Dog Biscuit Recipes

Joseph Then asked:


People love ‘mans best friend’ and they in turn love us back. Dogs become part of our families. They live with us, sleep with us, eat with us, protect us and give us unconditional love. We treat our dogs like children. Just hearing dog owners calling their pets at the park, and the affection they show them make you realize just how devoted they are. Many dog owners have special names for them such as ‘baby’ and call themselves mommy or daddy when talking to their pet. It is amazing how huge the market is for dog food, toys, treats and even clothing and jewelry. Nothing is too good for our dog companions.

Special treats

Dog treats are a great way to show our dogs how much we love them. We use treats to reward our pet for doing something special. Many dogs are like children and behave better because they want a treat.

Dog treats are available at pet stores, grocery stores, department stores and specialty shops just to name a few. There are dog treats flavored like beef, chicken, pizza, chocolate and almost any other food you can think of. They come in the shape of people, sausages, bacon and steak bones plus hundreds of other shapes. There are dog Christmas stockings and birthday baskets stuffed with dog treats. People take pictures of their pooches and put them on their Christmas cards. People love their dogs and in turn, their dogs love them back.

Gourmet dog treats have become very popular. Some people make their own while others buy them. Some of the reasons people are now turning to gourmet dog treats are:

• Overweight dogs - Making your own gourmet dog treats lets you control the ingredients in the product. For overweight dogs, making low calorie treats helps the dog stay healthy while shedding a few excess pounds. Instead of commercial dog cookies with sugar and salt added, making or buying gourmet cookies and treats means you can choose a treat with no sugar or salt added, or sweeten a cookie with just a touch of honey. • Dog Allergies - Just like humans, many dogs have allergies to certain foods and ingredients. Some vets carry gourmet dog treats that are great for dogs with allergies or you can get a recipe to make gourmet treats without using the ingredients your pet is allergic. • Sickness- Some dogs have diabetes or other health problems so they are not able to eat regular dog treats and cookies. There are dog treats available for dogs with health problems. • Natural Treats - Many people, when they read what is in commercial dog treats, are not happy about the fillers and preservatives used so they choose to make or buy gourmet dog treats with only natural ingredients.

People nowadays are very health conscious and feel the same way about their pet’s diet. They want them to live long, healthy lives and providing gourmet dog treats is one way to help.



Dog Food Secrets

Joseph Then asked:


Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items like treats are very important to their health. They can be used for different purposes. Sometimes you will use them as a reward when training other times just give them something enjoyable just because you love your friend. However you use them it is important to know your choices.

How these snacks can improve and maintain your pet’s health: The most common way is to clean and maintain their teeth. The dog treat should be chewable and encourage your pet to use their teeth. When they do this they will be automatically cleaning their teeth. Examples of these are rawhide (like beef jerky) snacks that take plenty of chewing. Another is a bone that you can get fresh from your local butcher or again in snack form from the pet store.

Any snack you give your pet should be nutritious. For canines protein is the most common as they are primarily meat eaters. There are many varieties of these on the market. They are often in the form of strips and sometimes nuggets or biscuits. Minerals and vitamins should not be forgotten. These are also vital to your pet’s health, and many snacks will include these.

Dog treats come in many shapes and sizes. You can get them in grocery stores, in the pet section or your local pet store. Try to take a quick look at ingredients to be sure that your pet is receiving the best nutrition from their snack and not a whole lot of chemicals. Sometimes there are a surprising amount of chemicals in these products, and the more natural ingredients they have the better they will be for your pet.

One way to ensure your pet is getting healthy ingredients in their snacks is to make them yourself. Remember there is a balanced diet your pet should have in order to stay healthy and happy. 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Exceptions to these catagories are if they are on a vegetarian diet, which should only be done when consulting your vetenarian. There are many recepies on line for snacks and dog food.

As you can see there are many dog treats available for your pet, and even some you can make yourself. Always remember that your pet depends on you to help him keep healthy and happy.



Dog Food Secrets

Lee Anne Emig asked:


Bella loves to be treated to a special doggy delicacy every now and then and I love indulging her with such pleasures. Anyone who has ever owned a dog has a pretty good idea what their favorite pooch likes to snack on. Now days we have an infinite amount of choices when it comes to treating members of our pet family. Treats come in all different flavors, shapes, sizes, colors, and consistencies. But we need to keep in mind, for every great dog treat currently on the market; there are also those that are not so good. If you’re one of those pet owners who love to spoil your special canine friend, you’ll want to be aware of some treats that can be potentially harmful to your pet.

