How to Make Homemade Dog Treats!

Hi guys!  I'm Morgan, better known as the sometimes-food-editor here at Bubby and Bean.  I'm also Melissa's sister, and I'm filling in for her today while she prepares to leave for her trip to Mexico.  (I tried to get her to fit me into her suitcase, but alas...).  For new readers, I normally write a feature here called Sweet and Sour, where I document the trials and tribulations of cooking for the pickiest eater alive - specifically, my husband.  You can read more about the story behind behind the series here.

Today I'll be taking a break from Sweet and Sour and my regular human food recipes to dedicate a doggie treat recipe to my sweet furry nephew, Leary, known around here as "Bubby."  As you know, just a few days before this last Christmas, we had to say goodbye to him.  Everybody who met that special doggie instantly got a smile on their faces.  He was one of those friends that was always there for you and loved to snuggle.  And like most dogs, Leary LOVED food!  He knew he wasn’t supposed to beg for it, so when we would eat in front of him, he’d stand sideways and look at you out of the corner of his eye.  It cracked me up!  I was always a sucker for one particular look he'd give that made him look like a big soft puppy.  When he gave that look, a french fry or piece of cheese would “accidentally” make its way into his mouth.   He knew exactly how to work his auntie!  And that boy sure did love his cheese.  I even wrote the "For Leary" message in the picture at the top of this post in shredded cheddar, his favorite. 

So in honor of Bubby, today I'm going to be showing you how to make a tasty doggie treat that I know he would have loved, and that your best furry friends will gobble up too.  I started making these when my husband and I noticed that our furry little girl Isis (aka the "Bean" in the Bubby and Bean!) had trouble eating hard treats.  They are soft so they’re great for older doggies, or for dogs who prefer softer foods.

This recipe is especially for you, Leary (bubby, bo-bos, roy boy, beezy, licious, and all the other nicknames that were made for you!).   I miss you every day.

Total time required: 20-25 minutes.

1/2 cup – 3/4 cups oatmeal (depending on how dense you want the treats)
1/4 cup powdered milk
2 small jars beef baby food
1 tablespoon peanut butter (either crunchy or smooth works great)
Note: You can also use Cream of Wheat or wheat germ in place of the oatmeal.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
3. Shape dough into hearts, bones, or any other doggie themed treat.
4. Place treats on greased cookie sheet or use a silicone baking mat.

5. Cook for 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool.  Store treats in your refridgerator for up to one week (or until your furry kid learns how to open the fridge!).

I hope your doggie pals love these treats as much as my girl does!  If you'd like to learn how to make some of my other recipes, you can view them here: dark chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, homemade cinnamon rolls, homemade peanut brittle, and cajun grilled shrimp.

Don't forget to visit again tomorrow, for the first in a series of cool guest posts by some of Melissa's blogging friends.  I'll be back again soon with another recipe for you guys!