Christmas Dog Treat Recipes: 6 Great Options (Vet Approved)
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View 2 More +Christmas is a time for celebration and an excellent excuse to share our appreciation for those we love. If you have a furry four-legged family member, there’s no reason you can’t make them feel special this holiday season, too!
Yuletide treats can be the perfect gift for anyone, including your dog. Show your pup how much you care by serving these tasty Christmas dog treat recipes.
The 6 Christmas Dog Treat Recipes
1. Peanut Butter Bites
Peanut Butter Bites
A classic peanut butter treat is a sure-fire hit for most dogs. With this recipe for holiday bites, a simple blend of peanut butter and natural honey sweetness makes an enticing and nutritious reward. Break out the Christmas cookie cutters to add seasonal flair to these easy-to-bake creations.
Prep time
5 min
Cook time
25 min
Total time
30 min
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp. water
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/5 tsp. baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until you form a stiff dough. Add more flour if it is too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until firm.
- Roll the dough to a ½-inch thickness and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet at least ½ an inch apart, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them stand for 1–2 hours to cool and harden.
Notes
2. Holiday Dog Treat + Sweet Potatoes from Lemons and Basil
| Prep Time: | 35 mins. |
| Bake Time: | 30 mins. |
| Total Time: | 1 hr. 5 mins. |
| Servings: | 42 |
| Calories: | 54 kcal/serving |
Bring out the warm, inviting aromas of the season with this sweet potato cookie recipe from Lemons and Basil. The smells of sweet potato, peanut butter, and cinnamon converge in these bakeable delights, offering a delicious treat your dog will be aching to try. Whip up a giant batch this Christmas to give to your dog and all their friends.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Blender or food processor
- Small and large bowls
- Cookie sheet
- Cookie cutter
3. Candy Cane Dog Treats from First Home Love Life
| Prep Time: | 30 mins. |
| Bake Time: | 40 mins. |
| Total Time: | 1 hr. 10 mins. |
| Servings: | 40 |
| Calories: | 49 kcal/serving |
Candy canes aren’t just for people anymore. Thanks to this fun twist on the quintessential Christmas treat, you can offer your pet a dog-friendly and 100% delicious pumpkin and peanut butter version for the holidays. Skip the artificial food dyes and use beet juice instead for a healthy, vibrant dose of color.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
4. Cranberry Dog Treats from Our Kind of Wonderful
| Prep Time: | 10 mins. |
| Bake Time: | 30 mins. |
| Total Time: | 40 mins. |
| Servings: | 40 |
| Calories: | 55 kcal/serving |
Cranberry is an essential flavor of the holiday season and one your pet will love. Maybe they aren’t the healthiest snack, but you don’t have to feel bad about spoiling your dog with these fruity and sweet treats now and then. Bake and freeze a batch before the big day for a homemade stocking stuffer your dog won’t forget.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large bowl
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
5. Cranberry Applesauce Dog Treats from Sparkles & Sunshine
| Prep Time: | 10 mins. |
| Bake Time: | 15 mins. |
| Total Time: | 25 mins. |
| Servings: | 30 |
| Calories: | 33 kcal/serving |
Give your dog a healthier treat full of festive flavors with these cranberry applesauce dog treats. Cut the dough into your favorite Christmas shapes and bake, and you’ll have a fresh assortment ready in minutes. With fewer calories than many other sugary treats, you won’t mind your dog stealing an extra cookie or two.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
6. Peanut Butter, Banana, and Carob Dog Treats from Dalmatian DIY
| Prep Time: | 10 mins. |
| Bake Time: | 15 mins. |
| Total Time: | 25 mins. |
| Servings: | 30 |
| Calories: | 35 kcal/serving |
Even though your pup can’t enjoy chocolate Christmas treats, they can get the next best thing with these peanut butter and banana cookies featuring dog-friendly carob. The low-calorie holiday snacks are as healthy as they are delicious and are an inspiring option when your dog gets bored with their typical treats.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
How Many Christmas Treats Can I Give My Dog?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no single answer to how many treats they can eat daily. The general rule is to limit them to only 10% of your dog’s diet. If your dog eats 1,000 calories daily, 100 can be in treats.
More critical than counting calories is checking ingredients. Homemade treats provide countless creative possibilities, but it’s easy to add components that sound tasty but are dangerous for dogs.
For instance, chocolate and xylitol are two common hazards in foods you might accidentally use in your recipes. Watch for questionable ingredients, and research anything you aren’t 100% sure is safe.
Consider your dog’s unique needs as well. Although many ingredients are generally dog-friendly, they may still conflict with medical conditions. Consult a vet if you have any uncertainties before arranging your dog’s Christmas treat menu.
Final Thoughts
Baking is one of the most enjoyable holiday traditions, and our dogs give us a perfect excuse to keep the oven blazing. Find your dog’s favorite flavors for custom treats that’ll have them begging for more. Take inspiration from these Christmas dog treat recipes to build the ultimate pet-friendly holiday menu this year!
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Zivica Kerkez, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
