A Fat Dog Deserves a
"Salad in a Dog Treat

Food rewards given to a fat dog should be low in fat and high in fiber. These salad dog treats are a great way to get filling vegetables into your dogs diet while still giving well deserved praise.

Salad Dog Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh baby spinach (see note)
• 3/4 cup California Mix vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt, low or fat free
• 1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Yogurt Glaze:

• 1/2 tsp plain yogurt, low or fat free
• 2 tsp water

Additional Flour for Rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F
2. Finely dice the spinach and California mix vegetables. (See tips for a quicker way).
3. Put the vegetable mix into a large bowl.
4. Stir in the yogurt and applesauce into the veggie mixture.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
6. Add the flour into the vegetable mixture about 1/3 at a time. Stir after each addition.
7. Knead the dough in the bowl until a firm ball is achieved.
8. Fold out onto a floured surface and roll out to 1/2 inch thick.
9. Cut out into shapes with a dog cookie cutter.
10. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
11. Place the cut outs on the baking sheet.
12. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt and water.
13. Lightly brush the cut outs with a pastry brush.
14. Bake for 20 minutes.
15. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Storing - These salad dog treats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. They will be good in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Yield - Using a 1 1/2 inch dog cookie cutter, you'll get about 4 dozen homemade dog biscuits.

Tips & Techniques

• Spinach - Using baby spinach is preferred since it will have less of a bitter taste. You don't need to remove the stems of the spinach before dicing. To measure the spinach, gently press the leaves into the measuring cup until full.
  
  
• Food Processor - Place the spinach and vegetables in a food processor and pulse until you've achieved a fine consistent dice.

If your fat dog, or extra fluffy companion, is needing to cut back on treats, these are a tasty substitute to more luxurious homemade dog treats. They're also full of flavor, so she'll never know the difference.