Gelatine Treats

Gelatine is a colourless, flavourless, gelatinous substance derived from collagen, which is a protein found in great abundance in the body.

Gelatine is often used to additionally support arthritic conditions and to ease intestinal complaints. Glycine is an amino acid which occurs in gelatine and helps strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation and is believed to assist in the healing of leaky gut.

When using gelatine avoid coloured, flavoured, or sweetened varieties and instead go for the plain, grass fed versions. I used Great Lakes beef collagen but there are other brands available.

You will need:

One 12g sachet of gelatine granules or use 2 heaped tablespoons of loose powder.

550ml Water (you can also use coconut water or bone broth)

7 Tablespoons of hot water

2 measuring jugs

Flexible silicone mould of choice

One level teaspoon of your chosen Hedgerow Hounds blend. Here I used Golden Years in one batch and Greens, Seeds & Superfoods in another.

How to make:

Into a measuring jug add 7 tablespoons of hot water, tip in the gelatine, whisking with a fork until the granules dissolve, then pour on the remaining water and stir well.

*Always add the gelatine to the liquid and not the other way round*

Add your chosen herbs and pour into the silicon moulds.

Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours and when set, gently remove from the moulds.

These treats can easily be cut to a size which is suitable for your dog and are soft enough for elderly dogs with dental problems to enjoy.

They will keep for up to 7 days in the fridge.

Fresh Breath Treats

This recipe uses fresh herbs, which hopefully you`ll have growing in the garden. Dried herbs can also be used to replace one or all of the ingredients.

250g Buckwheat or Spelt Flour

Half a dessert spoon of softened coconut oil

If using fresh herbs, they need to be finely chopped before adding to the flour.

Parsley - fresh or dried, approximately 1 dessert spoon

Mint -    fresh or dried, approximately 1 dessert spoon

Fennel - fresh or dried, approx. 1 dessert spoon

1 medium free-range egg- beaten

Half a small, grated apple

An optional quarter teaspoon of fennel seeds

50ml water

Baking tray

Rolling pin

A cookie cutter that is appropriate to your dog’s size.

Baking parchment to line the tray

 How to:

Pre-heat your oven to 180c/ Fan 160c or Gas 4

Place the flour, seeds (if using), and finely chopped herbs into a large bowl and stir together. Add the softened coconut oil, beaten egg, and grated apple, and stir while slowly adding the water until the mixture forms a dough. Add a little more water if necessary. Knead for 2 minutes, then place the dough on a lightly floured surface.

Roll out to an even thickness, around a quarter of an inch thick. Then cut out with your chosen shaped cutter and put onto a baking tray, which is lined with baking parchment.

Place onto the middle shelf of a preheated oven and bake for around 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Lift out of the oven and leave to cool on a wire rack.

The treats must be completely cold before storing in an airtight container, or they will go mouldy. Use within 2 weeks, or alternatively, freeze and take out what you need each day. Frozen treats will need to be used within 4 months.

 Caroline Hearn - Hedgerow Hounds