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.:)

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.:)

Our Dog Bugg: Yellow Labrador Retriever/American White Shepherd

Bugg aka Buggah

In my opinion, a yellow labrador retriever/American white shepherd makes for a wonderful mix when it comes to dogs. Bugg has been a joy to us ever since 'I' first picked him out. 

Bugg would never fit the requirements in any dog show, to fit in the category of either of the two breeds his parents are. 

Bugg is bigger than most yellow labrador retrievers or an even the American white shepherd. Both in height, length and weight.. 

For the last three years I have called Bugg, my never ending doggie.  He just never seemed to stop growing.  At three years old I am sure he is done growing and he did turn out to be a big boy.

Bugg has an American white shepherd backside, for the most part. The hind legs resemble an American white shepherd, as does his the fur on his hind legs. His tail is big and strong as a yellow labrador and yet fuller, as a American white shepherd's tail would be.


                     See Me Coming!

Or Heads

Other than a longer muzzle, Bugg looks like any yellow labrador retriever walking towards you. Bugg is built with a strong frame, as a yellow labrador retriever and yet, he has a narrow, sleek like body of a American white shepherd, as you look down his backside.

Bugg has the webbed feet of a yellow labrador retriever and he just loves to play in the water. The yellow labrador retriever was breed with webbed paws/strudy built, to help the fisherman, so the dog was better able to swim out and grab the nets full of fish.


                       Shepherd Behind

Take Care of Those Hips

Oh Yes, Bugg has the typical American white shepherd backside. This means, we must do what we can to lessen the load on those hips.

As with the German shepherds, an American white shepherd, will more than likely be hit with hip issues later on in life.  Our mixed breed dog that we had named 'Boo' that also had an American white shepherd mother, had a awful time with arthritis when he was around 12 years old. 

Yes Bugg is only 3 years old but, you must think ahead and take your dog's health into consideration for the long run.

I will keep Bugg at a healthy weight, this is key for lessening the pain that 'might' come later. 

Yellow labrador retrievers are notorious for over eating, that is, if you allow it. Remember, when it comes to 'labs', open mouth, 'just' insert!  Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, will put less pressure on his hips and lessen any joint pain as he gets older.   

Even though Bugg is showing no signs of his dad's side (Yellow Labrador Retriever) as far as, over eating.  It could change in time, so I will keep a eye on this.

Prevention is key to helping your dog live a full, healthy and fun life, to the end.


                             Do All You Can

My Husband built this ramp some years back when our dogs named Max and Boo were still with us.  Max had been a diabetic (insulin using) since he was 5 years old and when he turned 11 years old, he went blind.  It also helped his Dad Boo, since Boo was then 12 years old and suffering from arthritis in his hips.  

After Boo passed away in 2009 and Max in 2010 we had decided to keep it up for Bugg, in the hopes that it might help Bugg with any hip problems he might have to deal with later on in life.  I don't know if it will help Bugg but, I do not see where it will hurt him.


                             Grooming


With both a yellow labrador retriever and a American white shepherd, shedding is a 'huge' problem! I brush Bugg's coat at least 3 times a week and I never seem to get it all.

We wash Bugg only once every few months but, a lot of water time play and with me wiping his face and body off after he comes inside from playing outdoors, as he also suffers from pollen allergies.  


Also, with us brushing his coat out as much as we do, this helps in bringing out the natural oils of Bugg's coat and helping his skin.  Also, it gets rid of any dander (and what ever Bugg has rolled in while playing outside) keeping him clean and using less soap that can irritate his skin.  

A dog that has bad skin, will shed more often than most, so keep good care of their skin and this will help you combat the shedding problem, you 'will' have with a bread that sheds.


                             Those Ears

Keep those ears clean

Yes Bugg was blessed with the (cute as they come) floppy ears of a yellow labrador retriever but, they are also one thing you must maintain. 

At least once a day, I take two damp paper towels and wash out his ears. 

I make sure I do it later in the afternoon, after he has been playing outside and lord only knows what he has been into and what is hiding in those ears.

Be mindful of knots in their hair, just around their ears.  Their hair seems to get matted around this area very easily. 

When brushing lift those ears right up and brush the hair that surrounds their ears. Make sure you brush them once a day, this will stop the knots from forming.

We use a ear wash once a week we obtained from our veterinarian.  It is easy to use, just pour it in their ears and rub their ears around to distribute the solution. This will help bring up anything that has made it deep down inside their ear canal. 

