7 DIY Christmas Dog Treat Recipes

Photo by ginnerobot Foter CC BY-SA

Christmas dog cookies: 7 holiday dog treat recipesBy Stacey-McIntyre-GonzalezThe king of Christmas sweets is defiantly the Christmas cookie. They come in all shapes, sizes and flavors- each evoking the holiday spirit in their own way. Would Santa Claus be able to make it around the world in one night if it weren't for all of those Christmas cookies fueling him? Holiday dreams are built on cookies! Why shouldn't your dog be able to join in on the fun?

Try one of these 7 recipes for Christmas cookies that are dog friendly. Instead of using the same old dog bone cookie cutter to make these treats try something more festive. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter or a snowflake to make your dog treats. Your dog will love chomping down on a yummy snowman. Bake an extra batch to give out to your dog owner friends and coworkers this holiday season. Homemade dog treats make great Christmas gifts- just pick up a decorative Christmas box and wrap some cookies in wax paper to put inside. Finish it off with a bow and a nice gift tag. Not only is it a personal and thoughtful gift but it is also inexpensive. Check out these 7holiday inspired dog treat recipes and do-it-yourself this Christmas! Don’t forget to let all cookies cool down before serving them to any pet.

READ MORE!

Cranberry Dog TreatsOne holiday staple- the cranberry- is not only a safe fruit for your dog but it is also tasty. Cranberries are packed full of antioxidants. The festive fruit is healthy for your dog and supports urinary health. Dog Tipperhas a fresh cranberry recipe to try out on your dog this Christmas. Here’s what you need:

2 cups whole wheat flour2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
1/4 cup molasses
1 cup cranberries
1 egg
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water, as neededVisit Dog Tipper for the rest of the recipe and baking instructions.

Photo by TheGiantVermin Foter CC BY-NC-ND

Irresistible Christmas Cookie Dog Treat RecipeBark Post has an irresistible recipe for dog treats that will have your dog drooling this Christmas. That’s because it uses every pup’s favorite human snack: peanut butter. This unique recipe takes only 15-18 minutes and may just be your pet’s new favorite snack. Here’s what you need:

2 cups flour (whole wheat or non-bleached is best)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
Water as neededVisit Bark Post for the rest of the recipe.

Apple Cranberry dog treatsDoggy Dessert Chef has a festive doggy Christmas cookie recipe- the Apple Cranberry dog treat. Cranberry and apples are safe and healthy fruits for dogs. This healthy and delicious recipe makes 2-3 dozen cookies in only 15 minutes! These are the perfect treats to use a Christmas tree cookie cutter because the cranberries will look like tree ornaments. Here’s what you need:1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup apple sauce
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
Check out this recipe on Doggy Dessert Chef for all the details and baking instructions.
Gingerbread BiscuitsCelebrity chef Rachael Ray has her own holiday inspired dot treat recipe. This Christmas dog treat recipe is a pet friendly take on gingerbread cookies. Make your dog his very own gingerbread man. Take it up a notch by making your own yogurt icing! Here’s what you need:

3  cups  whole wheat flour
1/2  teaspoon  ground ginger
1  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
1/4  cup  plus 1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2  cup  molasses Get the rest of the recipe on Rachael Ray Magazine

Photo by ginnerobot  Foter CC BY-SA

Cranberry & Honey Dog CookiesAdd a little sweetness to your dog’s stocking with this recipe by Dog Treat Kitchen. This simple holiday dog treat recipe is ready in 15 minutes. This recipe is using dried cranberries instead of fresh ones- they are less expensive and easier to find. Just remember not to use deadly raisins- they are not a safe fruit for dogs. Here’s what you need:

1/8 cup applesauce
1/8 cup canola oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp cinnamon
2 1/2 cups wheat flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup dried cranberries, unsweetenedFind out the directions to this recipe on Dog Treat Kitchen

Brie's Turkey and Cranberry Dog Bones
Do you have any leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner? Why not try this recipe that will give your pooch a taste of Christmas dinner. Turkey is a nice lean meat- perfect for a dog with a New Year’s weight loss resolution. This recipe featured on All Recipescombines all the goodness of a turkey dinner into 45 cookies that your dog will go wild for. Here’s what you need:

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup shredded cooked turkey
1 cup dried cranberries
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or as needed Read the rest of the recipe on All Recipes

Holiday BiscuitsCheck out this fun dog treat recipe by Janine Adams- author of You Bake ’Em Dog Biscuits Cookbook- featured on The Bark. These healthy cookies are red and green- perfect for doggy Christmas presents! Here’s what you need:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons safflower oil
1 1/2 cups loosely packed spinach leaves (save time—buy pre-washed spinach)
1/4 cup waterSee the rest of the recipe instructions on The Bark.