Homemade dog biscuit dough, rolled out and ready to cut
Dog biscuits are good for dogs because they help get rid of tartar on teeth, and they also help fulfill a dog's need to chew. But dog biscuits can be expensive. Making dog biscuits at home has several benefits. With fewer food additives, the biscuits are healthier, the recipe is easy enough that batches can be quickly made any time, and homemade biscuits will save you money.
Ingredients
Simple dog biscuits can be made with a few basic ingredients. Most recipes call for cornmeal and flours of various types. A meat component is generally added for flavor; beef or chicken broth, soup or gravy can be used to whet a dog's appetite. Milk and egg are often added to increase the nutritional value.
Dog biscuit recipes occasionally include additional ingredients for particular purposes. Brewer's yeast is sometimes added to recipes because it is considered a natural flea repellent. Wheat germ can also be added to increase the fiber and nutritional value of the treats. Whole wheat or white flour can be used to vary the fiber content of the biscuits.
Beef-Flavored Dog Biscuits
Mix 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup ground yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup wheat germ, 2 tsp. beef bouillon powder and 1/2 tsp. yeast in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1 egg, 1 tbsp. vegetable oil and 1 cup hot water. Stir well and roll out on a floured surface. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter; place on an ungreased cookie sheet and cook for 2 hours on 275 degrees until very hard and dry. Baste with beef broth every half hour while cooking. Remove from oven and rest uncovered overnight before serving.
Tags: added increase, nutritional value