The next morning, I will wash his ears out with paper towels.  If you have more than one dog, do not allow the other dog to lick around the other dog's ears (until you paper towel them), it might cause them to have a stomach ache.  


                              Ice, Ice, Baby

Ever since Bugg was a puppy, I would give Bugg 'ice' and not water. I noticed it helped a lot with his teething and it also can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I will not allow Bugg to play hard one hour before he eats and one hour after he eats. This too can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I am not going to say these few measures will stop your dog from bloating but, it 'might' help them from doing so. 

I also keep in consideration the amount of food I feed him at one time.  Very important!

                                 Big Boy

Bugg's personality is more on the yellow labrador retriever side of things, he is a gentle and fun loving guy.  This is why people state they do not make good watch dogs.  I tend to agree but... 

This is where Bugg's American white shepherd part of his personality comes in, Bugg is territorial, as most shepherds are.  

Bugg is 'on guard' when he is on the front porch or in the back yard.  Heck let a car drive by when he is inside or heaven forbid someone pulls up in the driveway, then he really struts his stuff, big bad Bugg. 

I find, having a dog that 'looks like' they will tear you apart, will deter most criminals.  If that line of protection does not work, then I have Bugg's back but, at least he warned me in time to be prepared. 

Though the Lab in him might want to go up and lick their faces and play.  I have found throughout the years that, if you treat any dog with love and respect, they will just naturally protect you, when needed.


                            Train Them!


For different reasons, depending on which breed is poking its head out, you must gain control of this big and strong dog. 

Train your dog from the get go, from the fun loving (at times could get them in trouble) yellow labrador retriever side, to the working mindset of an American white shepherd side, you must have control of this animal. 

Bugg was housebroken and was able to sit, within 3 days of us having him. It was tiring, it was a 24/7 job but, after a little time and effort and within a month, I had a darn good start on training him... 

At this point Bugg was able to sit, stay, go down on command, leave it and walk backwards when told. 

Bugg is a big guy and you must never forget, they are animals, you must train them!


                             Include the Kids

Not only should you put yourself as the alpha in your pack, you must make sure you make all humans in your family higher in the pack order over your dog/dogs. 

This includes the kids! 

Our grandson Tristan (2 1/2), already knows the command sit, leave it and come and he uses it on Bugg (also Tee) and yes, Bugg (and Tee) listens to Tristan. You must make your child the leader, especially in the dogs eyes. 

I must say though, these two just love each other and I know that Bugg would never hurt him but, why take the chance.  Your child should have the control over your dog, just as much as you do.  

As with any leader of the pack, Tristan will walk out of any doorway first, then the dog. This will show your animal who is who in the pack order and yes, Bugg is below, even the children.

Tristan at his age knows the commands for the dogs, I 'now' wish the other members in the family would do the same.  You 'must' make everyone use the 'same' command words, why confuse them.


                              Mouthing

Yep, Bugg sure was pegged with the Yellow Labrador retriever genes when it comes to this one trait, mouthing. Even though Bugg is a big guy, he has the softest touch with his mouth. 

Like with most yellow labrador retrievers, Bugg can grab a pea from my grandson's hand and the only evidence he would leave is a bit of slobber.

Now, I said Bugg could grab a pea from Tristan but, unless Bugg is being given the treat by Tristan, he has been taught to keep his distance, if he gets too close, Tristan will say "Leave it.". 

We have decided we have to 'somewhat' live with Bugg's (Yellow labrador retriever side) kisses, he just loves to give them.  If we allow Bugg to give us kisses every now and then (few times a day, at least) this  has helped to curve his 'mouthing', especially as he has gotten older.  

I mean come on, look at that face, I just can not say no, all the time.  Having been a mother to two teenagers, I know you must pick and choose your battles, he wins on this one.


                             We All love Bugg!

I have never owned a full blooded dog and I am fine with that, actually I like the spice the mixed breed adds to my life. Yes, I feel Bugg has the best of both worlds and we are all better for it. Just ask Bugg's little brother Sweet 'Tee' and I am sure Sweet 'Tee' would agree, Bugg is the best!


Yes dogs 'do' have Allergies, sadly! 

It's a Bugg's World & Bugg Wants turkey Dog food

Dog Bloating:  It 'could' Be Deadly

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.:)

Dogs do have Allergies: Even in Bugg's world

Bugg has allergies and it seems to be the very thing I am allergic to, any thing that grows outside. This has been a very trying time for Bugg.  Bugg is in his usual mood of, I want to play outside but, after a few minutes outside.  Bugg's eyes start to tear up, his eyes start to swell and he actually starts to sneeze. So I must curve his play time outside.

