The dropping of the Times Square ball not only launches our personal New Year’s resolutions but can signal a fresh start for our four-pawed friends as well.

Our dogs are very special to us and we are well aware of how they enrich our lives. They accompany us during the best of times and comfort us in the worst. And with over 50 percent of pets in the United States classified as overweight, there’s no better time than a new year to commit to an improved lifestyle for our “furbabies,” making them happier and healthier too.

We won’t get into dog food, as that is best decided between you and your veterinarian. But treats are something that, with wagging tails and tipped heads, are hard to withhold. Yet they can contribute to obesity.

Veterinarian Derralyn Rennix, owner of the Poland Animal Hospital, affirmed that dogs are motivated by food and that treats can be an invaluable and effective reward when done in a healthy way.

But how do we know which treats are safe or contain the best nutrition for our dog?

“There are hundreds of bully sticks, antlers and other man-made products advertised as great treats for your dog, but it’s important to know that pet treats are not food grade items, therefore not inspected by the USDA or approved by AAFCO to maintain any type of standard,” said Rennix.

“With concerns surrounding several brands of treats made in China and many recent recalls on various treats for potential salmonella, many pet owners are switching to making their own homemade treats,” she said.

Rennix’s cited a few benefits:

Healthier: If your dog is suffering from weight issues or allergies, homemade treats are a great way to omit or incorporate specific ingredients.

Reduced cost: Homemade treats are typically cost effective. Many ingredients are already in your pantry.

You control the ingredients. You can replace additives, preservatives and extra fats with wholesome ingredients.

You control the portion: You manage the size of the treat. A St. Bernard and a Boston Terrier do not need the same size biscuit.

You can foster the relationship: What better way to say “I love you” than with a nutritious snack.

“Before making any treat for your dog, make certain to check the ingredient label (in the recipe’s ingredients) to avoid potentially toxic elements such as xylitol, which can be found in many unsweetened peanut butters,” said Rennix. “Avoid alcohol, avocado, chocolate, citrus peels and seeds, coconut oil, grapes, high-fat nuts, milk, onions, garlic, raw eggs and yeast dough. “

Debbie McKinley of Mechanic Falls has two adorable Boston Terriers and she makes all their treats, paying particular attention to ingredients.

“Besides weight control, Sophie and Ellie suffer from severe allergies,” she explained. “So anything we give them has to be monitored. By making homemade treats for them, I know they aren’t getting anything that they are sensitive to.”

She said you can go simple or extravagant.

“Raw veggies and fruits are super easy,” she said. “But I usually take veggies one step further and roast or blanch them, or I can throw them in the dehydrator. Sweet potatoes are their favorite, and I microwave them for five minutes. I cut them in small cubes and store them in the refrigerator. I’ve also diced up their canned diet food from the vet’s and bake them; the girls love them.”

McKinley’s go-to baked recipe is simple and can be easily adjusted to be a sweet or savory treat.

“I use pure pumpkin puree, natural peanut butter, flour and oatmeal. The ingredients are just mixed up with a wooden spoon, rolled out and cut with assorted cookie cutters.” (See recipe.)

Substitutions can be made depending on ingredients on hand and sensitivities.

“Any kind of flour can be used, such as rice or flax, and mashed sweet potato or squash can replace the pumpkin.”

To switch up the taste, McKinley uses an array of ingredients to make them sweet or savory.

“For a sweet treat, I add cinnamon and small fruits, such as blueberries or dried cranberries. For a savory flavor, I substitute the pumpkin with sweet potato and add diced roasted carrots. You can even add mint or parsley for doggie breath.”

Sweet potato chips are a favorite as well.

“Thinly slice sweet potato, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with parmesan and bake at 350 degrees for about a half-hour or until they are crispy,” said McKinley.

For older dogs with chewing issues?

“Any jarred baby food works great for softly chewed treats,” McKinley said. “Just add equal parts of dry milk powder and cream of wheat to your jar of baby food until its consistency forms a sticky ball. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then put the dough into a frosting bag and dab onto a cookie sheet. Depending on the size, it will take about 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool and store in an airtight bag in the fridge. Made very tiny, these are great for training puppies too.”

McKinley said that frozen, “lickable” treats are a breeze.

“Add melted peanut butter and/or mashed bananas to plain yogurt and freeze in small, Tupperware-type containers, cupcake papers or right in a Kong (rubber dog toy). You can add other ingredients like diced fruit, applesauce and mint. Low sodium broth can also be diluted and used in ice cube trays with a treat or apple slice sticking out as a handle. Frozen treats help calm puppy’s gums.”

Just like with people snacks, Rennix advised to not go overboard.

“Making treats can be a delicious way to provide your dog with nourishing rewards, but be watchful of the ingredients and amounts you give them because even healthy treats should be included in the overall calorie count.”

Your favorite casserole ever?

Winter is a time when food thoughts turn to casseroles. Writer Karen Schneider is looking for favorite family casseroles for an upcoming Eats story in the B section. Do you have a favorite one-dish wonder that sticks to your ribs? It can be tried and true or a new twist on an old favorite. Send your casserole, the story behind it and the recipe (if you’ll part with it) to Karen at [email protected].

Debbie’s peanut butter and pumpkin treats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 cup flour (any type)

3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

Instructions:

Mix together with large spoon. Roll out onto a floured rolling mat (for crunchy treats make it 1/4-inch thick, for soft, 1/2-inch). Cut out with cookie cutters, place on a prepared cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container in fridge.

Doggie breath treats with carrots and bananas

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup packed fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, grated

1 ripe banana

1/4 cup applesauce

1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil, melted

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Pulse oats in a blender until fairly fine.

Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.

Mix and knead till moist. Lightly dust and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness.

Cut out treats with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Frozen dog pupsicles

Ingredients:

3 kale leaves

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon molasses

1 cup water

Instructions:

Puree all ingredients and freeze in any type of frozen treat molds.

Sweet potato pretzels

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed to make 1 cup

1 tablespoon flax seed meal

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

Set oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flax seed and flour in large bowl, set aside.

Puree sweet potato.

Beat egg in small bowl.

Setting about 1 tablespoon egg aside, add puree and egg to dry ingredients. Mix the ingredients.

Take some of the dough, dust it and hand roll it out into a tube shape the size of a pretzel and about 10 inches long.

Shape the dough into a pretzel (make a U shape, twist the ends and fold them down over the round portion), making sure to tuck ends under and secure.

Place on lined baking sheet and brush with remaining egg. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.