MeMe Heads: Homemade Dog Biscuits

I must give my guy Max credit for this recipe.  While trying to get him on a better diet as to control his blood sugar, I came up with this recipe. 

Max was diagnosed with diabetes when he was five years old.  Max did well with his new diet.  Maybe a few times a week he would bag his bowl against the wall, as if to say "I want more, food!".

Max was around ten years old when his sugar was getting harder to control after he ate.  I could not cut back on any more of the amount of slop I was giving him, so I had to find another solution.

Just as it is with us humans, so goes it for (most) dogs, a high protein, less carb diet, with a lot of fiber.  Biscuits came to mind but, I was hesitant to start buying him biscuits after that pet food recall.  The one that caused so many deaths of Folks pets.

I went to the best (no not, next to) source, me and I came up with a great biscuit that would add what he needed, so he was not banging his bowl against the wall wanting more as much and he was a more contented guy.  Because our Max aka Memehead just loved to eat.

.

Ingredients
12 Ryvita crackers
2 cups old fashion oats
1/2 olive oil
1 cup water
1 cup brown rice flour
2 eggs
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Do not use the ryvita crackers with sesame seeds, sesame seeds are not good for your dog.  Also, use natural peanut butter, no sugar added stuff.  Even if your dog is not a diabetic, why even give them sugar, no reason.

MeMe Heads

Place your ryvita crackers in your mixing bowl, I crumble them as I add them to the bowl. Then with the bottom of a coffee cup and also using your cup.

I mean,why take the food processor out and dirty it and actually, this would be a great task to have your kids do.  Also in having them help, they will learn how to take care of 'their' pet.

Once the ryvita crackers are broken down in a course flour, add your one cup of water and allow the crackers and water to sit for 30 minutes.

Adding the water and allowing it to sit, will help break up the crackers a bit more and make for a better texture with your dog biscuits.

Add & Mix

To your Ryvita and water mixture, add your eggs, peanut butter, olive oil and vanilla, mix well.

While keeping your mixer on low, add your rice flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice flour is incorporated.

Then start adding your oats.  At this time, if your dough is a little dry, then you need to add more moisture, I go for the olive oil, instead of the water. One tablespoon at a time.  Olive oil is great for their skins and overall health.

You want your dough to resemble playdoh but, a bit on the oily side.  You should be able to pick up a handful and form a ball that will hold together.

So Kid Friendly

Section your biscuit batter out into twelve balls of dough.

Place the balls of dough on your cookie sheets.

Press the dough down with the heel of your hand to flatten and then form them into round cookies.

Max was a big dog so I made big biscuits, you can make them the size you want.  This is a very easy dough to work with.

Also, unlike their human family members, they are not so particular with their food, they do not care if the dough might be a bit tough.  Actually, they prefer it.

If you have a smaller dog and want to make smaller biscuits, no problem, just make them smaller.  You might have to adjust your cooking time but remember, you want them to be cooked all the way through.

Place in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.  400 degrees.

MeMeHeads

Well this is the biscuit recipe I came up with for our diabetic dog Max aka MemeHead.  Max was also allergic to wheat, so this recipe was perfect for him.  I have also found through my research, corn is not good for dogs either, diabetic or not.  It has been stated that, 70% of dogs are allergic to wheat and/or corn.

I basically used the same formula (high protein/high fiber/low carb) as mama used, she also was a diabetic.  Yes I treated Max basically as if he was a human, when it came to his diet, keeping in mind though,'not all' people food is good for our pets.  Max eating smaller meals throughout the day, also helped with controlling his sugar, as it also did for Mama.

Max lived past his life expectancy, even though he was an insulin dependent dog for the last 7 years of his life.  Even though Max did go blind when he was 10 years old, this guy loved his life to the very end.

Next Generation

I have served these biscuits to my dogs ever since and I have also came up with other varieties, those you will just have to wait for.  Bugg was 7 months old when I shot this photograph, we had just lost our friend Max just a few weeks before.  Though I miss this guy, this recipe and Max's aka Memehead's memory will live on, in more ways than one.

