Homemade Holiday Dog Treats: A Festive Recipe Your Pup Will Love!

Does your furry friend deserve something special this holiday season? Let them join in the Christmas cookie tradition with these healthy, homemade dog treats! These festive cookies are not only tail-waggingly delicious but also made with natural ingredients you can trust.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

• Control over ingredients (perfect for dogs with sensitivities)
• More affordable than store-bought specialty treats
• A fun holiday activity for the whole family
• Fresher and healthier than commercial alternatives

The Perfect Holiday Dog Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for wheat-sensitive pups)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• ¼ cup dry milk powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Holiday-themed cookie cutters

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and milk powder. If using cinnamon, add it now.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, broth, and egg until you have a well-combined dough.
4. Shape:
   • Dust your surface with flour
   • Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness
   • Cut into festive shapes (stars, trees, bones)
5. Bake:
   • Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheet
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown
   • Cool completely before serving

Storage Tips

• Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw individual treats as needed

Safety Notes

• Always let treats cool completely before serving
• Start with one treat to ensure your dog tolerates the ingredients
• Consult your veterinarian if your dog has specific dietary restrictions
• Remember: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake

Recipe Variations

Want to make these treats even more special? Try these vet-approved add-ins:

• Mashed pumpkin (great for digestion)
• Finely chopped carrots
• Small pieces of lean, cooked turkey
• A touch of peanut butter (xylitol-free only!)

Share Your Creations!

We’d love to see your pup enjoying these holiday treats! Share your photos in the comments below or tag us on social media with #HolidayPupTreats.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
• If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually
• If too dry, add a splash of broth
• Choose smaller cookie cutters for training-sized treats

Remember, the best part of making these treats isn’t just the end result – it’s the joy of creating something special for your four-legged family member. Nothing beats seeing those eager eyes and wagging tails as they sample their homemade holiday cookies!

Have you made holiday treats for your dog before? What are their favorite flavors? Let us know in the comments below!