Let me be upfront: these cookies may not become YOUR favorites. They do have a very subtle hint of peanut butter, but that’s about it. They definitely lack salt. Oh, and they are on the very crunchy end (read: almost rock hard). Now when I tell you that I’ve received unconditional love in return, got my toes and fingers licked as a sign of utter appreciation, would you believe me?
Our semi-adopted dog Jackson simply loves these treats. They have an excellent ROI, throw in less than 20 minutes of work in the kitchen you have your best friend on four paws following you wherever you go. The downside is, now he’s starting to ignore store bought dog biscuits…
You don’t own a dog? Well, then these treats make a great gift for your dog-owning friends. They might think you’re a bit crazy though (…yeah, well, she’s a nice girl ALTHOUGH she bakes for dogs…), but only until they see how easy it is to ‘alienate’ their dog’s affection with these little bites. Seriously, I haven’t seen Jackson this fixated on something edible before. Besides ice cubes and celery.
(Click on the picture below for more impressions of Jackson)
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (355 °Fahrenheit). Combine flour, wheat germ and rolled oats in a large bowl. Mix together milk, the egg and peanut butter in a separate bowl using a whisk or handheld blender. (If your dog reacts sensitive to milk, you can substitute water, Janine Adams, author of the Dog Biscuits Cookbook suggests.)
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir with a spoon until the dough comes together nicely. Add more flour by the tablespoon if still too wet, then roll out on a floured wooden board until 0,5 cm thick (0,2 inch).
Cut out your desired cookie shapes. I prefer tiny round buttons, because they make great everyday treats you can easily stuff in your trousers pocket when going for a dog walk. Place on a parchment covered baking sheet and bake on the middle level for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on the tray and keep in an airtight container for some weeks.
Jackson's favorite dog treats
Recipe Source: adapted from Dog Biscuits Cookbook, Janine Adams, p.25
Prep time: ~20 min., baking ~30 min.
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Ingredients (yields about 2 baking trays):
150g all-purpose flour (unbleached), plus more for handling the dough
65g wheat germ
50g old-fashioned rolled oats
125ml milk (1,5%)
1 egg (medium)
65g natural peanut butter (no sugar, no additives)
Apr 29th,
2009
Gorgeous picture of Jackson! What a doll! Our dog has no such discretion - she loves anyone who feeds her anything at all!