Other than these treats, I also make my dogs food, we call it slop.  For my slop recipe please visit...

Bugg's Dog Slop


Yellow Labs are Not Just a Handful:  They're a Mouth full!


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

The Alabama 'Green' Way: Bugg & his Dog Toy

Just A Pup

Just how great it would be if there were puppies that did not eat your shoes, the television remote or 'another' pair of your socks. 

In our Bugg's case, this would also include, all things that will fit in his pie hole and that would even include, pie.

Remember Yellow Labs: If it fits or not, insert in mouth.


I can not even count how many times I have heard 'the experts' say "you must walk your dog, an hour a day.".  I said they are full of it.  Most of us do not have the time and also, some of us that think out of the box, can find a better solution on how to exercise our dogs.

All you need is, some land, a dog, a bit of Alabama ingenuity and you too can have a puppy that is as exhausted and as well content as our Bugg.

This games requires very little effort on your part.  The cost will matter how many extra of these Alabama frizzbie's you have.  I can tell you by experience that:  Your dog will look at you with pride, in how smart you really are, after you add this new game to their (keep the puppy from eating every thing) arsenal.


Alabama Frizzbie

Since I'm the photographer, I have asked Uncle Billy to assist me in this demonstration.


First off:  We collect all our old plastic lids that have been accumulating over the years and we go outside with Bugg.

Next:  Grab your lawn chair and place your lids or better known in these parts as, Alabama frizzbies.

Also dress for the weather. Uncle Billy had to run in and change into some long pants, as it was a cool morning here in Southern Alabama.

Now both Bugg and Uncle Billy were ready to go!


Ready?!?!

Just one tip before the games does begin: Do not forget to bring out a bowl of water or in Bugg's case, a bowl of ice. 

Your dog will be exerting themselves and they need to replenish their bodies every now and then with water/ice. 

This games does require you to have to at least exert yourself to a certain extent but, remember.  You are not walking the dog for an hour..

You must make your dog sit and pay attention. Not only are you taking this time to exercise your dog, you should also take these opportunities to teach your dog their commands.

You must have control, of your dog, at all times!

Once Uncle Billy has established that he has complete control of Bugg's attention.

Uncle Billy throws the first Alabama frizzbie.


He's Off!

Bugg just knows he will catch this one!

Bugg lines it up..

Bugg Leaps!

Bugg is bound and determined, that he will catch it.

Bugg jumps higher 

and...

Heck!

Bugg Misses it.

That is okay. This is a new game for Bugg.

Bugg might be big but, he is still just a young puppy.

Bugg will be 11 months old this Sunday.

We must have patience with Bugg. 

We know Bugg will get better at this game, as time goes by.

Always the Gentleman

Even though Bugg did not catch his Alabama frizzbie and as we all know, he is such a gentleman.

Bugg still picks up his Alabama frizzbie.

Bugg runs the Alabama frizzbie back towards Uncle Billy.

Uncle Billy waits patiently.

Fooled You!

As Bugg gets closer to Uncle Billy. 

Uncle Billy smiles, Bugg is going to be the nice guy we know he is and run his Alabama frizzbie straight back to Uncle Billy.

Nope, Bugg runs right past Uncle Billy.

I don't think Bugg is really getting the gist of this game.

But yes, I too have to remember, Bugg is just a puppy and he is learning.

Re-Group 

We have gotten to the point (we always do) where Bugg is wanting Uncle Billy to chase him and Uncle Billy knows this is a losing situation.

Uncle Billy sits down.

Uncle Billy grabs his drink and Bugg's Alabama frizzbies.

Uncle Billy then just kicks back and relaxes.

Now, some work still needs to be done. 

As in, you throw (from a sitting position) the Alabama frizzbie.

After your dog has retrieved his/her Alabama Frizzbie, allow them to make a few laps around the yard.

