What To Put On Dog Licking Mat? Try These Irresistible Treats!

Dogs are our furry friends and we love spoiling them with the best treats available. If you’re looking for something new to add to your dog’s treat routine, look no further than a Dog Licking Mat! These mats provide hours of entertainment for dogs while also helping with their cognitive development.

But what exactly should you be putting on these mats? With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of irresistible treat ideas that your dog will go crazy for!

If your dog loves peanut butter, try spreading some on the mat and watch as they lick away happily. You can also mix peanut butter with plain yogurt or pumpkin puree for an extra tasty twist. Another great option is frozen fruits such as blueberries or strawberries – not only do they taste delicious but they also help keep your dog hydrated during hot summer days.

If your dog has sensitive stomachs, boiled chicken or fish can be a great choice. Add some sweet potato mash or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. For adventurous pups who aren’t afraid of strong flavors, try canned sardines or salmon for omega-3 fatty acids and healthy skin and coat.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” -Roger Caras

No matter what treats you choose to put on your dog licking mat, always remember to use them in moderation and to consult with your vet before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet. So go ahead and spoil your furry friend with some well-deserved fun and delicious treats!

Peanut Butter

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not only a tasty treat for humans but also has numerous health benefits. It is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it an ideal snack to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods. Here are some of the health benefits of peanut butter:

• Good for heart health: Peanut butter contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in nutrients: Along with healthy fats, peanut butter is also rich in vitamins B and E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining good health.
• Aids weight loss: Despite being high in calories, consuming peanut butter in moderation can help you lose weight as it keeps you feeling fuller for longer and prevents overeating.
• Boosts energy: Being high in healthy fats and protein, peanut butter provides sustained energy throughout the day without causing abrupt sugar spikes or crashes.
• Gives relief from inflammation: The presence of antioxidants in peanut butter helps reduce inflammation in the body, possibly reducing migraine symptoms and other pain associated with chronic diseases.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter

Making your own peanut butter at home is easy, budget-friendly, and allows you to customize its taste according to your preferences. Here’s how to make homemade peanut butter:

1. Select high-quality roasted peanuts with no added salt, sugar, or oil.
2. Add peanuts to a food processor and blend until smooth. Scrap the sides occasionally to ensure that everything blends evenly.
3. Taste it and add honey, maple syrup, or salt if required. Process again until incorporated, and voila! Your homemade peanut butter is ready!

Make sure you store your peanut butter in an airtight container and refrigerate to prevent spoilage. Homemade peanut butter can last for up to three months when stored correctly.

Ways to Use Peanut Butter in Recipes

Peanut butter is a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of recipes ranging from breakfast to dinner. Here are some ways to incorporate peanut butter into your meals:

• Banana-Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend frozen banana slices, a spoonful of peanut butter, milk, and Greek yogurt to make a protein-rich breakfast smoothie.
• Peanut Butter Pancakes: Whip up a batch of pancakes and spread peanut butter on top instead of traditional pancake syrup.
• Peanut Butter Dressing: Mix peanut butter with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger to make a flavorful dressing that goes perfectly with salads, stir-fries, and grilled meats.
• Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Smear peanut butter on top of moist banana bread slices for a delectable treat that serves both as a snack or dessert.
• Peanut Butter Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in spicy peanut butter marinade before grilling them for a delicious dinner option that’s both sweet and savory.

“Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense and versatile ingredient that can not only add flavor to your meals but also provide essential nutrients and health benefits.” -Adena Neglia, RDN

So the next time you’re looking for something delicious and nutritious to put on dog licking mats, peanut butter might just be the perfect addition. Just make sure to double-check that your furry friends can safely consume it and limit their intake as per the veterinarian’s recommendation.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria, which creates its distinct tangy flavor and thick texture. There are many varieties of yogurt available in the market today, each with unique flavors and health benefits.

Types of Yogurt Available in the Market

Greek yogurt is a popular type of yogurt that is thick and creamy, thanks to the straining process used to remove whey and other liquids from the curds. This process also concentrates the protein content of the yogurt, making it a good choice for muscle building and weight management.

Regular yogurt, on the other hand, is unstrained and tends to be thinner than Greek yogurt. It is often sold in flavored varieties, but plain yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute in recipes that call for sour cream or heavy cream.

Plant-based yogurts have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet. These yogurts are typically made from soy, coconut, or almond milk and can be just as nutritious as their dairy counterparts.

Health Benefits of Yogurt

One of the biggest benefits of eating yogurt is its high probiotic content, which supports your digestive health by promoting the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Regular consumption of yogurt has been linked to a stronger immune system, improved calcium absorption, and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

The protein content in yogurt also makes it a great post-workout snack, as it helps repair and build muscle tissues. Additionally, research has shown that consuming low-fat yogurt can lead to greater weight loss and fat burning compared to not including yogurt in one’s diet.

