Our assistance and service companions are hard-working, and in their release time, a handy treat is always welcome. If your assistance or therapy dog is in need of a little treat, here are two simple solutions to try at home, recipes were supplied and tested from friends of IDEAS.
On top of a healthy diet, healthy foods for dogs include sardines (good source of fatty acids), raw meaty bones, grains like rice and vegetables like sweet potato and broccoli. With peanut butter, opt for homemade if you can, which does not contain additives and extra sugars. If you cannot make it at home, choose raw, unsalted peanut butter. Bananas can be given as a treat, a "sometimes" food, because of the high sugar content.
Mashed potato and sardine dog treats
Ingredients
4 cooked and mashed potatoes (you can use plain or sweet potatoes or a mixture of both)
Add in one tin mashed sardines in oil (include the oil as it is good for the coat)
Add one egg
Enough flour to get the rounds to stay together (gluten-free is best)
Method
Add all ingredients to a bowl. Form into rounds and place on a lined baking tray. Bake at 175 degrees Celcius until the top starts to harden. Turn over and bake on the other side.
Can be frozen.
Yoghurt, peanut butter and banana frozen dog treats
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
900g plain yoghurt
1 cup peanut butter
Method
Blend all together. Pour into ice trays or freezer-safe treat-dispensing toy. Freeze.
Did we say Peanut Butter? Our boy "Rex" loves this treat. This recipe is excellent for hot weather when put into a treat-dispensing toy and frozen.
Did you know?
Guide, assistance and therapy dogs are trained for many uses, from vision, orientation, hearing, mobility, autism, PTSD, anxiety and to detect diabetes alerts and seizure alerts. Dogs also work in Schools and Aged Care Facilities as well as with individuals. Dogs combine independence with companionship and will work between 8 -10 years in service.
While this article is written with service dogs in mind, these treats are also suitable for your family dog.
