Recipes – Georgia Pet Watchers

A Tasty Fall Treat

Jennifer Whiting — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:48:35 +0000

Since we are in the first week of fall for the year, I find it very appropriate to share a recipe for a fun, fall dog treat that your pets will love. It contains six ingredients: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl. You may add some water for the dough to be workable, but the dough should remain dry and stiff. Roll the dough in to a half inch thick flat roll. Use cookie cutters to cut pieced from the roll. I prefer the shape of dog bones, but any shape will do. Bake for around forty minutes or until the treats are hard. Your dog will love the combination of the taste of peanut butter and pumpkin flavors. I have tested this recipe on my dogs and not only is it very easy, they loved the treats! I may even start testing them on my Gwinnett Pet Watchers clients, and I am pretty sure that they won’t mind. If they were a hit in my house, I am sure that everyone’s pups will love them. It is nice to give your pets a little variety sometimes, rather than purchasing store bought treats all the time.

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An Upcoming Event at Lenora Park in Snellville

Jennifer Whiting — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:02:36 +0000

This Saturday, August 16th, there will be a pet friendly event in Snellville at Lenora Park in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Milo’s Kitchen will be sponsoring a truck treat stop with their own food truck to serve your pooches. We, Gwinnett Pet Watchers, have the details for the event on our website Events page. The event will be held from 2-4pm and will be giving free samples out of Milo’s Kitchen home style treats to your pups. All of their products are made in the USA. They will also have family portraits, personalized give aways, and information on their products. Lenora Park is located at 4515 Lenora Park Road in Snellville, GA. The truck will also be at Bark in the Park on Sunday August 17th at 755 Hank Aaron Drive with the Atlanta Braves. The truck has been touring the United States all summer promoting their treats. You can follow their schedule www.MKTreattruck.com.

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I’ve Got A Beef With Chicken Jerkey Part II

robin — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:03:31 +0000

Chicken Jerky Alternatives
Last week I brought you information about the growing concern of feeding your pets chicken jerky made in China. This “treat” has been linked to over two thousand illnesses and deaths of both dogs and cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been warning of the possible danger of chicken jerky made in China since 2007, yet it can still be found on store shelves.
(Review the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration consumer advisory here.)
As a follow up to my last post, this week I bring you recommendations on some of my most loved dog treats. There are many alternatives to chicken jerky and other pet treats made in China. Here a few of my favorites:
• Beef neck bones: You can find these in the meat section at Publix or your local grocery store. Ask the butcher about purchasing beef neck bones to be used as dog treats. For my dogs, I request they be cut two to two and a half inches thick and usually buy a whole case at a time. This is a very fresh, natural and easy way to provide your dog with a delicious treat. The bones should never be cooked, as that can cause them to become brittle, just pop them in the freezer and take out as needed.
• Kongs: A kong is a great treat and toy for your dog, especially those with tons of energy! Fill and freeze for long lasting entertainment. I personally like to make mine with yogurt or peanut butter, but the possibilities are endless.
• Kona’s Chips: If homemade dog treats don’t fit into your busy schedule, there are also excellent store bought choices. Kona’s Chips is a great brand that offers a variety of different treats that are made in America (my dog Suzy is a big fan of their Chicken Jerky).
• Three Dog Bakery: The “Woof”ers from Three Dog Bakery are always a big hit, but I don’t give them out as often as the others. Although their ingredients are very wholesome and natural, these cookies do contain wheat, which I try to avoid.
I hope you enjoy my suggestions. If you have any questions or other recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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December Newsletter

robin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:18:25 +0000

IN THIS ISSUE

Holiday Donations to Pet Orgs

Last minute holiday sitting

Dirty Muttini Recipe

Pet Sitting with Latrece

FEATURED ARTICLE

We encourage you to make a donation to your favorite rescue group or animal non-profit organization this holiday!

RECENTLY ON THE GPW BLOG

The Cat that Spooked the Sitter

New Scheduling Software

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SITTERS

Forgot to book your sitter for the holidays? Though limited, we still have availability this season.

Click here to check our availability and book a sitter!

QUICK LINKS

Winter 2011

First and foremost we want to express our gratitude to all of you for a wonderful 2011. Working with you and your pets has made this past year so wonderful for us! It is hard to believe that the year is almost over. Everyone at Gwinnett Pet Watchers is incredibly grateful that we are able to do what we love while working with such great people (and animals!)

Although 2011 has been a successful year for Gwinnett Pet Watchers, we want to acknowledge that there are many who are not so fortunate and have had a rough year, which also means a rough year for their pets. Donations to shelters and non-profit animal organizations have decreased and they are not getting the help they need. Because of this, Gwinnett Pet Watchers will be making donations to two of our favorite animal organizations, Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen and Mostly Mutts, in lieu of giving gifts this year. We want to encourage you to do the same by donating to your favorite pet charity; instead of giving your sitter a gift, consider making a small donation in their name. Together we can make a difference!

Not sure what organization to donate to? Visit our Links Page for a list of our favorite Rescue Groups and Pet Charities!

Happy Holidays!