 

Rawhide Chews: What dog doesn’t love to chew on a good rawhide? Rawhides do a terrific job of keeping your pet occupied and keeping their teeth sparkling white and clean. However, rawhides can be a potentially dangerous treat. Rawhides that originate outside of the United States may be preserved with arsenic-based chemicals that can be ingested by your pet. Use caution when shopping for rawhide chews and make certain any rawhide you purchase has been processed in the United States where this preservative is prohibited.  If you are unable to determine where a treat originated– do not buy it! In addition, you want to make sure the rawhides you purchase are the appropriate size for your pet. A smaller breed dog requires a smaller sized treat and a larger breed dog should start with a chew appropriate for its size, as well. Always remember that your pet requires supervision while consuming rawhides to help prevent accidental choking.

Bones: Bones are fragile, splinter easily and do not disintegrate well in a dog’s digestive track. This means your pet may have to pass them through his stool. Undigested bones can lead to a serious impaction and/or constipation requiring a trip to the veterinarian. Bones can also be a choking hazard and can cause possible intestinal bleeding. If a bone shard breaks off; it can pierce the intestinal wall and pass through the abdominal cavity causing hemorrhaging of the intestinal wall and peritonitis (an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity). Symptoms of possible damage to the intestinal tract include vomiting, rectal bleeding, discharge from the rectum, diarrhea, straining to defecate, and extreme sensitivity to palpation of the abdomen. If your dog has ingested bones recently and shows any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Xylitol sweetened treats: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products, including sugar-free gum and mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, oral-care products, and baked goods. It can be purchased in a granulated form for baking or as a sweetener for cereals and beverages. The ASPCA APCC has had reports of some dogs developing elevated liver enzyme activity within 12 to 24 hours after Xylitol ingestion. Several of these dogs developed acute liver failure subsequent to Xylitol exposure. As few as a couple breath mints containing Xylitol is enough to kill a small dog. I read a story awhile back about a pug that ingested a couple breath mints out of their owner’s purse.  The poor little thing ended up in acute liver distress. Be very cautious about keeping any products that may can this sweetener out of the range of your curious pet.

 

Greenies: Greenies are advertised as a tasty treat to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, you need to be aware that “greenies” can cause serious health issues in your pet. At the 2005 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACIVM) meeting, there was discussion among internal medicine specialists about Greenies® causing esophageal obstructions that were difficult to relieve. Complications reported include small intestinal obstructions; stricture, ulceration and perforation. Greenies are also associated with tooth fractures in dogs. Young puppies or dogs who “scarf” their food should not be given this treat since consuming the item quickly may cause large chunks to lodge in the throat. If your dog eats these treats, be aware of potential vomiting, lethargy, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing.  If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten this treat, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Chocolate: Although chocolate is a favorite threat for most humans, it is not an advisable treat to share with your pooch. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, and this substance is toxic to dogs. Theobrimine is part of the xanthnine compound, which is the same family that contains caffeine. A toxic dose will vary from dog to dog, depending on a number of factors such as the weight of the dog and his or her metabolism level. The good news is that it generally takes quite a substantial amount of chocolate to do the dog any harm. In general, the toxic level of theobromine is between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is important, of course, to keep in mind that dogs will vary in their sensitivity to the compound, so it is still important to keep any and all chocolate in the house out of Fido’s reach. Pet owners concerned that their dog has swallowed a toxic amount of chocolate should be on the lookout for the clinical signs of chocolate toxicity. This signs include excitability, irritability, increased heart rate, diarrhea, increased urination, muscle tremors and vomiting.

Thankfully, there are lots of healthy and delicious dog treats readily available for pet owners. Some safe and handy alternatives to pet store treats include fresh carrots, apples, canned pumpkin or plain popcorn and these items can be conveniently picked up on your next trip to the market. To satisfy your pup’s need to chew; consider a synthetic bone like a Nylabone. Nylabones are a good alternative to meat bones or rawhides because they are easily digestible and come in many terrific flavors. Remember to read the ingredient and warning labels on any treat you feed your dog and supervise them while they are eating. By following this simple advice you’re beloved pooch should lead a life full of safe, tasty treats (and terrific belly rubs)!

 



Dog Food Secrets

James Gosling asked:


Just like some dog owners like to go through tons of dog names to find the one that suits their dog the best, similarly, dog treats should be only selected after careful consideration of their nutritional and quality values.

The one name you choose out of the many dog names, speaks as much about you, the dog owner, as it does about your pooch. Not only do dog names depict your relationship with your, but they also convey how much the dog matters to you. If you care for your dog, then you will always be careful about his/her well-being and good health. Dog treats are an important part of your dog’s diet. Though dispensed with only on special occasions, dog treats are a source of nutrition, taste, and pleasure for your dog.