Then toss another Alabama frizzbie, your dog will not be able to contain themselves seeing that Alabama frizzbie in the air and they will drop the one in their mouth and chase after the one in the air.

See, very little effort on your part.

Bugg, You did it!

Uncle Billy throws another Alabama frizzbie.

Bugg sees Uncle Billy throwing the Alabama frizzbie in the air.

Bugg just Can not resist himself. 

Bugg drops his Alabama frizzbie (The one that he has been running around with) and tries to catch the one Uncle Billy just tossed in the air.

Bugg jumps and

Bugg catches it.

Here I Come!

Bugg turns and looks at Uncle Billy.

Bugg starts to run back towards Uncle Billy with the Alabama frizzbie in his mouth.

Uncle Billy hopes, that maybe, just this time! Bugg will actually bring the Alabama frizzbie back to him. Bugg doesn't.

So Uncle Billy throws another. 

Bugg will drop the Alabama frizzbie he has in his mouth and once again, run and try to catch the next Alabama frizzbie flying through the air.

He just can not help himself!

There is just some thing about those big blue things floating in the air, that Bugg just can not resist. 

This will be repeated until Uncle Billy runs out of Alabama frizzbies.

Okay Bugg

I know in the picture to your right, Bugg looks as if he is posing for a cute picture but, this is not the case.

You see, just as when Bugg plays sticks, he also plays Alabama frizzbie in the same manner.

Bugg will grab his Alabama frizzbie and not return the Alabama frizzbie back to me.

Bugg just runs by me, as if to say "Come and get it, if you can."

I have learned not to fall for this and so that just means one thing.

We end up with this...

All Mine!

Bugg's way of playing this game is unconventional, to say the least.  I admit that but, in my defense. Bugg is a very well trained pup. Bugg has been trained the command 'come' since he was 2 months old. 

It's just, I 'allow' Bugg to play 'this' game, his way. 

Bugg's Alabama frizzbie game is: I must catch all these blue things, unload them at my fort and after I have captured all the Alabama frizzbies. The game is over.

I'm okay with that.


Please take the time to enjoy more Bugg stories...
Our Dog Bugg: Explained!
Yellow Labs are a mouth full
Bugg, 'The star" and the Alabama scanner


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Yellow Labs Are Not just a Handful: They're a Mouth full!

Bugg's Yellow Labrador Side...

Bugg came into our lives at the end of January 2010, he is a absolute joy. Bugg's dad is a yellow labrador retriever and his mother is a American white shepherd but, he seems to have inherited a lot of the yellow lab traits. As with most Yellow Labradors, Bugg is full of energy, gets bored easily, will eat before he tastes and always, has to have something in his mouth. 

He must have the attention and demands it, that is why we call him Bugg aka (you must say this with a British accent), Buggah. 

I told my daughter a few weeks back, you have not lived a full life, unless you have raised a yellow labrador retriever. I have had a few dogs (of other breeds) before and I love them all but, the love a yellow labrador retriever brings to the deal, is above and beyond far greater than I have ever witnessed. 

Though they 'must' be trained.

I have been thinking of adding two puppies from the same litter to our family but, after Bugg and I's experience with Khloe and Sandy, I have decided it is not for me. I am sure many people have found it to be a wonderful experience.

I found it to be a exhausting experience for all of us, including the puppies.

Khloe and Sandy were visiting our family here in Alabama from Texas. Their family left them with us, so they could (as a new family) go sight seeing around Georgia and Alabama. 

Khloe and Sandy are 13 week old yellow labrador retriever puppies. They're cute that is for sure but, there were some drawbacks.  Having them the same age and having been from the same litter is two of them. 

I have found with those two things in common, it can only bring on bad behavior, if not addressed early on. Khloe and Sandy sure came to us full of (as we say in the south) piss and vinegar.

My Jackie gave birth to 9 puppies October 6, 1995. The one thing I had noticed is that, the mother keeps them in line to a certain degree but, it is still not enough once they become a member of their new human being pack.

