How to Make Filled Dog Bones

Filled dog bones are a favorite treat of dogs, and they can be made at home for much less than the cost of purchasing dog treats at the market. They are also a great project for kids, with parental supervision. Honor your family pet with its own fresh baked filled dog bones.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White flour
• Wet dog food
• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Dog bone cookie cutter
• Shredded cheese
• Bacon pieces, pre-cooked
• Large cookie sheet

1. Combine 1 cup of white flour, 1 cup of wet dog food, and 1/3 cup of water in a large mixing bowl. Add more flour, if necessary, if the dough is too sticky to roll out. It should be the consistency of cookie or biscuit dough.

2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Meanwhile, prepare a flat working surface such as a tabletop or cutting board by sprinkling with flour.

3. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, and roll out the dough onto the prepared surface using a rolling pin. Roll until the dough is about ½ inch thick.

4. Use a dog-bone cookie cutter to cut out as many "bones" as possible. Make sure you're left with an even number. If a dog bone cookie cutter is not available, you may try to freehand the shapes using a sharp knife.

5. Place a few tablespoons of shredded cheese, and some precooked bacon pieces, on top of half the dog bone pieces. This will be the filling for your stuffed dog bones.

6. Place another dog bone on top of each of the filled halves, and press with a fork around the sides to prevent the filling from leaking out. Use a bit of water, if necessary, to moisten and thoroughly close all the sides.

7. Place the filled dog bones on a large cookie sheet, making sure they aren't touching, and bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow the treats to cool completely before feeding to your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• You may cover the working area with wax paper first if you don't like the idea of dog food coming into contact with your food preparation areas. These filled dog bones make great gifts for your pets. Tie a ribbon around the center of each one and give them as a special treat on holidays. The filling can be replaced with your dog's favorite treats, if desired.

References

• "The giant encyclopedia of preschool activities for three-year-olds"; Kathy Charner, Maureen Murphy; 2004