Dirty Muttini Recipe

At the end of a rough day, Vinny likes to unwind with a little something for the discerning dog. A Dirty Muttini will do the trick.Ingredients:

1/2 water
1/2 chicken broth with NO onions (onions are toxic to dogs)
Chicken jerky strip

Directions:

Be sure to use chicken broth with no additives, especially no onions.
Mix with broth and water. Serve in your mutt’s favorite dish.
Garnish with a chicken jerky strip.
NEVER give alcohol to your pet!

Do you ever make a special drink for your pooch? Maybe something warm on a cold day or a cool treat in the summer. If so,email it to us with a picture of your pal (preferably enjoying his libation) and we’ll feature it on Facebook and in our next newsletter!

Pet Sitting with Latrece

Latrece Barcik, one of Gwinnett Pet Watchers newest sitters, has really wowed us all with her love of animals and the bond that she shares with them. We wanted to highlight her this month by letting her share some heartwarming stories from her pet sitting! Each pet I have sat for throughout the years has given me a very special and unique experience. Not that we don’t have favorites, but I consider it a privilege that I am able to be a part of an animal’s life for any length of time, whether it is for a few days, a week, or longer. Here are a couple of fun, extra-special moments I’ve experienced in the recent months…A Springer Spaniel I sit for loves to take me to the stream behind her house. She always wades in for just a minute or two, but one day she seemed like she wanted to stay longer. I waded in with her and we ended up walking further down the stream. She was so happy, how could I say no? Obviously, it was warmer then!There was a Chihuahua that was such a bundle of energy that I thought he needed more exercise. Apparently that wasn’t the case because he didn’t go for any of it. He just kept jumping up and nipping at my hands and shirt – I couldn’t make him stop! Finally, I sat down (since walking and playing wasn’t his thing) and he jumped up in my lap, leaned against me and laid his little head on my chest, looking at me like I was the best thing since sliced bread. All he really needed were some extra snuggles! We sat that way for 20 minutes and he was calm and happy as a clam after that.

I try to figure out what a pet needs and deliver it. Does a dog seem a little bored? I’ll introduce them to the wonders of a peanut butter-filled Kong. Extra snuggles? Always welcome. An elderly kitty that is content to stay on her heating pad? No problem. I’ll try to be as quiet as possible to not disturb her. I’m almost always at a visit longer than I’m scheduled to be and 9 times out of 10, it’s purely by choice. I don’t set a timer; pets aren’t a meatloaf where it’s Ding!and they’re done. I just want to make sure a pet’s time away from their family is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.-LatreceSee below for details on discounted pet sitting from Latrece!

Thank you for using Gwinnett Pet Watchers for your pet sitting needs and happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Robin Taylor
Gwinnett Pet Watchers

Save on pet sitting!
For the month of January, we are offering a 10% discount on pet sitting when you mention the

“Welcome Latrece Special!”

The post December Newsletter first appeared on Georgia Pet Watchers.

Peanut Butter Apple Dog Biscuits

robin — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:46:25 +0000

Peanut Butter and Apple Dog Biscuits

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flower

1 1/2 Cup White unbleached flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 1/2 cup water

1/2 cup peanut oil

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1/4 cup diced dried apples

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 digress; Blend together the apple, water, vanilla, eggs and peanut oil. Stir in the flower, oats, to form soft dough. Roll the dough into balls, put on a baking sheet, flatten (I rolled out and used cookie cutter) Bake for 25 minutes or until hard and crisp

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Carrot and Oatmeal Dog Treats

robin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:31:59 +0000

This is an easy to make wholesome treat for your dog. It is an easy way to increase the intake of vegetables in your dog’s diet.

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups cooked and pureed carrots

2 large eggs

1 cup oatmeal

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon canola oil

¼ cup wheat germ

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine and mix the carrots, eggs and oil. In a separate bowl combine the remaining dry ingredients. Mix both bowls together and knead until becomes a soft dough. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake 35-40 minutes. Turn off the oven and remove cookies. Allow to cool for 15 minutes and then return to the warm oven to dry for about an hour

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Molasses Peanut Rewards

robin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:25:43 +0000

Molasses Peanut Rewards

Molasses is a sweetener that is actually good for your dog, providing manganese and other trace minerals.

4tbsp blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup of peanut butter

1 cup water

6 tbsp vegetable oil

11/2 cups rolled oats

2 cups wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the molasses, peanut butter, water and vegetable oil. Combine the oats and flour. Slowly add to the wet ingredients. Mix and drop tablespoon (large) teaspoons (mid) onto baking sheet and press down. Bake for 25-30 or till firm. Calories 84g, Protein 2.2g, carbohydrates 9.3g, Dietary Fiber 1.6g, Fat 4.5g

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Pumpkin Dog Treats

robin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:17:13 +0000

Pumpkin dog Treats

Pumpkin is very good for a dog’s digestive system and they love molasses

½ cup pumpkin puree

2 cups whole wheat flour

4 tbsp blackstrap molasses

1 tsp cinnamon

4 tbsp water (or beef broth)

¼ tsp baking powder

2 tbsp vegetable oil

¼ tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Blend together the pumpkin puree, molasses, water and vegetable oil. Stir in the flower, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda to form soft dough. Roll the dough into balls, put on a baking sheet, flatten (I sometimes roll out and used cookie cutter) Bake for 25 minutes or until hard and crisp

Notes: will last up to 2 weeks in airtight container Calories …. 35, Protein ….0.7g, Carbohydrates…. 6.1g, Fat ….0.9g

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