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the sweet scoop
Cheddar & Bacon Dog Biscuits
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 02:01 PM - Posted by Megan - (4) commentsGet ready for some tail-wagging! Your canine companions can get in on all the dairy-filled goodness of National Cheese Lovers Day too. Using the hunk of cheese leftover after making the Vermont Cheddar & Broccoli Soup, I treated my completely spoiled pooch to a batch of drool-worthy Cheddar & Bacon Biscuits.
Cheddar & Bacon Dog Biscuits Recipe (makes about 30 biscuits)
As you get into the holiday spirit this season, don’t forget about man’s best friend! You can let pups get in on all the delicious action without having to eat unhealthy table scraps. This tasty, easy-to-make pumpkin pie biscuit recipe is a perfect treat for Thanksgiving celebrations or any other occasion when you want to spoil your precious pooches.
Pumpkin Pie Dog Biscuits Recipe (makes 2-3 dozen biscuits, depending on cookie cutter size)
Baked sweet potato fries are one of my favorite, easy-to-make fall side dishes. Topped with cinnamon and spice, this sweet and savory accompaniment is a perfect counterpart to many cold-weather entrées. Bursting with high levels of Vitamin A and anti-oxidant Beta-carotene, sweet spuds pack a nutrient-powered punch for dogs too and are known to aid in eyesight health.
This simple recipe is for a delicious dog-friendly version of my baked sweet potato fries (obviously sans the sprinkles of sea salt, black pepper and cayenne that I typically douse my taters with). These flavorful homemade treats are filled with natural goodness and Cooper didn’t hesitate in gobbling them right up.
Sweet Potato Pup Fries Recipe (makes about 1 cup)
Coconut Cran-Apple Granola Crumbles
Friday, August 20, 2010 at 08:08 PM - Posted by Megan - (2) commentsI recently made these all-natural granola dog treats for Cooper and thought they were really delicious—even for humans. They are quick, easy to make and all the ingredients should be readily available at Whole Foods markets or natural food stores.
Coconut Cran-Apple Granola Crumbles
Note: Adapted from a similar granola recipe from the Everything Cooking for Dogs Book (Fortunato, 2007)
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add oats, coconut, chopped cranberries, chopped apples and cinnamon into a mixing bowl and whisk until combined. Mix the peanut butter and rice syrup in a small bowl, stirring with a fork until smooth and creamy.
Add the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and blend, using a mixer or your hands, until well combined. The mixture should be sticky. Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9 baking pan until the thickness is even throughout (approx. 1/2″-3/4″ thick). Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. After the granola is cooled down, cut into small bars or break into bite-sized crumbles for your pooch.
Cooper was going wild over these—hopefully your dog will love them too!
My little man turned one today and I couldn’t resist baking him this adorable pup-cake to celebrate. Since peanut butter and banana are two of his favorites, this easy-to-follow recipe was perfect.
Cooper loved his birthday cake so much that I had to wrangle it away from him before he devoured the whole thing (you can see in the last pic where he’s begging for more). If you dog-lovers want to bake a special cake for your pup, then give this quick and simple recipe a try—it’s sure to get tails wagging!
Cooper stayed like a good boy while I snapped this shot, even though he couldn’t wait to dig in!
One of the cake layers out of the oven, before being leveled off
more please?
Cooper’s Peanut Butter & Banana Birthday Cake Recipe (makes one double-layered 4″ cake)
Cooking with Cooper celebrates my love of cooking and obsession with my adorable little puppy.
Cooper came into my life last May and is a beautiful, energetic little puggle (pug/beagle hybrid). Like myself, Cooper has a healthy appetite for life and he absolutely loves food. Believe me, this dog can eat!
Since becoming a first-time dog owner, I’ve learned a lot about nutrition for pups and how important it is to feed our fine furry friends a healthy, natural and nutrient-rich diet. I’m always on the lookout for healthful new treats and recently started baking my own dog-friendly delicacies for extra special occasions. I love knowing every single ingredient that goes into the food Cooper eats, plus I enjoy taking the time to make homemade treats for him. Occasionally, I’ll also mention any standout dog products that Cooper gives a two paws-up to and where you can find them.
Since I don’t have a background in veterinary science or nutrition, the recipes in this section are adapted from published cookbooks, with only minor tweaks if any—mostly adding a bit more of Cooper’s favorite ingredients, like peanut butter, banana and carrots. I’d advise any owner to speak to their vet about the specific nutritional needs of their dogs before incorporating any new foods or recipes into their diet.
And remember, moderation matters when it comes to treats—we want our pups to be lean and healthy. If only I was as disciplined with my own eating habits as I am with my dog’s…
Love & Licks,
Megan & Cooper
Cooper eating his first meal after I brought him home…
…and some food on his nose after.