‘Tis the season to be jolly, and for many people, that means celebrating with great food and loved ones, including furry family members. Tasty holiday dog treats can be a great way to make the season festive for your four-legged friend, but it’s important to make sure you’re feeding your dog Christmas cookies that are flavorful and safe. This guide to holiday dog treats provides information that can keep your pooch happy and healthy while you celebrate the season.
Homemade Holiday Dog Treats
Why Homemade?
If you’ve never made dog treats, give it a try. Baking biscuits and chews for your pup is surprisingly easy, and homemade treats make great Christmas presents for your favorite canines.
Making Christmas dog treats also lets you control what your dog is eating. You can cater to your pet’s dietary needs, choosing ingredients that accommodate food allergies and flavor preferences. You’ll also get the joy of creating something special for your beloved pet.
Festive Holiday Dog Treats Recipes
“Gingerbread” Cookies for Dogs
Gingerbread cookies made for human consumption contain spices that can harm your dog, but dog-friendly gingerbread cookie recipes like this one deliver a holiday flavor dogs can enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups dog-safe flour (e.g., oat, almond or chickpea flour)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
- 1/2 cup coconut cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Combine dry ingredients and then form a well in the center. Add the remaining ingredients and mix them together into a firm dough, adding water as needed to reduce crumbliness. Refrigerate the dough for about an hour.
Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut it into shapes of a suitable size, and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Decorate the cooled biscuits with melted carob, yogurt chips or white chocolate.
Cranberry and Turkey Bites
Turn the classic holiday flavors of turkey and cranberries into mouthwatering dog treats using this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Divide the mixture into 2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil them on high for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re cooked through.
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Festive Shapes
Dogs love peanut butter and pumpkin, so combine them for an irresistible treat with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat (or other dog-safe) flour
- 1/3 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Then, use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create dog treats in festive shapes. For soft biscuits, bake them about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For crunchy biscuits, bake them for about 35 minutes.
Tips for Baking Dog Treats
When baking treats, always use dog-safe ingredients and practice proper food handling practices, so wash your hands before and after touching ingredients. Let the biscuits cool thoroughly before packaging. If they contain meat or butter or have a high moisture content, they should be refrigerated for up to several weeks, but you can store drier treats at room temperature in an airtight container. To keep your treats fresh longer, package them separately and freeze them.
Store-Bought Dog Holiday Treats: Choosing Wisely
Reading Labels Like a Pro
If you’re in a time crunch, store-bought dog treats can be a great alternative, but make sure to read the label. High-quality treats should contain natural ingredients with limited fillers, and be sure to check the ingredient list for harmful additives, such as xylitol or chocolate, or items your dog is sensitive to. Whenever possible, buy dog treats that are made and sourced in the USA.
Festive Finds
Brands often sell seasonally themed dog treats during the holidays. For example, BLUE Santa Snacks come in chewy festive shapes, and Buddy Biscuits offers gingerbread-flavored treats. Some manufacturers also offer grain-free or limited-ingredient options, such as Bocce’s Chicken and Pumpkin Snowman Snacks. You’ll find these festive goodies at major online pet retailers or local pet shops.
Safety First
Your dog’s safety should always come first. When choosing holiday dog treats, it’s important to consider your dog’s size and chewing habits to reduce the risk of choking, and you should always supervise your pet when it has treats or chews. Stick to appropriate portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, and limit treats that contain sugary additives, such as molasses or white chocolate.
Halo Collar’s Role in Holiday Treat Safety
Preventing Overindulgence
During the holidays, your kitchen and dining area can become an enticing smorgasbord for a curious pup. Halo Collar’s GPS fence helps prevent dogs from sneaking extra treats from the cheese platter on your coffee table or begging indulgent guests for scraps during family gatherings.
The collar can be used to create “no-go zones” around tempting holiday displays like gingerbread houses or dessert tables and can keep your pup from getting underfoot at dinnertime.
Activity Tracking and Treats
With all the scrumptious food around, it’s easy to overfeed your pets during the holidays. With the Halo collar’s activity-tracking feature, you can make informed treat decisions, such as how to balance treats and exercise. If you’ve been feeding your dog more treats than usual, the Halo collar can help you adjust your pup’s activity goals so it stays fit and trim.
Happy Holidays and Happy Pups!
Whether you and your furry bestie dress in matching sweaters for the family’s big celebration or spend cold evenings dozing by the fireplace, sharing your life with dogs can make any time more fulfilling. So go ahead, indulge your pup with a special treat (or two), and read more about dog safety so you give your pup the best gift of all: a safe and joyous holiday season for all.