Rewarding your dog with dog treats every time he/she does as told can have long-lasting and beneficial effect on the animal. An important aspect of dog training is to reward the dog with gourmet dog treats every time he obeys your orders. Many dog trainers also dispense with dog treats while teaching dogs how to respond to dog names, dog commands and similar things.

Nowadays, completely natural and gourmet dog treats are gaining popularity so much so that many dog owners even bake healthy and nutritious dog treats for their pooches right at home. More and more dog owners are finding that dog treats made from ingredients similar to those used in human food offer a satisfying choice from the commercial brands of dog treats available in stores. Moreover, if you believe your dog’s health is mostly dependent on his diet, you will be quite satisfied with the latest all natural dog treats. These treats are not just delicious, but are nutritious and look great too. The minute your dog smells the treats in your hand he’ll pretty much do anything you want him to!!

Dog treats are no longer limited to dog biscuits, just like dog names are no longer mean Maggie or Max. Today, you can take your dog to special bakeries that cater to only domestic pets such as dogs and cats. You with your dog can together browse through the range of dog treats that are on display. Dog treats here include hide, brownies, tarts, and of course, biscuits.

If you are not fortunate enough to have such gourmet bakeries for pets in your neighborhood, then you can hook on to the internet and browse the many online gourmet dog treat bakeries. These bakeries provide natural, free of preservatives, and tasty dog treats packaged in small plastic bags that even make excellent gifts if you have friends who have pet dogs. If your dog is overweight or suffering from diabetes, you can opt for low calories dog treats!

Finally, as with dog names, going overboard with dog treats can be detrimental to the health of your invaluable pet dog! So make sure you never give him more than 10% of his regular diet as dog treats per day.

If you need further information on http://www.nutrecare.co.uk/prod1.asp?ID=211 for dog treats including natural and gourmet types visit our on line store. We also have a great area for dog names http://www.nutrecare.co.uk/prod1.asp?ID=176 for all types of breeds.



Dog Food Secrets

Bill Urell asked:


In the past, dog treats were used exclusively to train dogs or to reward them for doing something good. Little thought was given as to how dog treats might help the dog beyond that or how they could be used to make pet owners’ lives easier. Things are quite different today, as customized dog treats have become the norm.

Customized dog treats usually have some helpful property. One model which has become relatively popular is the bad breath dog treat. While this doesn’t particularly help dogs, as their own breath no matter how hideous doesn’t seem to have any impact on their self-image, it can be quite useful for owners who love their pet dogs, but cringe at the scent of their hot, pungent, fishy breath. These so called bad breath biscuits generally include components such as mint and parsley. While they can be purchased in grocery stores, many pet owners have begun baking these dog treats at home. If you decide to do this, remember not to put them close to the cookie jar (unless your children or significant other also has bad breath, too).

For those who wish to repair the bad breath situation, rather than putting a daily band-aid on it, you can always purchase dog treats that actually improve the dental hygiene of your dog. These will sometimes include active bacteria cultures or components you mind find a toxin free toothpaste. They will not only clean your dog’s teeth, but they will get rid of plaque and any bacteria lingering in the gums. In addition to this, of course, you will want to schedule regular vet visits and tooth brushing.

Another favorite dog treat is anything that incorporates salmon oil. Many pet owners do not know this, but the same fish oils that are healthy for you the ones that contain omega fats are even more healthy for your dog. In addition to improving your dog’s cholesterol, any fish oil treat will make rover’s coat healthy and shiny. The big perk for the dog, of course, is that the treat tastes like salmon.

Another favorite among dogs are the liver and chicken dog treats. While these don’t actually contain liver or chicken, they usually use enough broth and flavoring to taste like they do. Even if these wont necessarily improve the health of your dog by themselves, they can be used in sneaky ways that will. For instance, let’s say that your dog isn’t exactly married to the taste of that monthly heart worm pill. No problem: just slip in into one of those delicious liver dog treats and your dog will be none the wiser.

And there you have it: customized dog treats are on the rise. No matter what problem you or your dog has (with your dog), there’s probably a box of treats somewhere that will at least attempt to fix it.



Dog Food Secrets

Abhinav Sidana asked:


By serving your dog with healthy homemade dog treats you are giving them a treat they will definitely enjoy having. If you can learn to make your own healthy homemade dog treats, you can control the ingredients they contain. This is especially important if you have a dog that has a special diet or is allergic to the common ingredients that are in normal, store bought treats. For dogs on a diet, you can provide them with treats designed to fit in their daily calorie intake.

