Book Review: The Dog Ate It

This book is unique because the 103 recipes in it are crafted for both humans and dogs. (I counted !) Cooking and eating the same recipes would probably help you and your dog to bond at a whole new level, imagine savouring Carob Eclairs, Pekingese Duck, Roasted Pork Chop, Blue Cheese Omelet, and the list goes on.

There's a list of suggested food which you could stock in your kitchen, for dog friendly meals (some of which we're feeding Latte). E.g., Beef, chicken, carrots, green & red bell peppers, green beans, pasta, peas, white & brown rice, eggs, chicken broth, olive oil, herbs & spices (Certain spices may be unsafe for your dog, so please check. I remember nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and central nervous system damage).

There's a fun section on pooch parties with a list of recommended recipes in the book, great for first time dog owners like me. Latte's turning one soon and he'll get a great pawty! We're planning to try the recipe below, sounds yummy.

Sprinkled throughout the book are interesting quotes on dogs, e.g., "Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job." Franklin Jones.

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Pumpkin Craisin Muffins
Muffins Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tbs dry milk
  
• 1 tbs baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries

Streusel Topping Ingredient:

• 3/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tbs dark brown sugar
• 1 tbs butter (softened)
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C), lay out the paper muffin cups on your muffin baking tray.

2. Combine flour, oats, sugar, dry milk, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Make a well in the center of the muffin mixture and add the pumpkin, water, oil, and egg. Stir to combine, then stir in the craisins. Transfer the batter to the muffin cups, fill to 1/3 of the cup.

4. Mix the Streusel ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle evenly on top of the muffins and bake in the preheated oven for 20 mins until golden brown.

5. Cool and enjoy

Reference:
L.W. Eckhardt, B. Bradley & J. Kern (2006) The Dog Ate It - Cooking for Yourself and Your Four-Legged Friends.