Tuna Patties

A really easy snack I put together that is full of protein. I created it while making us tuna salad for lunch and just grabbed what we had in the fridge!

This recipe yields approximately 4 (depending on size)

Level : Easy

Prep Time : 5 minutes

Cook Time : 20-25 minutes

 

Ingredients  

1 can solid white albacore tuna (rinsed and drained)

1/2 slice of bread (use a wheat or gluten free one if your dog has allergies)

1 egg (we like cage free)

1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic

2 fresh chopped mint leaves (optional)

Olive oil

Directions

1. Turn on the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Chop bread into tiny pieces and whisk the egg.

3. Place everything in a bowl and mix.

4. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or casserole dish with the olive oil.

5. Take the mixture and create small patties. .

6. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly browned.

Take out and let cool. Refrigerate and serve as a treat.

P.S.- Ms. Maru is on a few antibiotics right now and discovered that because of the texture and smell of the patties they make a great treat to hide pills in.

Posted on February 20, 2013 and filed under Nutrition for Dogs, Tips.

Is it Really American Made?

What do you think when you see the name “American Rawhide”? If you are like me, you probably assume that it is made in the U.S.A. This is why I always, always, always check the back of the packaging to confirm it was american made, except for last night. Maybe it was the long day at work I had, or the freezing cold that was getting to me outside, but either way, I didn’t. Victor and I went into the brand new Petco Unleashed on Western Ave. in Roscoe Village to check out their goods. We wanted to see the quality of products they carried in this concept store that began in 2009 in San Diego.

Usually my parents bring Maru her favorite from Michigan, but she was out and needed some. I just kept hearing Victor say “not those, they smell, these are American”. I think this went on for a few minutes and up to the counter went. When I got home, I tore them open, threw away the receipt and tossed one to Maru. I then read the back of the packaging, USA Hide- Processed in Mexico. EKKK! I was not happy. Companies know the laws and how to manipulate wording that lets them to call it American Rawhide, because technically it is, though it was shipped to Mexico to be made. But with all of the recalls lately on pet sticks, treats, etc. I feel a little more comfortable buying U.S.A. made products.

I dug that receipt right out of the garbage (which you think would be clean, except I just poured food on it) and today they will be going back. 

If you want to know exactly the quality of food you are getting, know your local pet store and please read the packaging every time very carefully.

GRAIN, WHEAT, & GLUTEN FREE VALENTINE'S DAY COOKIE FOR DOGS

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

 

Ingredients

1/4 C Coconut Flour

3 T Canned Pure Pumpkin

1 T Vegan Carob Chips (ground)

1 t Chia Seeds

2 T Water

1  1/2 T Organic Unsweetened Coconut

1 t Coconut Oil (grease baking sheet)

 
 

Directions

1. Set the oven to 380 degrees.

2. Mix the coconut flour, pumpkin, water, & 1/2 T of coconut in a bowl. The texture will be a little crumbly, that's ok.

3. Lightly grease the cookie sheet with coconut oil before placing your heart shaped cookie cutter on it. Scoop about half of the bowl into the heart and press the mixture down firmly. Leave the cookie cutter in place while you sprinkle the heart with the remaining coconut, carob chips, and chia seeds.

4. Place in oven for 30 minutes. Take out and let cool. We cut ours into quarters and served. 

*you can also place the mixture in mini cupcake molds.

 

 

These are a quick and easy treat. We use coconut flour a lot as a base for baking because even the most sensitive of dogs can usually tolerate it. It is grain, wheat, and gluten free for all the pups that have allergies. The carob chips are a great alternative for chocolate and pumpkin is good for the digestive system, especially when they are having problems. 

Happy Valentine's Day,

Ms. Maru and the Arrfscarf crew.

Posted on February 14, 2013 .

Super Bowl Game Day Food - Chili and Yam Skins for Pups

Food is crucial for Super Bowl Sunday. We get to enjoy pizza, chips, snacks, and other delicious finger food. But what about the hungry pups on Super Bowl Sunday? At Arrfscarf, we always think about the pups.  We crafted two pup friendly recipes for our canine friends, Chicken Chili and Yam Skins. 


Yam Skins topped with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients

2 Yams, 1/4 lbs of ground sirloin, 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, olive oil

Directions

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the yams thinly, the thickness of a potato chip. Place the sliced yams on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil. Then, lightly sprinkle olive oil on the sliced yams. Place the yams in the oven for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, brown the beef over medium heat. Break down the beef into small pieces while cooking.

Remove the yams from the oven. Sprinkle each piece with the browned beef and shredded cheese. Place the yams back in the oven on the top rack. Set the oven to broil for 5 minutes.

Cook the yams until tender and the cheese is melted.

Chicken Chili

Prep Time: 45 Minutes

Ingredients

1/2 lb of cooked chicken breast, one cup of frozen kale, 2/3 cup of instant long grain rice, 2 carrots peeled and chopped, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, 1/2 cup of beef broth low sodium, 2 cups of water, (optional 1/4 cup of tomato sauce).

Directions

First shred the chicken breast. Then place all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes and cover.

Remove from stove and let cool.

 

Here you can see both items in their final state of deliciousness.


It's so funny while making both of these recipes, I sensed Ms. Maru knew that they were for her. Game Day or not, I will for sure make these again for her. The yam skins can be made without the cheese or ground sirloin for a healthy little snack. The Chicken Chili is packed full of ingredients that are full of vitamins and protein for your canine.