It’s available practically all year round, or use dried.  It has a number of inner and outer health benefits and that includes beauty pluses too for our furry friends.

[Dogs can live and survive without  the presence of green leafy fare, there is only one catch… they will never be totally healthy.  Their lives will be short, disease-ridden and painful]. Quoted from Dr Ian Billinghurst – Give Your Dog A Bone.

The high amount of Vitamin C in parsley nourishes the skin, fur and heals scar tissue.

It not only improves skin elasticity, which battles wrinkles and speeds up the wound healing process.  This is due to parsley containing high levels of beta carotene which coverts to Vitamin A.

Other bonuses include:

• Eliminates bad breath
• Boosts energy
• Improves circulatlion
• Promotes skin regeneration
• Good for brain health

Parsley contains:

• Vitamin C
• Chlorophyll
• Vitamin K
• Zinc – controls skin inflammation
• contains minerals like calcium, potassium, manganese, copper
• contains high levels of antioxidants

Our Woof Fresh treats contain parsley, along with mint, activated charcoal and essential oil of spearmint.

PAWDinkum-woof-fresh-dog-treats-pouch, dog treats, pet snacks, dog biscuits, hand made, Melbourne, Fitzroy, Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill

You could add some finely chopped parsley to some minced chuck steak,

I added a Table spoon of Neem powder to help fight off those nasty gut parasites.  Plus Neem is great for skin irritations and has many other health benefits.

Literally  – just mince some red meat such as beef, lamb or kangaroo and add the chopped parsley and roll into balls and serve as part of your dog’s main meal.

PARSLEY MEATBALLS

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup finely chopped parsley

1 Tbsp Neem powder (available health food/Indian store)

500g minced red meat of choice – I used organic beef (chuck steak)

METHOD:

Place in a kitchen blender using the chopping blade – mince, then roll into balls.

Handy to store in the freezer to bring out as a snack or hide unpleasant tasting medication in.

Another idea, you could even add some parsley seed oil and make a paw balm, along with an essential oil (as long it is a SAFE essential oil GRAS for dogs – like ginger or chamomile, spearmint).

You may like to check out our paw balm (Pawsturizer) here.

DIY PAW BALM

Materials:

medium saucepan

Glass jar (250 ml) with tight fitting lid

Wooden skewer

INGREDIENTS:

20g Shea oil

20 g coconut oil

20g bees wax

5 drops of parsley seed oil (optional)

5 drops of GRAS dog safe essential oil

METHOD:

Create a double boiler by placing the glass jar inside a saucepan.  Pour water into saucepan to half way up jar.  Set on stove top to heat and maintain at a simmer.

Add the above first 4 ingredients, stirring with a wooden skewer until melted and combined.

Turn off heat and remove allowing to cool slightly, add your chosen essential oil.  When cold, seal with lid.

Alternately, you may like to pour into smaller jars and give small pots as gifts to a pawsome pup for a birthday or Gotcha day gift

Store in a cool dry place will keep for 12 months+

Enjoy!

X Fiona

The post Humble Parsley appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

Well, we all know that some fluff balls can clear a room sooner than say: ” Get Pawdinkum!” Right??

Maybe its a bit of an ageing thing, but all I know is that since I’ve been adding a certain aromatic herb into Mr Dobbin’s diet, we can all settle in like a happy family for a night of Netflix on the couch without any fear of upset from room clearing activity.

I have to admit, I cottoned on to this idea after attending an amazing Ayurvedic retreat run by the talented Mudita Institute team in Byron Bay during October last year.  I had a consult with the incredible Ayurvedic practitioner – Keston and we just happened to be chatting about similar issues in humans! ;).

Keston said:  “try a 1/4 tsp of fennel with a 1 tsp freshly grated ginger in a shot of Aloe Vera” – let me say hmmmmm…. game changer!

This morning Andrew made us breakfast and there was my prepared shot, which I promptly drank.  I asked “are you sure you are using fennel”?

“yep” he said, “look!”  I said: “nope, that’s curry powder!” !!!!!  Bless him – trying

I’m talking about the wonderful  herb: FENNEL – sooooo good for the digestion.  Completely safe for pups and yes, excellent for us humans too.

