Sunday, January 2, 2011

Shop. Smart. Dog. Treats.

Have you ever read your food label? I mean really read it. Whenever I read the labels I typically just scan over them for stuff like fats, calories, and all that jazz. But what about that long list of ingredients? Yeah, I typically just skimmed through that. I always read stuff about things to avoid in food, what kinds of food to eat, and all that. Josh and I usually eat pretty healthy; however, I decided to start really reading the labels. I was taken back when I went through out cupboard and read through some ingredient lists. I have come up with this rule of thumb. Since the main ingredients listed are the first ones listed....

 Given that you are not a chemist, if you can't pronounce at least the first five ingredients then you shouldn't put it in your mouth!

Shopping around the perimeter of the store helps too! Stay away from that frozen pre-packaged stuff!
Now there are other things to avoid and all that too. Yesterday on my shopping trip I managed to get out of the store with products that had NO:

1. Enriched bleached flour
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
3. Hydrogenated Oils

I know what a success! The only secret is.... reading! Just reading the labels makes a huge difference!

After all that...I figured I should make the dogs some more treats! I make the dog treats because I can only imagine what chemicals that are in dog treats. So here is the recipe! 

Snickerpoodles..haha!

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup honey 

2 eggs 

3 ¾ cups flour (I used wheat)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda 

½ cup cornmeal (I used wheatgerm) 
2 teaspoons cinnamon 

Mix vegetable oil, shortening , honey with eggs. Beat well. Add flour, soda and cream of tartar. Knead dough until mixed well. Shape dough by rounded teaspoons into balls. Mix the cornmeal and cinnamon together in a bowl and roll balls in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet . Press the balls down with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400F. Cool on a rack. Store in airtight container.  
There you have it! Healthy alternatives for you and your dog!