Granola Peanut-Butter Crunchies for Dogs

What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? Granola Peanut-Butter Crunchies are a good way to satisfy that craving and add nutritious foods to the mix. (The smell is irresistible, too.) The crunchies can be broken into smaller bits; on our park outings, I put just a couple in my pocket to treat all three of my dogs. Whole or broken up, they pack of punch of flavor. Homemade peanut butter is great, but store-bought is also fine (see this easy peanut-butter recipe). I used a blend of almond/coconut milk to add even more flavor, and for dogs who might be lactose intolerant.

• 2 cups uncooked organic rolled oats (not instant)
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tbsp. flax seeds
• ¼ cup shredded or grated coconut
• 2 tbsp. (or more) chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, pears, apples, blueberries
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1¼ cups unsalted peanut butter (preferably homemade)
• ¾ cup almond milk or low-fat yogurt
• Optional: 1 tsp. turmeric

Substitutions: Grated veggies suchas carrots or zucchini can be used instead of the fruit.

Preheat oven to 325°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or butter and dust with fl our.

Grind all the seeds slightly in a food processor or blender. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium-size bowl. Heat the coconut oil and honey long enough to soften. Beat an egg in a small bowl. Put the peanut butter (best at room temperature) into a food processor, add the almond milk or yogurt and process; add the egg, oil and honey, process again.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing with a wooden spoon. The mixture should hold together well enough to be easily shaped into balls; if it seems too wet, add some whole-wheat fl our. Shape into 1½-inch balls and place on the baking sheet; they can be spaced closely. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.

(Optional: halfway through, turn each granola ball over so they brown evenly.) Cool on a rack, then store in an airtight jar. These treats can also be frozen.

Makes about 3 dozen