While we humans are gorging on sugary Peeps and chocolate bunnies, you can whip up some nutritious treats for your pup to indulge in. Check out the recipes for these healthy, dog-friendly versions of some our Easter favorites—plus a kosher treat, too.
Carrot Mini-Muffins
Ingredients
3 medium Carrots, shredded (approximately 1 1/2 cup)
1 cup sugar free Apple Sauce
2 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk 1 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon Baking Powder
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line mini-muffin pans with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl mix shredded carrots, apple sauce, eggs and milk then set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix whole wheat flour, cinnamon and baking powder.
4. Once well combined add the wet carrot mixture to the flour mixture and stir until mixed.
5. Spoon cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 to 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle come out clean.
7. Cool 5 minutes in pans then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.
Makes 4 dozen mini-muffins
From doggydessertchef.com
Cream Cheese Easter Nest Dog Cookies
- 1/2 block (~125g) of reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- Additional water and/or flour if/as needed for consistency
- Food colouring or natural tints (optional) for the eggs
Tips and Tricks:
- Although reduced-fat cream cheese is a good protein-rich alternative to butter and coconut flour is a healthy flour option, these are still an indulgent dog cookie so enjoy in moderation.
- Don’t like artificial colouring? Try a natural colouring agent (e.g. blueberry juice, beet-juice) or use carob powder to make chocolate eggs instead.
- These treats can be frozen if you would like to freeze extras or make a larger batch for later.
- The treats can be broken for smaller dogs, or made bigger/smaller – just keep an eye on your cooking time – the smaller the cookie, the shorter the baking time. I baked a few solo mini-eggs – very easy and cute!
- Rice flour and coconut flour are gluten-free. You can substitute one/both, if you wish, and alter quantities for consistency.
From dalmationdiy.blogspot.ca
Carrot-Apple Bunnies
- 1 C. of white whole wheat flour
- 1 C. of grated carrots
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 C. apple sauce
- 1/4 C. olive oil
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
Store in an airtight container once on counter after thoroughly cooled for up to 1 week . Waiting until cooled is an important step; condensation can build and the moisture will cause treats to mold.
For longer shelf life: store in fridge for up to 2 months. Store in freezer for up to 8 months.
Tip: Write date on plastic bag to keep track of expiration date.
Easter Egg Carob Treats
- Carob Drops/Melts
- Smooth Peanut Butter
- Unlike many of our semi-healthy treats, these are definitely a special naughty indulgence to enjoy in moderation. Make a small batch, store for future nibbles, or share with friends.
- When using ingredients like peanut butter for dogs, go natural or take care when when shopping to avoid the artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs. Xylitol may also be labeled under as sweetener code 967.
- Carob drops can be tricky to melt compared to chocolate, as the carob is usually drier/lower fat. Combining the carob with the peanut butter and gently microwaving them together (with frequent stirring breaks) can help. Texture may vary depending on your carob, but in our experiments over the years, a roughly 50-50 mix with smooth peanut butter and carob drops will solidify into a a solid fudgey state that holds its shape well, yet can be easily broken or cut into smaller pieces.
- These treats can be refrigerated and/or frozen. Just like human chocolates (especially non-tempered), you may see a little clouding on the surface after chilling – perfectly normal and still delicious!
from dalmationdiy.blogspot.ca
Peanut Butter Carrot Cake
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1 egg, beaten
-
- 8 ounces firm tofu
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 4 3-inch ramekins, and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the peanut butter and honey for a few seconds until softened and slightly melty.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened peanut butter and honey with the remaining cake ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Portion batter into the four prepared ramekins and smooth the tops with an offset spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: in a blender or food processor, process tofu until it has a frosting-like consistency. Add peanut butter and blend until smooth. Frost cakes with an offset spatula. If the tops of the cakes became rounded while baking, you may want to use a sharp knife to slice off the rounded portion before frosting.
- Makes 2 mini two-layer cakes.
From putonyourcakepants.com
Woof Loaf
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2 eggs
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350ÂşF. In a bowl, mix together the lean ground turkey, chopped carrots, and peas. Both are healthy for cats and dogs, giving them the nutrition they need for strong eyes and good digestion.
- Add the oats and eggs. Mix until the loaf mixture comes together. Oats help your pet’s coat shine, and eggs offer extra protein. Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil and then add half the mixture to the pan.
- Place the three hard-boiled eggs along the center of the loaf and then cover with the other half of the ground turkey mixture. Pop in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cut a half-inch slice from the cooled loaf and offer it to your pet. He’ll be woofing for seconds! If feeding a slice to your feline, it’s a good idea to chop it up before adding it to her feeding dish.
From popsugar.com