A Delightful Diwali Feast For Your Furbaby
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of celebration and togetherness. While we indulge in delicious sweets and snacks, it's only fair to ensure that our furry family members can join in on the festivities as well. This Diwali, treat your dog to a mouthwatering spread of homemade dog-friendly treats that are both tasty and healthy. Here's how to make seven different Diwali-themed treats for your canine companion.
1. Coconut and Banana Laddoos
Coconut and Banana Laddoos are small, round sweet treats made from a combination of unsweetened shredded coconut and ripe bananas. These laddoos are easy to make and offer a tropical flavor that many dogs enjoy.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup oat flour (made by blending rolled oats)
Instructions:
Mash the banana and mix it with the shredded coconut.
Gradually add oat flour to form a dough.
Roll the dough into small laddoos and refrigerate before serving.
2. Chamomile Calming Peda
Chamomile Calming Peda are soothing and calming treats made with plain Greek yogurt, chamomile flowers, and a ripe banana. They are designed to help your dog relax, especially during the noisy celebrations of Diwali.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers (make sure they are food-grade)
1 ripe banana
1/4 cup water (if needed)
A silicone mold or ice cube tray
Instructions:
Infuse Chamomile:
Begin by infusing the chamomile flowers in hot water. Boil water and pour it over the dried chamomile flowers. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain the chamomile tea. Allow it to cool.
Blend Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the ripe banana, plain Greek yogurt, and the cooled chamomile tea. Blend until you have a smooth mixture. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
Pour into Mold:
Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. These molds will allow you to create small, treat-sized portions.
Freeze:
Place the mold in the freezer and let it freeze for a few hours or until the peda are solid.
Serve:
Once the chamomile calming peda are frozen, pop them out of the molds. You can serve them to your dog as needed.
3. Kaju Butter Cookies
Kaju Butter Cookies are dog-friendly cookies made from cashew butter, oat flour, and egg. They offer a rich and nutty flavor that dogs find delightful.
Ingredients:
1 cup cashew butter
1/4 cup oat flour
1 egg
Instructions:
Combine cashew butter, oat flour, and egg to form a dough.
Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make cookie shapes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they're golden brown.
4. Besan Coconut-Pumpkin Ladoos
Ladoos can be made using besan (chickpea flour)and a combination of shredded coconut and pumpkin. Besan ladoos are traditionally Indian sweets, while the coconut-pumpkin adds a creative twist.
Ingredients:
1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup canned pumpkin (make sure it's pure pumpkin without any added ingredients)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties)
A pinch of cinnamon (optional, as dogs tend to like the smell)
1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, shredded coconut, canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt, turmeric, and a pinch of cinnamon (if desired).
Mix all the ingredients together until you have a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help bind the ingredients.
Take small portions of the mixture and roll it into small balls to create the ladoos. You can adjust the size of the ladoos based on your dog's size and preference.
Place the ladoos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Let the ladoos cool completely before offering them to your dog.
5. Granola Chikki
Granola Chikki is a crunchy snack made from dog-friendly granola, peanut butter, and honey. It provides a sweet and nutty taste that dogs find satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 cup dog-friendly granola (check for ingredients that are safe for dogs)
1/2 cup unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
Melt peanut butter and honey together.
Mix in the granola.
Press the mixture into a baking dish and let it cool before cutting into chikki squares.
6. Carob-Coconut Barfi
Carob-Coconut Barfi is a barfi (an Indian sweet) alternative for dogs. It's made from carob powder (a safe chocolate substitute for dogs), unsweetened shredded coconut, and coconut oil. This treat offers a delightful blend of flavors that your dog will enjoy.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup carob powder (carob is a dog-safe alternative to chocolate)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup coconut oil
Instructions:
Mix carob powder, shredded coconut, and melted coconut oil.
Spread the mixture into a dish, refrigerate, and cut into barfi shapes.
7. Gajar ka Halwa
Gajar ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made from carrots. For your dog, it's a simple and healthy treat made by mashing cooked carrots and mixing them with a small amount of plain Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a hint of flavor.
Ingredients:
Carrots (cooked and mashed)
A small amount of plain Greek yogurt
A sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
Mix the mashed carrots with a small amount of plain Greek yogurt.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
This Diwali, go the extra mile to show your love and care for your dog by making these delectable homemade treats. These recipes allow you to celebrate the festival with your furbaby, knowing that the treats are not only delicious but also safe for them. However, remember to feed these treats in moderation, as every dog's dietary needs may differ. Enjoy a joyous Diwali with your faithful companion by your side, sharing the warmth and love of the season.