Grand Prize Winner of the Taste of the South Recipe Competition which was judged by the James Beard Award winning Southern food experts, the Lee Brothers. NowPublic.Com 
This week, Presidential daughters Malia and Sasha Obama welcomed their new dog, Bo into their family. As a Portuguese Water Dog, I’m hoping he’ll be a loyal and affectionate bundle of energy that will bring as much joy and warmth to the girls as our Cocker Spaniel, Penny has brought to my wife and me.
One of the many great things about pets, is that they’re fun to spoil. Whether you bring them a surprise new toy (”New toy! New toy!”), or a treat, or just take them for a ride in the car, there’s nothing half-hearted about the way they respond to such everyday gestures. Each walk, each kibble, each belly rub is always THE BEST THING EVER, and seeing your pet’s happiness is definitely its own reward.
One benefit of making your own homemade dog treats is that you can control the ingredients to fit both the special dietary and the health needs of your dog (ie. high fiber, breath freshening, allergy neutral, or anti-flea).
For older dogs, which may have dental or digestive problems, you can also control the size and the texture of the dog treats so they’re easier to eat. Additionally, those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle may find making dog treats that echo their values a satisfying way to spoil their pets as well as a way to introduce more nutrient-rich and natural foods into their dog’s diet.
Below are some great links to sites which have recipes for homemade dog treats and puppy snacks for your favorite furry four-legged friend…enjoy!
Dog Treats Recipe Collections
1. Bullwrinkle.Com’s Dog Treat Recipe Page:
Featuring dozens of recipes for dog treats such as Parmesan Herb Treats, Vegetarian Dog Biscuits, Banana Biscotti, as well as special treats to freshen the breath of man’s best friend, this is the place to start.
2. Gourmet Sleuth’s Dog Treats Recipes:
For those pressed for time, who still want to avoid the regular use of commercial dog treats, Gourmet Sleuth offers a recipe for Bread Machine Chicken Flavored Treats. Other good choices are their Flea Hater’s Dog Biscuits, as well as Vegetarian dog treats for those who choose to limit the meat intake of their dogs.
Other Good Dog Treat Ideas
(Photo Credit: Hotdog by VTracer.)
Please join us tomorrow to read this week’s Fish For Friday Recipe: Hominy Grill Shrimp Burgers.
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July 27th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
That hot dog pic is of my dog! I have it on my facebook page and it somehow made it all over the internet! How did you find this picture?
July 28th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I think we originally saw this on Digg months and months ago. I was under the impression that this was Creative Commons clipart.
I’ll be more than happy to remove your photo if you like, or give you any credit you wish.
Whatever you decide, your dog is definitely heartbreakingly cute!
October 18th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I am a mom of three active and healthy dogs. They love fruits and vegetables just like the rest of the family, now they also enjoy other homemade dog treats from my recently bookmarked site. They even have Yappy Hour Treats for dogs. It’s a great way to bond with your dogs and to meet other dogs as well. Here’s their website and location if you’re interested. I know you will be.
http://woofgangbakerylakewoodranch.com/category/health-and-wellness
http://woofgangbakerylakewoodranch.com/homemade-dog-treats