Dog Gift Ideas and Treat Recipe

We are approaching the holiday season and it is always a fun challenge to find the right gift for our canine buddies. We also need to make these gifts appealing for the human counterparts. Select gifts that are appropriate for your friend or dog.

This is an excellent time to sort through all your dogs old toys, discarding the ones that are falling apart and becoming unsafe. Prepare a holiday gift basket for your dog or friend as a fun project. Add a few carefully selected toys and treats, a couple of recipes, and a bow to create a special gift for your furry and dog lover friends. Or you can purchase our Online Dog Coach canvas tote bag and place the gifts inside. The human counterpart can use the bag over and over during the rest of the year.

Toys

Choose toys appropriate for each dog. Soft fuzzy toys are great for gentle dogs, but a big aggressive chewer might shred it in minutes, leaving you with stuffing material all over the house. Hard rubber toys are super strong, durable and fun. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.

Some interactive toys have secret compartments for a treat to hide in, always giving your dog a mental challenge. There are toys designed for playing with your dog, such as tug toys or fetch toys like Frisbees and balls. Do not choose a small ball for a large dog, this could pose a choking hazard. And never give your dog old socks, shoes, or children’s toys, unless you want him to think all socks toys are fair game. Let`s not set your dog up for failure and trouble.

Dental chew treats and toys help maintain healthy teeth, as well as minimize bad breath. Careful though, some little dogs have problems with biting off too much chew treat which does not digest well.

On all toys, be aware of the potential hazard of material going down the throat, causing obstructions, or other digestive problems. Consult your veterinarian for suggestions for your family pet.

Treats

Dog treats always make a good gift. Just be sure you check with the owner about dietary needs, and are not choosing treats that have a high fat content. Just like us, dogs can pack on a few pounds during the holiday season.

There is a wide variety of healthy treats available, and if you really want to do something special, you can get busy in the kitchen. There are many good and simple recipes available. Check our store for Dog Recipe Books.

Vegetarian Dog Treats

***Garlic and onions can be toxic to dogs in large amounts and may build up over time (see ASPCA People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets). Please check with your veterinarian about the use of garlic. If in doubt, leave it out!

3 c minced parsley – you can use a small processor
1/4 c minced carrot – you can use a small processor
2 T parmesan cheese
2 T minced garlic***
2 T olive oil
1/4 c bran, like cereal, bread crumbs, grits, whatever
a little salt and pepper
3 c whole wheat flour, hold out the 1/2 cup for the board
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup water

All measurements are approximate.

Measure all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Continue mixing with your hands. Separate into two balls. Roll out to 1/4” thick. Use a pizza wheel to cut into 1” squares. Put on an ungreased cookie sheet. They can touch since don’t spread. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Turn off the oven and leave the cookies in the oven for several hours to let them crisp.