Baking With Brody: Power Bars for Pups

Have you ever tried Gu when you’re out exercising? It’s like trying to swallow phlegm: pasty, sticky stuff that seals your esophagus shut with something that is supposed to be good for you. I don’t care for it (obviously.)

I think Brody feels the same way about biscuits. They’re fine for home, but if you’re out working up a sweat/pant/whatever, a dried out dessicated crunchy thing may not be the most appetizing choice. He doesn’t care for them. So I decided it was my goal for Be Kind to Animals Week to find a power bar or trail mix recipe that we could share. Pre made mixes won’t work: they’re either too salty, too sugary, or too packed with raisins and chocolate chips. Then, I found this recipe, and voila! a new treat was born.

Brody Bars

Adapted from Dog Treat Kitchen.com

The ingredients: It looks like a lot, but you don’t use much of any one thing.

• 1/3 c olive oil
• 1/4 c light brown sugar (I used sucanat)
• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 egg white
• 1 c whole wheat flour
• 1/8 c milled flax seed
• 1 3/4 c rolled oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 c assorted nuts, seeds, and fruits. I used pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, peanuts, coconut, mango, and banana chips. Remember to avoid chocolate, raisins, and macadamia nuts!

Directions:

1. Combine olive oil and brown sugar until well combined

2. Stir in peanut butter

3. Add in banana and egg white

4. Combine flour, flax, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add to mix.

5. Stir in oats

6. Stir in trail mix, blending well until dough sticks together.

7. Shape with your hands into flat, round 1-2 inch cookies. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven on greased cookie sheet or Silpat for 8 minutes.

Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks or freezer for up to 4 months! Bet they won’t last that long.

 If you want to see the process in action- I filmed at the same time I was photographing it, and boy that gets complex!- here is the video. Added bonus, you get to see whether or not Brody and Koa liked them at the end.