Bake Valentine’s Day treats for your pet

This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget an important member of your family. Your pet will appreciate some delicious homemade pet treats without a doubt.

Grab yourself a heart-shaped cookie cutter and get to work creating some delicious treats for your pet this Valentine’s Day. It’s a simple thing to do and what’s better than showing your pet how much you care on this special day?

Homemade dog treats for Valentine’s Day

This basic recipe will keep any dog happy and feeling loved. Mix it up by adding different stock flavours to make it just the way your dog likes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of stock for flavouring — beef or chicken works well, alternatively use 2 tablespoons of Vegemite dissolved into 2 cups of hot water
• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of wholemeal flour
• 1/2 cup of milk powder
• 7-gram sachet of yeast
• Additional water if necessary

Directions:

1. Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl.
2. Slowly add liquid, mixing it in well.
3. Use additional water if neccessary to get the dough mixture feeling right. It should feel moist and firm but not sticky.
4. Once the dough is roughly mixed, remove it from the bowl onto a floured surface.
5. Knead the dough for five minutes until texture is smooth.
6. Roll out into an even layer and cut shapes using a knife or cookie cutter.
7. Place treats in a single layer on a tray lined with baking paper and sit aside for half an hour to rise slightly.
8. Once finished, place the tray into an oven at 170 degrees C and bake for one hour.
9. Leave overnight to set and store in an airtight container.

Great ideas for pet-friendly family recipes >>

Homemade cat treats for Valentine’s Day

This tuna treat is sure to impress any feline friend. Great for a special treat, these biscuits keep for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 small tin of tuna in oil
• 1 cup of polenta
• 1 cup of plain flour
• 1/3 cup of water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.
2. Mix all ingredients roughly in a large bowl.
3. Use hands to create a dough.
4. Roll out evenly onto a floured surface.
5. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter or knife.
6. Place on a tray lined with baking paper.
7. Cook for around 20 minutes.

More great pet tips and hints

Pet-friendly holiday spots in Australia
Benefits of pets for kids
How to deal with a barking dog