Here’s one thing many of us can be sure of as we wind up the Christmas festivities and head into New Year: a fridge and cupboard full of leftovers.
It’s not good to waste food. However, if done correctly, you can create some fab treats for your dog from the festive leftovers that will be naturally good and tasty.
As a London dog walker, I always try my best to lead by example when it comes to treating my dogs, so I’ve put together a couple of recipes to use up those leftovers and treat your pet at the same time!
Healthy Dog Treat Recipe
These delicious homemade dog treats work well to use up all the meats you’ve accumulated over Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean meat without any seasoning cut up small
- Two eggs to help bind the meatloaf together
- One tablespoon of good quality oil, such as Extra Virgin or flaxseed oil
- 1 cup oatmeal
- half a cup of flour
Blend the ingredients together either by hand or in a mixer. Divide the mixture into treat-size pieces.
Place the pieces on a baking tray in an oven at 180 degrees for around 30 minutes, checking them frequently.
Once cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool
Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for two or three days. If making them in bulk, we suggest that you freeze them.
Pea and turkey patties
Edible for people and pets, this is another excellent dog recipe that makes for a nice hearty treat after a long winter walk.
- A quarter cup of cooked skinless shredded chicken
- 2 tbsp. breadcrumbs
- Half a cup of cooked brown rice
- Half an ounce of thawed or fresh peas
- 2 tbsp. of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
Mix all ingredients up in a large bowl, then press into patties around half an inch in size. Fry in the olive oil, turning once until golden brown on both sides (around 6 minutes is usually enough. Then, take the patties out of the pan and leave them to cool.
Turkey meatloaf for dogs
You don’t have to use Turkey for this one. Other meats work just as well. Do remember to check for stray bones and remove them. Otherwise, you’ll be doing your dog more harm than good! Also, ensure the meat you’re using doesn’t have too much spice.
1. Leftover turkey or other meats
2. Half a grated sweet potato
3. Half a cup of oat bran
4. Half a cup of grated carrot
5. 2 Eggs (free range is best)
These are super easy to make. Blend all ingredients, place into a loaf tin (but remember to grease it first), and bake for about an hour at 375 degrees F. Once cooled, cut into small treat-sized squares.
All these are so easy to make, and you’ll feel like you’re treating your dog s well as a responsible dog owner. Better still, your dog will LOVE them!
Important points to remember when using leftovers for dogs
- Make sure that any fat is trimmed from the meat and that salt has not been used during cooking
- Ensure that the calories in these leftover treats are taken into account to ensure your dog does not become overweight
- Remember that some human food is toxic to dogs