Make Your own Dog Biscuits

I am really interested in the idea of making my own dog food and dog biscuits. I have a 1 year 3 month old Australian Shepherd named Jelly who loves treats, much like all dogs. I am not a big fan of dishing out top dollar for a bag of some kind of dehydrated meat-like item-- who the heck knows what's in this stuff & even better I hear most of the dog food is now coming from China. I am especially concerned with the 'recalls' in dog food these days & what my pet is actually ingesting. It could be a toxic chemical or some lame unhealthy-filler or more likely unfit low grade meat! I want my doggie to live a long, healthy, happy life and I know diet plays a large role in health & longevity. A healthy diet should consist of 25% meat to 75% carbs. Here are some ingredient ideas for whipping up your own dog food:
-Rice is a good carbohydrate for dogs. Brown rice is preferable as it has more nutrients.
-Brewers yeast which can be found in some grocers and health stores.
-Flour, such as corn flour, soy flour or whole wheat flour.
-Codliver oil or flaxseed in small amounts adds omega 3 and helps keep their coats shiny.
-Garlic can help get rid of tape worms and fleas as well as fight infection. (caution as large amounts can cause illness in dogs)
-Meats suggested to use are liver, beef, tuna, lamb or chicken. It’s easier to add to food if the meat is ground.
-Dogs also enjoy peanut butter and biscuits can be made with them by adding flour, bone meal and/or powdered milk, brewers yeast and even carrots. Peanuts are one of the few nuts that are safe for your dog.
-Some vegetables are okay such as carrots, broccoli and spinach, but they need to be put through a food processor first to aid in digestion. (Broccoli is not good in large amounts.)
-Bonemeal may need to be added to ensure they are getting calcium. Raw meaty bones are a good source of calcium. Powdered milk is also a popular ingredient in dog food. Even pulverising boiled eggshells in a processor is a great way to add some extra calcium.

The best thing about making your own dog food is that you can control what ingredients you add. This is especially great if your dog is prone to allergies. Of course there are some foods you should never feed your dog:

• Chocolate can cause seizures in dogs, as can coffee & tea (similar reaction as to chocolate)
• Raisins & grapes can cause kidney failure.
• Nutmeg can also cause seizures
• Raw eggs could contains salmonella, not worth the risk!
• Onions can interfere with blood circulation
• Macadamia nuts can cause dogs to have tremors and lead to paralysis.
• Other food cautions include moldy foods, yeast dough & fruit pits. May fruit pits contain cyanide.
  

So, taking your dogs health into your own hands is a great idea! You can start in the kitchen by preparing your very own dog biscuits! (Maybe move onto dry food later?) Now, you might be thinking, holy cow I don't even have time to make MY OWN food, let alone my dog's. With this recipe I recommend doubling or even tripling it-- then you can freeze some and use for a month at a time. Inexpensive, healthy & worth every bit of your effort. Your dog will bark with joy!

Doggie Biscotti
Serves 14 small dogs or 6 big dogs

Ingredients

1 cup unbleached flour
3/4 cup oat flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup cracked wheat
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rye flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup milk powder
1 tbsp kelp powder
2 tsp brewer's yeast
3/4 tbsp salt
1 cup vegetables stock or water
1/2 cup hot water
1 egg lightly beaten
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp peanut butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1/2 carrot grated
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions

-In a large bowl combine all of the dry ingredients from the flour to the salt. In a separate bowl mix together all of the remaining wet ingredients.
-Blend wet & dry together. Form 2 separate balls and shape each into an oval shaped log, approx. 3 1/2 in. wide. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 250 degrees for approx. 35-45 minutes until golden brown. Let logs cool, then cut them into slices at an angle (as in 'real' biscotti) and place slices on a baking tray and bake at 325 degrees for 6 minutes. Turn them over and bake another 6 minutes. Let cool before storing.

Good DRY food recipe to come...