I have made dog snacks and treats for years. But I did get in the habit of just picking up a bag at the store…it was easy. Yes, it is still easy but WOW on the prices of things these days. They use to be affordable but every time I go to the store things have gone up again.  One way we save a bunch of money it to make things ourselves. Our Doggies need treats and we can make those too.  I found a recipe a while back and I have changed it up some. But it is a good healthy and easy snack to make.

PUMPKIN DROP COOKIES

Preheat Oven to 400* F

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour;   1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon;   1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg;  2 eggs;  3 TBSP. applesauce;  1/2 cup solid packed pumpkin; 1 TBSP molasses; 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth or water; (if you use water you can add 2 TBSP. nonfat dry milk, this is optional)   (I have cooked up fresh pumpkin for this and I have also cooked and mashed sweet potatoes or yams in place of pumpkin)

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix together to a cookie dough consistency. You can add a little more flour if they are too sticky/thin.  Drop by the teaspoonful about 1 inch apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or till cookies are firm.  If you want harder cookies…turn off the oven and let the cookies cool in the oven 1-2 hours or overnight. ( For older dogs who can’t chew hard treats you can bake 10-12 minutes and take out of oven when done…you want them to be a little softer)  Store your treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Your dogs will love you and the treats!

I have some other recipes for dog treats I have tweaked and played around with and they are easy and cheap to make. Will share soon. Try this one and let us know how your dogs liked them.

Mel and Marcia