The holiday season is the perfect time to spread joy and show love to every member of your family, including your furry friend! Baking homemade dog treats is a fun and rewarding way to ensure your pup enjoys the festivities as much as you do. In this guide, you’ll find easy-to-make homemade holiday dog treat recipes that are delicious and safe for your canine companion.
Common Ingredients To Avoid
Before you start baking, you should know which ingredients are safe for dogs and which ones to avoid. Common household ingredients like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and certain artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) can be toxic to dogs. Always double-check ingredients and consult your vet if you’re unsure about any item. Keeping your furry friend safe is the top priority.
Peanut Butter and Banana
Kick off your holiday baking with these simple yet tasty peanut butter and banana treats. Mash a ripe banana and mix it with a cup of natural peanut butter. Add two cups of whole wheat flour and a teaspoon of baking powder. Roll out the dough, use a cookie cutter to create fun holiday shapes, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Your dog will love these chewy delights!
Pumpkin and Oatmeal Biscuits
Celebrate the fall season with pumpkin and oatmeal biscuits. Combine one cup of canned pumpkin (make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling) with two cups of rolled oats and an egg. Mix well and form into small balls. Flatten them slightly on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. These biscuits are perfect for a cozy autumn snack.
While you’re waiting for the biscuits to cook, make yourself a batch of mulled cider and apple filling. You can use this for cakes, cupcakes, toast, or dinner rolls. It’s the perfect filling for the fall and holiday season!
Festive Apple and Cinnamon Cookies
For a winter treat, try apple and cinnamon cookies. Grate one apple and mix with two cups of rice flour, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and two tablespoons of honey. Form the dough into small cookie shapes and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. The warm scent of cinnamon will fill your home, and your pup will enjoy these festive cookies.
Dog-Friendly Holiday Cake Pops
Make dog-friendly cake pops! Mix one cup of whole wheat flour and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside. Mash two bananas and then add an egg, half a cup of milk, a quarter cup of peanut butter, and a stick of softened butter. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased or silicone nine-by-nine cake pan. Place into a 350-degree oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Let the cake cool for five minutes, and then crumble the cooled cake into a fine texture.
Stir one and a half cups of peanut butter with the cake crumbs. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them into the freezer covered in plastic wrap. You want the balls to firm up enough to dip into yogurt. Roll the balls in a bowl of your dog’s favorite yogurt and place a stick in each ball before the yogurt firms. To ensure the cake pop stays on the stick, dip the stick in a bit of softened peanut butter. Your dog will love this festive and fun treat!
Baking homemade holiday dog treats is a wonderful way to show your dog just how much you love them. By choosing safe ingredients and following these recipes, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys delicious and healthy treats throughout the festive season. Start baking today and create joyful memories with your loyal companion.
love to make treats for my fur babies!!