Dog Treats (DYI)

 Mrs M's (Mushrooms's) makes her own treats for her little dog.  While there are many products out there made from healthy ingredients, they are always expensive. The Dog Treats that aren't are usually by-products laden with dyes and chemicals.  MrsM  has been making her own dog treats for quite awhile now. They are really easy to make and alot less expensive per serving than the pre-packaged store bought varieties. ( As I sit here writing this I keep hearing that dang commercial in my head... Bacon Bacon Bacon  LOL ) 
There isn't much to making them and the ingredients are pretty straight-forward and easy to find. She makes two different types of treats. We have noticed that  her little dog really likes the ones made with hamburger better, but all dogs are different. Why not try them both and see which one your furbaby prefers. Just remember that  these are Treats not snacks!  Someone asked me if I would post how she makes them and so here ya go!


Mushroom's Dog Treat Recipe # 1

# Look for a decent cheap cut of meat.
Chuck roast, shoulder roast, etc... It doesn't matter if it is tough meat or not. Actually, if it is tough then it will give your dog a bit more "chew".  You are looking for something as lean as can find because you will be drying it. The less fat in the meat, the more slowly it will go bad.
# Cut the meat in small thin strips.
Try to keep the strips as uniformly even as you can.  This way they will dry more evenly.
  Note: Ask your meat department if they will cut the meat for you. If they will do it for free then you have just saved yourself a bunch of time! Hey, if they say no, it didn't cost you a thing to ask.  You might be surprised at the things people will do for you if you just ask.
#Place meat strips on your dryer trays. Do not let the pieces touch.
# Dry meats at approximately 160 degrees for 12-14 hours in your dehydrator.  If you are using your oven, set it at the lowest temperature.  Make sure it is hard and dry all the way through and there is no oil or fat in it.
# Store it in a canning jar or whatever is handy for you.


Mushroom's Dog Treat Recipe #2 

(Hamburger treats)
# Look for hamburger on sale. As with the meat cuts, try to use the leanest meat you can afford. It will work with the higher fat content, but keep in mind that it will take longer to dry. It will also not keep as long as lean meats will.
# Place the hamburger on your tray and roll it out evenly on the tray.  It is going to start out as one big piece of meat.
# Dry at 165 degrees 18-20 hours or until it breaks when you check it. Remember, if it is still real greasy, keep drying it.
# Break hamburger into small chunks and store in a canning jar or something handy.


Here is a really easy recipe for Dog Biscuits.  My dog loves peanut butter.  Yours probably does too!!


Dog Snacks

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup oats
2 eggs.
Roll into small balls.  Or you can roll them out and use a cookie cutter to make shapes.
Bake at 325 degrees about 15 minutes or until crunchy

There are lots and lots of Dog Snacks,treats and even Dog Food Recipes out there that you can make yourself.  So just do a search and see what you can come up with.  Many of them can be made with your food storage.  There may come a day soon that you will be glad to have a way to make these for your furbaby.


                    ~~~ Hey ... I'm Just Sayin' ... ~~~