Some studies have also suggested that the antioxidants in dairy yogurt may help protect against certain types of cancer, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Quick and Easy Yogurt-Based Recipes

Yogurt can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, making it a versatile ingredient to have on hand in your kitchen. Here are a few easy ideas for incorporating yogurt into your meals:

• Mix plain Greek yogurt with fresh herbs like dill or chives for a flavorful dip or spread
• Add low-fat vanilla yogurt to smoothies for a creamy and satisfying treat
• Top baked potatoes with a dollop of plain yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative
• Make a quick marinade by combining yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then using it to marinate chicken or fish before grilling or baking
• Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese in frosting recipes for a lighter and tangier twist on traditional icing

“Yogurt contains high-quality protein and essential nutrients, which makes it a great addition to a healthy diet.” -Mayo Clinic

So next time you’re wondering what to put on your dog’s licking mat, consider using a spoonful of yogurt! Not only is it safe for dogs to eat (as long as they’re not lactose intolerant), but it also provides them with beneficial probiotics and protein. Just make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors or sugars. Your pet will thank you for the delicious and nutritious treat!

Pumpkin Puree

How to Make Pumpkin Puree from Scratch

Making pumpkin puree from scratch is surprisingly easy, and it can be a great way to enjoy fresh, homemade flavor in your seasonal recipes. To make the puree, start by selecting a small pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin, which will have sweeter flesh than most jack-o-lantern varieties.

Cut off the stem and slice the pumpkin in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and strings with a large spoon. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.

When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scrape out the flesh with a spoon and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a silky consistency. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other warm spices to taste, depending on your recipe.

Ways to Incorporate Pumpkin Puree in Recipes

Pumpkin puree is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in many different types of dishes, both sweet and savory. Here are some creative ideas for incorporating pumpkin puree in your cooking:

• Add it to pancake or waffle batter for extra nutrition and fall flavor.
• Mix it into mac and cheese for a comforting twist on the classic dish.
• Stir it into oatmeal with maple syrup, pecans, and dried cranberries for a cozy breakfast bowl.
• Incorporate it into chili or soup for a hearty autumn meal.
• Bake it into breads, muffins, and cakes for a warm, fragrant dessert.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that can support your overall health. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Vitamin A: Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This essential nutrient helps maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
• Fiber: Pumpkin contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can promote digestive regularity and satiety.
• Potassium: One cup of pumpkin puree contains roughly 500mg of potassium, an electrolyte that supports heart health and fluid balance in the body.
• Antioxidants: The bright orange color of pumpkin comes from carotenoids, a type of antioxidant that can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

“Pumpkin has long been used as a folk remedy for various ailments, and recent research suggests that its high antioxidant content may have particular benefits for eye health.” -Harvard Health Publishing

Applesauce

Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes to add moisture and sweetness. It is a great substitute for sugar, especially for those who are watching their calorie intake. Besides being delicious, it offers numerous health benefits.

How to Make Applesauce at Home

Homemade applesauce is easy to make and allows you to control the quality of ingredients. Here’s how:

• Wash six medium-sized apples, peel them, remove the cores and chop them into small pieces.
• Add the chopped apple pieces along with half a cup of water to a saucepan.
• Cook on low-medium heat until the apples are soft and tender (around 20-25 minutes).
• Mash the cooked apples with a fork or blend them until smooth.
• If the applesauce is too thick, add some more water until desired consistency is reached.
• Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference!

Benefits of Using Applesauce as a Sugar Substitute

Applesauce can be substituted for sugar in many recipes, providing a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Here are some benefits of using applesauce instead of sugar:

• Reduces calorie intake: Applesauce contains fewer calories than sugar, making it ideal for weight loss and management programs.
• Increase fiber intake: Applesauce contains dietary fiber which promotes digestion and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer periods.
• Naturally sweet: You don’t need much additional sugar when using applesauce since it has natural sweetness.
• Applesauce doesn’t raise blood sugar levels: Since applesauce is low in carbohydrates, it can prevent spikes in blood sugar compared to using pure sugar.

Ways to Use Applesauce in Recipes

Applesauce can be used as a substitute for sugar in many recipes such as cakes and cookies. Here are some ways you can use applesauce:

• Add to baked goods: Replace half of the sugar with an equal amount of applesauce when baking. This will reduce the calorie count while keeping your recipe moist and tender.
• As a marinade: Applesauce makes for an excellent marinade since it contains acid which helps tenderize meat.
• Smoothies: Add some applesauce to smoothies for natural sweetness and added fiber!
• On pancakes or waffles: Instead of syrup, top your pancakes or waffles with applesauce for a lower-calorie option.
• In oatmeal: Stir some applesauce into your morning oatmeal for a naturally sweet breakfast.
• In turkey burgers: Add applesauce to ground turkey burgers to make them juicy without adding excess fat.

