5 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes for Christmas

The holiday season is all about joy, love, and creating memories with those we cherish most—including our beloved dogs! After all, our furry companions are family, and they deserve to feel just as special during Christmas.

So this year, skip the processed store-bought snacks and treat your pup to some homemade goodness. These simple recipes use dog-friendly ingredients and are a great way to show your pup how much they mean to you.

Why Homemade Treats Are Best for Your Dog

Homemade treats give you control over what your dog consumes. Many commercial treats may contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or unhealthy additives. By making treats at home, you ensure:

• Healthier Ingredients: Use natural, dog-safe components like peanut butter, oats, and sweet potatoes.

• Customizable Options: Perfect for dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions.

• Freshness and Quality: Homemade means no fillers or unknown additives.

Your dog will love the effort, and you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing they’re eating something safe and healthy.

5 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes for Christmas

Here are five delicious homemade dog treat recipes to try this holiday season:

1. Ginger Snaps for Dogs

Ginger snaps are a holiday favorite, but regular cookies are too high in fat and sugar for dogs. This dog-safe version keeps the classic ginger flavor and adds health benefits, making it a perfect treat for your furry friend.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown rice flour

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup applesauce

What You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Rolling pin

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cookie cutter (any shape you like)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut oil, honey, egg, and applesauce. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until well combined.

4. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

5. Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Alternatively, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Let the treats cool completely before serving.

Why Ginger and Coconut Oil?

• Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that aids digestion and can ease nausea, making it beneficial for your dog's health.

• Coconut oil is a healthier fat option than butter, as it is gentler on your dog's stomach.

2. Christmas Grinch Dog Biscuits

Celebrate the holidays with these festive, green dog biscuits inspired by the Grinch and his loyal pup, Max! These treats are made with healthy, dog-safe ingredients—no food coloring needed—and are as delicious as they are nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice flour

• 2/3 cup oat flour

• 2 tablespoons spirulina powder

• 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/3 cup water

What You’ll Need:

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Spoon

• Rolling pin

• Parchment paper

• Cookie cutter

• Baking sheet

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Create a well in the center, then add the pumpkin puree and water. Stir until crumbly, then knead into a dough ball.

3. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a festive cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

4. Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.

5. Let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Note: Use the “spoon and level” method to measure flour for accurate results. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

3. Snowflake Shortbread Cookies for Dogs

Baking for your dog has never been easier! These Snowflake Shortbread Cookies are a quick and simple treat to make with safe, dog-friendly ingredients. Decorate with yogurt or carob icing for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups rice flour

• 2 free-range eggs

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon organic honey

• Yogurt or carob drops for icing (optional)

What You’ll Need:

• Lined baking tray

• Whisk

• Mixing bowl

• Snowflake cookie cutter

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and honey in a mixing bowl.

3. Gradually add rice flour to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

4. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a snowflake cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the tray.

5. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on a baking rack.

Tips: Makes about 15 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter. Melt yogurt or carob drops for icing if you’d like to decorate the cookies.

4. Dog Nog Treats

Eggnog is a holiday favorite, but the traditional recipe isn’t safe for dogs. Thankfully, you can make a dog-friendly version using goat’s milk and pumpkin! This tasty treat works as a snack or a meal topper while supporting your dog’s digestion.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup goat’s milk

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree

• 1 egg yolk (beaten)

• Cinnamon (optional)

What You’ll Need:

• Hand blender

• Shallow dish

• Ice cube tray (optional, for freezing into portions)

Instructions:

1. Use a hand blender to mix all the ingredients until frothy.

2. Pour into a shallow dish and sprinkle with cinnamon, or drizzle it over your dog’s regular food.

3. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning (up to 1 month).

5. Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

These homemade dog treats combine peanut butter and banana for a delicious, healthy snack your pup will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups gluten-free oats

• 1 ripe banana

• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)

What You’ll Need:

• Food processor

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutter (any shape you like)

• Lined baking sheet

Instructions:

1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blend oats in a food processor until they resemble coarse flour.

3. Add the banana and peanut butter to the food processor. Blend until the dough forms.

4. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to create treat shapes.

5. Place the shapes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Let the treats cool fully before serving them to your dog.

Tips for Making Dog-Safe Holiday Treats

• Use Dog-Friendly Ingredients: Always avoid toxic foods like chocolate, xylitol, raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts.

• Store Properly: Keep homemade treats in an airtight container. Refrigerate or freeze them to keep them fresh longer.

• Monitor Portions: While these treats are healthy, they should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding.

• Ask Your Vet: If your dog has dietary restrictions or allergies, check with your vet before introducing new treats.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, give your dog the gift of homemade goodness! These recipes are a fun and healthy way to show your love. May your holiday season be filled with joy, wagging tails, and plenty of delicious treats!

Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!

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