by Caryn Anderson

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 24, 2009

In this time of economic crisis, we're all looking to save money and pinch pennies. Here's one way to save a few bucks while having fun and making sure that your dog is eating high-quality, healthy treats-make them yourself! Since I've been dieting, I've missed having the homey aroma of cookies baking in the oven wafting through the house. Now that I bake for my four darling Bichon Frise puppies, the house smells great and the pups are all very happy! Here are a few of my favorite recipes to get you started; but remember, each dog is unique and each recipe can be altered to meet your sweetie's needs and likes.

1. Gingerbread Dog Biscuits

These are great for the holidays or all year long-the spicy aroma fills your home with love and your pup's tummy with yummy goodness!

Ingredients:

1 cup molasses

4 tablespoons honey

1 cup water

cup vegetable oil

6 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger or one teaspoon dried ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine molasses, honey, water, and oil in a medium bowl. In another bowl mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until well combined. Divide dough into four sections and roll each piece into a ball. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-5 hours.

After the dough is well-chilled, place on a lightly floured surface and roll out into inch thickness. Cut dough with a cookie cutter into desired shape. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown around the edges.

2. Gone Bananas!

Ingredients:

6 medium sized bananas

6 cups quick oats

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons ground flax seed (optional)

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mash the bananas in a bowl. You can use a fork or a potato masher, whatever you have on hand. Add applesauce, peanut butter, flax seed and honey. Mix well and then stir in the oats. Form cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Either drop by spoonful, or form into small round cookies. Bake approximately 20-30 minutes until firm. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

This is the all time favorite of my sweeties. The allure of pumpkin, oatmeal, and spices is irresistible (I've even tried one or two myself!)

Ingredients:

1 egg

1(15 oz) can pumpkin or sweet potato puree

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