The Perfect Holiday Treat
Homemade dog treats make terrific presents for anyone who has a furry friend at home! Package them up in a mason jar, tie on some ribbon and they’re sure to be a huge hit with all your four-legged friends this holiday season.
Calvin's Christmas Cookies
Don’t leave your furry friend out when it comes to the holiday cookie fun! These holiday cookies for your pup are not only festive with their red cranberries and green pumpkin seeds but are filled with healthy and wholesome ingredients too! Toss this recipe into your holiday baking mix this season so your dog has a nice homemade cookie to enjoy right along with you.
Ingredients:
1 cup rye flour (or substitute rice flour or all-purpose flour)
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons organic honey
3½ tablespoons olive oil (or substitute organic canola oil)
2 tablespoons organic dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
Add the flour, baking powder, applesauce, honey, and olive oil to a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out to about half an inch thick. Cut treats with a cookie cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Firmly press a few pieces of chopped cranberries and pumpkin seeds into the top of each cookie.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until treats are firm to the touch.
Turn off oven and open oven door. Allow cookies to cool in oven, about 20-30 minutes.
Storage: Cookies will keep for several days when stored in a covered airtight container in a cool, dry, shaded location. Cookies may also be frozen: separate treats with parchment paper and store in an airtight covered container.
Cranberry Holiday Treats
Made out of festive red cranberry dough, these holiday dog treats are made out of simple and wholesome ingredients. Spend a happy afternoon baking these treats to reward your four-legged friend this season or fill a festive treat bag up to hand out at your puppy playgroup!
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen cranberries
½ cup plain applesauce
1/4 cup dried low sugar cranberries
2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute any flour you like)
2 cups rolled oat flour
2 eggs
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
OPTIONAL: natural red food coloring
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Microwave the applesauce and frozen cranberries together until thawed (about 2 minutes).
Put the fruit mixture and dried cranberries into a food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined.
Add the flours and pulse until combined.
Add the eggs, coconut oil, and food coloring if using, and pulse until dough comes together.
Work dough on floured board adding more flour as necessary to get a good working dough.
Keep dough covered to prevent drying out between cookie batches. You can rehydrate dried-out dough with a little coconut oil.
Coconut Snowball Dog Treats
Did you know … coconut is a great snack for dogs that may be feeling a bit unwell and helps with healing by boosting the immune system. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and aids in improving skin ailments, so not only will your pup love the taste of these treats, but they will benefit their overall health as well! The best part about these snowballs is that there’s no baking involved!
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut oil
2-3 tbsp peanut butter
2 1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup shredded coconut (sugar-free)
1 small banana
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients into a food processor.
Prepare a tray or container that will fit in your fridge.
Take a spoonful of the mixture and form a small ball.
Roll the ball in the shredded coconut until fully covered.
Place onto the tray and put into the fridge for 30 minutes.
The dogs in your life will love these homemade dog treats and they make perfect gifts for your fellow dog lovers. Not only are they fun to make, but they have the added benefit of being a healthier treat option for your doggie recipient. Each of these recipes are customizable, so you’re able to substitute ingredients due to any allergies or other sensitivities, too! Happy baking!
If you need ideas or inspiration on wrapping these delicious treats, check out this article!
