The holidays are around the corner! If you want to include your pup in the seasonal fun, baking homemade dog treats can be a great way to share the joy. Below, we offer some simple, festive recipes that incorporate holiday flavors into dog-safe options.
Remember, while some food is dog-approved, it is typically best to serve certain ingredients in small amounts and on an occasional basis. Always get the green light from your vet before introducing new foods to your pup’s diet.
GINGERBREAD DOG COOKIES
Gingerbread can be a tasty holiday treat for humans, but nutmeg in the recipe makes it toxic for dogs to consume. Here’s a recipe without any unsafe spices or unnatural sweeteners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (if desired)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the oat flour and ginger in a bowl.
- Add the egg, applesauce, and honey. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into holiday shapes like trees or gingerbread.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Bonus: If you’d like to add dog-safe frosting for the full gingerbread effect, check out this recipe by Blue Buffalo.
PEPPERMINT-FREE CANDY CANE COOKIES WITH PUMPKIN & BANANA
Candy canes and the holidays often go hand in hand, but since dogs cannot consume peppermint extract, shaping pet-safe cookies into candy canes can bring a similar festive flair.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon pure pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon mashed banana
Directions:
- Heat oven to 325°F.
- Split the dough in half.
- Add pumpkin to one half and banana to the other.
- Roll thin ropes and twist into cane shapes.
- Bake 12 to 14 minutes.
Bonus: Looking for that iconic red and white to add to this treat? Check out this recipe for dog-friendly candy cane twists with ingredients for red and white dough.
CRANBERRY & OAT SNOWFLAKE COOKIES
Fresh, unsweetened cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants for dogs and can be served in moderation. Plus, these cookies can be cut into fun snowflake shapes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cranberry puree or finely chopped unsweetened cranberries
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pulse oats in a food processor to create a coarse flour.
- Add the egg, cranberries, yogurt, and water and mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a small, parchment-lined baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set.
- Cool and cut into snowflake or square shapes.
TURKEY & CRANBERRY MINI MUFFINS FOR DOGS
This recipe by The BritishBaker on Allrecipes can be a great option if your dog prefers something a bit more savory and protein packed. Plus, you may already have the ingredients on hand for your own holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup dried cranberries (with no added sugar or xylitol)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or as needed
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a baking sheet
- Whisk the flour and baking powder and then stir in the cooked turkey meat and dried cranberries.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg, pour in the olive oil, and ½ cup of chicken broth. Mix until it forms a dough.
- Flour your surface and knead the dough for a couple of minutes, roll it out to ¼ inch thickness, and cut out pieces using a festive cookie cutter.
- Bake for approx. 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve once they are cool.
HOLIDAY FOODS DOGS SHOULD AVOID
As you gather your baking supplies, keep in mind that certain foods can be harmful or even toxic for dogs. Some of these items may already be in your baking space, so it is important to double-check before you begin. Here are a few ingredients to avoid:
- Chocolate
- Raisins and grapes
- Any items with xylitol (often found in sugar-free items)
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol-based extracts
- Nutmeg
- Peppermint extract
- Onions and garlic
- Candied fruits
Looking for more holiday dog treat inspo? Check out our post: Holiday Treat Recipes Your Dog Will Love
BRING YOUR DOG TO DAYCARE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Planning a holiday get-together, or looking to fill your dog’s day with fun activities that keep them active and boredom-free? Daycare at Dogtopia can offer a safe, exciting environment for your pup to enjoy with like-minded friends.
We also love offering festive treats for pups during the holidays. Reach out to your local Dogtopia to get your dog’s daycare journey started or to schedule a visit.
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopia.ellisville/)
