How to spoil your dog on valentine's day | Healthy homemade dog treats

February 13, 2017
by DR Roxanne Jones

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to spoil your furbabies just as much as your favourite humans this Valentine’s Day! But with what? You’re probably super careful about avoiding these dangerous foods for dogs, but there are plenty of safe and delicious treats for your pooch – and they’re so easy to make.

Here are two of my favourite recipes for healthy homemade dog treats. My pets love these and I’m sure yours will too!

Recipe: Meaty cupcakes for dogs

Ingredients

1 ½ kg beef, chicken or ostrich mince

190 ml brown rice

1 large potato, grated

2 large carrots, grated

1 celery stick, chopped

4 eggs

30 ml olive or coconut oil

190 ml regular oats

Method

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius and grease a muffin tray. Cook the rice according to the packet instructions, then remove from the heat and cool

Meanwhile, combine the mince, veggies and egg in a large bowl. Mix together with your hands, then add the cooled rice, oats and a little olive oil. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined, then divide the mixture evenly between the muffin holes. Pat down to firm, then bake for 45 minutes.

Allow to cool completely before serving to your furbaby.

Recipe: Bacon and beef cake for dogs

Tip: Bake this in a heart-shaped tin for an extra-adorable touch!

Ingredients

5 slices bacon

½ kg beef mince

1 cup cooked rice or barley

2 large carrots, grated

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 egg

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celcius. Fry bacon until crispy, and then crumble into small pieces once cool. Add the remaining ingredients to large bowl, along with the bacon, and mix until well combined. Scoop the mixture into a baking tin and bake for 45 minutes.

Optional: icing

For dogs that are able to tolerate lactose, place some fresh beetroot into a blender with a little water. Puree, then add cream cheese and blend until smooth.

For the pro bakers

Tip the icing into a piping bag and personalise your pooch’s cake with a message of love!

More ways to spoil your four-legged bestie this Valentine’s Day

Treat him to a massage and a nice, long brush
Buy her a new toy

Give him one of these delicious and safe human foods for dogs
Take her for an even longer walk than usual – or try a beach, dog park or dog-friendly spot where she can run around and play to her heart’s content!
Take him swimming
Want to go all out? Instead of baking, cook her a thick, juicy steak!

Visit our Facebook page and let us know how you spoiled your pet this Valentine’s Day – we’d love to see photos, especially if you make these treats.

Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog. These recipes are intended as occasional treats and should be given in moderation only. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your furry loves!

Posted in