Pet Parents! Since every pooch’s needs are different, I recommend that you check with your vet  to see if these delicious recipes are healthy for your pooch.

Here’s the scoop on Peanut Butter.   

It’s no secret that we dogs just love this stuff. I can’t explain it, but once I catch a whiff of that lip-smacking snack, all I can think of is devouring a whole jar of it right then and there! So you must be wonderin’ if all that peanut-buttery deliciousness is healthy for your pooch. Unless your dog has a specific dietary concern such as being overweight  or uncommon food allergies  peanut butter is a great snack with lots of healthy protein in it. On the flip side, it is also high in calories, so it’s best to give peanut butter treats (and most treats, for that matter) in moderation. My team at http://www.tj.la/ and I also recommend avoiding brands of peanut butter that include hydrogenated oil, trans fats , corn syrup, sugar, and added salt in their list of ingredients It is also best to use a natural, organic brand of peanut butter instead of the more processed ones.

Tips and Tricks to use with good old Peanut Butter:  

• Grooming your pooch? Smear peanut butter at “licking level” on the fridge or any other surface where you have enough room to do your grooming. This trick can also be used if you bathe your pooch in the tub! It’s a great way to ease your pooch’s anxiety about the ordeal. Pretty soon they’ll be just like me and look forward to getting their coats trimmed. Or they’ll keep putting up a fight  just to get you to fork over that peanut butter!
• Keep your pooch occupied! If you are going to be out for a while, or if it’s time to change up your pup’s usual Peanut Butter Kong, try this into a delicious frozen treat. Just make the Peanut Butter Kong as usual, and then stick it in the freezer for a while. After the peanut butter is solid (a few hours to overnight) hand it over to your pooch. This is especial great if your pup is looking for things to do while you are away, or dealing with separation anxiety , they’ll be too busy trying to get that frozen peanut butter into their bellies!

Peanut Butter Goodies !

Peanut Butter Kong
Shmoosh peanut butter along the inside of your pup’s Kong. Maybe stick in a yummy peanut butter biscuit in the Kong as well (a little surprise). Stand back as the licking ensues.

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: 

2 cups flour

1tablespoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk. Add wet mixture to dry, and mix well. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll out to 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on a rack and then store in an airtight container.

Makes 30 large dog treats.

Peanut Butter and Banana Patties:
1 egg
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 cup flour

1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1 egg white, for brushing (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet.  Stir together the egg, peanut butter, banana, and honey (if using) in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Stir in the flour and oats; mix well.

You can either shape dough into two inch balls, smashed down with a fork on a baking sheet, or roll out dough and cut into shapes. If rolling, more flour might be required to prevent breakage. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with a cookie cutter, place on prepared baking sheet, and brush tops with egg white. Bake biscuits in preheated oven until dried and golden brown, about 30 minutes, depending on size. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Makes about 15 large patties/cookies.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites:
1/4 cup milk (1% or skim)
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups of dry oatmeal

Mix wet ingredients. Add oatmeal and mix well. Roll into little balls and keep refrigerated for up to 2 week.
Makes 32 one inch treats.