Essential Ingredients in Canine Cooking
Natural unsalted peanut butter
Peanut butter is a favorite flavour for dogs. When selecting the right kind, be sure to choose a peanut butter that does not contain any salts or sugars. Pure peanut butter is much better for dogs and humans, and it will keep your dog healthier. Peanut butter is excellent in recipes because its calories are directly converted into energy, it isn't expensive and it provides excellent flavor that your dog will find irresistible.
Honey
Is a good way to add flavor to your biscuits and does contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. (Honey is highly made up of glucose and fructose, so it should be used in moderation). Honey is an amazing food though because it is said to contain therapeutic properties that inhibit the growth of certain bacteria in the digestive system, it is a tonic for the nervous system and the heart, it is immediately absorbed by the blood stream and is an instant source of energy. Honey is also easily digested by the body. There was a recent study that said that humans who eat honey from their local region ingest enough of the pollen that its helps with their allergies. This is also the case with your dog. As the body ingests the pollen on a regular basis, in small amounts, it begins to build up a tolerance for it. So when the flowers are in bloom, you are less likely to be bothered by them releasing their pollen.
Eggs
Eggs are high in Vitamin A, D and E and contain iron. They hold the biscuits together in your recipes to make the dough. Without using milk in your canine recipes, the eggs and oil provide the wet ingredients needed for the right consistency.
Oils
Dogs, much like people, require a certain amount of fat in their diets. An easy and excellent way to get this requirement is to add oil to your recipes. Oil also replaces the margarine or butter that we would use in most recipes for ourselves. Oils can keep the body running smoothly, but an excessive amount of fat can lead to weight gain and heart disease. Good fats are found in foods like peanuts and canola oil, bad fats are the kind that are consumed form animal fats. Virgin olive oil is very good for improving the appearance of your dog's coat. Canola oil is another healthy oil and is commonly used in canine recipes. It is preferred over vegetable or corn oils. Flax-seed oil contains Vitamin B and potassium, which is said to benefit the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the nervous system and joints. Too much flax-seed oil can lead to loose stools and upset stomach, so keep track of how ell your dog tolerates it.
Flour
Bleached white flour should be avoided, because it contains a chemical called alloxan. There are so many choices of flours out on the market today, it isn't hard to find an alternative to what we are used to grabbing first. Whole-wheat flour is nutritious and adds a really nice flavor to your recipes. Whole-wheat flour is made from the entire grain, but does contain gluten so make sure your dog does not have a gluten allergy. If your dog does have an allergy rice flour is a good alternative. Rice flour creates a nice light and crisp biscuit, and has a nutty taste. Barley flour is low in fat and gluten and can be used as a thickener in recipes. (Some recipes call for a few different types of flour to keep the final product from being too dense). Oat flour is the result of the oats being ground into a fine powder. Using oat flour also adds a rich, nutty flavor and texture to your recipes. Brown rice flour is a gritty, grainy flour that should be bought in small amounts and stored in the refrigerator. It can spoil quickly from the natural oils and fats in the grain.
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Oats offer a nice nutty flavor, and can provide a nice texture to your biscuits. Oats are also excellent for your dog's digestive system and are high in dietary fiber and contain cholesterol-fighting soluble fiber. They also are high in thiamine and iron and contain antioxidant properties that help the circulatory system. It is also believed that they can stimulate the immune system to fight of bacteria and keep your dog healthy.
Cheese
Cheese adds flavor and aroma to your biscuits and is extremely high in calcium and protein. Dogs should enjoy cheese in a small amount, because some dogs are lactose intolerant. That is why if you feed your dog milk it should be goat's milk, because it is digested more easily. Romano cheese comes form a sheep and is an excellent first choice for your dog. Grate only as much as you need and store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cheddar cheese is probably the most common cheese, and dogs seem to love its flavor and aroma.
Broths
Using broths rather than water is a good way to add flavor. Be sure to buy a broth that is low in sodium, does not contain any MSG (mono-sodium glutamate), or sulfites.
Nitrate-free bacon
Today, along with pig bacon, turkey and chicken bacon is also available which still adds flavor but is lower in calories. Be sure to choose a bacon that does not contain nitrates, nitrites or antibiotics, which are completely unnecessary and may be harmful. Bacon can be grilled and crumbled to add to your recipes.