Although these gifts are intended to be made by children, some may require the use of a stove, microwave, sewing machine or other equipment or materials that might require help. Please check with an adult before starting any project you find on this site.

             Gifts for Pets             

Homemade Dog Bark

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of carob chips (be sure to choose those made without hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils)
1/4 cup raw blanched peanuts
1/4 cup dried berries (but not raisins!)
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

In a microwave-safe dish, melt the carob chips by running the microwave on medium for 30 seconds at a time and stirring in between each run until they are evenly melted and smooth.
Stir in peanut butter, then add peanuts and fruit.

Pour out onto a baking sheet lined with plastic wrap or waxed paper and let set at room temperature until hard. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Warning: Never feed your dog chocolate (or raisins, macadamia nuts or onions) as they are poisonous to dogs.
These recipes are to be considered pet treats, and not a substitute for your pet's regular food.

Homemade Turkey Dinner (for Dogs)

Ingredients:
1 can of hearty or chunky turkey soup (chicken also works well)
1 cup cooked brown rice
3 tablespoons rolled oats
1-2 teaspoons garlic powder, or 2-3 cloves of chopped fresh garlic (helps keep away fleas and mosquitoes)
one egg
3 tablespoons cranberry juice
optional:
2-3 capsules of salmon or other fish oil (good for the coat, joints and general well-being)
1/2 teaspoon powdered sage

Add soup to the rice pot and heat on medium heat, slowly adding the egg and other ingredients and stirring constantly. Once the egg white turns solid white, turn off heat and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes. Let cool and serve immediately, or spoon into freezable containers and freeze for up to one month.

No-Sew Pet Bed

Materials:
old pillow, washed and dried
2 contrasting pieces of fleece fabric measuring 30 cm longer and wider than your pillow
scissors
ruler
chalk

Lay your fabric one piece on top of the other so the edges are lined up. With your ruler, measure and draw a line parallel to the edge and 12 cm from the edge. Repeat on all edges. Cut out the corner squares.
                  
Measure and mark 2 cm increments along each edge. Draw lines perpendicular to the edges on these marks so that you have drawn a fringe around the outside of the fabric. Cut along the fringe lines stopping at the 12 cm line you have drawn.

Separate your fabric and place one piece right side down. Centre the pillow on top and place the second piece right side up on top of the pillow. Start at one corner and tie the fringe pieces from the top and bottom fabric together in a double knot. Continue around the outside of the pillow until all the fringes are tied.

This technique can also be used to make a pet blanket (just don't add the pillow), people blankets, and people cushions.

Catnip Doorknob Toy

Materials:
a square of light fabric about 8-10 cm by 16-20 cm; or two circles about 8-10 cm diameter; or an old sock
needle and thread or sewing machine
a teaspoon of catnip
a square of "crunchy" cellophane or mylar ribbon
a length of thin fabric elastic
optional: small craft bells and/or squeaker

For the circle shaped fabric, place circles right sides together and sew 1 cm from the edge about 2/3 around the circle. Make several wedge-shaped cuts from the outside towards but not quite meeting the stitches, then turn it right-side out.
For the square, fold the fabric in half with right sides together, and sew 1 cm from the edge leaving one side open. Clip the corners diagonally and turn right side out.
For the sock, simply fill the toe to see how much room you will need, then cut off the excess fabric.

Stuff your toy with the catnip, cellophane or mylar, and any bells or squeakers you would like to use. Tuck the edges inwards, slipping the end of the elastic in about 2 cm and sew closed. Tie the toy to the nearest doorknob and watch your cat have fun.