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Upon revisiting a homemade dog treat recipe from the Epi archives, I was struck by how popular the original version had been. Although the recipe is no longer available online, it was crafted with ingredients that are now known to be less than ideal for canine digestion. Drawing from this archived Gourmet recipe, I adapted it by substituting in healthier alternatives that I believe will delight your furry friends.
The foundation for these crunchy snacks is whole wheat flour, packed with nutrients beneficial to dogs. However, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian, as some dogs may not tolerate wheat well. For those pups, a straightforward alternative is oat flour, which can be used in equal measure. Additionally, brown rice flour is incorporated for its calcium, folate, and zinc content, giving the treats a durable, cracker-like consistency that allows for long-term storage.
Old-fashioned oats are another key ingredient, rich in fiber and beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin and coat due to their B vitamin and essential fatty acid content. If you’re in a hurry, quick oats can be substituted (as long as they’re unflavored), but rolled oats provide a more satisfying texture that encourages chewing, which is good for digestion. For moisture, I use applesauce, ensuring it is purely fruit with no added sugars—avoid anything containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs. An egg is added for protein and to help bind the ingredients together.
I enjoy using Gouda cheese for its enticing aroma, which my dog finds irresistible. However, you can also opt for other semi-firm cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint can help freshen your dog’s breath while also offering antioxidants that may alleviate seasonal allergies. It’s best to use curly parsley, known for its potassium and vitamin C content, since flat-leaf or Italian parsley can be harmful to dogs. The unique addition of anise seed serves as a natural stimulant for some pups, similar to how catnip affects cats, making it great for training scent dogs. If unavailable, fennel seed can work as a backup, but anise tends to be more appealing.
When baked, the treats may appear somewhat dull. If you prefer a glossy finish, mix together 2 tablespoons of applesauce with 1 tablespoon of water (adjusting the amount of water based on your sauce’s thickness). Before baking, use this mixture to brush each cut-out dog treat to give it a shiny glaze.
Source
www.epicurious.com