Make Homemade Dog Treats

It’s National Pet Sitters’ Week (who knew there was one?) and, to honor all the pet-sitters and our fluffy friends out there, I’m going to give you a recipe for Homemade Dog Treats.

We’ve made dog treats in our family for years. When my son was in elementary school, he had a dog treat business. He made the treats, and put them in attractive packaging (a zip-lock bag inside of a lunch-size paper bag with a dog bone picture on it, tied with a heavy string through two holes punched through the folded top). He also created a flier on the computer with a description of the product and pricing for large and small bags. He figured the cost to make the treats and marked them up accordingly to make a profit. He also enlisted the help of his youngest sister in making the treats. She was easy and cheap labor. The middle sister wasn’t as easily fooled or enthralled with her big brother. Even with the mark-up, they were still cheaper than the ones you get at the store — and healthy for the pets.  They do need to be stored in the refrigerator since they have no preservatives.

Your dog will love the treats, and it may become a way for your child to make some extra cash.

HOMEMADE DOG TREATS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease or spray a cookie sheet.

• 2 cups powdered milk
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 2 6-oz. jars beef and vegetable baby food (turkey or chicken works, too)

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Drop by spoonfuls onto the cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they start to brown a little around the edges. Cool and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.