Body & Soul

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Baking all-natural dog biscuits is easy. They taste even better when you try variations on the basic recipe, such as adding cheese and herbs.

Pets bring so much joy to our lives that giving them something special is the least we can do. Making natural treats for your dog or cat is easy and fun, and there are many gifts you can make: from all-natural, herbal grooming products and flea repellents to healthy, home-baked cookies and biscuits.

All of these recipes and projects make wonderful gifts for pets and their owners.

Homemade Snacks for Dogs and Cats

Nothing beats homemade baked goods! These tasty treats use healthful, all-natural ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, oatmeal and wheat germ. When your pets beg for more, you can whip up a new batch in no time at all, as both the Basic Doggie Biscuits and Kitty Cookies are very easy to make.

Pet Treat Recipes

Basic Doggie Biscuits
Kitty Cookies
Basic Doggie Shampoo
Relaxing Feline Spray 

Basic Doggie Biscuits

Makes about 2 dozen biscuits

Baking all-natural dog biscuits is easy, and children will enjoy helping. Cut these biscuits into the traditional dog bone shape, or experiment with other shapes, such as stars and hearts.

• 1¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1¼ cup oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together, then pour in oil and water.
2. Mix well until dough is firm. Roll dough out on a floured board and cut into shapes.
3. Grease a cookie sheet. Use a spatula to carefully transfer biscuits to cookie sheet. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown.
4. Cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place.

Variations

Peanut Butter Treats: Add ¼ cup peanut butter.

Cheese and Herb: Add 1¼ cups grated cheese and 1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme.

Kitty Cookies

Makes 12-18 cookies

This simple recipe is guaranteed to make your cat purr. The cookies are full of ingredients cats fancy: milk, eggs and catnip!

• 1¼ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon dried catnip

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients.
2. Grease a cookie sheet. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough onto sheet.
3. Use a knife to cut dough into ½-inch pieces. Bake 20 to 22 minutes.
4. Cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place.