The Healthier (& Delicious!) Way to Homemade Dog Treats and Cookies 

Homemade dog treats and cookies are an excellent alternative to commercially produced treats. By making your own goodies, you know exactly what you put into them (normally fresh, wholesome ingredients instead of chemicals and preservatives), and you can custom-tailor the dog treats and cookies for your canine pal - especially handy if he has allergies to certain types of foods.

It's not difficult to produce these gourmet dog treats at home. Most of them require ingredients that you'll probably already have at home... and as a bonus, dogs love the smell (and taste!) of delicious homemade goodies.

Before you start baking, be aware that some types of foods are not good for your dog (and may even be downright dangerous). These include, but are limited to:

Chocolate and cocoa (use carob instead);
Grapes and raisins;
Onions;
Macadamia nuts;
Alcohol;
Coffee grounds;
Potato leaves & stems, as well as any sprouts/growths or green spots.

And if you're feeling particularly creative, you can even make up "dog goodie jars or baskets" for your friends with dogs of their own. Use a cute dog-themed cookie cutter (such as fire hydrants, bone shapes, etc), put them in a pretty jar, decorate, and voila! You have a great gift that the dogs will love.

Homemade Doggie-licious Carob Treats

 Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 cup carob chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Beat eggs with peanut butter, then add milk and combine well.

3. In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.

4. Combine the dry mixture with the peanut butter mixture. Mix well.

5. Stir in carob chips.

6. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1" in between cookies.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until biscuits look just barely "dry" in the middle and are baked through. Do not overbake! The biscuits will naturally harden as they cool.

8. Let cool before removing from cookie sheet.

9. Call your dog over for a tasty homemade treat!