The Homemade Dog Cookies That Make Dogs Go Squirrley

You know who deserves a treat? The garden protectors. Well, they may also be the garden destroyers at times—digging holes, burying bones, trampling plants, and eating the snow peas—but they are pretty darn good at keeping critters from running amok. So let’s make them some easy, homemade dog cookies!

How do I thank the garden protectors? First, I bark “Hey! Quit all that barking!” and then I (sheepishly) realize that they have done their jobs oh so well by keeping the squirrels away from the veggie garden.

It’s not a perfect system. They probably eat more veggies than the critters could ever stomach. My fig tree and strawberry patch get stripped of all the ripe fruit before I can even pull out my harvest basket. I suppose that it’s my fault for introducing them to the delights of garden-fresh food.

Guarding the garden is a thankless job, mostly. The crows taunt them by stealing their bones and leaving them on the roof of the garage. Skunks spray and raccoons hiss. Overall, they are under-appreciated for standing guard. The least I can do is I make up a batch of these yummy squirrel cookies. They drive them almost as insane as the real thing, but in a good way.

Homemade Dog Cookies

Note: the squirrel cookie cutter was part of a set that I bought at Ikea. Here is the whole set, though I don’t think it’s available anymore. Here is an alternative cookie cutter you can use.

Ingredients

Makes approximately 48 squirrels

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup low-sodium beef stock
• Cinnamon
• Crunchy bits from leftover dog cookies, crushed kibble, or bacon bits (optional)

Make It!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grind rolled oats in a food processor until you get a coarse flour. Add all ingredients except the crunchies to a large bowl and mix until combined. It may be easier to use your hands to mix the dough because it is very stiff.

I like to add something with a different flavour kneaded into the dough at the end, but it isn’t necessary. You can use the crumbs leftover in the pooch’s cookie jar or kibble bag, or even some bacon bits. They would LOVE that, right?

Form a ball with the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Use a cookie cutter to make cookies shaped like squirrels, bones, or whatever you choose.

Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes.

Let the cookies cool, and they’re ready to treat the pups for protecting the garden. Or package them up for your furry ones’ pals. They will be a welcome treat for any canine family members!

More Tips and Recipes for Dog Owners

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.