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What should I do with the small bits of hay in the bottom of the bag?
We have all seen the small pieces of hay and dust peering up longingly at us from the bottom of the bag or box. Discovering these bits of hay at the bag’s bottom is perfectly normal; after all, hay is a delicate, naturally dry product. Even still, we know that throwing any amount of fiber-rich hay away can feel like such a waste.
But, what if we told you that you can use these leftovers for fun enrichment for your pet? Rather than throw your hay dust and fines in the trash, we encourage you to try one of these fun recipes to put them to use.
Baked Treats Recipe
For this activity, you will need:
- 1 small carrot
- ½ banana
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup hay dust and/or fines
- A blender or food processer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step 1: Blend together the oats and hay dust and fines until ground as small as possible.
Step 2: Blend your carrots and banana together and add to dry ingredients. If the mixture is too dry add very small amounts of water at a time.
Step 3: Form small cookies with the “dough.” Put the mixture into a clean sandwich bag and pipe onto on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake at 325 for 30min.
Step 5: Let the treats cool and enjoy!
Banana Bites
For this activity, you will need:
- One or two small slices of banana per pet
- A small amount of hay dust/fines
Simply slice the banana and roll the slices in hay fines. Offer to your pet(s) and enjoy watching them devour this tasty, fiber-enhanced treat!
Stuffed Peppers
For this activity, you will need:
- ½ cup applesauce (boil apple slices in water for ½ an hour and blend the slices to make homemade applesauce)
- ¼ cup hay dust and fines
- Small sweet peppers or the ends of a bell pepper
- Blender or food processer
- Freezer (optional)
Step 1: Blend your hay fines until they are ground as fine as possible.
Step 2: Mix with the applesauce and fill the sweet peppers with the mixture.
Step 3: Serve as-is, or freeze for at least 5 hours during the summer to help your pets stay cool
Step 4: Offer the treats and enjoy the fun!
