Need a GREAT training treat for boxer with allergies

[MMBR]

My Lola and I are in competition obedience classes, getting ready to compete. She is a rescue dog, came to us at 2 days old, from a really bad breeder.
Lola has always had issues with her skin and the vet thought she would outgrow it (she is 21 months old now).
I have to get her really great treats while in class in order to keep her focused with all the distractions around us. The problem is this, she is having reactions to most soft treats. The preservitives in them is what she seems to be allergic to.
What do others use for a great, irrestable treat when training?
Thanks for any input.
Beth Moody
Mid Michigan Boxer Rescue
http://www.midmichiganboxerrescue.cjb.net

 

[Krikkit]

Well, I bake liver or kidney in the microwave. Just buy a whole liver, put in in a container with a lid (steam thingy open), and cook it for around 15 minutes on medium high, then check. I turn it over around about this point and then give it another 5 - 10 minutes. I generally let it stand around 1/2 hour or so. It really depends on the size of the liver. Kindeys take a bit less time. Liver and Kidney can be cooked in an oven, or boiled too - I find the microwave far more user friendly really.

Once done and cool, I chop it into tiny pieces and freeze in small ziplock bags. It's a good soft treat, and if cooked properly, okay to handle.

A friend of mine has a goldie who is allergic to just about everything and she can use the baked liver with him...

Beth, what are the things she is not allergic too? My goldie friend has lots of recipes for her boy, and as it's training night, I'll ask her to bring them along to see if there is anything that may be of use to you.

Poor Lola :( Allergies are hard to deal with.

Sharon

 

[Krikkit]

Just thought of something very easy that I use with our latest rescue girl. I buy a cooked roast chicken (without stuffing), from the supermarket, chop up the flesh, and use that with her. She prefers this to anything else I have tried, but the others still go for the liver. She is also partial to roast beef and lamb - as I seldom do a roast here, I get these from the deli

Sharon

 

[Lael]

I also feed Lael liver. She had been showing signs of allergic reactions to her food and the puppy biscuits I was using. I had to switch her food, and switched to liver for training treats, and have had success with her allergies thus far. She will do anything if there's even a slight chance that Mom has a piece of liver... In other words, it's an "irresistable" treat.

Good luck!
Cat & Lael

 

[VTbxrFan]

If she tolerates dairy, try cheese. My boy will do just about anything for a little bite of cheese!

 

[Monica156]

Slightly off topic...

Doesn't it just crack you up when they'll do anything for a piece of X? Especially, when they basically swallow it whole? How do they even taste it?

 

[Kysha]

I usually use cooked liver or cooked turkey weiners - my guys will work for either quite happily

I just got a new recipe (see below). I am going to make a batch tonight - I will let you know how it turns out. It sounds great! One of my friends tried it with great success. I have also heard of people using wet cat food insted of tuna or salmon... I personally think the pure tuna/salmon would be better - no preservatives.

TUNA FUDGE -- good agility treat, soft, smelly

2 - 6 oz. cans tuna OR 1 - 14 oz. can salmon (do not drain either)
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp garlic powder or granulated garlic
2 eggs -- lightly beaten
grated parmesan cheese, about 1 handful

mix all together in a mixer or food processor, I use a food
processor and toss in a few small chunks of parmesan cheese first to grate those, then add the rest all at once and pulse until thoroughly mixed, takes maybe 3 minutes start to finish.

grease a 9x9 pan (I use spray canola oil), bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes

texture is sort of fudge/putty-like, will keep in refrigerator for 3
days, freezes beautifully, after I cut into very small squares I toss
them into a freezer bag and leave in freezer. On agility day I take out whatever I'll need, the treats are only partly thawed by class time but the dogs love them regardless

CAUTION: do not refreeze any leftovers, just make the pups do
some extra tricks at home to get the goodies

 

[Lael]

Originally posted by Monica156
Especially, when they basically swallow it whole? How do they even taste it?

I noticed that! I makes me feed her smaller bits... I don't think she's chews even once!

Cat & Lael

 

[Jan]

Liver Treats

1 lb liver ( any type)
2 cups Brown Rice Flour
1 T. garlic powder (the recipe I have says to taste :rolleyes: )

Mix in food processor, add a little water if necessary. Mixture should have the consistency of cement. Spread into jelly roll pan, 10 x 13" pan with sides (I line with parchment paper). Bake at 300 degrees F. 30 min.for soft treats. Cut into tiny squares. For hard treats bake for another 30 minutes. Important: Cut into squares after the first 30 minutes otherwise you will have one big square that is impossible to cut.

Keep in the freezer.

 

[Jan]

Kysha, I made your Tuna Fudge :( and it's been a hit. All the dogs love it and it's easy to break up into small pieces for the little guys.