Category — Dog Treats

The days of simply scooping a measured amount of dry dog food into your dog’s silver bowl are officially over.  The simple fact of the matter is, today, more than ever, there are more choices of amazing pet food than ever before.  Today, there are more gourmet choices of pet food than ever before and it seems to be that the trend is for some pretty famous celebrity chef’s are jumping on the bandwagon.

That’s right, everyone from Rachael Ray to Norman Levitz to Rocco DeSpirito are jumping head-first into the pet-food industry and they’re hoping to make a sizable splash.  Rachael Ray’s new line, called “Rachael Ray Nutrish” is apparently made with all-natural ingredients and zero fillers.  Impressive no?  “Nutrish” is apparently available all around the entire country, and is pretty competitively prices.  Also joining Ray in the pet-food game is Norman Levitz, a famous chef and educator at Johnson & Wales culinary institute.  His new line, named “Wagatha’s - Extraordinary Biscuits for Dogs,” is 100% organic and friends, that is no easy task!

Heck, even “Eight is Enough” actor Dick van Patten has gotten into the game with his “Chinese Takeaway for Dogs” that unfortunately was entirely recalled due to botulism.  The bottom line is, celebrity chef’s everywhere are getting into the game and offering up what seems to be a very exciting, and very great new trend:  All Natural dog food, dog treats and 100% organic food!  I could not be happier to see this trend!  Got a favorite Dog food?  Sound off, we’d love to know what you feed your furry friends!

You already know that your dog can’t join in the great fun of eating lollipops, now-and-laters or any other human candy for that matter; so why not make him or her a nice Halloween dog treat this October? The recipe below makes 14 treats and it’s very simple to make. (Before you decide to give your pooch these treats, make sure he or she isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients and that it is okay for their diet).

You will need:

• 2 cups of water
• 3/4 cup of applesauce (from can)
• 1 egg
• 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/4 cup of chopped nuts
• 1 cup of white flour
• 3 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp of baking powder
• 1/4 cup of oats
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

Your oven will need to be preheated to 350 degrees. With a bowl, mix together the water, applesauce, vanilla and egg; make sure to stir thoroughly. Next, get another bowl and thoroughly mix together the flour, nuts, nutmeg, baking powder and cinnamon. Combine the two bowls together and stir well. Then with a greased muffin pan, begin spooning in the contents of the bowl into each cup. Cook for about 1 1/4 hours, then let cool and serve.

Do you remember the first day your pup was born? Well, even if you don’t, you can still celebrate the date you received your pooch. Many dog owners like to celebrate their dogs birthday by getting some gifts and toys for their dogs, but not many people think to bake a doggy cake!

Here is a fun recipe you can try. First you will need:

• 1 1/2 cups of flour (all-purpose)
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp. of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of corn oil
• 1/2 cup of softened margarine
• 1 2 1/2 ounce jar of strained liver or beef flavored baby food
• 3 pieces of beef dig jerky (you can crumble it)
• Icing — cottage cheese for dogs or plain yogurt

Once you  have all of these items, you will need to begin sifting the baking powder and flour together, then place it aside. Next, get a large bowl and place the margarine inside. Use an electric mixer on a medium speed until the contents are smooth. Once smooth, add the baby food, eggs and oil; then begin adding the baking powder and flour mix into the large bowl. Continue mixing the substance with the mixer on a low speed.

You will then place in the jerky into the bowl and pour the mixture onto a 8″x5″x3″ loaf pan that has been oiled and floured beforehand. The oven will need to be preheated to 325 degrees, then place the pan inside for about an hour and 10 minutes. After it is plump and fully baked, let cool before removing and icing with the frosting of your choice from above.