Check out one of Dr. Ernie Ward's favorite Valentine's Day treats, made just for dogs.
I love celebrating holidays with my pets. When Valentine’s Day rolls around, I like to spoil my lovely wife with dark chocolate and my dogs these super-easy and wholesome treats. I recommend dogs under 20-pounds be given half a tart and bigger dogs a whole serving. If you want to get adventurous (and perhaps even healthier) add a few sprinkles of chia seeds to your filling. If you want to reduce the caloric content further, try substituting the egg with one-teaspoon chia mixed with three-teaspoons warm water. This is a common egg substitute that I use in my own personal cooking.
When you’re preparing your honey’s special Valentine’s Day treat, don’t forget your dogs. And don’t share your dark chocolates.
Dough
1-cup garbanzo flour
½-cup brown rice flour
1 egg
1/8-cup canola oil
1/8-cup applesauce
¼-cup water
Filling
¼-cup peanut or almond butter
1-tsp vanilla
1 egg
24 whole strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients together and stir until blended. Roll out on a slightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 24 circles and press into a lightly greased mini muffin pan. (Shortcut: Divide into 24 balls and press into the pan.) Blend the peanut butter, vanilla and egg together and distribute even amounts into each of the crusts. Place a strawberry on top of the filling.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the tarts are golden brown. Store in the refrigerator and share with your furry Valentine’s buddies.
Calories: about 61 calories per love bite
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.