Homemade Dog Treats: Recipes That Will Make Your Dog Flip!

In case you didn't know . . . chocolate contains a substance that is toxic to dogs. But that shouldn't keep you from whipping up a batch of bark-a-licious homemade dog treat brownies. Carob, available in health food stores, is a tasty alternative which also provides calcium and fiber.

Medium bowl
Wooden mixing spoon
15 inch X 10 inch baking sheet or pan

2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup carob chips
1/4 cup carob powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

12 ounces fat-free cream cheese (room temperature)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, blend the honey and oil thoroughly using a wooden spoon. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well blended. Spread batter evenly on greased baking sheet or pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool and frost (if desired) before cutting nto bite-sized pieces. Note: You can store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

For frosting: blend the cream cheese, honey and vanilla until smooth.

If your four-legged 'Sweetie' loves carrots, she'll love these wholesome little homemade dog treat muffin-cakes. The great part about this versatile recipe is that you can replace the carrots with your dog's favorite fruit or veggie (e.g., apples, zucchini).

Miniature muffin pan (or regular muffin pan if you have a large dog)
Large bowl
Small bowl
Mixing spoon (or whisk)

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat bran
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups grated carrots
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, oats, oat bran, sunflower seeds and carrots. In a small bowl, beat the egg together with the oil, milk and maple syrup. Now, pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour mixture into greased muffin pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes (for miniature muffins) or bake 25 to 30 minutes (for regular-sized muffins). Tip: When a cake tester (or toothpick) comes out clean, turn off the heat and leave muffins in oven until completley cooled. You can store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.