Healthy snacks for your dog and / or cat

Pets are part of the family; they are not just man’s best friend, but also loyal companions that gives love unconditionally – many lessons to be learnt from our animal friends.  So, why not treat them to some home-made snacks this festive season.

Here is a healthy recipe that you can make as a treat for your dog.  Just make sure to ask your vet if unsure and remember, it is a snack (treat) so don’t feed your dog everything at once!

2 cups wholewheat flour

½ cut smooth peanut butter (make sure is does not contain Xylitol, as this is toxic to animals)

2 eggs

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

¼ cup water; extra if needed

Mix the flour, peanut butter, eggs and parsley in a bowl until just combined.  Add water, little-by-little until the mixture comes together.  Roll out the dough (5 cm) and cut out shapes.  Place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes at 180*C (350*F).

This recipe makes about 36 treats and will stay fresh, in an airtight container, for a week.  The dough can easily be frozen to make the treats at a later stage.

Here is an easy-to-follow recipe for making home-made snacks for your cat:

1 tbsp Catnip (Optional)

1 cup All-purpose flour

1 tbsp Olive oil

1 10 oz can Tuna or Salmon

1 Egg

1 cup Old fashioned oats

Preheat your oven to 180*C (350*F).  Drain your canned tuna and reserve about 3 tbsp of the liquid.  Dump your old-fashioned oats into the food processor and pulse until powdery.  Add all of your ingredients in and pulse away until it forms a ball of dough. If it’s too sticky, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water.

Once mixed, roll out the dough and cut out shapes.  Bake it for about 20 – 30 minutes until it is slightly golden and crisp on the outside.  If your cat prefers crunchier treats, you can bake it a bit longer.  Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container.

To all my readers celebrating Christmas; have a blessed festive season!