I was away at Global Pet Expo in Florida this past weekend and whilst away, my fur-kid Kaya was lodging at her home away from home, The Rex Dog Hotel (think high-end hotel for dogs). Although she gets first-class care and attention there, I still felt kinda guilty leaving her behind as she’s getting on in years and she’d miss Valentine’s Day with me (and the abundance of treats I’d have spoiled her with). To make it up to her, I’m going to whip up a batch of special home-baked dog treats. Shaped like hearts and naturally tinted pink (with beets), they’re a perfect way to say I love you. If you’d like to give them a try yourself, here’s the recipe, compliments of Laurie Southall, author of Bone Appetreat cookbook for dogs.

Heart Beet

Pan fry until cooked through, drain fat, let cool:
½ lb. (226 g) Ground Turkey or Chicken
Alternatively, you can boil the ground meat if you do not prefer to pan fry.

In food processor, process into fine pieces:
1 medium Beet- stem and tap root removed
– leave the skin “on”
– scrubbed clean
– chopped into “ruff” pieces

Add to food processor, process to a paste:
1 Egg
¼ cup (4 fl. oz./120 ml) Water
2 tbsp. (30 ml) Olive Oil
The cooked Ground Meat

Combine dry ingredients in bowl:
2 cups (474 ml) All Purpose Spelt Flour or Barley Flour

Set Aside:
2 cups (474 ml) All Purpose Spelt Flour or Barley Flour for rolling

Add the processed ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.  Divide into 3-4 equal parts.  On a generously floured surface, roll one portion of the dough mixture until it is ⅛ inch (3 mm) to ¼ inch (6 mm) inch thick.  Cut the dough into 2” (5 cm) “Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter” pieces or one inch (2.5 cm) by one inch (2.5 cm) squares.  With a fork, poke holes into each biscuit.  This will keep them from “puffing” up in the oven. Place the biscuits onto a parchment paper covered baking sheet. 

BARK them in a 350°F oven:
Bake for a tail-wagging 5 minutes ROLL THEM OVER and bake for an additional 5 minute.

Refrigerate in a container for up to two weeks or freeze until ready to be devoured.  

Yield: 138 Heart Shapes or 250 biscuits 

Ruff Ruff!