Festive Holiday Treat Recipes for Dogs

The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to show your furry friend some love than with delicious homemade treats? These festive holiday treat recipes for dogs are not only tasty but also healthy, ensuring your pet enjoys the festivities without any guilt. "Creating homemade treats allows you to control the ingredients, making sure they are safe and wholesome for your dog," says Denise Bozenski, holistic pet health coach and owner of Fetch This Canine.

Learn more about Denise here!

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Holiday Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (plain pumpkin only)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 2 1/2 cups oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water a little at a time.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

For more insights on what to feed your dog, check out our blog Fresh Food Diets For Your Pets.

Sweet Potato and Apple Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 2 cups oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/4 cup organic oats
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato and applesauce together.
3. Stir in the flour and oats until well combined. Add the egg and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm and lightly browned.
6. Let cool before serving to your dog.

Carob Chip Holiday Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/2 cup carob powder (a safe alternative to chocolate)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup organic coconut oil, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and carob powder together.
3. In another bowl, combine the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and egg. Mix until well blended.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add water a little at a time.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm.
7. Cool before serving.

Oatmeal and Banana Bites

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the mashed banana, rolled oats, and peanut butter.
3. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. If the mixture is too dry, add water a little at a time.
4. Form small balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

For tips on transitioning your dog to a new diet, read our blog Transitioning Your Pet To a New Diet.

Turkey and Cranberry Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
• 1/4 cup cranberry puree (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey and cranberry puree until well combined.
3. Stir in the flour and egg until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into festive shapes.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Cheesy Holiday Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/2 cup raw shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. In another bowl, combine the broth, egg, and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into festive shapes.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

For more information on nutrition for dogs, read our blog The Benefits of a Raw Diet.

Carrot and Honey Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup honey (ensure your dog isn’t allergic)
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or almond flour)
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated carrots and honey until well blended.
3. Add the flour and egg, mixing until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add water a little at a time.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into festive shapes.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm. Let cool before serving.

Yogurt and Berry Drops

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (cranberries, pomengranates, blueberries, strawberries, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a blender, blend the yogurt and mixed berries until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze until solid, then pop out and serve as a refreshing treat.

Holistic Tips for Treats

When baking treats for your dog, always opt for high-quality, organic and natural ingredients. "Avoid artificial preservatives and sugars; instead, use whole food ingredients that provide nutritional benefits," advises Denise. Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes, especially during the holiday season when treats can be more abundant.

Making festive holiday treats for your dog is a wonderful way to include them in your celebrations. With these simple recipes, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys delicious, healthy snacks this holiday season. "Homemade treats not only taste great, but they also show your dog how much you care," Denise says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are homemade dog treats healthier than store-bought?

Yes, homemade treats allow you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial additives.

How should I store homemade dog treats?

Store treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can also be frozen for longer freshness.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipes?

Yes, feel free to substitute ingredients, but ensure they are safe for dogs!

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