Easy Holiday Dog Treat Recipes You Can Make
If you’re looking for holiday dog treats to spoil your furry friend this festive season, you’re in for a surprise!
The holiday season is the perfect time to make extra special snacks for your four-legged friends while basking in the holiday spirit.
Our simple yet festive recipes made with natural ingredients and infused with the holiday cheer are top-notch.
From gingerbread dog cookies to peanut butter ones, these natural treats are a great way to share some Christmas cheer with your furry family member this Christmas season.
Table of Contents
1. Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
A Healthier Option for Your Fur Babies
Store-bought treats often contain artificial additives like sweeteners and preservatives.
These aren't ideal for your canine companion.
Homemade treats allow you to use human-grade ingredients tailored to your dog's health conditions.
This can make sure they get only the best.
Plus, they’re a fantastic source of vitamin E, vitamin A supplement, and other vital nutrients.
A Festive Way to Bond
Baking holiday treats for your good boys (and girls!) is a perfect way to enjoy the holiday season.
Involving the whole family in rolling out dough or cutting festive makes it a memorable activity.
Baking themed treats is fun and also provides an opportunity to create healthy treats your beloved pet will love.
Take it a step further with a treat-hiding snuffle toy!
This transforms treat time into an engaging mental challenge.
Watching your pup hunt for the chewy dog treats you baked is sure to bring joy to everyone involved.
Related: Winter Grooming for Dogs: Expert Tips for a Healthy Pup
2. Festive Christmas: Holiday Dog Treats Recipes
Essential Tools and Ingredients
Before diving into these festive recipes, gather these tools and ingredients for smooth baking:
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Tools:
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Bowls
- Food processor
- Wire rack
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Basic Ingredients:
- Whole wheat, oat or brown rice flour
- Natural peanut butter
- Pumpkin spice, carob powder or fresh cranberries
- Olive oil
1. Peanut Butter Dog Treats
A classic favorite among dog lovers, this recipe uses natural peanut butter as the star ingredient.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted)
- 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper.
- Combine whole wheat flour and oats in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in the peanut butter and warm water, stirring the mixture until it comes together into a dough.
- On a floured countertop, roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
2. Gingerbread Dog Cookies
Capture the holiday spirit with gingerbread cookies tailored for your fur babies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes like gingerbread men.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool before serving.
3. Carob Dog Treats
Perfect for the cookie rookie, these grain-free treats are a safe, dog-friendly alternative to chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup carob powder
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix coconut flour and carob powder in a bowl.
- Add applesauce and water, stirring until combined.
- Flatten into a baking sheet and cut into fun shapes. Or you can also roll into small balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. Cranberry Dog Biscuits
Packed with fresh cranberries, these healthy treats are nutritious and festive.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until firm.
5. Sweet Potato Christmas Cookies
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin D, making these cookies a nutritious treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Extra Special Touch: Dog-Friendly Icing
Christmas morning treats can be extra special with dog-friendly icing!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- A dash of food coloring (dog-safe)
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt and honey until smooth.
- Add food coloring to your mixture to make it more festive.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to decorate cooled treats.
Tips for the Perfect Delicious Treats
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Prep Time Matters: Set aside time for mixing and rolling to make it an enjoyable activity.
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Bake Time Precision: Keep an eye on the oven to avoid burning. Golden brown edges means perfection.
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Storage: Use an airtight container to keep treats fresh and ready to share.
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Natural Ingredients: Always choose wholesome ingredients to make healthy treats that are part of a balanced diet.
Pro Tip:
Protect your living space during this festive baking adventure with a quality sofa cover.
It'll guard against potential crumbs.
It'll keep your furniture clean while your doggie enjoys their delicious holiday treats.
Related: Christmas Gift Ideas For Pets
3. What You Should Avoid
When making homemade dog treats, it’s crucial to avoid ingredients that could harm your Fluffy Friend.
While many holiday ingredients are safe for humans, some are toxic or unhealthy for dogs.
Here’s what to keep out of your holiday dog treats recipe:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
One of the no-no’s is xylitol which you can find in sugar-free products.
Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar for dogs.
It can also lead to liver damage.
Always opt for natural ingredients like unsweetened applesauce or peanut butter.
2. Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Instead, use carob powder as a safe alternative for that chocolatey flavor.
3. Nuts
Not all nuts are safe for dogs.
Macadamia nuts and walnuts are harmful and can lead to vomiting, weakness, or more severe reactions.
4. Raisins and Grapes
These festive treats are a no-go for dogs.
Raisins and grapes, even just a little, can cause kidney failure.
5. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
While they add flavor to human dishes, these ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Avoid anything from the allium family in your recipes.
6. Dairy Products
Dogs can be lactose intolerant.
This means that dairy can upset their stomachs.
If you want to use dairy-based ingredients like yogurt, ensure it’s plain and unsweetened.
Give yogurt only in small amounts.
7. Excess Salt and Spices
Salt and spices such as nutmeg and cloves may lead to digestive problems or even be toxic to dogs.
Keep seasonings minimal and stick to safe spices like cinnamon in small amounts.
8. Alcohol or Raw Dough
Raw dough, especially if it contains yeast, can rise and expand in a dog’s stomach.
This can lead to serious health issues.
Alcohol is also toxic to dogs, so avoid any recipes containing these ingredients.
By steering clear of these harmful ingredients, you’ll ensure that your homemade dog treats aren't only delicious but also safe for your fur babies.
Related: How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Christmas Time
Sharing the Holiday Cheer
Making these homemade dog treats is the perfect way to include your fur babies in the festive season.
Share these delicious holiday dog treats with other dog lovers or bake them as gifts for your dog's friends.
Beyond delicious treats, consider gifting pet owners adjustable feeding bowls.
This Christmas season, give your canine companion an extra special treat they'll wag their tails for.
From all of us here at MrFluffyFriend, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your fur babies!
