Lexi's Favorite Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats

We love our new pup, and I'm sure you love yours too! Last week Sam and I made some good food- dog biscuits for Lexi. She's a Bernese Mountain Dog and because of their beastly size she can eat a lot! We really want to keep her healthy and happy so we decided to bake our own biscuits- and Sam thought he might want to turn it into a small business. (Naturally I'm excited on both fronts!) The boys and I spent the day creating different recipes that ranged from using pureed baby food & whole wheat to adding dried fruits.

This recipe I'm going to share with you today though... this has been Lexi FAVORITE treat. If she smells it on you- she will not leave your side. Even if it's just a crumb.

You'll Need:
1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup (180ml) nonfat milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups (244g) whole wheat flour
1 tbs baking powder
1/3 cup (30g) quick oats are fine
2-3 strips cooked bacon, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
   
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats and bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
   
3. Using a floured rolling pin, cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10-12 more minutes.
   
4. Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tip! Make ahead/freezing: Since the pups can't eat the whole batch in a week, I usually freeze them. The treats freeze well up to 2 months.

After making up a batch (we ended up with approximately 3 dozen treats of different shapes and sizes) Sam went aroun the neighborhood sharing a free sample with anyone who has a dog. He already has 3 orders placed for more! His favorite selling point is- it's good enough for humans to eat too!! Of all the recipes we tried out- this has been the biggest hit. I'm sure you'll pup will love the bacon & peanut butter treats! Let me know if you get a chance to make them, there's a dog treat chef in my house who would be really excited!