I now sprinkle a 1/4 teaspoon over Dobby’s dinner in the evening – after about 6 weeks… like magic…no more diabolical room clearers… well, not so many anyway – a work in progress.

Fennel is an all round good guy!  Your dog can enjoy as a fresh vegetable – chopped up or as the aromatic herb sprinkled over food  (it has quite a strong liquorice smell)

Health benefits of Fennel

• High in Vitamin C
• High in Vitamin A
• Rich in Iron and Potassium
• Aids digestion
• Good for the immune system
• Aids gassy pups, helps with flatulence and settles the stomach
• Aids stinky bad breath

Give it a go, I’d love to hear what you think!

X Fiona

The post Is your fur baby a room clearer? appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

This dog cake recipe is laced with beautiful healing spices of cinnamon and nutmeg that have medicinal properties and I have snuck in my latest obsession: Neem leaf powder.

• Cinnamon: lowers sugar blood levels, antibacterial and antibacterial properties.
• Nutmeg: aids brain health, aids bad breathe, aids digestion, makes the skin and fur glow.
• Neem leaf powder: can assist with dogs that have fleas, ticks and intestinal worms and parasites or stomach upset. Promotes healthy skin and shiny fur and supports a healthy immune system.  Please note: Neem leaf powder is certainly packed full of powerful goodness and should only be used in small quantities only.

I minced the free range chicken thighs in the thermomix.

Added some cooked brown rice and barley.

Vegetable and fruit pulp from the juicer.

Frozen vegetables.

Dried cranberries.

Spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with neem leaf powder.

I picked some fresh herbs from the garden, and quickly minced them in the thermomix.  Hand chopping would be fine or using a food processor would also work just as well.

• Sage – aids digestion and aids problems like gas and bloat.
• Rosemary – promotes shiny fur and brain health
• Parsley – aids fresh breath, full of vitamins A + C, powerful antioxidant

Mutt Cake Recipe:

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 3 small dogs: Dobby, Holly (not so small) and Ruben

Ingredients:

400g free range chicken thigh – bone, skin removed and then minced.

90 g cooked barley and brown rice – cooled

60 g frozen mixed vegetables

55 g dried cranberries

85 g vegetable and fruit pulp (reserved from the juicer)

2 free range eggs

handful of fresh garden herbs (finely chopped)

1 Tbsp neem leaf powder (you’ll find in health food stores)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees celcius

Spray a 15 cm loaf tin or preferred cake tin with oil or line with baking paper, set aside.

Combine the above ingredients and spoon into the prepared tin pressing down firmly, then bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until cooked.

Remove from oven allow to cool, then serve.

Or store covered in the fridge – will keep for 5 days.

This dog cake freezes extremely well.  Seal tightly in glad wrap/freezer bag before freezing.

Enjoy and wishing everyone a wonderful 2019.

X Fiona

The post Best Ever Mutt Cake appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

Here I have used assorted fruit, vegetables and herbs to give me an assortment of colours. I dehydrated theming in the dehydrator, you could do this in a very low oven (approx 8 hours). I then placed them individually into the thermomix on speed 10 to make a powder, I then added some cornflour and water to give me the consistency of royal icing, placed into a piping bag and made long spaghetti like lines, allowing to dry for a couple of hours then roughly chopped.  Or pipe directly onto your pawty treats as I have done.

Stores well in an airtight container for 6 months +

Easy and super safe for dogs. Remember dogs don’t eat chocolate and don’t need or eat sugar.

Enjoy x

Fiona

The post Making sugar-free sprinkles appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

I’ve made the soup (zucchini and spinach),

made the basil oil to drizzle. (1/2 cup olive oil – 1 bunch basil whizzed in the thermomix and then sieved, pulp saved – see below recipe)  Still to make the flat breads to serve. (tested these over the weekend – so simple but great!

I’ve also made date and tamarind chutney to go with the chicken dish.

Truffles done too. (date and coconut, with a little ghee and rolled in cacao)  – simple but delicious.  A keeper.

Dessert will be made tomorrow morning, which will be a Persian love cake, will serve with Greek yoghurt – I think the cake will be stable frozen too.  I tested the recipe on Sunday – incredible!!

