. Using your measuring cup gently spoon in the flour & level off. The flour should be added one cup at a time whilst checking it is mixed thoroughly. You will know that it is ready when the consistency of the dough becomes stiff. Tip the mixture onto a floured suface and using the last of the flour, knead until the mixture becomes smooth and is no longer sticky. Now you can press the dough into a 1/2 inch layer with your hands or a rolling pin.

Cut using a bone shaped cookie cutter. Place them on greased cookie sheets about 1 inch apart. Put them into the oven for around 30-45 mins at 325 degrees. When ready the cookies should be a lovely golden brown color.

This should make enough dog treats to keep your pooch happy for some time to come. Although it may seem like a lot of trouble to go to, it really doesn’t take that long. It can also be a great way of having fun with the kids whilst creating your first mutt masterpiece gourmet dog treat.

For more info on how to make homemade dog cookies and much more. Head over to www.just-dogs.info

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By: Mark Thompson,

If you are someone who is concerned in relation to the quality of the food that you are eating, then you have probably chosen to eat organic foods instead. Certainly there is plenty of evidence to show that eating such foods can improve a person’s health, strength and energy levels. So it is worthwhile investing money in such products. Although you have given some thought regarding what you are eating, have you ever thought about what goes into the food that your pets eat? Just as with humans organic pet foods can provide them with the same benefits. It is even possible for you to actually make your own homemade organic dog food if you so wish.

In fact, actually preparing and making such meals for your dog could prove to be one of the best things you will ever do for them. Yes you can purchase commercially prepared organic dog food, but it can be quite expensive to buy. In fact you may well find that it costs far more than you anticipated. This is probably one of the reasons why many pet owners prefer to by the commercially made non-organic kinds of pet foods instead. But if you think about it there are other ways in which you can provide organic foods to your own pets.

One of the benefits to be had from making your own homemade organic dog food is that it will save you money. As well as ensuring that the food your dog is eating is of the highest quality and extremely nutritious for them. Plus you know that their food is free from chemicals and pesticides. If you really want to save money when preparing organic dog food then use what you have left over from your own meals. All you need to do is blend what you have together and it will provide them with a really great tasting meal.

However, before you start preparing any kind of organic dog food you need to discuss the matter with your vet first. They will be able to provide you with a set of guidelines to ensure that your dog’s particular nutritional requirements will be met. Remember each breed of dog will have a specific set of nutritional requirements that will need to be met. By having these guidelines to hand you will then be able to select and prepare organic dog food recipes that meet your dog’s particular needs the best.

After speaking with your vet you can now get on to making the food for your dog. When it comes to selecting recipes the best place to start searching for ones to try is online. It is important to remember as you search that the food you prepare will not only keep your dog healthy but they will also be a lot happier as well.

Also by cooking your own organic dog food at home, you have more control over the kinds of foods that your dog eats. Cooking your own allows you to control how many calories and what fat content is contained in their food. This will further help to ensure that they do not actually become overweight.

Another advantage to be had from preparing your pet’s food is that you can prepare meals that suit the different seasons. So in summer the meals you prepare for your dog will be much lighter and cooler, compared to those in winter which will be much warmer and heartier. By doing this you will ensure that their bodies and energy levels are such that they are better able to cope with the weather and other conditions during the various seasons.

Also after a while you will start to see some changes in your pet where you have been making them homemade organic dog food. Not only will they look healthier, their energy levels will be improved and they will look happier as well. So if you are someone who is at all concerned about what goes into your dog’s food then it is about time you starting considering change their diet to organic foods instead. If you are finding the cost of buying commercially produced organic dog food somewhat prohibitive then why not start making it for yourself.

Above we have provided you with some reasons as to why making homemade organic dog food is ideal for your pet. If you would like to learn more about all aspects of pet food then why not visit Healthy Pets Are Happy Pets click on this link.

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Is a raw food diet right for my dog…

By: Shanti Pathak

There has been a lot of debate recently over what types of food are best for dogs, commercial food versus homemade food, raw food, cooked food, etc. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with all of these diets, and in this article, we will cover the views on the raw food diet for your dog, covering both sides of the issue, so that you can make your own decision.

There are many benefits that your dog will receive from being on a raw diet, according to some vets. If you choose to allow your dog to have bones, then some say that their teeth will stay in better shape, and will be cleaner, than those on other diets. This could potentially mean less money that you have to spend on dental care at the vet’s office, which is considered to be an added bonus for you, the dog’s owner.

Many dogs’ digestive systems are better able to tolerate raw food than commercial dog foods that are filled with by-products and preservatives. You also don’t have to worry as much about potential food allergies, since you know exactly what is in the food that you are giving to your dog.