There are some finicky dogs out there who only have a taste for certain foods and will refuse to eat anything else making it hard for owners to find any treats to please them. With healthy homemade dog treats, you will be able to remove the artificial ingredients such as colors, additives, fillers, and byproducts that are bad for your dog. Animals need a pure alternative to the left over ingredients used in their food and homemade healthy dog treats give them just that.

The store brand treats are created from preservatives the manufacturer adds to keep these treats on the shelves longer and to prevent spoilage. Healthy homemade dog treats will not have any of this mess in them that might cause your dog to be sick. Only the most natural and highest quality ingredients go into your special pooches treats. You can add fresh vegetables, fresh meats, and other soft, clean ingredients instead of offering them dry, stale, biscuits out of a box that has been on the shelf for months or years before you buy it.

When you are baking your own healthy homemade dog treats, you can be flexible in the ingredients you choose to add. Many different combinations can be used to create different special flavors they like. Dogs love flavors like cheesy garlic, chicken, peanut butter, and beef. There are also recipes available that will allow you to make healthy homemade dog treats that taste like chocolate but, in reality, have no chocolate in them. Chocolate, of course, is a bad thing to feed your dogs and cats because it contains ingredients that could make them very sick. So next time don’t complain that your dog is not healthy, serve her best healthy homemade dog treat.



Dog Food Secrets

Robert Thatcher asked:


What makes you love your dogs? Is it because of the way he loves you in return and the eagerness that you feel when he attempts to please? This love can be more emphasized through dog training as it creates the firm bond between you and your pal.

One well recognized method of dog training is through the use of dog treats. But dog treats are not for positive reinforcement dog training alone. Most dog owners have used them as snack alternatives. This does not proceed pleasurable experiences but may also aid in maintaining your pal’s health.

Like with other pet stuffs, there are considerations that an owner should first evaluate before allowing his pet to dog treats. Health components concerning with calorie content is on the priority list.

One of the growing concerns on dog health nowadays is obesity. Almost half of American dogs are overweight. Like with the case of human, obesity may lead to a variety of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Overindulgence is thought as one of the contributing reason for obesity. This may be due to human factor. Most owners tend to give dog treats on an unregulated basis. For most, it doesn’t matter how many calories does a single biscuit may contain. To resolve this issue, an owner needs to cut back on the daily calorie intake of his pet until he reduces some weight. Controlling the quantity of dog treats throughout the day may be of great help. You may also choose to lessen his foods gradually until he reaches normal weight. In line with this, it is ideal to stick with dog treats with low calories. The subject on obesity may further be resolved through consulting the vet and to implement a regular exercise regimen.

It is also an ill practice to give your dog commercially produced human foods. Some of which may contain elements that are not suited for your dog’s health. Commercial foods are also often rich with fats and calories and low in nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, this practice is really not healthy for your dog’s manners. This only encourages begging. Give him his dog treats in his own place instead but always bearing the thought of how healthy the dog treats you give are.

Tips on Dog Treats Selection

It is always best to buy naturally produced dog treats. These save you from unnecessary additives that may post threats against your dog’s health. Fat and sugar-rich dog treats are complete no-no. look for dog treats that have high concentration of fibers and protein.

Dog treats that are primarily made from fishes are good sources of unadulterated health components. These are great foods for human as well as dogs. They are low in calories and fats.

Avoid giving dog treats before any major meals. If you are training him using positive reinforcement, cut back portions of his meals to balance his diet with dog treats.

There are dog treats that are especially made to optimize your dog’s health. Working in the same principle as that of the vitamin supplements. These are aids to maintain your dog’s health and may even relieve symptoms of certain diseases.

Don’t allow that dog treats may cover as much as ten percent of your pet’s diet.

In choosing the ideal treat, it is helpful to rely on your best judgements. It is you who know your pet well enough but in cases of doubt, you may as well consult a veterinarian.



Dog Food Secrets

Lisa Andrews asked:


Our lives are so faced-paced. We are constantly on the go. We want to be healthy, but who has time to cook healthy foods? And our pets’ lives mimic our own. They can’t cook their own healthy treats and we certainly don’t have the time to do it for them!

We would love to be able to cook natural healthy treats for our dogs. But who has time? Millions of us drive thru McDonald’s for our own treats. If Carl’s Jr. made dog treats, their business would go through the proverbial roof. All dogs seem to have the right corporate mentality for Carl’s Jr., of “don’t bother me – I’m eating!”

We know that we should eat right. And we know that we should treat our dogs with something that is healthy. But it is easier not to. Isn’t it?

Not anymore!

