The holidays are a time to break out the baking sheets and indulge in festive cookies. Why not include your canine friend in the fun? Whip up some Christmas dog treats for your own pooch or as gifts for the dog lovers in your life. You could even make some to donate to your local animal shelter. Whatever you choose, these easy and healthy dog cookie recipes are sure to put you on Santa's nice list.
Dog treats shouldn't exceed 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. More than that could put your dog at risk for serious health complications, like pancreatitis, diabetes, and obesity.
Christmas Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Have some uncooked sweet potatoes from your holiday food prep? Use them to make some cookies for your sweet pooch! This dog treat recipe calls for only four ingredients and is highly adaptable. You can substitute the sweet potato for yam, pumpkin, or whatever cooked squash you have on hand. Just avoid using ingredients cooked with spices or oil in order to keep your pup safe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup oats
- 1/3 cup cooked sweet potato cubes
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stir the flour and oats together.
- Roughly mash the sweet potato, then add in the egg.
- Add the sweet potato and egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
- Add additional flour or small amounts of water as needed to form a dough.
- Roll out onto a floured surface and cut into cookies using your favorite holiday cookie cutter.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Gently transfer cookies to a wire rack until entirely cool.
- Store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.
- Makes about 12 cookies.
Cranberry Oat Dog Christmas Cookie Recipe
Cranberries are a holiday must-have, and they're safe for your pup, too (in moderation). This recipe calls for dried cranberries, unsweetened to give your homemade Christmas dog treats a festive feel. You can also substitute them for fresh berries or even blueberries, though most dogs aren't crazy about the tartness of fresh cranberries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats
- 2 eggs
- 1/8 cup apple sauce
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, without any added ingredients (avoid sugar or Xylitol!)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
- Stir together the flour and oats.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and apple sauce.
- Add mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Add flour or water as needed to form a dough, then roll out onto a floured surface.
- Cut out treats using your favorite Christmas or pet cookie cutters.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Place on a wire rack until entirely cool, then serve.
- Store in a sealed container for up to 5 to 7 days.
- Makes about 12 cookies, depending on size.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
It's no secret dogs love peanut butter, so incorporating this ingredient into your homemade holiday treats will surely be a hit. Just make sure you use a natural peanut butter that doesn't contain harmful ingredients, such as grape jelly or Xylitol.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup peanut butter, without any added ingredients such as Xylitol
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons apple sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix peanut butter, egg, and apple sauce together.
- Add the wet mixture to flour and mix until incorporated.
- Add flour or water as needed to form a dough, then roll out onto a floured surface.
- Use your favorite cookie cutter shape to cut the treats.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Place on a wire rack until entirely cool, then serve.
- Store in an airtight bag or container for 5 to 7 days.
- Makes around 12 cookies
Mini Bacon and Banana Holiday Pupcake Recipe
Some dogs aren't into crunchy treats, which is why these mini muffins, or "pupcakes," are a great alternative. These Christmas dog treats are soft, tasty, and use limited ingredients. Just keep in mind they'll come out slightly dense because the recipe doesn't call for baking soda or powder.
Unfortunately, these leavening ingredients can upset your dog's stomach, so it's best to leave them out. But these pupcakes don't skimp on flavor because, well, bacon (need we say more?).
Ingredients:
- 1 & ½ cups flour
- 2 large bananas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 3 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mash the bananas, then combine them with the eggs and yogurt.
- Stir in the flour and mix until incorporated.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon.
- Scoop into a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- Bake for 11 to 14 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.
- Remove from the pan and onto a cooling rack.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7 to 10 days.
- Makes about 24 mini muffins.
You should always check with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your dog's diet, especially if they have any ongoing health conditions.
Dog-Approved Dried Apple Treats
Not up for baking cookies or muffins? Try these easy one-ingredient apple chips instead. Apples are a low-calorie treat rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Drying them allows you to easily tote these snacks around with you, or you can wrap them up and gift them to your pup's best dog buddies. If you have a dehydrator, you can use that instead of the oven.
Ingredients:
- 3 apples
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Core apples and cut them into very thin slices.
- Arrange as a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until curled and crisp.
- Allow to cool, then serve or store in a sealed container for 5 to 7 days.
Strawberry Mint Doggy Cookie Recipe
Strawberry and mint might not sound very Christmasy, but the result is a biscuit that’s naturally red and green, which is perfect for the holiday! The strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, and a touch of mint can help freshen your dog’s breath (though adding too much can cause stomach upset). Follow the recipe in this video to make a batch for your pup.
Dog-Safe Icing Recipe for Treats
What’s a Christmas cookie without that delicious layer of icing? Traditional frostings aren’t safe for dogs, but you can whip up this dog-friendly version with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
Not all baking ingredients are safe for dogs. If you decide to divert from these recipes, avoid including any of these toxic or harmful ingredients in your Christmas dog treats.
The Most Important Ingredient Is Love
Baking homemade holiday treats for your pup can be a fun and fulfilling experience. Just don't overdo it with the treats because too much of anything can lead to stomach upset, and no one wants to deal with a vet visit around Christmas. But with the right balance, you and your canine companion can both enjoy a tasty and safe holiday.
