PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS

This is a wonderful time of the year to include a recipe that celebrates the dogs in our lives! Especially during a month that while we set off celebratory fireworks, those same fireworks can really stress a dog.

These treats are all natural and so yummy (as shown by the photo of Louis DEVOURING them)! Homemade peanut butter treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two months and in the freezer for up to eight months.

Hicks Haven

By Lisa Hicks

INGREDIENTS:

TREAT

2 1/2 C Whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)

1 Egg

1 C Peanut Butter

1 C Water

2 T Honey

FROSTING

2 T Peanut Butter

1 T Honey

1/3 C Cornstarch

3-4 T Hot water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour and egg. Add the peanut butter, water, and honey – stirring until you have a stiff dough. You may need to use your hands or the paddle attachment on your mixer. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 3/8" thick. Use your bone or any fun cookie cutter to make fun shapes. Place on parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes (until golden). Smaller cut outs may take a shorter time (watch ‘em). Set them aside to cool.

To make frosting, combine the peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl. Heat at 15 second increments until melted (stirring in between heat- ings).

Add the melted peanut butter mixture to the cornstarch and stir until just combined. Slowly add in the water, 1 T at a time, until you have a consistency that you would like (not too thick-not too thin). Pour into a clear plastic sandwich bag. Snip the tip of one of the bottom corners of the clear sandwich bag (so it becomes a disposable piping bag) and decorate treats while the frosting is still warm and squeezable. Allow the frosting to harden before moving.

Important ingredient details:

FLOUR: If dogs are allergic to flour/wheat – use rice or coconut flour as a replacement flour

PEANUT BUTTER: Do not use PB that has xylitol listed in the ingredients – toxic to dogs.

HONEY: Avoid giving honey to immunocompromised dogs and dogs under 1 year old!