J9’s Homemade Dog Biscuits

Working from home and keeping close by has enabled me to spend more quality time not only with my immediate family, but with my fur family as well. Actually, a couple of them don’t even have fur, they have feathers! As I am writing this, with the rain pouring down, my two dogs are keeping me company, one by my side and one at my feet. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Research shows that animals have a therapeutic effect on humans both physically and mentally. Scientists have discovered that interacting with animals decreases stress levels, blood pressure and produces an overall calming effect. Other studies show that having a pet reduces the feelings of loneliness and puts you in a good mood.

I have had the pleasure of seeing it first hand when I used to take my therapy dog Xavier to visit my dad in an assisted living facility. Residents would wave me over to have a chance to pet my dog and talk with me and others about their special pet they used to have years ago. It made me feel good to think that something as simple as petting my dog made so many people so happy. So it is no surprise to me that since the quarantine, animal shelters have seen a huge increase in pet adoptions.

In appreciation for the comfort and joy that my dogs give to me, I decided to make them a special homemade treat: sweet potato dog biscuits. You can watch my video on the library YouTube channel or follow this recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour but if you don’t have any, don’t worry. Although not as nutritious, you can substitute white unbleached flour in its place. Just remember, they are homemade and will only keep about 5 days in an airtight container. You can also find more dog friendly recipes by downloading one of these books from my reading list. Hope your four legged friends love them as much as mine do!

• Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. (minus the hungry dog)
• Knead the mixture until it forms a dough and shape it into a ball
• Roll the dough out with a rolling pin 1/4 ” thick
• Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and put on parchment lined sheet pans
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy
• Cool on a wire rack

Now see if your dog likes them.