Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Strips

Since we are in for the long haul with diabetes, it has become even more important to us that we find treats that are yummy and guilt-free for Kita. We are not only looking for things that are low in sugar, but we want ingredients that we can actually pronounce so we know exactly what's going in her body. Since I have been going to Trader Joe's more and more the past month to feed our family better, it should come as no shock that her favorite new treat is coming from there. We shall introduce you to the Trader Joe's Chicken Strip.

They only have one ingredient: dried chicken breast.

And that's the way we like it.

You get 4 ounces (or about 6-7 strips) per bag for $3.99.

Homemade doggie treats

This past weekend we decided to try making some homemade treats to donate to a local animal rescue. I wanted an easy recipe that would make crunch treats that wouldn't get soggy or moldy in a few days by being too moist. I found this recipe online and it turned out perfect. It met every requirement I was looking for (easy to make, healthy, and a harder, crunchy treat) and was well received by our local taste tester.

The treats turned out perfect. The perfect crunchiness without being too dry (determined by our taste-tester) and we were able to fit about 2.5 dozen in the box to send out to the rescue. Here are a few pictures of our results. But one thing is for sure, we will be making these again for more rescue groups.

Authority

So, since our quest for new food was short (we have a medically prescribed diet) the quest for a healthy treat began since Ms. Picky McPickerson is very particular about her treats. We used to feed her squishy treats since she was not a fan of crunchy treats, but with the diabetes that had to stop. (Soft treats are MUCH higher in sugars than crunchy treats.) The first thing I thought was that I would make some, but right now, starting a new position in my company and school makes it hard to find time to bake treats. Also, since she only gets about 5 treats a week, my recipes make far too many treats for that and she would never consume them in time. So, we hunted for a crunch treat that she would like but was healthy for her. While this quest will be never ending really, this is the first stop the treat train has brought us to.

Authority brand treats. They are healthy and you can pronounce pretty much everything on the label (except I'm not scientist so the vitamins and minerals added are a tongue twister for me). Each treat has a different 'main function' based on the treat flavor. We are going with apple and oatmeal and pumpkin and turkey first. Actually, first first is pumpkin and turkey. Turkey and pumpkin treats are high in calcium and have lots of antioxidants for her immune system. When I first opened them they smell a little cinnamon-y but she really likes them. Kita usually gobbles them up. We haven't opened up the apple and cinnamon ones yet but she had apple flavored treats before and enjoyed them and she likes oatmeal so we have high hopes for those treats.

When shots get hard

The past day and a half, shots have been hard. She has been noticing more and fighting us a bit. She tries to run away or gives us an unapproving growl of displeasure lately. We are planning, on bribing her. We are going to associate a treat with the shot. We are going to try and see which she likes better, a treat before or after the shot.

What ways do you bribe to give shots?

The Detox

This is how Kita feels right now.

We just finished going through the house and finding any hidden treats and any unconsumed ones and bagging them up to give away to family and friends. She is not pleased right now. And I must admit, I never noticed how much she had until I had to gather it all and sort through it. One day we will feel comfortable enough to start giving her treats and a little bone goodie here and there, but until her glucose levels are more stabilized, we want to keep her eating only her diabetic food. And then I will have to start researching weather it will be healthier to make our own treats or to purchase all natural whole grain treats from the store.We will probably have to do a mix for a while because she is pretty picky and not apt to new foods.

Also, we are hoping by this weekend or early next week she will be fully off of her old food and only consuming the new diabetic food. We have been mixing it for now because of the pickiness but she is scarfing it down more heartily so we will try just new food soon.