Author: Kylie

15 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Bucket List of Things to Do With Your Dog

15 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Bucket List of Things to Do With Your Dog

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. It’s officially the new year which means it’s time to start creating our resolutions, vision boards, and bucket lists for 2023. Every year I like to create a list of goals I’d like to achieve 

Cherry Eye in Dogs: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Treat It

Cherry Eye in Dogs: What It Is, What Causes It, and How to Treat It

Every dog breed is prone to some type of health issue whether it be a chronic illness such as Cushings disease or an injury such as CCL tears. Of all the various health issues that exist in the dog world, cherry eye is definitely on 

“Gingerbread” Cookie Recipe for Dogs without Molasses!

“Gingerbread” Cookie Recipe for Dogs without Molasses!

Jump to Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

In many households, cookies are one of the most important parts of Christmas and the holiday season. Whether you’re a sugar or gingerbread kind of person, you likely have a favorite Christmas cookie that you make year after year. Every year while baking cookies for my family and friends, I like to make some canine friendly cookies for my pups. This year, while you’re doing your annual holiday baking, don’t forget to include your furry friends! Today, I’m sharing a “gingerbread” cookie recipe for dogs without molasses!

What is Molasses?

Typical gingerbread cookie recipes include molasses, which is essentially a form of sugar. This ingredient is key in making gingerbread cookies and is found in every recipe for both humans and dogs that I could find! While your dog can consume molasses in small doses, it really isn’t great for them to have. Dogs shouldn’t eat large amounts of sugar and unfortunately molasses is just that. 

I wanted to make gingerbread cookies for my pups, without including molasses so I created a recipe that gives the same color and texture as typical gingerbread, but without the added sugar! 

How to Make “Gingerbread” Cookies for Dogs without Molasses

To make these molasses free “gingerbread” cookies for your dog you’ll need 6 simple ingredients: 

  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Egg Yolk
  • Baking Powder
  • Plain Greek Yogurt

These ingredients are all safe for dog consumption and can be easily found in your local grocery store. In fact, you probably have most of them in your pantry already!

To make the “gingerbread” cookies, combine the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and egg yolk into a bowl or stand mixer and mix until well combined. 

Note: Double check the ingredients on your peanut butter to confirm it does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. 

Next, whisk together your flour and baking powder and then slowly combine with your peanut butter and pumpkin mixture. Once your dough is formed (it will be dry!), roll it out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick on a flour coated surface before cutting out your gingerbread men shapes!

You should have plenty of dough to make about a dozen cookies. This dough freezes quite well, so if your dog can’t consume a dozen cookies on their own, you can freeze half the dough to use later!

Place all of your “gingerbread” men onto a parchment paper coated cookie sheet and bake them for 20 minutes at 375 degrees fahrenheit.

After allowing your “gingerbread” men to cool completely, decorate them using your plain greek yogurt! I put the yogurt into a ziplock bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner to use as a make shift frosting bag. This made it super easy to make cute faces and other designs on the cookies. You could even add dog safe food coloring to the yogurt for some extra fun!

Finally, let your pup enjoy! 

These cookies were so simple and fun to make. I love finding anyway to include my dogs in holiday activities and baking them some Christmas cookies of their own was the perfect way to do so. If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me in your photos on Instagram! 

“Gingerbread” Cookies for Dogs Without Molasses

Gingerbread inspired cookie recipe for dogs without using molasses!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dog Recipe
Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat over to 375 degrees F
  • Combine pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg yolk into a bowl or stand mixer and mix until fully combined
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder
  • Slowly combine flour mixture into pumpkin and peanut butter mixture
  • Remove dough from bowl (it will be dry!) and place it on a flour covered surface
  • Roll out dough until about 1/4 inch thick
  • Cut out "gingerbread" men shapes and place them on parchment paper covered cookie sheet
  • Place cookies in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes
  • Once cooled, decorate with your plain greek yogurt
12 Holiday Activities To Do With Your Dog!

12 Holiday Activities To Do With Your Dog!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is all the festive activities that come with it. Each year, there are plenty of events to attend, crafts to create, and recipes to enjoy that 

Thanksgiving Foods That Are Safe for Dogs and Those You Should Avoid

Thanksgiving Foods That Are Safe for Dogs and Those You Should Avoid

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Every year the veterinary industry sees a huge uptick in sick dog cases around Thanksgiving due to dogs being fed foods that are not safe for canine consumption. A large majority of traditional Thanksgiving foods 

The Ultimate 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs!

The Ultimate 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

The 2022 holiday season is upon us and that means it’s time to start checking people (and pets!) off of our holiday shopping list! Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for your own dog or someone else’s dog, finding the perfect gift for our furry friends is a must. Today, I’m sharing the ultimate 2022 gift guide for dogs!

