Fun DIY Holiday Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
The holiday season isn’t just for humans to enjoy—it’s also the perfect time to spoil your furry friend with some festive, homemade treats! Making your own DIY dog treats for the holidays is a fun way to include your pup in the festivities while ensuring their snacks are safe and healthy. Plus, they’ll love being your official taste tester. Let’s dive into some easy and dog-friendly recipes that are sure to get tails wagging.
Recipe #1: Peanut Butter Snowballs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix oat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, and honey until you have a firm dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat each ball in shredded coconut for a snowy effect.
- Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe #2: Pumpkin Pup-Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not spiced)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or a grain-free alternative)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin, flour, egg, and cinnamon in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters (think snowflakes, trees, or stars) to shape the cookies.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup.
Ingredient Safety Tips for Dogs
While it’s tempting to share all your holiday goodies with your dog, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Avoid harmful ingredients like chocolate, xylitol (found in some peanut butters), raisins, grapes, onions, and garlic.
- Use dog-safe alternatives like plain pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, and natural peanut butter.
- Moderation is key—even healthy treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
From Treats to Training: A Holistic Approach to a Happy Dog
While treats are a delightful way to bond with your pup, a well-trained dog is the ultimate gift you can give both yourself and your furry friend. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we specialize in helping dogs and their owners achieve harmony through expert training techniques. We’re here to help your dog shine!
Call us today at (406) 946-3037 for a free consultation. Let’s make this holiday season the start of a happier, more well-behaved dog.
