As people try to eat clean and healthy these days, it should come as no surprise many are also looking out for man's best friend. Two local women are baking up their own versions of natural dog treats, which include no preservatives.
Sarah Bassmann, of Pippy's Pet Care in Jefferson City, began baking treats for her four-legged friend nearly 15 years ago.
"It's good to know what you're putting into them," Bassmann said.
By making the treats herself, Bassmann could ensure there were no preservatives, dyes or extra ingredients her dog didn't need to have.
Although Bassmann doesn't have a dog of her own at this time, she's had plenty of willing taste-testers through her pet care business. Bassmann has tried several different kinds of treats but has now perfected her recipe and sticks to it - peanut butter oat.
"I use natural peanut butter with no added salt or sugar. I'm kind of particular about my ingredients," she said. Bassmann also uses organic wheat flour. In addition to requests and pet care clients, she sells her treats at Westside Veterinary Clinic for most holidays.
Jefferson City resident Sherry Stratman also sells homemade dog treats. She began her baking adventure last year after a friend asked her to join the Lincoln University Farmers Market. Needing something to sell, Stratman started exploring dog treat recipes. After a little research, she came up with more than 20 types using vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, herbs, cheeses, bacon bits, oats and more.
"It's a lot of fun," Stratman said. "It's delightful and different."
The homemade dog treats, Treats for my Sweats, can be found at the Lincoln Farmers Market. "It's a crazy thing to be doing, but it's so rewarding and unique."
Stratman has found a way to give back with her newfound hobby by running specials, like donating $1 of every $5 sold to the Callaway Hills Animal Shelter.
Both Bassmann and Stratman mix their ingredients into a dough, roll it out, use cookie cutters of whatever shapes they're feeling that day, and bake. Because of Stratman's fresh ingredients and preservative-free recipes, her treats need to be refrigerated or frozen to keep from molding. Both include a list of their ingredients.
As for feline-friendly treats - both women said they've tried and failed. "My cats were not impressed," Bassmann said.
Baking dog treats may not be on everyone's agenda, but in this DIY world, there are bound to be a few more contenders.
"There are a lot of recipes out there," Bassman said, so get to baking - just try to avoid ingredients your dog doesn't need.
Try your own
Peanut butter oat dog treats: Wheat flour, peanut butter, water, milk oats and baking powder.
Black beans and more dog treats: Black beans, peanut butter, fresh sweet potatoes with skins, crushed basil, crushed oregano, freshly milled grains, honey and cinnamon.
For both recipes, mix ingredients into a soft dough, roll out, cut into shapes, and bake.