Bugg is a little over a year old and he is full of energy. It is hard keeping Bugg inside for most of the day but, this is one thing as a responsible mom, I must do.

Bugg is allowed to have all of the access he wants to go outside on our front porch, especially during this time of the year. 

The porch is on the second story so, Bugg has less of a chance of breathing in too much pollen.  

We also keep the porch washed off, daily.  Wash the porch off every morning before you let your dog outside.

This would be a great fix but, we do not live in a perfect world and eventually Bugg needs to venture outside, in the great outdoors.

To Drug or Not to Drug

I do not take any drugs for my allergies, I just limit my time outside during the spring season and keep the air conditioner on.  I find doing the same for your family pet is the best option. 

Do not get me wrong though, I have had to purchase allergy pills for our dog Max, whom also suffered from pollen allergies.  

Max's allergies had gotten to the point that he was having a hard time breathing and I could not see him having to suffer like this, so our veterinarian prescribed him some allergy medication.  It worked great that spring and with no side effects. 

Next spring Max had very little problems, nothing bad enough that I could not combat his woes with a bit more inside time.

Do not self medicate your dog:  If your dog has allergies, please consult your veterinarian.



                                                  Mommy, My Eyes Hurt!

My first instinct as it is with most people is to wipe the discharge from Bugg's eyes with my fingers. 

Do not use your hands to get the discharge out of their eyes!  If you do this, you could cause a infection in your dogs eyes.  Human hands can be dirty. 

So, please use a cool & wet wash cloth.

Every time your pet comes inside the house from playing outside, take a cool wet wash cloth and clean out their eyes. 

Periodically rinse out the wash cloth with some cold water and then, wash their face and the rest of their body.  

If you have a dog with a big tail like Bugg, also wash their tails.  

When Bugg sleeps, he curls up and his tail wraps around his face.  If he has any pollen on his tail, then it will also get into his eyes

Bugg, Why?!?!

Bugg is a dog whom just loves to roll in the grass and while doing so he seems to collect a lot of what he is allergic to, pollen. 

I know Bugg will suffer a bit but, with these tips I am sharing with you I am sure he will be just fine. 

I see no problem in letting him do what he enjoys, as long as I wash him off when we get back inside. 

I have to admit, I love to be around the things I am allergic to also but, unlike a dog, I know when to come out of the pollen.  When your dog's allergies are acting up, please limit this fun activity.

Rub A Dub

During spring (allergy season) my husband bathes Bugg once a week. Dan will use a 'very' (very little shampoo) mild shampoo on Bugg, since we are bathing him more than we usually do throughout the year.  You want to make sure you do not dry out their skin.

I also feed Bugg my own homemade dog biscuits. Since I use olive oil in my recipe, this will help to keep his skin healthy.

Bugg gets brushed out daily, this will also help the natural oils to be able to come out and condition his hair and skin. 

Brush them outside:  We do it on our front porch, so the pollen is not released into our home and further irritates Bugg and I. 


Keep it Clean

I wash Bugg's bed clothes once a week. If the pollen count is extremely high, as it usually is in our area during March, April and May, then I will do his bed clothes twice a week.

We also have a dog bed in the study, I will tumble the dog bed for a full drying cycle, this will help get out some of the pollen.

Keep them Hydrated

Since you can not keep your animal inside at all times, please make sure they have plenty of water or ice outside. 

If you have ever experienced allergies, you will know that you tend to have a dry mouth when your allergies are at their peak. 

The pollen will effect your dog in the same way, keep ice or water handy for them at all times.

Bugg's 'new' Toy

If dog toys are taken outside, please wash them every time they are brought in. 

At this time Bugg's favorite toy is Sweet Tee and as you can tell, Bugg's play toy loves to be up in his face. 

So yes, Tee also gets washed off with a wet wash cloth, every time he comes inside.

We also vacuum every other day, at least. If the pollen count is high, then we vacuum twice a day.

They Are Worth it All!

If you do all these tips, I am sure both you and your family pet will get through this spring with very little discomfort. I only write about what I know and that would be dogs but, I see no reason why these tips can not help any of your pets whom are also suffering from allergies.

More Bugg...

Bugg Wants Food!

Yellow Labrador Retriever's:  They 'are' A Mouthful

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.:)