“The health benefits of applesauce go beyond its taste. Applesauce has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain and inflammation.” -Dr. Joseph Mercola

Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potato mash is a versatile and nutrient-packed dish that can be used in many recipes. It’s a healthy alternative to regular mashed potatoes, as it’s low in fat but high in fiber and vitamins. In this article, we’ll share the health benefits of sweet potato mash, how to make it, and ways to incorporate it into your meals.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbs, which give you sustained energy throughout the day. They’re also rich in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Here are some of the main health benefits of sweet potato mash:

• Improves digestion: The high fiber content in sweet potatoes helps regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
• Boosts immunity: Vitamin A and vitamin C both play important roles in supporting immune function and fighting off infections.
• Lowers inflammation: The antioxidants in sweet potatoes help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
• Supports eye health: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good eyesight, and sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of this nutrient.
• Regulates blood sugar: Although sweet potatoes are sweet, they have a lower glycemic index than other starchy foods, meaning they don’t cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.

How to Make Sweet Potato Mash

Making sweet potato mash is very easy and takes only a few ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe:

“Peel and chop 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes into small chunks. Boil them in a pot of salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they’re completely soft. Drain the water off and add 1 tablespoon of butter, ¼ cup of milk, and some salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together with a masher until it’s smooth and creamy.”

That’s it! You can adjust the amounts of butter and milk to your liking, depending on how rich and fluffy you want the mash to be.

Ways to Use Sweet Potato Mash in Recipes

Sweet potato mash is very versatile and can be used in many recipes. Here are some ideas:

• As a side dish: Serve sweet potato mash alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or sautéed vegetables.
• In soups and stews: Add sweet potato mash to thicken up soups and stews, such as chili, minestrone, or vegetable soup.
• In casseroles: Layer sweet potato mash with ground beef, veggies, and cheese for a hearty casserole that’s both delicious and nutritious.
• In breakfast bowls: Mix sweet potato mash with scrambled eggs, sausage, and avocado for a protein-packed breakfast bowl.
• In smoothies: Blend sweet potato mash with almond milk, frozen berries, and a dash of cinnamon for a tasty and filling smoothie.

Sweet potato mash is a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to boost your nutrient intake, regulate your digestion, or just enjoy a comforting dish, give sweet potato mash a try!

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and spices. It is used as the base for many soups, stews, gravies, and sauces in cuisines all over the world. But chicken broth is not just delicious; it also has numerous health benefits.

Benefits of Drinking Chicken Broth

Drinking chicken broth is like giving your body a nourishing tonic. Here are some reasons why:

• Rich in minerals: Chicken broth is an excellent source of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are important for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
• Gut-friendly: The gelatin found in chicken broth can soothe and heal the lining of the digestive tract, improving gut health and reducing inflammation.
• Immunity booster: Chicken broth contains amino acids like cysteine and glycine that have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost immunity, helping the body fight off infections and viruses.
• Hydrating: Chicken broth is mostly water, so drinking it regularly can help keep you hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for optimal organ function and good skin health.
• May aid in weight loss: Chicken broth is a low-fat, low-calorie beverage that can satisfy hunger and reduce cravings, making it a healthy addition to any weight loss regimen.

How to Make Chicken Broth from Scratch

Making chicken broth at home is super easy, economical, and much tastier than store-bought broth. Here’s how you do it:

1. Start by getting a whole chicken or some chicken bones and vegetable scraps like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. You can use organic ingredients if possible.
2. Add the chicken and vegetables to a large pot and add enough water to cover everything completely.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for several hours. The longer you cook the broth, the richer and more flavorful it will be.
4. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface from time to time with a ladle or a spoon.
5. Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or a container. Discard the solids.
6. You can store the chicken broth in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for later use.

Ways to Use Chicken Broth in Recipes

Chicken broth is a versatile ingredient that can make any dish taste better. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

• Soups and stews: Use chicken broth as the base for classic soups like chicken noodle, minestrone, or lentil soup. You can also add it to stews like beef burgundy, beef stew, or chili.
• Pasta dishes: Add chicken broth to pasta recipes like risotto, spaghetti carbonara, or fettuccine Alfredo for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Casseroles: Use chicken broth instead of water or milk when making casseroles like macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, or shepherd’s pie.
• Gravies and sauces: Use chicken broth to make flavorful and velvety gravies and sauces for meat dishes like roasted turkey, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon. You can also use it to deglaze a pan after searing meat or vegetables.
• Risottos: Chicken broth is an essential ingredient in creamy Italian risottos like mushroom, asparagus, or pumpkin risotto.

Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock: What’s the Difference?

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, chicken broth and chicken stock are not the same thing. Here are the main differences between them:

“Broth typically refers to a liquid that has been made by simmering meat, bones, aromatics and water together for only a few hours – usually around two to six. The primary aim of making broth is to extract flavor from the meat and vegetables used. Stock, on the other hand, involves the same ingredients, cooked low and slow for anywhere from 6 hours to 24 (or more). Rather than aiming to create something that tastes good in its own right, most stocks are meant as building blocks for soups, stews and sauces.” -ChefSteps

In general, chicken broth is lighter and clearer in color, while chicken stock is thicker and cloudier due to the gelatin extracted from the bones during the long cooking process. Both have their uses in cooking, so feel free to experiment with both depending on your recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions