Treats for the hairiest love in your life*

* I'm referring to your canine companions, so if your lover resembles that notorious Fabulous Diamonds album cover they may not appreciate the gesture...

I've been interested in creating home-made treats for my dog for a while now. Her diet is almost completely meat-free, mostly because I feel a bit weird buying raw meat and having in my fridge. She's an older dog, so doesn't need that much protein, and I try to give her fresh food where possible. I order a dry vegan packaged dog food over the internet, and this tends to make up the bulk of her meals, with fresh cooked veggies and grains mixed in. She also has flaxseed capsules and glucosamine (from shellfish) daily for her joints. When it comes to treats, very occasionally she might get a raw hide chew or some smoked roo meat, especially if she's just come from the groomers (a traumatic experience at the best of times!) but now I've done a bit of research and have started coming up with recipes for biscuits using healthy, whole food ingredients that are protein packed and free of any nasties.

A little while ago I wrote up two of these recipes to be included in the Loophole zine. Suzie (my 12 year old cocker spaniel/poodle pound pup) really enjoys both of these, and I feel good knowing I've got control in ensuring my dog gets the best. I also included a list of foods people should avoid giving their dogs, because it's important that if you want to start making your own dog food, you do it right and don't accidentally end up poisoning your pup with the best intentions.

"Cheesy" chic pea mint biscuits

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

2 cups chic pea flour (or 1 cup chic pea, 1 cup oat/plain flour)

2 tsp stock powder/salt

2 tsp dried mint, chopped

2 tsp dried parsley, chopped

1 tsp garlic flakes

2 tbs ground flaxseeds

3 tbs olive oil

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add the oil and rub to form fine crumbs. Make a well in the centre and add enough water to form a stiff dough. Press the dough into a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes at 210C. While still warm slice into small bars.

Tomorrow I leave for New Zealand for a two week tour of the North and South islands. If anyone has any recommendations of places to visit, and more importantly, places to eat let me know!