Rock Solid Chewable Bagels for Dogs

I’ve been pre-programed to wake up at 6.30am for million many years, dutifully make breakfast for my dogs and my better half. I wish I don’t have to on some days and I also wish it’ll the other way round. I know for a fact that this will never happen so I’m forced to be creative. =(

That’s when I thought about leftover bagels.

This is a great recipe if your house is constantly full of leftover bagels, whether from the grocery store or neighborhood bakery. Rather than throw them away, why not share them with your canine family members?

Ingredient:

• 6-pack supermarket bagels

Methods:

If the bagels are frozen, thaw them in the microwave prior to drying. There are several ways of achieving the proper consistency for the bagels, which, of course, is rock solid chewable goodness.

• Oven: Set the oven to a low temperature, preferably 200ºF or below. Place the bagels on a sheet of foil in the middle of the oven and allow them to bake. Check the bagels periodically as they can take up to six hours to dry sufficiently, depending upon the freshness of the bagels when you begin. Once they seem solid, place on a rack to cool for an hour before giving to the dogs.
• Air: This is the easiest of the three drying methods but also takes the longest. Set the bagels on a sheet of wax paper or foil in an area with good circulation. The top of the fridge often works well as it is closer to ceiling vents. Leave the bagels to dry for several days, checking their consistency daily. Depending upon the freshness of the bagels when you began, they may take up to two weeks to dry completely.
• Microwave: After thawing any frozen bagels, continue cooking them in the microwave for extended periods of time at a low heat level (40% or less). Check the bagels every 10 minutes for consistency, but keep in mind that even the microwave can take up to an hour to dry the bagels sufficiently.

Special note: Don’t worry about airtight containers for leftovers—the open air just helps to dry them out a bit more!

Guess which method I use? Give you a hint—my bedtime is at 11.30pm.