Simple Christmas Dog Treat Recipes You Can Make
If you're looking for some festive dog treats to spoil your furry friend this holiday season, you're in for a treat!
The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up extra special snacks for your four-legged pals while soaking up the festive spirit.
Our simple yet festive recipes, made with natural ingredients and infused with holiday cheer, are top-notch.
From gingerbread dog cookies to peanut butter treats, these natural delights are a great way to share some Christmas cheer with your furry family member this festive 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 doggy companion.
Homemade treats let you use human-grade ingredients tailored to your dog’s health needs.
This ensures they get only the best.
Plus, they’re a fantastic source of vitamin E, vitamin A, and other vital nutrients.
A Festive Way to Bond
Baking holiday treats for your good boys (and girls!) is the perfect way to enjoy the season.
Involving the whole family in rolling out dough or cutting festive shapes makes it a memorable activity.
Baking themed treats is fun and gives you the opportunity to create healthy snacks your beloved pet will adore.
Related: Winter Grooming for Dogs: Expert Tips for a Healthy Pup
2. Festive Christmas: Holiday Dog Treat Recipes
Essential Tools and Ingredients
Before diving into these festive recipes, gather these tools and ingredients for a smooth baking experience:
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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 favourite 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:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine whole wheat flour and oats in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the peanut butter and warm water, stirring until the mixture comes together into a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface 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 furry friends.
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 line 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 and let cool before serving.
3. Carob Dog Treats
Perfect for beginners, 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 the dough onto a baking sheet and cut into fun shapes or 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 the 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 B and 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 dog-safe food colouring
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt and honey until smooth.
- Add food colouring to the 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 mean perfection.
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Storage: Store treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh and ready to share.
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Natural Ingredients: Always choose wholesome ingredients to make healthy treats that form part of a balanced diet.
Pro Tip:
Protect your living space during this festive baking adventure with a quality dog blanket.
It’ll guard against crumbs and keep your furniture clean while your dog enjoys their tasty holiday treats.
Related: How to Stop Your Dog's Excessive Barking
3. What You Should Avoid
When making homemade dog treats, it's crucial to avoid ingredients that could harm your furry friend.
While many holiday ingredients are safe for humans, some can be toxic or unhealthy for dogs.
Here’s what to steer clear of:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
One big no-no is xylitol, which can be found in sugar-free products.
Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and 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 flavour.
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.
Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
5. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Avoid anything from the allium family in your recipes.
6. Dairy Products
Dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy can upset their stomachs.
If you want to use dairy-based ingredients like yogurt, ensure it’s plain and unsweetened, and give it only in small amounts.
7. Excess Salt and Spices
Salt and spices such as nutmeg and cloves can 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, leading to serious health issues.
Alcohol is also toxic to dogs, so avoid any recipes with these ingredients.
By steering clear of these harmful ingredients, you’ll make sure your homemade dog treats are not only delicious but also safe for your furry friends.
Related: Winter Blues: Can Dogs Get Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Sharing the Holiday Cheer
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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.
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!
