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The joy of the holiday season isn't just for humans—our pets deserve to join in the festive fun too! While holiday photos with Santa and cute seasonal outfits are adorable, nothing is more thoughtful than homemade Christmas treats for dogs. As pet parents ourselves, we know that making DIY Christmas dog treats isn’t just about tasty snacks, it’s about creating joyful moments and showing our furry friends that they’re truly part of the family celebration.
Why Make Homemade Dog Christmas Treats?
Making your own dog Christmas cookies and holiday treats is a wonderful way to share the season’s joy with your furry friend. Not only can you control the ingredients to keep them safe, but the love you put into homemade treats is something your dog can truly feel. It’s a small gesture that brings you closer and lets them know they’re a cherished part of the holiday festivities.
Tips for Christmas Dog Treats Safety
Before diving into the Christmas dog treat recipes, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind to protect your pup, since certain holiday ingredients we love can be harmful to dogs. By taking a little extra care in choosing safe ingredients, you can ensure your pet will enjoy the treats as much as you enjoy making them.
Always check ingredients for safety
Introduce new treats gradually to avoid tummy upset
Store properly in airtight containers
Consider any known allergies your dog may have
Consult your vet if your dog has specific dietary needs
If your pet is overweight, consider some healthy treats
Three Easy Christmas Dog Treats Recipes
For holiday dog treats, most recipes require basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, oatmeal, eggs, water, broth, and an all-natural flavor from produce like orange, carrots, apples, and sweet potato. Other flavors often found in Christmas dog treats recipes include cheese, pureed pumpkin, cranberry, and peanut butter. Proteins like chicken and turkey may also be added.
Safety Tip: When adding peanut butter to homemade dog treats be sure that it doesn't contain any xylitol or other artificial sweeteners. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
Festive Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats Recipe
Brie's Turkey and Cranberry Dog Bones makes about 45 treats and has the following ingredients:
3.5 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cooked turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon olive oil
To make these holiday dog treats begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining the baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Stir in the turkey and cranberries. Create a well in the center of this mixture and then drop the egg into that well. Add the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of the broth over the egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add in, by tablespoons, more of the broth.
Knead the dough on a clean, floured surface for about two minutes. Roll dough so it's 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut the treats out with Christmas cookie cutters and place cut outs on the lined baking sheet. Bake the dog treats for 25 minutes until browned.
Turn off the oven and allow the treats to rest in the oven for 30 more minutes. Remove and cool. Refrigerate treats.
Apple-Cheddar Dog Biscuits Recipe
The American Kennel Club has shared this easy holiday dog treat recipe. These apple-cheddar biscuits have healthy ingredients and are a snap to make. All you need is:
2 cups barley flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/3 cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
To make the treats, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl mix all the ingredients plus about three tablespoons of water. Form a dough and then roll it out like sugar cookie dough—about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the biscuits out with favorite Christmas cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies for Dogs
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s simple, safe, and sure to make your dog’s tail wag, these Peanut Butter Christmas Cookies are the perfect choice! Made with ingredients you probably already have on hand; these treats are not only delicious but also crafted with your pup’s health in mind. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread a little holiday cheer to our four-legged friends. Ingredients: For the Dog Treats
2½ cups whole wheat flour
1 large egg
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
For the Frosting
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey
⅓ cup cornstarch
3-4 tablespoons hot water
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
In a large bowl, combine flour and beaten egg
Add peanut butter, water, and honey, stirring until you have a stiff dough
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness
Use festive Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes (stars, trees, bells, or classic bone shapes)
Place treats on prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown at the edges
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Mix icing ingredients and ice cookies
Don't Forget About Cat Christmas Treats!
While dogs often steal the spotlight during the holidays, our cats deserve special treats too! Here are two simple Christmas cat treat recipes that will have your kitties purring with delight:
Quick Microwave Cat Treats:
Ingredients:
1 can of your cat's favorite loaf-style wet food
Optional: pinch of catnip for extra holiday excitement
Instructions
Choose your cat's favorite loaf-style wet food
Cut into 1/4-inch slices, then into bite-sized pieces
Microwave for 2.5-3 minutes until slightly crispy
Cool completely before serving
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Tuna Holiday Bites: Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water, well-drained
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley (great for fresh breath!)
1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Instructions:
Combine 1 can drained tuna, 1 egg, 1 cup flour
Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and a pinch of parsley
Process until dough forms
Roll to 1/4-inch thickness
Cut with small cookie cutters
Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden
Cool completely before serving
Pro Tips:
These treats should be small (about the size of a dime) – perfect for kitty portions
Watch your cat's response – most cats go crazy for the tuna aroma!
Make sure treats are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation
Great for gifting to cat-loving friends during the holidays
Storage Tips for Christmas Treats
Just like we carefully store our own holiday cookies, proper storage of dog Christmas treats ensures they stay fresh and safe for our furry friends to enjoy. Here's everything you need to know about keeping those tail-wagging treats delicious:
Keep your DIY holiday dog treats fresh with these storage guidelines:
Refrigerator: Store treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks to keep them fresh and odor-free. Label with the date to track freshness.
Freezer: Store treats in the freezer for up to 6 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and portion into smaller bags for easy thawing.
Room temperature: Store treats at room temperature for 5-7 days, away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. This is best for treats without perishable ingredients.
A Gift of Protection: Beyond Holiday Treats
While creating homemade Christmas dog treats (and Christmas cat treats!) shows our pets how much we care during the holidays, protecting their health year-round is equally important. Just as we carefully select wholesome ingredients for our DIY holiday dog treats, choosing the right pet insurance for your pets helps ensure our furry friends stay healthy to enjoy many festive seasons to come. There's no greater peace of mind than knowing your pet is protected against unexpected illnesses or accidents, especially during the busy holiday season when curious pups might be tempted by decorations or festive foods they shouldn't sample.
Beyond basic insurance coverage, adding a non-insurance wellness plan can help cover routine care and preventative services. Think of it like having a recipe for year-round wellness – just as our holiday treats recipes use specific ingredients for the best results, a comprehensive health plan combines protection for unexpected events with coverage for preventative care. This combination helps keep your pet healthy from nose to tail, ensuring they're ready for all of life's celebrations.
Celebrating the Season with Peace of Mind
The joy of watching our pets enjoy special holiday treats becomes even sweeter when we know we've provided them with complete protection. Like the love we pour into making Christmas dog cookies and holiday treats, investing in their healthcare is another expression of how much we cherish them. As you celebrate this festive season with your furry family members, sharing special moments and homemade treats, rest assured that with proper protection in place, you're giving them the most meaningful gift of all – the promise of many healthy, happy holidays to come. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with delicious treats, wonderful memories, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your beloved pets are protected all year long.