The above recipes are from the recent Ayurvedic health retreat (Mudita Institute), I went on last week in Byron Bay .  (AMAZING!!)

Andrew said ; “No dog biscuit recipes!!!” However, I couldn’t help myself by making some Ayuverdic turmeric biscuits to have with Champagne and yes I used a packet of PAWDinkum’s Upward Facing Dog Treats.

and yes they are amazingly delicious.

Recipe: Turmeric, cheese biscuits

Ingredients:

1 packet 150g Upward Facing Dog Treats (the ingredients used are organic and human grade quality)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 tsp smokey paprika

pulp of 1 bunch basil infused with oil (makes 4 Tbsp)

Method:

Preheat oven 180

line a baking tray with baking paper

Combine the above ingredients in a food processor to combine to a fine crumb (I used the thermomix – 20 secs) Done!

Roll into balls, flatten and press with a fork onto the baking tray –  don’t be concerned if they crumble a bit – it’s a rustic biscuit.

Bake for 10 mins or until golden.

When cool, store in an airtight container  – will keep for one + week.

Enjoy x Fiona

The post We are eating dog biscuits! Just don’t tell my husband. appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

Holly, my 6 year old English Cocker Spaniel is only getting a small amount of kibble in the morning and that’s it. (its me that is just as addicted to the sound of those little crunchy balls!)

I have replaced her evening kibble with brown rice and barley, that I make in a big batch and freeze in 3 large freezer bags, laying flat in the freezer for room saving measures and quick defrosting.

I  mix this with the morning vegetable & fruit juice pulp and other vegetables (plus any saved veggie offcuts).  I sometimes even add supermarket frozen chopped vegetables  in place of the evening cup of kibble.

Dobby, half Pom, half Spaniel, at 16 years is getting quite ‘quail’ like in frame.   I have decided to keep him on his kibble, to this I add the rice/barley mix, plus his raw meat selection.

I have started making a sprinkle supplement of Kelp, Brewers Yeast and Parley, which I add a teaspoon over their meal and stir in.

 SUPPLEMENT SPRINKLE

Kelp: Valuable source of a number of minerals, particularly iodine, it contains 15% sodium, 13% potassium, 3% Calcium and a string other other important minerals.

Brewer’s Yeast: High in protein and carbohydrates, its very low in fats. Rich source of the B couples group vitamins, particularly rich in B1

Parsley: High in Vitamin A, rich in potassium and iron.

Other useful additives that are good in your dog’s diet are:

• Fish oils
• Flaxseed oil
• Kelp, seaweed, nori
• Virgin coconut oil
• Raw apple cider vinegar

Sprinkle Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Kelp

2 Tbsp Brewer’s Yeast

2 Tbsp Dried Parsley

Method:

Mix together until combined and store in a sealed jar.  Keeps for a long time.

By having a jar made up of this super supplement sprinkle on hand it makes it easy to add to the doggos meal  with very little fuss or stress, sometimes I even add a raw egg to this or a can of tuna with olive oil and mix through.  Let’s just say their is a lotta tail wagging and my husband certain thinks that its definitely a dogs life in our house.

Enjoy and always keep it mixed up, who wants to eat the same thing day after day?

Fiona x

The post Do you sprinkle? appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

Dogs of all ages and stages benefit from eating raw meaty bones.  Puppies right through to senior dogs.

SIX REASONS TO FEED YOUR DOGS RAW MEATY BONES

• Bones are a natural toothbrush for dogs.

• Aids digestion.

• They remove toxins and promote general bowel health.

• Raw bone eating dogs are healthy dogs, often free of the degenerative diseases of old age.

• Plenty of bones in your dogs diet results in hard faeces, that cause the anal sac to empty naturally.

• Bones are packed full of hight quality protein, minerals and essential fatty acids along with many other health enhancing factors, including antioxidants, anti-aging properties and enzymes.

