’Tis the season for a little love, or in the case of our adored beasts, a lot of love! And what better way to show your love than with some delicious homemade Valentine’s treats for pets?
These 3 recipes are healthy and nutritious, and they’re all sure to please.
Valentine’s Treats for Pets
Ready, set, cook with love.
1. Puppy Love Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Or, in this case, bark… And no ice cream maker or even milk are required for this recipe.
Why we love these: kefir is packed with probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy gut. It’s also rich in B complex vitamins, vitamins A, D, K, biotin, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Add in the strawberries and bananas and you’ve got a scoop of healthy vitamins and minerals in one simple treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kefir
- 1/4 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup banana
Toss all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Once solid, scoop out some ‘ice cream’ and serve it on top of dinner or as a special treat.
2. Breakfast in Bed (or not)
Want to create a special breakfast for your furry friend? Think of this as the ultimate puppy omelette.
Why we love these: eggs and sardines are 2 super healthy foods for your pup. Eggs contain vital minerals and vitamins like vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. Sardines are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are helpful for reducing inflammation, fighting heart disease, protecting the brain, even defending against cancer!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tins of sardines (in spring water)
- A pinch of parsley or a handful of your pet’s favourite veggies
Mix everything together, then either serve raw or bake it on low heat in the oven for a few minutes – it’s up to you and whatever you’re comfortable with. You can also steam the veggies a little.
3. Love that Liver (Treats)
Make a big batch and store these treats for whenever the mood to show love strikes.
Why we love these: liver is a nutrient-rich organ that most dogs love. It delivers proteins, healthy fat and vitamin A in one convenient package. And the slow and low temps of the dehydration process help to keep those nutrients intact.
Ingredients:
- Liver
That’s it – just liver. As much as you want to prep and dehydrate.
Cut your liver into strips – about the width of your finger or a little less. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. That could be 180 or even 200 degrees, but don’t worry, they both work. Lay the strips on a sheet of parchment on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for at least 3 hours. The longer you leave them, the more they’ll dry out (and the longer they’ll last). Flip them every 2 hours. For crispy jerky, you’ll probably need to leave it in for 5-7 hours.
***One note on liver. If it’s at all possible, try to get grass fed or organic or ethically sourced liver. This organ is where the toxins are held in the animal, so if it’s a crowded feed lot or factory farm it won’t be as clean.
Oh, and Speaking of TLC…
Don’t forget, February is also Pet Dental Health Month, so show those pearly whites some love with a probiotic dental paste featuring Love Bugs!
