The holidays are a time to spoil our loved ones, including our furry, tail-wagging family members! Don’t forget your pup while baking cookies and preparing meals. Homemade, pet-safe snacks are a fun way to include them in the festivities while keeping them healthy and happy.
Here are some easy, dog-friendly holiday treat recipes to make this season extra special for your four-legged friend.
Peanut Butter Pup Cookies
These simple, delicious cookies are made with everyday ingredients your dog will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for pups with allergies)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flour, peanut butter, applesauce, and water in a bowl to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and shape the treats with festive cookie cutters (like stars or trees).
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tip: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for long-term freshness.
Festive Frozen Yogurt Bites
These yogurt bites are refreshing and healthy, perfect for pups who enjoy cool treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup chopped, unsweetened cranberries
Instructions:
- Combine yogurt, pumpkin purée, and cranberries in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays shaped like snowflakes or ornaments.
- Freeze for 4+ hours until solid.
- Pop the treats out of the molds and serve!
Tip: These treats are also great for dogs anxious during holiday gatherings—licking can help calm them down.
Sweet Potato Chew Sticks
These chewy, single-ingredient snacks are a natural alternative to store-bought treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Slice the sweet potato lengthwise into thin strips.
- Lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until chewy.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
Tip: These treats are perfect for dogs watching their weight or needing a low-fat snack.
Gingerbread Dog Treats
A dog-safe twist on a classic holiday treat!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and use gingerbread-shaped cookie cutters.
- Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
Important Note: Do not use nutmeg or other unsafe spices in your dog’s treats.
Holiday Dog Nog
Let your pup raise a paw in celebration with this festive drink!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or lactose-free milk
- 1/2 mashed banana
- 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend the milk, banana, and yogurt until smooth.
- Pour into a small bowl or serve as a topper for your dog’s regular meal.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon (optional) for a festive touch.
Tip: This is perfect for holiday movie nights with your furry friend!
Pet Safety Reminder
While treating your dog is fun, ensuring the ingredients are safe is essential.
Avoid harmful foods such as:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (found in some peanut butter and sugar-free foods)
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Nutmeg
If you’re unsure about an ingredient, consult your vet for guidance.
Need Help During the Holidays?
The holidays can get hectic, but you don’t have to handle everything alone. A Villi Companion can help with tasks like:
- Running errands to pick up pet supplies.
- Helping prepare dog-friendly treats.
- Keeping your pet company while you host or travel.
With Villi, you and your pup can enjoy a stress-free season knowing you have the support you need.
Make This Holiday Season Special for Your Pup
Make these homemade, dog-friendly treats to include your furry friend in the holiday fun. Whether it’s baking Peanut Butter Pup Cookies or serving Holiday Dog Nog, these recipes will have your dog’s tail wagging with joy.
The Villi team is here to help.
Do you need help with a loved one? Then, consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.
Explore our services to learn more about our:
- Homemaker and companionship services
- Easy-to-use scheduling platform
- “Best Value” service pricing
- Only 1-hour service minimum
Sign up in seconds to enjoy free 24-hour access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.
If you have questions about our services, please call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.
Article Sources:
American Kennel Club – How to Make Homemade Dog Treats
ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Humane Society – Holiday Safety Tips for Pets
Animal Humane Society – Fill your dog’s stocking with homemade, dog-healthy holiday cookies