10.10.14
Everyone enjoys a tea time treat every now and then. So in honour of the Great British Bake Off final we’re encouraging pet owners to make tails across Britain wag by whipping up some tasty titbits for their pets.
We’re urging budding Paul Howl-lywoods and Mary Berrys to get into the baking spirit and use their culinary skills to whip up some training treats for their furry friends.
Treats can form an important part of reward-based training where the dog is rewarded using food for performing a desired behaviour.
Using food, especially food that is tasty, is a very effective way of training and is enjoyable for dogs. It can also help dogs and their owner form close bonds.
Reward-based training is both humane and effective
Our dog welfare expert, Dr Sam Gaines, said:
“Whether your pet prefers a traditional bake like finalist Nancy, a picture perfect sweet treat like Richard or an elaborate masterpiece like Luis there are all kinds of titbits you can conjure up in the kitchen for them.
“Reward-based methods are both humane and effective and are those which the RSPCA recommends and advocates. Other training methods can put dog welfare at risk and the safety of their owner.
“Just like humans, dogs need everything in moderation too. So as long as owners remember to take any treats out of their pet’s daily food allowance, treats can be a great way for them to train their animals.
“It’s important to remember this as overfeeding can lead to obesity which can cause serious health and welfare concerns. It’s very important that pet owners carefully monitor the amount of food they give their pet each day as well as regularly checking their pet’s weight and condition, see our pet obesity page for more information .”
Get baking today
We’ve now launched our own range of kitchenware and baking utensils just for animal lovers. Please visit our online shop to see the full range.
Honey and banana dog biscuits
(makes about 45 biscuits)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Ingredients:
250 ml water
One banana, mashed
One tablespoon of honey
One teaspoon vanilla extract
One egg
600g whole wheat flour
One teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees C
- Lightly grease two large baking sheets
- Combine water, mashed bananas, honey, vanilla, and egg in a large bowl
- Stir in whole-wheat flour and baking powder
- Beat dough with an electric mixer on medium speed for a couple of minutes until ingredients are thoroughly combined
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until no longer sticky, five to eight minutes
- Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into mini shapes with your favorite cookie cutter (bone shaped is always pretty popular!)
- Place dough shapes on prepared baking sheets
- Bake in preheated oven until cookies are lightly browned, about 20 minutes
- Turn off the oven and leave biscuits until thoroughly dry and crisp, 30 to 40 more minutes
- Remove baking sheets from oven and allow biscuits to cool on pans for 10 minutes
- Transfer cookies to wire rack to fully cool
Always make sure your treats are safe and suitable for your pet and check with your vet for any allergies your pet may have beforehand.
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