This is Walter!
Sir Walter Raleigh, to be most specific.
Walter is my sister’s dog, and I used to live with him as well. He is probably the most spirited, personality-filled, four year old pup you ever could meet.
We have a complicated relationship. He likes to chew my things. Especially when they’re expensive and leather. But, I mean, look at those little eyes… you really can’t be angry with him for too long. Believe me, I’ve tried. It just doesn’t work.
So, for Christmas I made Walter some treats. Miam miam doggie treats. (Yes, I tasted the batter, don’t judge me.)
Everyone deserves a little something on the holidays! AND, if he’s eating tasty dog treats, then he won’t be eating my belongings! (Or so we hope.)
Peanut butter and carrot dog treats – What you need:
- 1 cup of oats, ground (or if you don’t have a food processor, I’m sure you could just leave them whole)
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour (Walter isn’t gluten sensitive, but I know that some dogs are, so go for gluten-free if need be!)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup peanut butter (I made my peanut butter from scratch. If you feed your doggie peanut butter, make sure it isn’t the super processed stuff.)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (Too much sugar isn’t good for dogs, but a little bit of natural sugar won’t hurt.)
- ½ cup of water
Peanut butter and carrot dog treats – What you do:
Preheat the oven to 180c.
First, shred the carrots and grind the oats.
Then, literally, throw everything together in a bowl. I used my hands to combine it all.
Pack it up into a ball, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill the treat dough in the fridge for around an hour.
Push out the dough onto a clean surface until it's about 2 cm thick (I didn’t even use a rolling pin), and cut out shapes for the dog treats.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 180c for 15-20 minutes (depending if you want a softer or crunchier treat).
Allow the treats to cool completely before feeding them to your pup!
I had a sleepover with my sister the night before Christmas. We made a Christmas tree, and Walter helped out!
Ta DA! Christmas morning.
Walter had to wait while the grown-ups ate brunch and opened presents.
Walter is secretly SO SO SO excited. He can behave if he knows that food is involved.
Merry Christmas!!! Walter adored the treats. Happiness for everyone, people and pooches alike!
Now I'm on vacation, in Montreal, eating my Mom's Nanaimo bars (FINALLY!). I think Bakecetera is taking an extended holiday... so see you all in 2013. Happy holidays and happy new year!
Baking soundtrack - Tunes to inspire your inner baker:
Ok, ok... this ISN'T music... but since I'm in Canada for the first time in a year and a half...
Eugene Mirman - Canada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L37rwcg8EY