Dog Days of Valentines: Recipes and Snacks for You & Fido too!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© C Boyko
Carob Bark: Dog and Kid Safe!

Want to give your kids, or even you, something you can nosh on with Fido this Valentines Day? Here's a few ideas that will put smiles on everyone's faces, but more importantly are safe for all to chow on:

• Organic carrots (kids may enjoy Ranch dip with these, but don’t offer dip to Rover), cleaned but not sliced lengthwise. Save yourself the time and your dog the choking hazard. Offer a whole large carrot to a large dog, while only a 3-inch section to your toy-sized pup.
• Sliced, peeled apples and bananas are great also, but always consider the size of your dog when slicing—not too small to be a choke hazard.
• Cheese slices (choose hard, organic cheeses, when possible)
• Organic Peanut Butter Balls (recipe follows)
• Carob-Nut Bark (my personal fave to share with my mother and our two Papillons, a die-hard chocoholic!)

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

© C Boyko
Peanut Butter Balls

• 1 small to medium jar of organic peanut butter, room temperature
• 1/4-1/2 Cup honey
• 1/4-1/2 Cup Nonfat dry milk powder, plus extra for dusting.

Instructions:

1.  Using a food processor with a blade, mix peanut butter and honey thoroughly.

2.  Add 1/4-1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder slowly to this mixture until you get a firm, well-mixed dough.

3.  Spoon out 1-2” balls and roll them in dried milk powder, or dust with a sifter.

4.  Place balls in a shallow container.

5.  Cover and refrigerate until firm. Stored in refrigerator till finished, these delightful treats are a delicious solution for the sweet tooth, while providing protein and calcium for good health.

Mock Chocolate Carob-Walnut Bark*

Ingredients:

• 4 cups carob chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup  chopped walnuts-not "Black Walnuts" (dry roasted peanuts are good too)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (surprise!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare an edged cookie sheet by lining it with recycled tin foil or unbleached parchment. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Melt carob chips in a glass bowl in the microwave for about 30 seconds. 
3. Stir and repeat.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and microwave for another 15 seconds. 
5. Stir a bit more to combine.
6. Now add the nuts and cinnamon, combining until evenly distributed.
7. Pour this mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading evenly.
8. Chill for 15 minutes in a freezer or 30 minutes in your refrigerator.
9. When ready, break up the bark into 1 to 2 inch pieces--smaller if you have a toy-sized dog that is watching his figure!
10. Store bark in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
11. Recipe makes about 70 one to two-inch pieces of wonderful, chocolate-like candy that is perfect as a party treat, gift or after-school snack.

We've linked up to the Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop, with hosts Kol's Notes and Sugar the Golden Retriever, today to give you a chance to find other great Fido feasts. Enjoy!

*Adapted from a recipe in Family Fun Magazine. All ingredients are available in all-natural or organic, making for a healthier snack for both you and Fido.