This is part of our Saturday Editorial Series. Normally, we let the dogs do all the talking on our dog blog every weekday! Join rescue dogs Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake for their take on life and travel at www.2travelingdogs.com. And join over a million followers on social media who help us “Make Rescues The Breed Of Choice!”

Let’s face it. Life is busy and hard for us all. We have been taught that our dogs have to eat food that SAYS it is dog food. We have been taught that dogs can only have treats that SAY dog treats! Why is this acceptable to us? Because we think that it is easier. Because we are so busy.

But how many of us have had to go to the grocery store for ourselves and then to a pet food store for our dogs? How is that saving time?

Why can’t more people realize that our dogs deserve real food? Maybe we think it is more expensive to feed them real food. Maybe we think that there is too much of a risk to feed them anything else than what dog food companies tell us to. Well, that is what they want you to think. And they are wrong.

For over eight years, our dogs have survived and flourished on a homemade diet. But we started with treats. And it’s a great place to start! We want you to start today too.  We all love our dogs and we all want to take care of them in the best way possible.  Just like no one can take care of your dog like you do, no one should be able to tell you…especially no one from a dog food corporation on what is best for your dog.

Today, we bring to you our first dog treat hacks! Look for part two next week!

Brown Rice Cakes

Brown rice cakes are a low calorie, gluten-free, crunchy treat for dogs. Pick the brands that offer organic, no salt, plain and sugar-free options. Low in fat, sodium and calories, this snack is great for energy on the trails.

Dehydrated, Baked Chicken Or Any Lean Meat

Ok. You have to cook this. But it’s not hard! You don’t even have to add any seasonings! Buy a dehydrator and follow instructions or just bake in your oven. We live in an RV. We do this. You can do this. Compare the cost to homemade with dog treat brands.  Remember the “made in China” scare for jerky?  Know where your dog’s treats are sourced from.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a wonderful “pick-me-up” treat for dogs, especially in the summertime or when your dog is a little run down or ill. Bone broth can also benefit dogs with allergies and food sensitives, as it is a phenomenal immune system booster. Make your own (find our recipe at http://www.yourdogsdiner.com) or buy an organic, salt-free version.

Matzo (Matzoh) Crackers

This is Brickle’s favorite snack! Matzoh is unleavened bread made with water and flour. Pick the no salt, no flavoring options. If you can find organic, that’s even better! Low in fat and calories and a good source of carbohydrates.

Cashews

This is our favorite on the road snack for the boys. Cashews are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. But limit quantities as they are high in fat.  Also pick unsalted and make sure they are not mixed in with any other nut that could be bad for them like macadamia nuts (no!).

Meatballs

You do have to put a tiny bit of effort on this treat. That means taking the lean meat and rolling it into a ball and baking it. You can do that! If you want to add other ingredients, check out our recipe for Mutt Meatballs at www.yourdogsdiner.com

Low-Fat Mozzarella Sticks

Picking a cheese low in lactose like low-fat mozzarella is a great, occasional, protein packed snack for dogs. Limit quantities.

When you begin to think outside the pet food store, your possibilities are endless.  Don’t believe that it’s too hard to feed your dog real food.  A good life includes yummy food.  We should not, and I will not deprive my dogs of that.

This is just part one of a two part series! Look for more treat ideas you can find right in your own grocery store on next Saturday’s blog too! And look for how the boys reacted to these treat ideas on our Facebook page, Sunday, January 6th at 10 a.m. ET! You can also find many great recipes for dogs on our recipe site, www.yourdogsdiner.com

DISCLAIMER: AS WITH ALL TREATS, LIMIT QUANTITIES FOR YOUR DOG AND BASE ON ACTIVITY LEVEL.  NO ALL TREATS ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL DOGS. CONSULT A VET BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO YOUR DOG’S DIET

Do you have a treat idea that your dog loves? Let us know! We may include your treat on next week’s blog!

-Rachael Johnson, Founder of 2 Traveling Dogs and Your Dog’s Diner

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