Here's a super simple recipe for dog treats! If you're new to baking, dog treats are a great way to practice your skills! I use gluten free ingredients, but feel free to substitute regular oats or flour if you prefer.

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I roll the dough and cut them with a cookie cutter but you can also roll in small balls and press with a fork. 

I'm giving you a really fast and basic recipe! Feel free to use some add ins if you like. Here are some great choices (add some or all):

1 T chopped parsley: Parsley contains healthy antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps improve organ function, flushes toxins from the body, and improves bad breath.

1 tsp cinnamon: Known for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon can also improve breath.

1 tsp ground ginger: Gives a boost to the digestive system and soothe nausea, as well as improve circulation. 

1 tsp basil: Rich in antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Basil helps with the painful effects of arthritis, elevates the mood, and can ease stress and anxiety. 

1 tsp turmeric: Can provide some relief from arthritis, and has been used to protect against cancer and anemia. It provides benefits for cardiovascular, joint, and brain health. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten free quick oats (feel free to sub regular oats or flour)
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup no sugar added peanut butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

In a food processor, add oats and process until oats resemble a powder.

Add pumpkin and peanut butter and process until a soft (sticky) dough forms.

On floured surface, gently kneed dough until a ball forms.

Roll or pat dough until it's about 1/4" thick. If you like thicker treats, go ahead and leave the dough thicker. 

Use a cookie cutter and cut shapes out of dough. Place the shapes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. (Not into rolling and cutting shapes? Roll dough into 1" balls and flatten with a fork)

Bake 20-30 minutes (soft = less time, crunchy = more time)

For the crunchiest treats, after baking, turn off the oven and leave the treats up to overnight.

Enjoy!

These are fresh, without preservatives. Keep in a sealed container for up to a week, or freeze them and take out for as needed. 

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BONUS RECIPE! If you saw me on Ozarks Fox AM making this treat, you saw the hosts, Kelly and Jeremy tasting my 'fake' dog biscuits! Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup beet sugar
• 3 cups gluten free flour (I use Bob's Red Mill)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Recipe:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Cream peanut butter, coconut oil and beet sugar until smooth (a mixer works best)
• Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda.
• Slowly add the flour combination to the peanut butter mixture.
• Once incorporated, turn out on a floured surface and gently kneed until a dough forms. (You may skip this step and simply make 1" balls and flatten with a fork)
• Using cookie cutter, cut out shapes and lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!