Victoria's Vegetarian Victuals

Victoria Smith
The month of March (when this was written) is a maverick month, and the 18th is National Pet Owner’s Independence Day. I have to tell you, though, that anyone who harbors (Not owns! You never own them. They may own you!) a pet is anything but independent. There are all kinds of pets out there, but most people have either a cat or a dog, or both.

It isn’t easy to put together vegetarian treats for carnivores, and cats and dogs are carnivores -- although dogs will accept a greater variety of edibles than will cats.

However, I want you to know that I have looked, and have found a few simple to make treats that just may appeal to the furry members of your household. I have included fish, though I don’t eat it myself. But then again, I’m not a cat, am I?

This month’s column is for our senior cat, Dennis the Menace -- a big, friendly orange tabby with sexy green eyes. Dennis departed for Rainbow Bridge this month. He was 16. He passed away in his sleep, and he is now safe in the Garden, just this side of Rainbow Bridge, waiting for us. We miss him, and don’t ever expect to stop loving him. Safe Harbor, Denny, my Love. Ya did good.

Vegetarian Dog Biscuits

For Denny’s Friend, Lori.
  • 3 cups whole-wheat flour
  • 1 cup wheat germ
  • 1 cup bran flakes
  • 1 cup soy flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup grits
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup ground sunflower seeds
  • 1 egg substitute
  • 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 1 cup nonfat dry milk

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Roll out to ¼ or ½ inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes with a dog bone cookie cutter. These come in various sizes. Place on a well-oiled cookie sheet and bake at 300F for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the biscuits in the oven to dry for 30 minutes.

Tuna Dip

For Cats, Especially for Felicity, Denny’s Calico Sweetheart.
  • 1 6-oz can of tuna packed in water
  • ½ pt. Lactaid milk

Mix the tuna and Lactaid together until smooth. Put the bowl on the floor, and let your cats dip their paws into it, and lick their toes!

Hoof Prints

For anybody in the Family.
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 cup sharp grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • red pepper to taste
  • 1 cup rice crispies

Mix all of the ingredients together and form into small balls. Flatten with a fork. Bake 12 to 15 minutes in a 375F oven.

Bean Patties

Also for Anyone in the Family.
  • Refried beans
  • 2 avocados, mashed
  • 1/8 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. Lemon juice
  • ½ tsp. mayonnaise
  • 8 oz. picante sauce, drained
  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • ¾ cup black olives
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • green olives

Place a layer of refried beans in the bottom of a casserole dish. Mix avocados, garlic powder, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and picante sauce. Layer over the refried beans. Next put a layer of sour cream and then black olives. Garnish with cheese and green olives. You may like this one better than do your pets. For them, go easy on the picante sauce.

Donkey Ears

Mostly for People, but Dogs will eat these too.
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg substitutes
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 tsp. soda
  • 4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. cloves
  • ½ tsp ginger

Cream the shortening and sugars. Add egg substitutes and molasses. Sift in the dry ingredients. Slice and dip in sugar. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes. Do not overbake.

Speedy Bear Paw Biscuits

Great for breakfast, for People, Dogs, and -- with Plenty of Margarine -- Cats.
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 stick margarine
  • buttermilk
Gently mix the 2 cups self-rising flour and 1 stick softened margarine. Add the buttermilk until sticky and ready to knead on floured board/ Roll out and cut into 8 to 10 biscuits. Place on a greased sheet and bake at 450F for 8 to 10 minutes.