A Dog Treat Recipe For Fresh Breath

INGREDIENTS {Note: Organic is best whenever possible}

• 1 pound raw chicken or turkey giblets (for example, hearts, liver, kidneys, and gizzards). This will yield 2 cups of giblets once cooked.
• 2 Tbsp fresh oregano, minced (or 1 Tbsp dried)
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, flat or curly, minced
• 2 Tbsp first pressed olive oil, or another first pressed oil of your choice
• 1 whole egg
• 1 cup whole grain flour, for example, gluten-free whole oat flour (other whole flours can be used too, for example, hemp or quinoa.)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen minced cranberries, or
• 1/4 cup dried, unsulphured and unsweetened
• minced cranberries

Pro Tip: Save the broth from cooking the giblets to top your dog’s food, or to make another batch of biscuits.
*Always consult your vet before feeding your dog new foods

DIRECTIONS

1. Place chicken giblets in pot and cover with filtered water. Bring to a boil. Skim foam off top with a spoon then turn down and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Cover one cookie sheet with parchment paper.

3. Remove the giblets from the broth, and whirl in a food processor or blender until they form a paste, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Do the same with the remaining ingredients, except the whole flours. 

4. Prepare the dough by mixing the ingredients together until the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixer, or you can use your hands to form a well incorporated dough. If the dough becomes too dry, add a bit of the broth you have set aside. 

5. Sprinkle flour or oatmeal on a cutting board or counter. Transfer dough, knead a few times, and then roll out into desired shapes and sizes.  You can even roll out small pieces of dough into thick “pencils" to make a perfectly sized walking or training treat.  Place on cookie sheet.

6. Place cookie sheet in cold oven. Turn to 350° F. When oven reaches temperature, turn down to 300° F for half an hour, and then down to 200° F for 1.5 hours. 

7. When they are hard and completely cool, treats can be kept in a jar on the counter for one week, though they probably won’t last that long with hungry pups around! They can also be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and can be frozen too.

SUPER FOOD INGREDIENTS

CRANBERRIES contain a variety of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins. Research has shown that pure cranberry juice may be just as powerful for fighting cavities as it is for bladder infections. A team of researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and New York's Rutger's University found that many of the special substances found in cranberries may not only inhibit the enzymes associated with the formation of dental plaque, but can also stop the bacteria from sticking to surfaces. These compounds also prevent acid formation and reduce the acid tolerance of the bacteria that cause decay.

PARSLEY has a long history of use with dogs, note veterinary nutritionists Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott. Its potent antimicrobial properties make it the perfect breath freshener and it can also be used to soothe the stomach. Use only parsley leaves and stems, and not the seeds. Juliette de Bairacli Levy, the Mother of Herbal Medicine for dogs, cats, and stable animals, recommends the use of minced, fresh parsley leaves, one teaspoon per five kg body weight, added to food.

*Note: by parsley we mean culinary parsley (curly or flat leaf), not spring parsley, which is a different plant and toxic to dogs, though both parsley and spring parsley can cause photosensitivity in massive doses.

OATS are a strength giving cereal. They are low in starch and high in minerals, especially potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. Oats are also rich in vitamins B, E and G. They are a nutritive food and support strong teeth, while also being known as a nerve, blood, and hair tonic.

COCONUT contains medium-chain saturated fats, which are transformed into energy and contain special properties that act as anti-inflammatory agents, helping to decrease bacterial growth, irritation, and inflammation. 

OREGANO contains carvacrol and thymol, which have anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. It is a strong antiseptic herb.