I have to admit, due to the inconvenience of “bone mess” I have been reluctant to offer bones regularly, it wasn’t until I stumbled across a second hand copy of Dr Ian Billinghurst’s no nonsense/easy to read guide book of how to feed dogs – ‘Give Your Dog A Done’ and his take home messages was: “If you take anything from this book –  the most important thing you can do for your dog’s diet is give them bones daily!” this coincided  with my step daughter Annabelle, telling me how her dog Ruben’s teeth tartar reduction improved with gnawing on bones.  It took only a matter of two weeks before I witnessed the same positive results in Holly, even my sixteen year old Mr Dobbins is kicking goals.

…I’ve even bought them fake grass mats that are now their bone eating mats…so no more mess on the deck, or pebbles all over the bones!

I’d love to hear  what tips you have with dealing with the “bone mess”, especially for those living in small spaces.

X Fiona

The post Give a dog a bone! appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.

“Did you say car?” [Holly’s second favourite word!]  “Come on lets go!!”

“Excited a family holiday with our paw rents.”

On our way to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges to road test a luxury B&B – Leddicott Cottage.

Doesn’t matter what season you visit, its such a stunning scenic drive though towering Mountain Ash and ferns gullies.  Only 35 km drive from Melbourne’s CBD makes it very accessible.

We felt like we were transported straight back to the Lake District.

Quietly nestled in a tree lined country lane we arrive at our  at our destination for our mini holiday.  Leddicott Cottage.

I don’t know who was more excited to see the ‘Welcome pack’ for the dogs? It was probably me, I was thrilled to see the complimentary PAWDinkum treats with a letter addressed to Dobby and Holly from Jock the dog telling them what to sniff out.

Holly feeling quite chilled and very at home on the couch.

Now lets go for a walk!

There are many picturesque tracks and historic gardens to explore in the area and plenty of dog friendly walks.

Leddicott Cottage provide great maps for both short or long walks, even including the low down for the best local puppucinos and pupcakes for our fur babies too.  Or explore some of the Yarra Valley dog friendly fine wineries.

The air is so fresh and clean.  So many interesting smells too!

A majestic canopy of Mountain Ash – the tallest flowering trees in the world.

The outdoor dog bath.

Very handy for muddy paws after our walk exploring our surrounds, even dog towels are provided, along with dog bedding, blankets, dog bowls even a leash!

There is even a secure fenced outdoor dog enclosure, which I found very handy to toilet Holly who needed a little extra coaxing.

Plenty of fire wood at hand for the chilly night ahead.

Dobby keeping an eye on things out on the woodland garden, hoping to spot a deer or two.

Fabulous fully equipped kitchen, with state of the art appliances including a Nespresso machine.

I pre-made an easy roasted artichoke soup which I had in the freezer -I topped  with finely shaved a Red Hill truffle.  So delicious!  Here is the recipe if you would like it.

Recipe for Roasted Artichoke Soup:

Makes: 900 ml

Time duration: 40 mins + reheating

Ingredients:

800g Jerusalem artichoke –  I used golf ball size (washed only, I don’t peel them)

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 red onions, roughly chopped

600ml vegetable stock

Shaved truffle (optional)

Dollop of natural Sheep yoghurt to serve

Extra stock/water to thin if desired.

Method:

• Preheat oven 180 degrees, line a deep roasting tray with baking paper.  Roast artichokes for 25 – 30  mins or until cooked through.
• Heat oil in a saucepan large enough sauté  onion until translucent,
• Add roasted artichokes followed by the stock, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes.
• Then puree.  (I used a stick blender).
• I topped with some shaved truffle and a dollop of natural Sheep yoghurt just before serving.

feeling cozy.  Thats more like it!

Beautiful complimentary aromatherapy toiletries.

Did I say bath time!

Taking chillax down a notch.

And to bed… Okay!

Exploring R J Hamer Forest Arboretum – I’ve never seen trees this colour.Incredible southern hemisphere conifers.

We loved our min holiday and thank Chris, Jen and canine Jock Tucker for inviting us all to road test this beautiful hidden romantic get away. We felt really rejuvenated, its amazing what a weekend break away from routine can do, made even more relaxing have the pups with us.

Will definitely be coming back!

X Fiona

The post Our luxury mini holiday escape appeared first on Pawdinkum | Dog Treats | Dog Biscuits | Puppy Treats.