Homemade Holiday Dog Treats: 10 Easy Recipes

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The holiday season is the perfect time to spoil your dog with homemade treats that are both delicious and healthy. By making homemade holiday dog treats, you can control the ingredients, ensuring your pup enjoys festive snacks that are safe and nutritious. From pumpkin cookies to frozen yogurt bites, these easy recipes will keep your dog’s tail wagging all season long!

Key Takeaways

• Homemade treats let you use dog-safe, healthy ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and cranberries.
• These recipes are simple, festive, and perfect for including your dog in holiday traditions.
• Great for gift ideas, stocking stuffers, or even a dog treat exchange party with friends.

Homemade Holiday Dog Treats

Whipping up treats at home isn’t just about the food—it’s a way to include your dog in holiday traditions. Imagine hosting a dog-friendly holiday party where every dog has a plate of their favorite snacks! Or perhaps you’re planning a dog treat exchange party to share goodies with your pup’s friends. These recipes are easy, versatile, and perfect for every festive occasion.

1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Cookies

These cookies are the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and festive fun. Peanut butter adds a rich flavor that dogs love, while pumpkin provides digestive benefits. They’re great for holiday parties or as a reward after a walk in the snow.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs. Gradually add flour until dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes using festive cookie cutters.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Festive Tip: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like trees, stars, or snowflakes to make them extra special. Perfect for stuffing into DIY dog holiday stockings!

2. Gingerbread Dog Treats

Who says gingerbread is just for humans? These cozy treats will have your dog drooling over the smell alone. Plus, the festive shapes make them an adorable addition to your holiday snack lineup—perfect for photos!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until dough forms. Roll out and use gingerbread-shaped cookie cutters.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Holiday Flavors: These smell like the holidays but are dog-safe, unlike sugary human gingerbread.

3. Sweet Potato Chews

These chewy, all-natural treats are a win for dogs who love to gnaw. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, making these a healthy alternative to store-bought chews. They’re also fantastic for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
3. Lay the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours until chewy.

4. Frozen Pumpkin and Yogurt Bites

These frozen snacks are a refreshing treat for pups who get a little too warm during holiday excitement (looking at you, overexcited gift openers). The creamy yogurt pairs perfectly with the pumpkin for a festive flavor combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin and yogurt.
2. Spoon into silicone molds and freeze for at least 3 hours.
3. Pop out and serve.

Festive Shapes: Use molds shaped like stars or snowflakes for an Instagram-worthy treat. These can even be part of a DIY dog advent calendar idea!

5. Cranberry and Oat Dog Treats

The tangy taste of cranberries makes these treats unique, while oats provide a satisfying crunch. These festive snacks also make wonderful gifts—just package them in a holiday bag for a thoughtful, homemade touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cranberries (chopped)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients and scoop small balls onto a baking sheet. Flatten with a fork.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Tangy Treats: Cranberries are antioxidant-rich and add a festive twist—great for healthy holiday dog treats.

6. Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits

These biscuits fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of apples and cinnamon, creating holiday vibes for the whole family. They’re a great way to share the joy of baking with your dog and make fantastic stocking stuffers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix applesauce, flour, and cinnamon to form dough. Roll out and cut into shapes.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm.

Seasonal Flavor: Perfect for those cozy holiday vibes.

7. Carrot and Peanut Butter Dog Bites

These small, bite-sized snacks are great for training sessions or as an on-the-go treat during holiday travels. Carrots add a subtle sweetness, while peanut butter ensures these are an instant favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into dough. Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

8. Pumpkin and Banana Treats

Soft, naturally sweet, and easy to make, these treats are a great way to use up overripe bananas. They’re perfect for dogs of all sizes, as you can cut them into any shape or size that suits your pup.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash banana and mix with pumpkin and flour. Add cinnamon if using.
3. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Naturally Sweet: A favorite for pups and perfect for celebrating with pumpkin recipes for dogs!

9. Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits

These biscuits are a protein-packed option for more active dogs or those who need an extra boost. The combination of lean chicken and sweet potatoes makes them a satisfying snack for any time of day.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into dough. Roll out and cut into shapes.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Protein-Packed: Ideal for active dogs needing extra energy during holiday festivities.

10. Frozen Banana and Peanut Butter Kong Stuffing

This is a lifesaver during holiday gatherings when you need your dog to stay busy and calm. The mix of banana, peanut butter, and yogurt freezes into a long-lasting, flavorful treat your dog will savor.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mash banana and mix with peanut butter and yogurt.
2. Stuff into a Kong or freeze in molds.
3. Freeze for a few hours.

Long-Lasting Fun: Keeps dogs entertained during busy holiday moments!

How to Package and Gift Your Dog Treats

Homemade holiday dog treats aren’t just great for your pup—they make fantastic gifts for other dog owners, too! Whether you’re participating in a dog treat exchange party or just want to surprise your neighbor’s dog, packaging these treats creatively can add an extra festive touch.

• Use Holiday-Themed Bags or Boxes: Choose gift bags or boxes decorated with paw prints, snowflakes, or holiday colors. Line them with wax paper to keep the treats fresh.
• Include a Recipe Card: Share the love by including the recipe so other dog owners can make their own batch.
• Seal for Freshness: If giving baked treats, use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to ensure they stay fresh. For frozen treats, gift them in an insulated bag along with instructions for storage.
• DIY Dog Stockings: For an extra special touch, present the treats in a custom stocking made just for the recipient’s dog.

These small gestures are perfect for including your dog-loving friends in the holiday spirit while showing off your baking skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These easy homemade holiday dog treat recipes are the perfect way to share the festive spirit with your dog. You can create healthy and tasty treats that your dog will love using simple, dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and sweet potatoes. From gingerbread biscuits to frozen pumpkin bites, these recipes will make your dog’s holiday season extra special!

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