When the snow starts to fall and carols fill the air, our pups can feel the excitement too. My golden retriever, Bailey, loves to watch me bake, tail wagging and nose twitching at the smell of peanut butter. This year, I wanted to share a few Christmas treats for dogs that bring the same joy to your kitchen wholesome, safe, and tail-waggingly delicious.
Table of Contents
1. PB & Ginger Snaps (Christmas Dog Treats)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Xylitol-free peanut butter | ½ cup |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Whole wheat flour | 2 cups |
| Egg (or 2 tbsp water for binding) | 1 |
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix flour and ginger in a bowl. Add peanut butter and egg.
- Roll out dough, cut into Christmas shapes, and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and golden.
Storage: Keep in an airtight jar for up to 10 days.
Serving: 1 small cookie for dogs under 25 lbs; up to 3 for larger dogs.
Benefits: Peanut butter adds healthy fats; ginger supports digestion.
2. Christmas Pudding Cookie Dog Treats
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat or oat flour | 1½ cups |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ½ cup |
| Peanut butter | ¼ cup |
| Carob chips or yogurt drops | 2 tbsp |
Directions
- Combine flour, applesauce, and peanut butter until dough forms.
- Shape into small round “puddings.”
- Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Decorate with melted carob or yogurt drops once cooled.
Benefits: Fiber-rich oats and natural peanut butter promote a happy tummy.
3. Gingerbread Dog Treats
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 2 cups |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Molasses | ¼ cup |
| Egg or water | 1 |
Directions
- Combine ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into gingerbread men.
- Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes until crisp.
Benefits: Ginger and cinnamon are warming spices perfect for winter.
4. Peanut Butter & Carob Christmas Dog Treats
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Xylitol-free peanut butter | ½ cup |
| Carob powder | 2 tbsp |
| Oat flour | 2 cups |
| Egg or water | 1 |
Directions
- Mix ingredients and roll into balls or flatten for cookies.
- Bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.
Benefits: Carob is a dog-safe alternative to chocolate with a rich flavor dogs adore.
5. Snowflake Shortbread Cookies for Dogs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 2 cups |
| Coconut oil | 2 tbsp |
| Peanut butter | 2 tbsp |
| Water | As needed |
Directions
- Mix flour, coconut oil, and peanut butter.
- Add water slowly until dough holds together.
- Roll out and cut into snowflake shapes.
- Bake at 325°F for 18–20 minutes.
Benefits: Coconut oil supports coat health and adds a light sweetness.
6. Homemade Chicken Jerky for Dogs
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Free-range chicken breast | 2 pieces |
Directions
- Slice chicken thinly and place on parchment-lined tray.
- Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2–3 hours until dry and chewy.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to one week.
Benefits: High-protein, low-fat training treat.
7. Sweet & Spooky No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medjool dates | 6 |
| Pumpkin puree | ¾ cup |
| Almond meal | 1½ cups |
| Carrots (grated) | 2 |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Turmeric | ¼ tsp (+ extra for dusting) |
Directions
- Blend all ingredients until thick.
- Roll into small balls and dust with turmeric.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Benefits: Pumpkin supports digestion, while turmeric helps with inflammation.
Health & Safety Notes
Always use xylitol-free peanut butter. Avoid nutmeg, chocolate, or raisins—they are toxic to dogs. Treats are meant for occasional enjoyment, not meal replacements. For safety confirmation, review PetMD’s list of toxic foods.
FAQs — Christmas Treats for Dogs
Can I use almond flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes. Almond flour works well for gluten-free dogs but offer smaller portions.
2. Can dogs eat carob?
Yes. Carob is safe and often used as a chocolate substitute for dogs.
3. How long do homemade Christmas dog treats last?
Most baked treats last up to 10 days in an airtight jar or two months frozen.
4. Can puppies have these treats?
Yes, but serve softer portions and confirm with your vet.
Holiday Takeaway
Christmas isn’t just for us it’s for our dogs too. With these Christmas treats for dogs, you’ll fill your kitchen with warm smells, your heart with joy, and your pup’s tummy with love. So preheat that oven, grab your cookie cutters, and make this holiday paws-itively special.