To shop my full 2022 holiday gift guide for dogs visit my Amazon storefront here!

Treats and Chews

1. Beef Cheek Rolls

I swear by these things, and so do my dogs! Chewing is great for dogs mental and physical stimulation, as well as their dental hygiene. If your dog is notorious for chewing through every treat and toy within minutes, beef cheek rolls might be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

2. Dehydrated Fish Skin

Another great chew option is dehydrated fish skins by The Honest Kitchen. These chews are long lasting and single ingredient so you can feel good about giving them to your dog. They’re also full of omega 3’s which is great for your pups skin and coat!

3. Freeze Dried Treats

I’m very picky about what I feed my dogs, so when it comes to treats I tend to stick with single ingredient treats that aren’t full of chemicals and preservatives. I love any single ingredient freeze dried treats like these ones from Stella & Chewy. 

4. Buddy Budder

What does doesn’t like peanut butter?? Peanut butter is a great treat for dogs, but some grocery store options contain sugar and other not so great ingredients. Buddy Budder is peanut butter that is made specifically for dogs with no added salt or sugars. They come in a variety of flavors and are perfect for homemade dog treats, lick mat toppings, and even giving pills!

5. Bone Broth

Bone broth is an awesome ingredient for making treats or rehydrating kibble. My personal favorite brand is Brutus Bone Broth. Not only is it made with limited, canine friendly ingredients, but it also contains glucosamine which is great for joint support. Add some extra fun and flavor to your dogs food in the new year with bone broth!

6. Bocce’s Bakery

I love Bocce’s Bakery treats because the ingredients are simple and the flavors are so much fun. They have plenty of fun Christmas and holiday flavors available that will make great stocking stuffers for your pups. 

Enrichment and Toys

1. Lick Mats

I love lick mats for my dogs as a form of enrichment. Licking is a great way for dogs to destress and can break any bad boredom habits they may have formed. I use lick mats for treats or even to serve dinner. The topping options are endless and they are the perfect cold day activity for your furry friend. 

2. Benebone

I have sworn by Benebone since day one of being a dog mom. These chew toys are the perfect size and material for hours of chewing without worrying about your pup breaking a tooth or choking. They also come in fun shapes and flavors such as Maple Stick and Fish Bone!

3. Hide-n-Seek Toys

Hide-n-seek toys are the perfect mixture of fun and enrichment. If your dog doesn’t immediately tear apart every plush toy, then they’re a great choice for a holiday gift this year. Plus, ZippyPaws has such a wide variety of fun options, they’re almost impossible to pass up!

4. Puzzles

Another great enrichment option that will be a great item to have on hand this winter is puzzles! Puzzles are such a fun way to make your dog work their brain as they figure out how to open each compartment and find the food inside. They’re great for practicing scent work and a unique way to feed dinner!

5. West Paw Toppl

A West Paw Toppl is a fun alternative to the traditional Kongs most dogs know and love. The Toppl is a great feeding enrichment tool as it holds about a cup of food. You can stuff your pups meal inside and even freeze it for more of a challenge. I like it better than the Kong because it’s so much easier to clean, and my dogs love it too!

Health and Wellness

1. Supplements

Supplements are a great way to keep your pet healthy, especially as they age. Finn supplements are a great holiday gift idea for dogs needing an extra boost in their immune system. They have options for all types of health and wellness needs from a multivitamin, to joint support, and even calming aids!

2. Undercoat Rake

If you have a double coated dog than you know that shedding season can be a disaster. I swear by this undercoat rake as the number one grooming tool for my Siberian Huskies. It is the perfect brush to get out that entire undercoat without ripping their fur. 

3. First Aid Kit

If you own a pet, then you should 100% have a pet first aid kit on hand. I love ARCA’s pet first aid kit that is full of every item you could need for any emergency. They have a travel option as well as a bigger kit that is perfect to store in your car. 

Collars, Leashes, and Apparel

1. Long Lead

No matter how much I practice recall with my dogs, I don’t think I’ll ever get to a point where I fully trust them off leash. That is why I love my 20 foot long leads so much. They’re the perfect option to give your pup some freedom while keeping them safe and connected to you. 

2. Bandanas

Dog bandanas are so much fun for the holiday’s, birthdays, or even just every day wear! They’re a great alternative to dog clothing for larger breeds, fluffier pups, or dogs who just don’t tolerate sweaters very well. 

3. Puffer Jacket

If you have a short haired or small breed dog that tends to get cold in the winter, a puffer jacket is a great gift for them! They’ll appreciate it on their potty breaks all winter long. 

