The holiday season is the perfect time to show your furry friends just how much they mean to you—and what better way than with some delicious, tail-wagging treats? Whether you’re celebrating with family or cozying up at home, these festive dog-friendly recipes are sure to bring joy to your pup’s holiday season. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods, especially if your pup has any health concerns or dietary restrictions.
Berry Yogurt Dog Treats
These refreshing, colorful yogurt and berry treats are a great way to give your dog a healthy, festive snack. Packed with antioxidants from fresh berries and topped with a smooth layer of dog-safe yogurt, these treats are both delicious and beneficial for your pup’s health. Whether served as a cooling snack or frozen into pupsicles, they will become your dog’s new favorite holiday snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 10 strawberries (diced)
- 20 blueberries
Use an ice cube tray or another treat mold of your choosing and distribute the fresh fruit throughout each pocket. Fill each section of the tray with yogurt and use your spoon to smooth out the top. Freeze for at least five hours. To remove the treats, gently tap the tray on the counter to get the frozen treats out. These can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
If your dog is a peanut butter fanatic, these treats are sure to become a holiday favorite. Simple yet satisfying, these peanut butter dog treats are a delicious and wholesome snack. Whether you cut them into festive shapes or serve them as bite-sized squares, they’re a guaranteed hit for your pup!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of peanut butter (ensure no xylitol)
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the flour and egg into a large mixing bowl. Then, add the peanut butter, honey and water. Mix the ingredients until you have a combined dough.
Tip: You may need to use your hands or a standup mixer as the dough becomes very sticky. - Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a half-inch thick layer. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes.
- Place cookies on tray and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. The dough barely rises in the oven, so you can have them a bit closer together.
- Set aside to cool and when ready, give to your pup to enjoy!
Your Dog’s Christmas Cookies
These festive cookies are made with a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that will have your dog wagging their tail for more. They offer a tasty, lightly sweet flavor with unsweetened applesauce, and a touch of honey. Adding dried cranberries and crunchy pumpkin seeds gives them a festive flair and a boost of nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (consider using rye or rice flour)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, applesauce, honey and olive oil. Stir together until combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough and then roll the dough into a half-inch thick layer.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, then lay out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- To add additional flair, firmly press the pumpkin seeds and chopped cranberries into the top of the cookies.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, they should be a bit firm to touch.
- Before removing the cookies, turn off the oven and open the door. Then allow the cookies to cool for about 20-30 minutes while still in the oven.
- Ensure no children or animals are nearby during this step!
- You may store the cookies on the counter for a few days or in the freezer.
While these holiday treats are made with dog-friendly ingredients, they should still be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Want to treat your dog to even more holiday fun? Bring them to Dogtopia, where we celebrate the season with festive parties, seasonal goodies, and lots of playtime with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever). Whether it’s a holiday-themed playdate or a day of tail-wagging fun, Dogtopia is the perfect place for your pup to enjoy the season! Find a Dogtopia near you and schedule a Meet & Greet today to enjoy our daycare and boarding services!
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopiaofhtx_westuniversity/)
