By Melody McKinnon
Dogs are part of the family and that includes the holiday season. Delicious treats play a key part in our own celebrations, but most of them aren’t good for our canine companions. The solution is to bake your own treats for them, using nutritious ingredients that taste great and improve their health. They make fantastic gifts for the dog walker and other friends as well.
The ingredients in this holiday dog treat recipe are reputed to nurture the bladder and urinary tract, improve digestion, support the immune system, balance alkalinity, and offer a complete mineral boost. These cookies are naturally sweet enough for even the fussiest eaters.
Benefits Worth Barking About
Dogs think these cookies are treats, but we know they’re also packed with benefits!
- Cranberry juice is as good for dogs as it is for humans, with its antimicrobial properties that are especially good for the urinary tract.
- Seaweed acts as a prebiotic and offers more bio-available vitamins and minerals than any other vegetation.
- Yogurt facilitates a healthy digestive system and optimizes the immune system with probiotics.
- Ginger brings antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties while improving digestion.
- Add the immunity-boosting effects of unpasteurized honey and coconut oil for sweetness and flavor.
Recipe: Cranberry Christmas Cookies for Dogs
1 1/2 cups barley flour
1 1/2 cups green pea flour (or other flour substitute)
1/4 tsp. unprocessed sea salt
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. seaweed/algae powder (optional)
1 egg
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
2/3 cup pure, unsweetened cranberry juice
1/4 cup pure honey (Manuka Honey offers additional mineral benefits)
3/4 cup plain yogurt
- Preheat Oven: 350F
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Roll into 1″ balls and place on cookie sheets greased with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are lightly touched with golden brown.
Please note: This recipe is not intended to be a source of complete, daily nutrition. Cookies should be considered a treat and fed accordingly. Consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
Have you ever read the ingredients on some manufactured dog treats and put them back on the shelf? Making homemade treats for your dog gives you complete control over what they’re eating, without leaving them out of the festive season.
Author Bio:
Melody McKinnon’s research of natural pet care began with a curiosity about the failing immune system of tropical fish, and has since grown to include the natural, holistic care of all pets. Additionally, she owns CA Digital Media Group and is the author of 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home. Melody covers a variety of pet care topics on AllNaturalPetCare.com.
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A previous version of this article was published by Melody McKinnon on All Natural Pet Care. Republishing permitted as is, with byline, author bio, and this notation (including links). Image provided by Deposit Photos for editorial use only.