4. Bowtie Collars

Bowtie collars are one sure way to fancy up any pup! They’re also great for dogs who won’t tolerate a bandana or a sweater.

5. Dog Boots

Another great gift idea for pups who tend to get cold in the winter. Dog boots are a great way to protect your pets feet in the snow and on super cold days. They also double as a good summer shoe, and way to protect your pups feet from hot asphalt. 

Miscellaneous

1. Orthopedic Bed

Every pup deserves a cozy bed, and an orthopedic bed is a great option for dogs especially as they age. 

2. DNA Test

Okay, this one may be more for you than them but if you’ve ever been curious about what your mixed breed pup is really mixed with a dog DNA test is a super fun holiday gift option! 

3. Yeti Water Bowl

A Yeti water bowl is the perfect gift for pups that love ice cold water! This is also a great gift idea if you’re buying for a dog parent and their pup, as you can get the human a Yeti tumbler and the dog bowl for their furry friend!

What are you getting your dog for this holiday season? To see my full 2022 holiday gift guide for pet parents click here!

Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Parents 2022

Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Parents 2022

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. The 2022 holiday season is officially here which means if you haven’t already begun your holiday shopping, now is the time to start! If you have a friend of family member that claims to be 

5 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

5 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Halloween is less than one week away and if you’re anything like me you can’t wait for all of the festivities to begin! Halloween is such a fun holiday because everyone can get involved from kids to adults and even our dogs! If you’re planning 

The Ultimate Gift for Dog Parents this Holiday Season: Vessi Footwear Review 2022

The Ultimate Gift for Dog Parents this Holiday Season: Vessi Footwear Review 2022

Vessi sent me these shoes to review. All opinions are my own.

I, like most dog owners, spend a ton of time outdoors walking and exercising my pups. Rainy walks, muddy hiking trails, and playing in the snow (I own huskies after all!) are all just part of my weekly routine at this point! That is why I was so excited to discover Vessi footwear, which is not only comfortable and stylish, but also waterproof! The holidays are right around the corner and if you’re looking for the perfect gift for any dog parents this year, look no further. Today, I’m sharing my full review of Vessi footwear.

What is Vessi Footwear?

Vessi is a Canadian footwear brand that creates completely waterproof/weatherpoof shoes that are vegan and cruelty free! They work in all types of wet weather from rain to mud and even snow! Their shoe choices range from mens, to women’s, to kids and come in a variety of styles including sneakers, boots, and even slippers. They also sell accessories such as socks and hats, and trust me when I say their ankle socks are some of the most comfortable socks I have ever worn.

We all know the struggle of having to go out on a rainy day and getting your shoes soaked. Wet shoes equals wet socks, aka one of the worst feelings in the world! Unfortunately, rain and snow boots don’t always go with every outfit, but Vessi footwear is the perfect choice to keep your toes dry year round.

My Honest Vessi Footwear Review

Vessi sent me a pair of their Everyday Move sneakers along with a pair of their Everyday Classic sneakers. Upon receiving them I was already obsessed with the quality and look of these shoes! I didn’t even have to try them on to know they were going to be incredibly high quality-and I was right!

I wore my Everyday Move sneakers out on a hike with my dog, Luna, right along a river preserve and it was the perfect place to test them out. I was amazed that they were comfortable to wear right from the beginning. There was no phase of having to break them in and convince yourself purchasing them wasn’t a mistake. I was able to put them on and walk a 4 mile hike without any issue! In fact, they were by far the most comfortable shoe I have hiked in to date. 

But while comfortability is great, I was most excited to test out their waterproof feature and I was not let down. I think I audibly gasped when I stepped into the river, my foot fully submerged in the water, and my sock didn’t even become slightly damp. The technology behind these shoes are insane! They look and feel just like regular sneakers and so while I was not expecting it to be a hoax, I was still in awe. 

I find myself walking in wet and muddy areas with my dogs constantly so these are a game changer! Long gone are the days of avoiding puddles and begging my dogs not to drag me into creeks. You can truly walk in the water without your feet ever getting wet in these shoes!

I was also amazed by how easily they cleaned. Of course, being bright white sneakers, they did become a little dirty during our hike but any mud was easily removed with a wet rag when I got home! 

Dogs don’t stop needing to go outside when the weather gets gross, so these shoes are a must have for any dog owners. 

Where to Buy Vessi Sneakers

You can purchase your own Vessi shoes (or buy a pair as a gift!) on their website vessi.com and be sure to use my code THATONEDOGMOM for $15 off your order to join the #nomorewetsocks club!

Halloween Craft to Do With Your Dog!

Halloween Craft to Do With Your Dog!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Who says holiday themed crafts are just for kids?? I don’t know about you, but as a dog mom I very much consider my pups to be my fur children which means they get to