1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for sensitive dogs)
½ cup oat flour (or more whole wheat flour)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil for added benefits)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for its anti-inflammatory properties)
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (optional, for fresh breath and digestive health)
A pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance flavor, but not necessary)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can boil it, bake it, or grill it. Make sure to cook it thoroughly without adding any seasoning, oils, or salt (as these can be harmful to your dog). Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough.
Prepare the Dough:
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg with the olive oil until well combined.
Add Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken into the wet mixture and stir to combine.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, turmeric (if using), and parsley (if using).
Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet chicken mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until you can easily handle it without it sticking to your hands.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough lightly for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and well-mixed.
Shape the Treats:
Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.
Cut the Treats: Using cookie cutters or a sharp knife, cut the dough into desired shapes. You can make them as large or small as you like depending on your dog’s size and preferences. Small, bite-sized shapes work best for training rewards.
Bake the Treats:
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little olive oil.
Arrange the Treats: Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one so they don’t stick together during baking.
Bake: Bake the treats in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The treats should turn golden brown and become firm and crispy to the touch.
Cool: Once the treats are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Treats: Once cooled, you can serve these crispy treats to your dog as a snack, training reward, or meal topper. Make sure to store the leftovers in an airtight container.