In light of pet food poisoning scares and with more and more information becoming available on the potential health dangers of commercial pet foods and treats, many pet owners are looking for healthy alternatives in the form of all-natural pet treat recipes.
An increasing number of dog and cat owners are opting to cook and bake their own homemade dog and cat food.
And while cooking a homemade meal is often the best option when it comes to pet health, not every owner has the time or motivation to feed a completely fresh and additive-free homemade diet. But fortunately, there are some delicious and healthy dog treat recipes have been developed to appeal to the pet’s palate, while also providing vital vitamins and nutrients.
The following recipe and more can be found at FreePetProjects.com.
A Recipe for Chompin' Chicken Bites for Dogs
These fresh, coloring and preservative-free dog treats are sure to appeal to both pet owner and dog.
The following ingredients will be required for this dog treat recipe:
- 1/2 lb. of chicken (ground or shredded preferred)
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 3/4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped tarragon
Cooking and Serving Directions
- Begin by pre-heating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the chicken in a pan or skillet and cook thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients (cornmeal and flour) and mix well.
- Combine the tarragon with the wet ingredients (vegetable oil, chicken broth and egg) and mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix together to form a dough.
- Shred the chicken and add the chicken into the dough.
- Spread flour on the counter or other work surface.
- Use a rolling pin to spread the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place a large rolled slice of dough atop parchment paper.
- Use a pizza slicer to create 1-inch squares or use the cookie cutter of your choice.
- Slide the parchment paper onto a cookie sheet
- Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the treats are crisp and lightly browned.
This recipe will make approximately 150 to 180 medium sized dog treats. Smaller or larger treats can be created during the cutting process to accommodate large dogs, small dogs, and for use as training rewards.
Once the treats have cooled, gently separate them and package for freezing.
Since these treats are preservative-free, they will not last forever. So to extend the life of these treats, store them inside the freezer in several small freezer bags. As needed remove a bag from the freezer and leave it out for several hours to thaw. Once the treats are thawed, transfer into a Tupperware container for easy access and store the treats inside the refrigerator for up to one week.
Owners of dogs with allergies and food sensitivities can also make adjustments and substitutions in this recipe to accommodate a particular pet.
Related Reading:
* A Recipe for Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
* Homemade Treat Recipes for Cats
