Pumpkin Oat Dog Biscuits

So, my little Faye was pretty sick recently.  As uncomfortable as it must have been for her to wait for me to get up each morning so she could "go" outside, she did, sitting patiently by the door. She is such a good dog.

The problem is basically her ultra sensitive system - common in Bostons - acting up whenever something slightly unusual is introduced.  The vet suggested an all natural food regime so we can finally try to hone in on what triggers her discomfort and itchiness.  

Wanting to help her as much as possible, I decided to make all-natural dog biscuits. Researching the subject, I found that pumpkin is good for for diarrhea.  

Natural pumpkin (not filling) is loaded with fiber and beta-carotene, which her little body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A, in doggie appropriate amounts, promotes healthy skin and coat and supports liver, lung, and kidney health for dogs.  Wonderful!  Maybe she will get some relief from the itching too!

I searched "pumpkin dog biscuits" and found this little jewel of a recipe and after two days of not eating, Faye gobbled her first homemade treat right up!  And who could blame her... just look at the cross section of oat and pumpkin goodness!  Hell, I wanted one with a cup of tea!

I'm relieved and happy to say Faye is feeling better!  She is back to good digestive health and the itching seems to have subsided.

Now time to break the table-begging habit.  

Pumpkin Oat Dog Biscuits
Modified recipe found at bakeatmidnight.com

INGREDIENTS
3 cups whole wheat flour (or whole-grain flour of choice)
1 cup whole oats (not quick oats!)
1½ cups pumpkin puree 
A nice squeeze of honey (I didn't measure)
1/4 cup of natural, unsweetened apple sauce
2-4 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 1 or 2 baking sheets (depends on size of biscuit cut) with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients, except water. Add only enough water to make a workable and rollable dough. Roll out to ⅛-1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes - I made traditional biscuits!  Bake for 30-35 minutes. Turn off oven and let biscuits sit in oven until oven is completely cool. This is an important step because it helps to dehydrate the biscuits for better storage.  Also, your dog will have that oh-so-satisfying chomp...kind of like a hard cookie vs. a soft cookie. 

This recipe makes about 3 dozen “medium” (about 3-inch long) dog biscuits.