A Little Holiday Story
Every Christmas, my dog follows me around the kitchen hoping for a lick of something yummy. Last year, I started making simple Christmas Dog Treats as little gifts for his dog friends. The way their tails wagged felt like the sweetest gift of the season. These homemade treats smell cozy, look adorable in gift bags, and bring so much joy to every pup who tastes them. This year, your dog can enjoy the same holiday magic too.
Table of Contents
1. Gingerbread Dog Bones: Christmas Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients for Gingerbread Dog Bones
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat flour | 2 cups |
| Pumpkin purée (unsweetened) | ½ cup |
| Peanut butter (xylitol-free) | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp |
How to Make Gingerbread Dog Bones
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly and develop a warm, cozy smell that pups love.
- Mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg in a bowl. The mixture should look smooth and thick.
- Stir in the oat flour and ginger. The dough will become soft and easy to roll.
- Roll the dough and cut out bone or holiday shapes. Snowmen and stars look adorable in gift bags.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. The treats should feel firm with slightly crisp edges.
- Cool the treats completely before gifting. Warm treats can create moisture in packaging.
2. Peppermint Yogurt Snowflakes: Christmas Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients for Yogurt Snowflakes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened) | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley or mint (finely chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tsp |
How to Make Yogurt Snowflakes
- Mix the yogurt, parsley or mint, and honey. The minty scent makes these fresh-breath treats perfect Christmas Dog Treats.
- Spoon the mix into silicone snowflake molds. The shapes pop out easily once frozen.
- Freeze for 2–3 hours. The treats should be solid with clean edges.
- Package them in small freezer-safe bags or containers. Ideal for local gifting.
Storage & Gifting Tips for Christmas Dog Treats
Store gingerbread bones in an airtight container for 7 days or freeze for 2 months.
Yogurt snowflakes should stay in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.
Always label treats, list ingredients, and note when items must be kept cool.
Tie your packages with a simple ribbon to make each gift extra special.
Treat Portions by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight | Serving | Max Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 1 small treat | 1–2 treats |
| 20–50 lbs | 1–2 treats | 2–3 treats |
| Over 50 lbs | 2–3 treats | 3–4 treats |
Always adjust portions based on your dog’s needs. Check with your vet if your pup has allergies or a sensitive tummy.
Health Benefits of These Christmas Dog Treats
Pumpkin adds gentle fiber for digestive support.
Oat flour is easy to digest and great for wheat-sensitive pups.
Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein when xylitol-free.
Greek yogurt adds calcium and probiotics for gut support.
Mint or parsley helps freshen breath in a natural way.
Honey adds a little sweetness but should be used in tiny amounts.
FAQs About Christmas Dog Treats
1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, but some pups are sensitive to wheat. Oat flour keeps these Christmas Dog Treats gentle on the belly.
2. Can dogs have ginger?
Small amounts are safe and give a warm holiday flavor.
3. Do the yogurt snowflakes melt quickly?
Yes. They soften after a few minutes, so keep them frozen until it’s treat time.
4. Can I ship these treats as gifts?
Gingerbread bones ship well, but frozen treats should only be gifted nearby.
5. Are these treats safe for puppies?
Yes in small portions. Skip honey for puppies under one year.
6. Can I add colors to make them festive?
Natural powders like beet or spinach are safer than artificial dyes.
A Happy Holiday Takeaway
These Christmas Dog Treats bring warmth, fun, and a whole lot of tail-wagging joy. Sharing them with your pup or gifting them to friends makes the season feel even more magical.