The 4th of July is just around the corner! Here in Lakewood Ranch, that means sunshine, barbecues, and dazzling fireworks (from a safe distance for our furry friends, of course!). While we’re all planning our patriotic menus, let's not forget our loyal companions who deserve to join in the festive fun.
Instead of sneaking them potentially problematic human food, why not whip up a batch of these easy, healthy, and delightfully patriotic dog treats? They’re a fantastic way to include your pup in the celebration safely and deliciously.
Stars & Stripes Forever Dog Treats
These treats use dog-friendly ingredients to create a red, white, and blue theme that's both adorable and appetizing for your pup.
Yields: Approx. 20-30 small treatsPrep time: 20 minutesBake time: 12-15 minutes
What You'll Need:
- For the "White Star" Base:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free)
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (ensure it's xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- For the "Red & Blue" Toppings/Swirls:
- 1/4 cup finely diced strawberries or raspberries (for red)
- 1/4 cup finely diced blueberries (for blue)
- Optional: A tiny bit more plain Greek yogurt for drizzling or mixing with the berries for a more vibrant color.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Small star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like!)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Let's Get Baking!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, and melted coconut oil. Mix until a firm dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Roll & Cut: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Get Patriotic! (The Fun Part):
- For a swirled effect: Gently press some of the diced strawberries/raspberries and blueberries into the top of each cookie before baking. You can even try to make little stripes!
- For a post-bake topping: Bake the plain star cookies first. Once cooled, you can lightly mash the berries (separately) and use them as a "frosting." A tiny drizzle of plain Greek yogurt can also act as a white stripe or a base for the berries.
- Bake to Paw-fection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: This is crucial! Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your eager pup. This prevents any mouth burns.