DIY Holiday Dog Treats

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is sometimes easy to forget to include our fur family members in the celebrations. I like to make these fun and simple dog treats for Dotty and Dilly and trust me when I say, they LOVE them.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup sweet potato OR pumpkin puree. I used a sweet potato from our garden this time.
• 1 large egg.
• 1 1/4 cup almond flour I like to make my own but if I am pressed for time, I like to use Bob’s Red Mill.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl combine peanut butter, pumpkin or sweet potato puree and egg; stir until well combined. You can use an electric mixer if you’d like.
2. Add in almond flour, cinnamon, and turmeric and stir until everything combines into a dough. NOTE: The dough will be sticky.
3. Scoop out a heaping teaspoon of dough and gently roll and shape it into a ball. Place it on the baking sheet and continue until you have filled the tray. Depending on the size of the balls, you will have between 12 to 20 balls. Use a fork to create a crisscross on top of each treat. It helps if the fork is wet so it doesn’t stick to the dough.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the treats are set and golden brown around the edges.

NOTES

The dough can be a little sticky. I chill it slightly before shaping it into balls. I use a fork dipped in almond flour to flatten the cookies and to make the crisscross pattern.

I usually make a double batch and store the treats in an airtight container in the freezer. If you are going to store them in your pantry, make sure they are in an airtight container. They should keep for a week to two weeks. As with any new food, please start out introducing these in small servings. If your pet has any dietary concerns it is always best to check with your local veterinarian.

Dotty and Dilly approved; patiently waiting.

If you have a favorite fun pet-safe treat recipe that you would like to share, please send it in to my email at Lindahussey@hawaiilife.com and I will make sure to share it in my next newsletter.