Pawsome Easter Treats

Dogs may not be able to eat chocolate but there’s no reason why they can’t enjoy some Easter treats with you this weekend!

That’s why we have put a simple little recipe book together for you, so you don’t have to feel too guilty when you crack into that chocolate egg!

Of course, everybody loves a bit of chocolate at Easter, but for our pets getting their paws on this tasty treat can have some very nasty consequences.

Chocolate contains a toxin called theobromine that can seriously affect the nervous system, as well as causing vomiting and diarrhoea – and, in some cases, it can be fatal. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine than milk chocolate and much more than white chocolate – but any type can be harmful if your sweet-toothed pup scoffs enough of it.

PDSA: Chocolate poisoning information

Why not try some of these tasty, easy bakes instead. You, your pet and their tummies will be egg-static!

Easter Doggy Biscuits
Easy, Easter doggy delights…
(Remember to eliminate the orange juice if your dog’s diabetic!)

Ingredients:
560g whole wheat flour
30g cornmeal
25g cooked rice
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Juice from a small orange
375ml water

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°c.
Mix all ingredients together until completely combined.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for two minutes.
On floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 – 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
Cut into biscuit shapes – or get creative with some Easter eggs, carrots or bone shapes!
Arrange on lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake in the centre of the oven until dark brown and crisp (about 40 – 50 minutes).
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

 

Fruity & Fun Easter Dog Treats
If you have a bunny or egg shape mould you can make these into egg-cellent Easter dog treats, and all with ingredients you’re bound to already have in the cupboard.

Ingredients:
140g whole wheat flour
115g grated carrots
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
30g apple sauce
30ml olive oil

Method:
Preheat oven 180°c.
Mix the flour, carrots, baking powder, egg, apple sauce, and olive oil together. The dough should have the consistency of play-doh.
Scoop about 1 tbsp of dough and squish into your moulds.
Bake for 20-22 minutes.

Meaty Munchies
Chicken livers are cheap and contain high levels of iron, Omega 3 and fatty acids. Green beans are filling and low in calories – just double check they haven’t got any added salt.

Ingredients:
700g whole wheat flour
280g brown rice flour
450g chicken livers
1 can green beans in water, no salt, drained
1 egg

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°c and either grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
In a food processor or blender, mix chicken livers until liquid then add green beans and pulsate until smooth.
Mix flours and egg together, then pour in the chicken liver and green bean mixture.
Mix dough (by hand or with a dough hook) – The dough will be heavy.
Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness then cut with your Easter cutters.
Bake treats for about 30 minutes until they’re brown on the bottom.

 

Frosty & Fruity Easter Sweeties
These are egg-stremely easy and healthy, plus they’re perfect for both you and your pooch to share!

Ingredients:
Plain yoghurt
1 banana
½ punnet raspberries
½ punnet strawberries with stalks and leaves removed

Method:
Whiz the fruit together in a mixer until smooth.
Pour into a silicone egg mould until halfway full.
Freeze for 30 minutes to an hour.
Pour plain yoghurt onto the frozen fruit mix until it reaches the top of the mould.
Freeze for at least 2 hours.

 

Don’t forget to share your photos of your creations with us! Tag Digs for Dogs on Facebook and Instagram.

We want to see lots of happy bunnies – well, puppies!

By Georgie Pomfret

Next: Canine Osteoarthritis