Turmeric, Cheese, & Catnip - Vegan Pet Treats
Photo credit: Vaughn Farris
Treats for your pet should be delicious and healthy – these little crackers give you both. Not only is this a gluten-free, vegan recipe, but it adds a little mood enhancement by providing you the option to add catnip. While not all cats respond to catnip, about 50% do fall under its psychedelic spell. Some find that it actually has an adverse effect when it is baked into a treat and calms them as it does dogs. If you are not interested in experimenting, simply substitute the catnip for parsley. Happy treating!
How I selected the ingredients:
Chickpeas - High in protein and fiber, low in fat, chickpeas are a good source of many vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and B. These maintain and improve kidney function, blood pressure and support healthy vision. (1)
Turmeric - A spice that has been used for millennia in culinary and medicinal recipes, turmeric possesses many properties that benefit the well-being of your furry friend. It reduces inflammation, promotes healthy digestion, and boasts naturally-occurring antihistamine properties. (2)
Nutritional Yeast - These plant cultures provide protein, zinc, biotin, and B vitamins. Supports the maintenance of healthy skin and coat, which may minimize excessive shedding and dry skin. (3)
Catnip - A perennial herb in the mint family, catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone in its leaves and stems that can impact your pet's behavior. Each animal responds differently to catnip; while it is a stimulant for some, it is a sedative for others, with the remaining have no reaction. (4)
Parsley - A natural source of vitamins C, A, and K. These vitamins help with immune support, vision, and healthy blood clotting. Parsley also has folic acids and antioxidants that help promote kidney and urinary health. (5)
Olive Oil - Rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil aids in promoting healthy digestion, brain function and moisturizes skin and coat. (6)
Tools:
Food processor/mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie-cutter (Used here a 2”x1” inch and 1”x½” inch fish shape to maximize yield)
Parchment paper
Baking sheet (Pro-tip: a light-colored baking sheet will cause the treats to not brown on the bottom.)
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10-12 mins
Yield: 30 treats
Recipe:
1 cup - Chickpea flour
1/8 teaspoon - Turmeric
2 tablespoons - Nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon - Catnip (can be substituted with dried parsley)
3 tablespoons - Olive oil
4 tablespoons - Water
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In your food processor, blend together all the dry ingredients – chickpea flour, turmeric, nutritional yeast, and catnip/parsley by pulsing several times. While continuing to pulse, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Following the olive oil, slowly pour in water. Pulse until well blended.
Remove the dough from the food processor and place it on parchment paper. This dough is very sticky and should be worked by placing it in the middle of two parchment paper pieces and rolled out with a rolling pin several times. Roll the dough out three times, folding it in between each roll. This will make the dough easier to handle. In the last roll-out work the dough into 1/8 inch thickness. It will have a sheen to it.
Using your cookie cutter, cut out treats. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place into a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving to your favorite little beast.