Bugg is a Big Guy

Khloe and Sandy never left their dog pack mind set and have yet too be trained to live with their new non-furry family pack. 

I noticed one puppy led the other and that always seemed to be trouble in the end. 

At first, I had no control what so ever with them, and then add Bugg (7 1/2 months old) into the mix. That left me with 2 untrained puppies and 1 trained but, anxious puppy, whom is already in the 100 pound range.

When they first arrived here on Monday, they would do the 'sit' command half of the time but, they would get bored easily then start to play with each other, not giving me no mind and doing as they pleased. 

So yes, I needed to establish that, 'I am' the alpha in this pack. 

At first I worked with each puppy in a separate environment. When the puppies were together, they had strength in numbers and you will never win in this situation. 

So first make it clear that you are the pack leader and the best way to do this, is for you to be in control. 

You give the commands and they obey.
                
Teach Human & Animal

Your first command to teach your dog, happens to be the easiest to conquer and that would be, sit.

Walk over to your puppy, cupping a piece of chicken (or any treat they like) in your hand and as you say "sit.", in a firm (not mean) voice.  

Bring the chicken above their nose, in a forward motion. As you say "sit" and as they start to go into a sit position, make sure you then say "Good sit, atta girl/boy!", while giving them their treat. 

Puppies have short attention spans and if you do not tell them right away, why they get this treat. The command will go out the window in a matter of seconds.

If you have one that wont sit, go to your knees (or sit at their level), put the piece of chicken above their nose and gently push their butt down and at the same time, saying "sit.". Give them their treat and praise, as soon as their bottom hits the ground.

You should have one person do the initial training and then they train the rest of those that will be around your dog.

Especially the children: they also need to be looked at, as higher in the pack than the animal.


Stay!

Make them sit and then walk back with your hand in front of you, while saying "stay.".

If your puppy does not want to stay.

Start them over with sit, praise them and walk away again, saying "stay.".

Do not make the puppy 'stay' too long when you first start, remember, they have short attention spans.

I would give them about 2 seconds of staying in the same place, then give them a treat, while praising them for doing good.

One Bowl Please!

One of Khloe and Sandy's biggest problem was, they were being fed in the same bowl. I was against those two being fed in the same bowl from the start but, they were only staying for 6 days.  The owners wanted me to do so, so I tried it.  It had taken me one time of feeding them this way, before I changed this. 

The first time I placed their food down on the floor, I was attacked by both of the puppies and they were out for blood.  In their minds they were still having to fight for their food, as they did while in the litter.  My hand ended up all scratched up. 

After I went through this painful first feeding, I decided to feed them using their own bowls and not a community bowl. 

Our dog Jackie had a litter and yes, we did feed all puppies out of two community bowls for the first few weeks but then, they all received their own bowls of food.  It is just like weening, you must break them of this habit and have them go it alone.

Both puppies were then feed in two rooms, they were told to sit and after they sat, they were given their food.  If they didn't sit then I would turn my back to them for a fee seconds, turn back and give them the command 'sit' again.  We will repeat it until the puppy/dog gets it right.

If you want a good puppy, then you must do the hard work.

Humans First!

After I taught Khloe and Sandy, to sit and stay for their meals, I then made them sit (As Bugg does) at every door opening, so I am able to go out first. 

If you go first, then they see you as the leader of the pack. Doing this one step will also give them more confidence.  

They can stop fighting to be the lead dog, since you have already established that.

Make your dog sit & stay and then you go out the door, turn to them and say "Come.".  If your dog gets up and they do not 'stay', then enter the house, close the door and repeat.

Do this until they stay in the sitting position and you have time to say "Come.".   Then as they get better at it, make them stay longer and longer.

This might take 100 times or just once but, no matter how long, this is key to you becoming their leader. 

