Yesterday was 4th July, so I got thinking about what classic American dishes would be on the table. I’m a dessert girl so I thought about sweet treats, in particular that delicious American classic, the Pumpkin Pie. A dog safe Lickimat treat version would work really well with pumpkin.
I thought it was an American dish, but as I got reading further the dish was originated from England. There are English cookbooks dating from 17th and 18th century with recipes for Pumpkin Pie. After the Pilgrims brought it to New England in 18th century, it fell out of favour in England during the same century. Recipes only started to appear in American cookbooks in 19th century.
The classic flavour of Pumpkin Pie is recognizable due to the use of the aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves and ginger. Please note that nutmeg is very toxic to dogs, and allspice and cloves is not good for them either. Ginger is OK. In fact it is good for dogs, like in human, for tummy upset.
Cinnamon is a safe spice for dogs and can be very beneficial in making dog treats. It is said it may help brain function, boost energy, circulation, cognitive function, and to improve the digestion of dairy products. Recent studies have shown that just half teaspoon of cinnamon daily regulates blood sugar and boosts the body’s ability to use insulin to improve blood glucose levels.
Cinnamon is also good for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties, so is great for senior dogs. Studies also show that it’s good at keeping food fresher. Its antibacterial properties slows food spoilage. So a little sprinkled on top of dog food in the fridge has shown to make it last longer.
Caution
Use cinnamon in small quantities. It contains coumarin which can cause liver damage at high levels. It also has a mild anti-clotting effect, so another reason not to overdo it. But in small amounts is safe and very beneficial. So no more than around a teaspoon a day is safe, but talk to your vet.
We all know that pumpkin makes a healthy treat for your dog. It contains Vitamin E, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus. It is also a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
So for today’s Lickimat dog treat I am making Pumpkin Pie Cheese Cake. I am using cream cheese to unite the pumpkin with the other ingredients. Plus a hint of cinnamon and some desiccated coconut for a bit of texture and firmness, will bring it all together nicely.
This recipe makes enough treat filler to dress two Lickimats. For this recipe you can use any Lickimat, but I am using Lickimat Buddy.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked pumpkin (boiled, steamed or roasted)
1/3 cup cream cheese
3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
1/2 teaspoon cinammon
Place all ingredients in a blender, or whisk together by hand until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated. Add more cream cheese if you want a richer blend. Scoop onto your Lickimat with a silicone spatula or back of a spoon. Smooth off. Serve immediately, or leave in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze until ready to use.
Mackie’s Verdict
Yum yum yum is what I say about this superb dish. I was busily chasing sky raisins (flies) when I dashed in the room smelling something I had never tried before. It was the cinnamon fragrance that my nose radar homed in on. I couldn’t get enough of that naturally sweet spice with an amazing aromatic note. The texture was wonderful and the desiccated coconut I thought was a clever way to add body to the dish. I am certainly giving this one 5 stars.
Lickimat Disclaimer
These recipes are not a daily balanced diet. They are not designed to replace a dog’s daily meal. Like all dog treats, serve only as part of a healthy balanced diet. Check with your vet first to ensure these food suggestions are suitable for your pet.
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