Today I wanted to share a quick little recipe that is one of my favorites when I need a dessert and I don't have much time.  I made this yesterday evening and we enjoyed it for dinner.  It is so simple that you can make it even if you have never baked a cake in your life!

I love Mrs. Dash and I use it a lot, since my husband cannot have salt. Unfortunately, it's not exactly cheap, so I came up with my own recipe. I actually think that it's a bit more flavorful. I keep it in a small mason jar.  Try it and see if  you think it measures up!

Today I would like to share with you one of my favorite cake recipes.  Some of my family think that this is a cake best served in the fall or for the holidays, but I say it is great anytime!  I especially like it for picnics.  It is a very old recipe, and it is absolutely delicious! 

I love to make my own pet toys.  The ones available in the store are so expensive and they fall apart (or are chewed apart!) in such a short period of time, it is a waste of money.  I am always searching the internet for DIY dog toys that I can make, so I decided to share some of my favorites with you. 

Try a few of these, and you will see how fun and inexpensive it is to make your own!

It always bothered me that there are so many ingredients in store bought dog biscuits that are unpronounceable.  Dog treats do not need all that junk in them.  So I decided to make my own.  If you make your own, then you know exactly what you are feeding your pet. 

I decided to make my treats with chicken instead of beef because it has less fat, but they can be made with beef or pork, just sub it in for the chicken or turkey.  I prefer whole wheat flour because it gives a more dog biscuit-like texture than white flour.  The recipe is really easy to make, it's just like making cookies!

Heatstroke can easily happen to dogs.  Dogs, just like people, are affected by the temperature and exertion level, and if both of them are high, heatstroke can be the result.  For all the kidding we do about heatstroke, it is a very serious condition, especially for dogs, and if action is not taken quickly, it can kill them.

So what do you need to know about heatstroke in dogs?  How to recognize it, which dogs are more susceptible and what to do about it if it happens would be a great start!

Updated 2019

If you have a dog that likes to run around outside and explore your property, then I am sure you have had to deal with fleas and ticks.. These horrid little pests are, unfortunately, a natural part of the landscape.  You need a way to protect your dog, so you buy a flea and tick collar from the store.  When you unwrap it, you can smell the chemicals and you wonder how something that smells like that can be good for your canine pal.  Will it irritate his skin?  How can you cuddle him or her with that smell?  Is there another answer to the flea and tick problem?  Maybe one that is less expensive as well as healthier?

Yes there is.  Make your own with safe, good smelling essential oils!  Here's how:

This week is Dog Week on Homemade by Jade.  A whole week of posts about man's (and woman's) best friend.  Recipes, health tips and more!  If you love dogs, this is the week for you!  Make sure to check back every day this week!  Today, I am sharing my best homemade fresh dog food recipe and also a fresh dog food recipe for dogs with upset tummies.  Enjoy!

Day 2 - How to Make Homemade Flea and Tick Collars
Day 3 - Dogs and Heatstroke - What You Need to Know
Day 4 - How to Make Dog Treats and Greenies
Day 5 - The Best DIY Dog Toys