Remember: A 6 week old puppy is still just a baby and they too need naps or they get overworked and then they will do destructive things.  Just imagine a tired child, they get cranky and want to lash out because, they need to rest their body and their minds. A puppy is exactly like a child.

When the puppies would finally fall asleep, Bugg and I would take this time to go outside and I would allow Bugg to get all of my attention. He has been a tremendous help with the girls and he deserves to just have one on one time with his mommy.  Bugg really seemed to enjoy this time.

One Command, Different Word

Bugg will 'not' go for the cracker by his foot

I have also found that when you have more than one dog, you can use different commands for the same tasks, so you don't confuse the dogs.

We found this out while using our normal command of 'off', when we didn't want Bugg to touch some thing.  

The problem with that is our blind dog Max would think we were talking to him and he would act like his feelings were hurt.  

I mean, he wasn't doing anything wrong and yet he was being scolded. You see, this had been Max's command for 11 years, so that was when we came up with 'leave it' for Bugg.

Bottom line is: Work with your puppy daily and remember they're like children, they will forget, they have a short attention span.  So have some patience.

Play, Yes, Rough, No!

This picture is of Khloe and Sandy resting while driving back to Texas. These are two well contented puppies.  I find that if their owners give them some guidance and a lot of love, they will be just fine.

I must tell you, Bugg and I were downright exhausted after these girls left.  Bugg and I then followed their lead and we also had taken a nap when they left.

I do want to add another dog to our family right now but, I think having Bugg is enough for me right now, maybe one day..

If you do decide to get two dogs from the same litter, then I suggest that you have a lot of energy because you will need it.  Make sure you start training them 'separately' from day one.

Also one of the most important things to remember is...

A puppy loves to play rough but, as cute as it might seem, it could also hurt you or even worse, a child.

Stop this behavior if it already exist or just do not rough house with them from the start.

A Mouth Full

Remember: Yellow Labrador Retriever's, open mouth, insert everything. Especially when they're teething. to combat this issue, ice cubes work great plus, the puppies enjoy playing with the ice cube. 

When your puppy starts to chew on your hand (because they will), say "Ouch, no bite!", This should stop them in their tracks, if it does not work, then dab a little bit of toothpaste (mint flavored) on the backside of your hand. As they go to bite your hand, still say "Ouch, no bite!", then allow them to get a little bit of the toothpaste.

Between you reprimanding the puppy and the toothpaste, this problem should be solved in no time.

Also, yellow labs are prone to mouthing, it is their nature, so we have supplied Bugg with a lot of toys he is able to carry around in his mouth and he does this all day. 

The girls were a pleasure to have but, I am glad it was a short visit. We will eventually get another dog but, Bugg and I must rest up from this last adventure, as we are dog tired.


More Bugg...

Bugg Wants Food!

MeMe Head:  Dog Biscuits

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

It's a Bugg's World: This Dog Wants food!

I have made my dogs their food long before these two guys were in my life.  I find they are worth it and by making it myself, I know what is in it and that is very important to me and them.

                            Ingredients

Lentils are Good, for You & Your Dog

10 pound Turkey (defrosted)

6 cups brown rice

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup dried lentils 

2 potatoes grated (skin left on and washed)

Turkey liver (taken from inside of the turkey carcass)


Ask your veterinarian what foods your pet can eat and then see what kinds of vegetables they like.  Our last two guys Boo & max just loved spinach, I can't get these guys to place it in their mouths for more than a few seconds, then it is spit out on the floor. 


Skin It

I recommend that you use plastic gloves and also, that you do this task in your kitchen sink. 

This makes for a lot easier clean up. 

After your turkey is defrosted. 

Put on your gloves on, grab a hold of the skin, at the top of the turkey.

Place your knife at the top of the breast meat, where the skin starts.

Cut a slit down the middle of the skin, not piercing the flesh.

Flip the turkey over and repeat on the backside.


Pull & Slide

Take your knife and place it between the skin and the flesh.

As you come to a piece of skin that is connected to the flesh. 

