I tend to make dog biscuits with whatever comes to hand. As a nutritionist (for humans) I'm a huge fan of coconut products. It seems it's just as good for dogs interesting article here http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/ You will need: 2 -3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (from the health shop or bigger supermarkets) 1 can coconut milk rice flour (naturally gluten free and easily tolerated by dogs with touchy tummies) turkey mince (optional for extra sharp recall!) A labrador handy for tasting tests. In your processor or mixer blend the oil and the milk and the mince. Gradually add enough flour to make a soft dough. Transfer the mix to a floured board and if necessary add more flour until it doesn't stick to your fingers. Roll the dough into a cylinder - the diameter will be roughly your finished biscuit size so this bit is up to you. Slice of rounds in the thickness you want the treats to be - thinner ones cook quicker. I go about 5mm thick Put them on a non stick baking sheet and cook in a moderate oven about 180 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden. Turn the oven off and leave the treats there to dry out and become crunchier. What to do with the rest of the coconut oil - you can add it as a supplement to the dog food for all the health benefits listed in the article cook with it - it has the highest smoking point of any oil and therefore is the safest oil to cook with - makes great roast potatoes (wouldn't fry an egg in it though -coconutty egg yuk!) rub it into your skin as a body butter take a tablespoon daily for anti fungal, anti-bacterial and metabolism boosting properties rub it regularly onto athletes foot or nail infections to clear them up harmlessly - even if your dog licks you clean - he won't be harmed unlike chemical agents use it as a deep conditioner for hair save for more dog biscuits
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams Thanks for this Carole , I make tuna and liver treats for Sam, but these sound yummy , for humans and Labs too !
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams Even better still now that I`ve read the article , Sam has a mild case of papiloma virus, just two small lumps under his chin and my Vet says to leave well alone but feed food which boost the immune system and so I`m thrilled to read that the properties of coconut can aid this , thank you .
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams A lot less messy in the processor than liver too Kate I would also suggest rubbing coconut oil directly into the lumps 2 -3 times a day this will hopefully help break them down harmlessly - check with your vet first of course (although all they'll do is shrug and say it's a waste of time) I've found the oil great for this although castor oil is far more effective at reducing benign lumps topically even than coconut.
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams Thank you for that tip Carole , you`re right too, Vet doesnt seem remotely interested in the papiloma , its just me who worries !
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams I made a variation of these today as the coconut went down so well - this time I used a large tin of pilchards - the results is worth about 5 face licks per biscuit - result! 8)
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams My dogs have always had a tin of pilchards once a week and love it too I got some Fushi coconut oil off Amazon and made some biscuits Carole , the smell is wonderful and they adore them , this little rescue boy thinks he`s died and gone to heaven
Re: Coconut (LAB) dreams Definately not wasting your time Carole As a diabetic , I am very conscious of what I put into my body and this lead me to be just as aware of what I gave my dogs too , I am passionate about good dog feeding and believe that you get out what you put in, so please keep it coming and thank you
