Homemade Christmas dog biscuits
Cecilie Hemsen Berg
Make your dog something special this festive season by baking homemade Christmas dog biscuits. Your dog is sure to love you and your treats! The ingredients we have chosen are both packed with festive flavour as well as health benefits:
- Oatmeal: Rich in fibre as well as B vitamins, omega 6, and minerals. Oats are also gluten-free. This humble grain is good for the gut, skin and coat.
- Linseed meal: Contains ALA omega 3, fibre, thiamin, selenium, magnesium and iron. This is good for the skin, coat, digestion, and immune system.
- Applesauce: the homemade apple compote adds fibre, vitamin C, and flavonoids. This is beneficial for the intestines, heart, and immune system.
- Peanut butter: Peanuts are rich in protein and also contain omega 6, antioxidants and high energy. NB! Make sure the peanut butter is free from sugar, salt and xylitol. Xylitol is toxic for dogs.
- Parsley: This is a natural antibacterial herb that’s good for oral hygiene. It is therefore perfect to curb any bad breath.
- Cinnamon: A mild anti-inflammatory that can help relieve sore muscles.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds mixed with 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup applesauce*
- 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 1/2 cups oat flour
*You can quickly make your own apple sauce: 1/2 apple, remove skin and pips and cut into smaller pieces. Boil in water for about 10 minutes and mash with a fork.
Method
- Preheat oven to 180C and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- In a small bowl: Mix the warm water and flaxseed meal. Set aside to thicken for 10 min.
- In a large bowl: Add the thickened flaxseed mixture, apple sauce, peanut butter, parsley and cinnamon. Mix well, then add 1/3 water.
- Add oat flour and mix into a dry dough that just comes together. If it is too dry and crumbly, add more water and if it is too wet then add a bit more oat flour.
- Lightly flour a worktop and knead the dough for another 5 minutes.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1.5 cm thick.
- Use festive cookie cutters to cut out the treats (we used small heart-shaped cutters). Use a size that is appropriate for your dog.
- Place the treats on the baking tray and bake for about 15-20 min until golden.
- Cool until completely cold, and store in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them.
Use the treats for training, on walks or as cute gifts for your dog friends. It is sure to be a favourite!