Slide the knife through the white filmy part, as you are pulling the skin away from the flesh.

Do this all around the turkey, front and back.

I try to get as much of the skin off of the legs as I can and just leave the rest.

I do not even bother with the wings, it seems to be more trouble than it is worth. 

This will only add a little bit of fat and it will not hurt your dog in the least bit.


Make Crack'lin

Lay the turkey skin on a cookie sheet. Lined with tin foil.

Place your skinless turkey in a stock pan. 

Add water to your stock pot, trying to cover as much of your turkey as you can. 

If your lid will fit on your pot, cover with the lid. If not, cover the pot with tin foil.  Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

Place your cookie sheet with the turkey skin on it and place it in the oven (350 degrees) for 1 hour.

*If your turkey is not 'all the way' defrosted or you have a turkey that is bigger than 10 pounds. You may have to cook it a bit longer. 

The dogs do not care about the texture of the meat, you are not cooking for a human being. I have taken one turkey from the state of almost frozen and cooked it slowly in some water. 

The meat would not fit for us human beings but, the dog does not mind, they only want meat.


                         Add A little Veggie

Grate your carrots, it has taken me around 5 carrots to make 3 cups. I am not exact, I usually do it by eye. No diabetic here, so a few veggies will not hurt them.

Grate your potatoes. Place both the carrots and potatoes in a bowl of cold water and set aside.

Cook your brown rice, according to the package directions.  When done,  set aside.


Lentils Are Good!

There are a few steps I do while cooking my lentils, so the dogs do not have a problem with gas. When I say rinse or discard, please do. 

Do I need to say more.

Wash your lentils, place them in a pan, add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Add a lid, turn the burner down to a simmer. Simmer for 40 minutes.  Pour the lentils in a strainer. 

Discard the lentil juice! 

Rinse your lentils and the pan in which you cooked them in! 

Place your lentils back in the pan.

Add two cups of water to the pan.  Set aside.


                          Veggie it Up!

Drain your potatoes and carrots.  Place your pan of lentils and water on stove. Add your Turkey liver.

Turn the burner on high, then add your potatoes and carrots to your lentils.

Bring to a boil, cover and set aside, off the hot burner and do not remove the cover. 

There will be enough heat trapped in the pan to cook the vegetables and liver.


Almost there Bugg

Grab your (clean) plastic gloves and start taking the turkey meat off of the carcass.

Remember, this is for your dogs, they are able to eat all, that is not bone or cartilage. 

Make sure you watch the bones around the leg meat. 

Why I love the plastic gloves: I can really get into it and get all that I can from this one bird. I am also able to feel for small bones.

Mix your brown rice, lentil/vegetables and turkey in two bowls.

I will put one bowl full in a plastic freezer bag and place it in the freezer for later this week.

The other bowl goes in the refrigerator for them to start enjoying as soon as it is dinner time.

Of course, I did not forget the turkey skin. When you take the skin out of the oven, drain off the fat. 

When the skin is completely cooled, break the skin up into pieces. Place the pieces in a bag and put in your refrigerator. I use them for training treats.

Just do not forget to keep a bit of the skin, to top off their first days dinner, with a crunchy piece of Turkey crackling.


Dinner time Almost

Do not forget to take this time to make this a lesson taught...

Make them sit and stay, before each meal.  Most dogs will take a mile, if you give them a inch, so keep control.

You can substitute the meat of your choice with this recipe. 

Also the vegetables. but... 

Just do your homework and make sure, you know what is good for your dog.

Not all 'people food' is good for our furry guys. 

Consult your veterinarian on any changes you want to make with your dogs dietary needs.


                         He is Worth it!

With a daily vitamin and other snacks throughout the day.  I know Bugg and his buddy Sweet Tee, will be healthy and able to stay with us for a long time to come. 

I REPEAT: Gain your knowledge of 'people food' you can feed your dog, before you change your dogs diet 

Some 'people food', can kill them!


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)