Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats for Your Favorite Canine

There’s no doubt dogs add joy to their owners’ lives. Research also indicates that four-legged friends can be good for your health—increasing your activity level, reducing stress, and connecting you with other people.

In honor of National Dog Day (August 26) we’re adding a special healthy dog treat to the LG Health Hub.

These nutritious, fun-to-make snacks contain no additives, preservatives or fillers, and you can choose to include ingredients your dog likes.

Keep in mind, some foods enjoyed by humans can be harmful, even poisonous, for dogs. Examples include chocolate, the sugar substitute xylitol (found in some peanut butters that use artificial sweeteners), coffee, corn on the cob, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, onions and chives, persimmons, peaches and plums, and yeast dough.

Check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about ingredients used in dog treat recipes, especially if your dog has special dietary needs.

Preparation time: About 60 minutes (it takes less time depending on whether you are making larger treats or cutting into squares rather than using a cookie cutter)
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 60 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours and 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (grate oats in blender for several seconds for a smoother dough, if desired)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth, brought to boiling
• ¾ cup cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups reduced fat shredded mild or medium cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 cups whole wheat flour (plus another ¼ cup or so when rolling dough)

INSTRUCTIONS

A dough hook works best when mixing, however, regular beaters or a paddle should also get the job done.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place butter and rolled oats into a large mixing bowl then pour in hot chicken broth. Stir with spoon until butter is melted.
3. Using a dough hook, turn the mixer to low and add the cornmeal, honey, cheese and egg into the mixture. Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, and beat on medium high several minutes until the dough is formed. The dough should pull from the bowl easily but will be a little sticky.
4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead a few minutes, adding additional flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
5. Divide the dough in half. Working with one half at a time, roll dough out with a rolling pin to about 3/8-inch thickness.
6. Use cookie or dog bone-shaped cutters or cut dough into squares with a knife. Place treats on baking sheets that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. The treats will not expand while they bake so you can space then close together, about ½-inch apart.
7. Keep re-rolling dough scraps and continue cutting until all the dough has been used.
8. Bake 45 minutes, or until golden brown, in middle racks of oven. Turn off oven and allow treats to cool and harden in the oven.
9. Treats keep well in covered container for several weeks or more.

Makes about 160 small (1-inch) treats; 50 medium (3-inch) treats; and 40 (4 ½-inch) treats.

Nutritional Information
Small Treat: 22 calories; 0.9g total fat; 18mg sodium; 2.3mg cholesterol; 2.8g carbohydrate; 0.4g fiber; 0.8g protein; 2.0mg potassium.
Medium Treat: 65 calories; 2.7g total fat; 54mg sodium; 6.9mg cholesterol; 8.5g carbohydrate; 1.2g fiber; 2.9g protein; 6.1mg potassium.
Large Medium Treat: 81 calories; 3.3g total fat; 68mg sodium; 8.7mg cholesterol; 10.6g carbohydrate; 1.5g fiber; 3.6g protein; 7.7mg potassium.