Now there are products that make it EASY to treat our dogs to natural healthy treats. It’s as quick as opening a Ziplock bag! Some natural healthy dog treats are 100% natural, low in fat, high in protein, and low in cholesterol. They are various kinds of treats – all in playful shapes and sizes.

All the dogs we tested loved the taste of these treats. All of their owners were so happy with the fact the treats are natural, healthy, quick, and easy.

We are still on the lookout for human food that is as quick and easy while being 100% natural and healthy like the dog treats we have found. For now, we can definitely alter our pets’ snacking habits. No more junk food for man’s best friend!

So many of us are rescuing doggies from the pound. We want to treat them to the best.

Dog Treats: Quick and Easy, Natural and Healthy

Now if they would only start selling natural and healthy fast food for humans, then the proverbial roof would explode with excitement.

But wait, all of these dog treats are human grade, so . . . perhaps?



Dog Food Secrets

Ben Franklin asked:


Dogs are now treated as friends and less as pets. Although man and dogs were together since time immoral, dogs have started living indoors as part of our families only now. While many people give out dog treats to their pets for the dogs pleasure as well as their own, dog treats are also useful training tools. A pocket full of dog treats can be used while training a dog to heel, sit, stay, or any other such command. But you have to make sure that the treats are appetizing to the dog. If you give treats that are dried out, bland and crumbly, dog’s treats won’t incite nearly as much enthusiasm in training as a juicy good piece of meat or a scented cheese.

There are lots of dogs treat available in shelves of supermarkets and pet stores, discount stores etc. They stock an amazing variety of treats right from beef treats to bulk products. Some treats come with treatments for heartworm, antibiotics etc. They are carefully prepared by veterinarians to treat various ailments. Treats are also designed so as to clean the teeth as well as aid in digestion.

You need not depend on buying treats available in market. You can make some for your pets at home also. Right from sliced steak, chunks of cheese, rice, hamburgers, will serve as great ingredients. But it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinary doctor, before you decide on feeding your pets with your homemade treats. Never feed dog’s chicken bones as treat. It’s not good for their health.

Treats are excellent methods to train them. Ideally, the training treat should be very small, so that you can give the dog a large number of rewards without filling him up or adversely impacting his diet. If you have an average built dog, a 1/3 inch square treat should be just right. It is believed that soft treats (say hot dogs) are better than hard treats (like biscuits) because the dog can eat them and get on with the lesson more quickly. But too much of soft treats should also be avoided.

If you are confused at times as to what will be the best treat, try picking raw hot dogs and bologna. Most dogs adore theses treats. These treats are soft, inexpensive, and can be chopped into small bits. Bologna is especially easy to prepare as you can easily slice it. With this treat you can simply crosscut it into small squares right in the package. Cheese is also other good treat. Most dogs love cheese.

There are certain dogs who are quite active and might not prefer simply food as treats. For such animals, try using the tennis ball instead of the food treats. They may like to go after it play and retrieve it for you to throw again in different direction. Sometimes play a tug game with it. That ways you will also come closer to the canine where as dog will also be happy.

Treats can be just food or some playful games, it depends on what kind of animal you have and what mood they are in. Generally you must mix both kinds to keep a healthy mix.



Dog Food Secrets

Lisa Andrews asked:


Many dog lovers are turning to chicken as a natural healthy treat for their dogs. Chicken is very beneficial for your dogs’ health as a dog treat.

Healthy Benefits of Chicken

Chicken makes an especially great treat for dogs because it is:

All Natural

LOW in Calories

LOW in Fat

LOW in Cholesterol

HIGH in Protein

Low in fat, calories, and cholesterol

Chicken provides the complete protein dogs require daily. Of all the meats, chicken is one of the lowest in calories, fat and saturated fat.

Chicken ****** has very low cholesterol at around 62mg/100g

Premium Protein

Dogs require protein, and because protein can’t be stored in their body, they need a new supply every day. Chicken is an ideal source of protein because it is lower in calories, fats and saturated fats than most other meats.

Nutrition

Chicken is extremely dense in nutrients, including protein, zinc, iron, phosphorous, riboflavin, thiamin and niacin.

Chicken contains significant quantities of many minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorous.

There are many chicken jerky treats on the market, but they are not all the same. It is critical that the chicken treats you choose be all natural. It is of prime importance that your dog gets a treat without additives, preservatives, or coloring. Your best bet is to read the ingredients label. If there is something listed that is hard to pronounce, choose a different product! Once your dog tastes the all-natural goodness of a healthy treat, he will surely show you his preference next time you go for the bag.



Dog Food Secrets