Another belief is that dogs that are on raw diets have significantly reduced risk of becoming obese, which can cause many serious health problems, just as it does for humans. They are only eating what they need, without getting all of the fillers that many commercial dog foods contain, which cuts out excess calories.

One of the most common complaints that dog owners have about a raw diet is that it takes a lot longer for them to prepare their dog’s food than normal. They can’t just go to a bag and scoop out kibble into a bowl; they have to actually prepare the food, much as they would for themselves. You have to have enough meat on hand to feed your dog, you have to measure out the correct amount, and then mix it with the proper amount of vegetables, and bones if you choose to go that route. You have to determine how much food your dog should eat each day, depending on his or her ideal body weight, and then either prepare the food on a daily basis, or prepare it in batches and store it in the freezer until it is needed.

Either way, you have a lot more time invested in the entire process, and for busy families, this isn’t always an option.

When you purchase meat, depending on where you live, it can be pretty expensive, so you will likely have to spend more money on a raw diet than you would a commercial dog food diet. To make this option more affordable, you will need to look for sales and then buy as much as you can afford and store it appropriately, which could also mean investing in a separate freezer, if you don’t already have one on hand.

Anytime you think about raw meat, you have to think about parasites and bacteria, which could be potentially harmful for your dog. Some meats are more dangerous than others, for example pork, but in general, you should be okay. Raw beef and chicken usually don’t pose any problems for dogs, as long as it is stored properly at the correct temperatures.

You will need to decide whether or not to give your dog bones. Some vets say that you should never give your dog any kind of bone, because they could choke, or the bones could damage their digestive system, but others say as long as you are careful about the types of bones you give, this isn’t a problem. Many advocates of the raw diet grind bones up and mix them in, but again, that is your choice.

If you are thinking about putting your dog on a raw diet, you need to take the time to look at all of the information you can find, and then make your own decision based on your findings. The raw diet requires a commitment from you the dog owner, both financially, and time-wise, if you aren’t prepared for that, or aren’t certain that is the way you want to go, then you might want to think about other options.

Cristy & David Giacomini is the author of this article on. Find more information on here holisticdog

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By: Mark Thompson,

Are you searching for a way to make homemade dog food easily? You may think that since you are now in charge of fixing all the meals for your dog means that it will be hard and take a long time. This is not true most of all home cooked dog foods are very simple, quick and easy to do.

As you will soon discover homemade dog food recipes are not as complex as you would have first imagined. In fact what you could do is actually prepare your dogs food as you prepare a meal for you and your family. Doing this you will be assured that what your dog is eating is of the highest quality for them.

After learning some of the various different recipes available you will soon become competent at producing good quality healthy meals for your pet, that are also extremely nutritious for them. But as well as being nutritious many of these recipes contain high amounts of protein and fats which your dog needs. In addition, your dog will start to enjoy their food more and you also are making sure that the food they now eat is healthy as well.

By making food for your dog you are not only ensuring that their diet is healthy but they will also be much happier. So why not start looking for recipes today and then begin testing a few out on your dog. Doing this you will be able to quickly see which ones they prefer and do not be too surprised if they like them all. Certainly if your dog had a choose he would prefer to eat what you make for him rather than that which comes out of packet or can.

Once you are making food for your pet, it puts you in control of what they are eating. You can measure their fat intake, along calories, and even the protein that they are getting. Because of this, your dog will be a much happier pet. Plus you may well start to notice that they have become much calmer but they will have lots of energy as well. It is important that you check with your vet first before you to start to use any homemade dog food recipes, to be sure that they actually contain all the ingredients in order to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Also by learning how to cook good simple homemade food for your dog you will also be learning about what it is you dog really likes to eat. So you need to try several different types to see which ones it is that they like. But you also need to be prepared that there are going to some recipes that they dislike and so you may end up having to prepare another meal for them.

Also, it is crucial that you keep track of those recipes that your dog did not like and so you will know not to make it again. Also test foods until you find several recipes that your dog actually likes, and then rotate these recipes to ensure that they do not get bored with their diet.

It is also important to note that there are some foods, which are dangerous for your dog, so you need to carry out a good amount of research before you use any recipes. It is crucial that you never include those ingredients within your dog’s food that are in fact dangerous for them. A great way of finding which ones these are is by discussing the matter with your vet. Please also note that some foods are dangerous for dogs. Do your research before you begin to cook. No food that is not safe for dogs should ever be used in any homemade dog food. You can check with your vet in order to make sure that what you are using is safe for them. Another thing that you can look at is which multivitamins you are able to use in their food to further enhance their health.

Above we have given useful information on what you should consider when you want to make homemade food for your dog. If you would like to learn more about producing good quality food for your dog click on this link Homemade Dog Food Recipes.

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