by Debbie Lester

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

Man's best friend! A pet can bring lots of joy to a home, whether it's for a child or just a loyal companion. Some dogs can be even more important, like seeing eye dogs or diabetic alert dogs. Pet owners should always remember how important it is to provide healthy nutritional meals and dog treats for their pets. Most store bought treats are high in preservatives and not really that healthy. If you want to keep Fido healthy, fit and happy try these five homemade dog treat recipes that will keep your pooch coming back for more!

BONEYARD TREATS

It's a common fact that most dogs love different types of cheeses. If you mix cheese with other protein rich ingredients you can make a healthy treat that isn't hard on the waste line and still fulfill that cheese craving. Shredded cheddar, cottage cheese, and many other types of cheeses can be used in treat recipes. Mix and match and have some fun with it. Your pet will appreciate the variety you can provide by using different types of cheese.

Ingredients:

cup of hamburger - uncooked

cup of beef broth

1/3 cup of pinto beans - cooked and mashed

1/3 cup of cottage cheese

1 teaspoon of soy sauce

Directions:

1.) Combine the uncooked hamburger and the beef broth in a bowl.

2.) Add the pinto beans and the cottage cheese and the soy sauce.

3.) Mix the ingredients by hand thoroughly

4.) Mold the mixture in bone shapes or use a bone shaped cookie cutter and place on a cookie sheet.

5.) Bake for 45 minutes in a 375 degree oven.

6.) Cool completely and store in air tight containers for freshness.

Yield: About 24 small treats or 12 large treats

BEEFY BANANA BITES

Most of the time dogs really enjoy a meaty treat. But something sweet can hit the spot as well. Store bought treats do not use natural sweeteners, making them not only more fattening but they can also cause stomach problems. This recipe uses beef broth and a combination of bananas to make a sweet beefy treat for your dog that can't be beat!

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour (self rising)

cup of powdered milk

1 egg

1/3 cup of mashed bananas

cup of canola oil

cup of beef broth

cup of hot water

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Directions:

1.) Mix all of the ingredients until well blended.

2.) Knead the dough that forms for 2 minutes on a floured surface. Roll to inch thickness.

3.) Use a 2 inch bone shaped cookie cutter or whatever shape you desire to make your treats.

4.) Bake 30 minutes in a 300 degree oven on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Yields:

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