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It’s Always time for Treats

It’s Always time for Treats
by
November 06, 2025
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist

Baking season is upon us and who better to make treats for than our furry ones. Here are several recipes for you to try, some for dogs and some for cats.

DOG BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES. – 4 large eggs, 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/3 cup peanut butter (make certain it does not contain xylitol) , ¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 ¼ cups flour, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, 3 cups coarsely shredded carrot, 4 medium potatoes peeled and cut into small chunks, 1 -5.3 oz carton plain Greek yogurt. Beat eggs, Add applesauce, peanut butter and oil until blended. Beat in flour and baking soda, then stir in carrot. Divide evenly into cupcake liners and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Place potatoes in a saucepan, add water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until fork tender. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid. With a mixer, beat the potatoes, then add yogurt. Beat and add the reserved liquid until it is of spreading consistency. Ice the cupcakes and have a great party with your dog.

SPICED PUMPKIN DOG TREATS. 1 cup apple juice – (make certain it does not contain xylitol/birch sugar as these are toxic to dogs), 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie mix), ¼ cup honey, 2 TB Canola oil, 1 ¼ cup rolled oats. 1/3 cup wheat germ, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 ½ cup flour. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large saucepan combine apple juice, pumpkin, honey and oil. Cook until it simmers. Stir in oats and wheat germ. Cool slightly. Stir in whole wheat flour and cinnamon and then flour. Divide dough in half. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into shapes – Holiday trees, snowmen, dog bones, whatever suits your fancy. Bake for 45 minutes and switch baking sheets halfway through. Allow to dry overnight.

TUNA AND CATNIP TREATS FOR YOUR CAT. (2) 5-oz cans solid light tuna packed in oil (NOT chunk light tuna as it doesn’t bake well.) and drained well, 2 egg whites, 1 tsp dried catnip. Beat egg whites with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. In a food processor or blender, combine tuna, ¼ cup beaten egg white and catnip. Blend until completely smooth. Fold in tuna mixture into remaining egg white until just combined. Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe ¾ inch dollops onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes and cool before storing.

THREE-INGREDIENT SALMON CAT TREATS. (1) 10 oz can of salmon undrained. (Or shrimp or even canned chicken.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse undrained salmon and chop as fine as possible. With a stand mixer, combine the salmon, 1 beaten egg and 2 cups of whole wheat flour until dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a bit of water. If too wet, add a bit of flour. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to create whatever shape of treats you want. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until lightly browned and crunchy. Store for up to two weeks.

Let your pets enjoy all the love you put into making them these delicious treats.

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