The holiday season is all about showing love to those closest to us, including our furry family members! Giving your pets special treats for Christmas is a wonderful way to let them join in on the festive fun. But with all the rich, sugary holiday foods that aren’t safe for animals, it’s important to pick treats that are both tasty and pet-friendly.
In this post, we’ll share some tips on selecting the best holiday treats for your pets and a simple, homemade Christmas treat recipe that’s perfect for dogs.
Choosing the Best Christmas Treats for Your Pets
When looking for holiday treats for pets, it’s important to prioritize their health and safety. Here’s what to consider when picking out or making treats:
- Avoid treats with artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs), excessive fats, or added sugars. Focus on natural ingredients like real meats, veggies, and whole grains.
- Seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon can be safe and delightful for pets. For dogs, look for treats with pumpkin or cinnamon, while cats may prefer savory flavors like turkey or salmon.
- While it’s tempting to spoil them, remember that treats should only make up about 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Holiday Gift Ideas: The Best Pet-Friendly Treats for Christmas
Here are a few festive treats you can buy or make at home:
Holiday Dog Biscuits
Many pet stores offer holiday-themed dog biscuits made with ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and pumpkin.
Catnip Toys
For your feline friends, consider toys filled with catnip as a festive, calorie-free way to treat them to some holiday fun.
Freeze-Dried Meat Treats
These are excellent for both cats and dogs. Look for options like freeze-dried turkey or salmon for a healthy, high-protein treat.
Homemade Treats
If you love baking, you can make wholesome treats at home, which allows you to control the ingredients and avoid anything harmful.
Homemade Christmas Dog Treat Recipe: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Biscuits
Here’s a simple, nutritious recipe for homemade dog treats that are festive and fun to make. Peanut butter and pumpkin are favorites for dogs, and the ingredients are easy to find!
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour (you can also use oat flour if your dog has a wheat allergy)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour (and cinnamon, if using) to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, like Christmas trees, snowflakes, or bones.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog. Store the treats in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
A Few Words of Caution on Common Holiday Foods to Avoid
While sharing special treats with your pets is wonderful, be careful with human holiday foods, as many are unsafe for animals.
Some items to avoid include:
- Chocolate – Toxic to both dogs and cats.
- Grapes and Raisins – Harmful to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
- Onions and Garlic – Toxic to dogs and cats, so avoid any dishes with these ingredients.
- Fatty Foods – Rich foods like ham or gravy can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis in pets.
Wishing You and Your Pets a Merry and Safe Holiday Season
With these holiday treats and safety tips, you can include your pets in your Christmas celebrations while keeping them healthy and happy. Try our homemade dog biscuit recipe and share the holiday spirit with your four-legged friends!
Happy Holidays to you and your pets! 🎄🐾
Click here for my post about safe Thanksgiving food for DOGS!
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