Canine Crunchies
Crunchy homemade treats with savory cheese and subtle seasoning, perfect for rewarding your canine companion with healthy, flavorful snacks they'll love.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 cup rye flour ⓘ
- 1 cup corn meal ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1 package dry yeast ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken or beef stock
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon onion flakes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons bouillon powder ⓘ
- grated dry cheese (Parmesan, Romano or dry Cheddar) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the flours, corn meal, salt, powdered sugar, dry yeast, onion flakes, garlic powder, and bouillon powder in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken or beef stock and beaten egg to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough.
- Place the cutouts on nonstick cookie sheets and brush the tops with a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and crunchy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the regular flour with whole wheat flour. If your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients, you can omit the onion flakes and garlic powder. To enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of dried herbs like parsley or basil. Ensure all ingredients are dog-safe and avoid any additives that could harm your pet.
Serving Suggestions
These crunchy treats can be served as a special snack for your canine companion or used as training rewards. Pair them with fresh water and consider serving alongside a homemade Chicken And Yellow Rice for a wholesome meal. Always monitor your dog to ensure they enjoy these treats safely.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Canine Crunchies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving or heat them briefly in the oven to restore their crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Canine Crunchies contains roughly 881 calories, with 23g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2526mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef stock?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian option. Just ensure it is low in sodium and free from harmful ingredients like onions or garlic, which can be toxic to dogs.
How can I make these treats softer for an older dog?
To make the treats softer, you can reduce the baking time slightly or add a bit more liquid to the dough. Alternatively, you can microwave each treat for a few seconds to soften them before serving.
Can I add different flavors to these treats?
Absolutely! You can incorporate pureed pumpkin, peanut butter, or mashed bananas into the dough for added flavor. Just be cautious with sweeteners and ensure all ingredients are safe for dogs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).