Cozy Holiday Story
Every December, my dog sits by the kitchen door the moment he smells warm spices drifting through the house. His tail thumps the floor as if he already knows it’s time for our Christmas Dog Treats tradition. Watching him wait for his special cookies makes holiday baking even sweeter. These homemade treats look festive, stay dog-safe, and bring so much joy to a winter afternoon.
Table of Contents
What Makes Christmas Dog Treats Icing Safe?
Traditional icing uses sugar and dyes that aren’t safe for pups. Christmas Dog Treats icing needs natural, gentle ingredients. Using yogurt, cornstarch, beet powder, or spinach powder gives you a bright color without harming your dog. This simple frosting spreads easily and dries with a smooth matte finish.
Dog-Safe Icing Recipe (For Any Christmas Dog Treats)
Ingredients (Base Frosting)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened) | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch | 2–3 tbsp |
| Honey (optional, for shine) | 1 tsp |
| Beet or spinach powder | As needed for color |
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt with cornstarch until you have a thick frosting. The mixture should feel smooth and spoonable.
- Add honey if you want a shiny finish that still stays dog-safe.
- Stir in beet powder for red or spinach powder for green. Start with ¼ teaspoon to build color slowly.
- Use the icing right away. Pipe it onto cooled cookies or spread gently with a spoon.
Gingerbread Christmas Dog Treats with White Frosting
Ingredients (Cookies)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat flour | 2 cups |
| Pumpkin purée (unsweetened) | ½ cup |
| Peanut butter (xylitol-free) | 2 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly with soft centers.
- Stir pumpkin, peanut butter, egg, and ginger in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the oat flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut gingerbread men or stars.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the edges look lightly golden.
- Cool fully, then decorate with white yogurt frosting for a festive shine.
Peanut Butter & Beet Candy Cane Christmas Dog Treats
Ingredients (Cookies)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ½ cup |
| Peanut butter (xylitol-free) | ¼ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Beet powder | 1 tsp |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix applesauce, peanut butter, egg, and flour into a thick dough.
- Divide the dough in half. Add beet powder to one half to make a red dough.
- Roll thin ropes of each color and twist them together like candy canes.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until firm.
- Cool and drizzle with green spinach icing for a holiday pop.
Storage & Serving Guide for Christmas Dog Treats
Store iced cookies in the fridge for 5–7 days. Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 2 months. Do not leave yogurt-iced treats at room temperature for long periods. Always use xylitol-free peanut butter. Check with your vet if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities.
Treat Portions (By Dog Weight)
| Dog Weight | Safe Portion | Max per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 1 small cookie | 1 |
| 20–50 lbs | 1–2 small cookies | 2 |
| Over 50 lbs | 2–3 small cookies | 3 |
Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity and health needs.
Health Benefits
- Greek yogurt: Gentle probiotics for happy tummies.
- Pumpkin: Fiber for digestion.
- Oat flour: Soft on sensitive stomachs.
- Beet & spinach powder: Natural color with antioxidants.
- Peanut butter: Protein and healthy fats (xylitol-free only).
FAQs About Christmas Dog Treats
1. Can I use regular icing instead of dog-safe icing?
No. Regular icing has too much sugar for dogs. Dog-safe yogurt icing is the best choice for Christmas Dog Treats.
2. Does the icing dry hard?
It dries semi-firm in the fridge, perfect for designs but still gentle for dogs to chew.
3. Can I swap beet powder for food coloring?
Avoid artificial dyes. Natural powders are safer for Christmas Dog Treats.
4. Can I make the icing thicker?
Add more cornstarch a teaspoon at a time until it holds its shape.
5. Are these cookies okay for puppies?
Yes, in small amounts, but skip the honey and keep portions tiny. Always ask your vet if unsure.
6. Can I freeze the icing?
Freezing isn’t recommended because yogurt icing can separate.
Final Takeaway
Your kitchen will smell warm and festive, and your dog will be thrilled to enjoy Christmas Dog Treats made with love and safe icing. Happy holiday baking!