Top 5 Holiday Recipes for Your Dog
The holidays are the perfect time to spoil your best four-legged friend. A few homemade treats can turn any celebration into something your dog looks forward to as much as you do.
Below are five festive recipes worth adding to your holiday baking list. Each one uses simple, dog-friendly ingredients and makes a thoughtful gift for the pups in your life.
Dog Candy Canes
Adapted from Dog Treat Kitchen, these dog candy canes take a bit more effort than the average treat, but the payoff is worth it. The chicken-and-peppermint flavor is a favorite, and they freeze well for up to six months.
Tuck a few into a small gift box and you have a ready-made present for a fellow dog lover.
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Treats
If you want something quick, the pumpkin and peanut butter treats from 2 Bees in a Pod come together fast. You only need six pantry staples:
- Canned pumpkin
- Whole wheat flour
- Peanut butter
- Eggs
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Mix everything together, roll it out, and use a cookie cutter to make festive shapes. Just be sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free, since that sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Christmas Carob Mint Cookies
Chocolate is off-limits for dogs, so these Christmas carob mint cookies from Paw Luxury use melted carob for a rich, chocolate-like flavor that's safe to share. Stack them in a gift box or a ribbon-tied cellophane bag for a grand holiday gesture.
Nutty Bacon Treats
These crowd-pleasers from Dog Hill Kitchen combine three flavors dogs adore: all-natural peanut butter, bacon, and maple syrup. The blogger behind the recipe says her own dogs couldn't get enough, and yours likely won't either.
Five-Ingredient Christmas Cookies
Short on time? BarkPost's Christmas cookie dog treats need just five easy-to-find ingredients:
- Flour
- Peanut butter
- Baking powder
- Water
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt
Roll, cut into holiday shapes, and bake. It's one of the simplest ways to add a homemade touch to your celebrations.
Keep Holiday Treats Safe
Homemade treats let you control exactly what goes into your dog's diet, which matters during a season full of tempting table scraps. Before baking, review the ASPCA's guidance on people foods to avoid feeding your pets so you know which ingredients to keep off the menu.
Treats should also stay a small part of your dog's daily calories. For portioning and healthy weight tips, the AVMA offers helpful advice on preventing obesity in pets.
Treats Every Breed Can Enjoy
These recipes work for dogs of all sizes, from a tiny Chihuahua to a sturdy Labrador Retriever. Smaller breeds like the Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier simply need smaller portions to match their size.
Whichever pup shares your holidays, a little homemade care goes a long way toward making the season special.
Thinking about adding a new companion to your family this holiday season? Browse our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, explore all the dog breeds we carry, and ask our team about pet financing and payment options to help bring your new best friend home.