The holiday season is a time for sharing joy and treats with the whole family – including our four-legged friends! While many traditional Christmas foods are unsafe for dogs, there are plenty of festive alternatives you can make at home. Here are 10 vet-approved Christmas treat recipes that will have your pup’s tail wagging with holiday cheer.
Important Safety Notes Before You Start
- Always introduce new treats gradually to avoid stomach upset
- Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s size and dietary needs
- If your dog has specific health conditions or allergies, consult your veterinarian before trying new treats
- Store homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week
1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Christmas Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups whole wheat flour (Most dogs can tolerate whole wheat flour, but dogs with grain sensitivities can sub oat flour)
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (Make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Mix all ingredients until well combined
- Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness
- Cut with Christmas-themed cookie cutters
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
2. Festive Turkey and Sweet Potato Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, lean ground turkey
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries (finely chopped, only pure, unsweetened dried cranberries that do not include raisins)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
- Form into small, bite-sized balls
- Place on lined baking sheet
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
3. Apple-Carrot Christmas Stars
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and grated
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients until a dough forms
- Roll out and cut into star shapes
- Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes
4. Minty Fresh Holiday Breath Treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
- Blend oats into flour consistency
- Mix with herbs and remaining ingredients
- Roll out and cut into shapes
- Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes
5. Christmas Morning Breakfast Biscuits
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 mashed banana
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Mix wet ingredients first
- Gradually add flour until dough forms
- Roll out and cut into bone shapes
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
6. Rudolf’s Nose Red Berry Treats
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup strawberries, pureed
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Blend strawberries until smooth
- Mix with other ingredients
- Form into small balls
- Flatten slightly on baking sheet
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
7. Christmas Turkey Dinner Balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- ½ cup green beans, finely chopped
- ½ cup carrots, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly
- Form into small meatballs
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes
8. Gingerbread Dog Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup molasses (Use only unsulfured molasses, as sulfured molasses may upset some dogs’ stomachs)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup coconut oil
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients
- Mix in wet ingredients until dough forms
- Roll out and cut into gingerbread shapes
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes
9. Christmas Morning Egg Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup lean ground turkey, cooked
- ¼ cup spinach, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs
- Mix in remaining ingredients
- Pour into mini muffin tins
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
10. Cranberry Cheese Treat Balls (No-Bake)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cream cheese (reduced fat)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, finely chopped (only pure, unsweetened dried cranberries that do not include raisins)
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
- Mix yogurt and cream cheese until smooth
- Fold in cranberries and oats
- Form into small balls
- Freeze for 2 hours
- Store in refrigerator
Storage and Serving Tips
- Keep baked treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
- Freeze treats for up to 3 months
- For frozen treats, thaw in refrigerator before serving
- Remember to factor treats into your dog’s daily caloric intake
- Start with small portions to ensure your dog tolerates the new treats well
Final Note
While these treats are made with dog-safe ingredients, they should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always supervise your pet when giving them new treats, and discontinue use if you notice any digestive issues or adverse reactions.
Happy holidays to you and your furry friend! 🐾🎄
