Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

If your dog is anything like mine (a complete savage) then they will love these dog treats. I love making biscuits for my dog, Ambrose. It's much cheaper to make piles of high quality treats with ingredients I can control then to buy "gourmet" biscuits from the store. There is nothing in these treats you yourself wouldn't eat, they just won't be as sweet as a normal cookie.
The health benefits of these treats are insurmountable!

*Sweet potatoes offer impressive amounts of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin-c, iron, phosphorus and vitamin-b complex. Sweet potatoes digest easily and offer plenty of fiber. One of their best health benefits is the calcium level that helps strengthen dogs' bones and teeth. *Bananas are also a good source of potassium which benefits the muscular system.
*Peanut butter's high protein content makes it a preferred treat for owners whose dog is not on a restricted calorie diet and the oil and fat content can add luster to the dog's coat.
*Molasses contains valuable B vitamins. A tablespoon of molasses contains as much calcium as a glass of milk. Molasses is a very rich source of useable iron and provides a variety of other trace minerals.
*Wheat germ is rich in fiber for heart health, cancer protection and good digestive function. In addition, it’s a great source of vitamins like B complex and vitamin E. Wheat germ is one of the very best sources of zinc.
*Flax seed plays a significant role in canine cardiovascular health and skin and coat health. Flax seed is an important source of fiber and antioxidants, and it may have anti-tumor properties as well.

Crunchy fall shaped dog treats filled with nutrient-rich sweet potato, natural peanut butter and mashed banana.

Sweet Potato Biscuits
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 banana, mashed
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup roasted sweet potato, mashed
1 1/2 tbl molasses
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1 cup water, more or less

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with foil and grease.
In a food processor or bowl, combine the mashed banana, sweet potato, molasses, peanut butter, flax seeds and wheat germ. Combine until smooth. Add the flour and pulse into a crumbly dough. Add water in a small stream, a little at a time until a smooth ball of dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters. Bake for 7-10 minutes depending on the size of your cookies.

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