🍂 FALL SPECIAL SALE - Ends Soon:
|
|
Time to read 3 min
Last year on Christmas Eve, as carols played and snow fell outside, I rolled out dough shaped like stars and trees. Rei sat nearby, tail thumping, watching every move.
When the first tray came out, the kitchen smelled like holiday cookies — but healthier. Rei got his treat before anyone else, and the way he pranced around the living room with his little star cookie made everyone laugh. That moment sealed it: Christmas baking wouldn’t be complete without him.
Table of contents
Every Christmas, my kitchen fills with the smell of gingerbread, cinnamon, and holiday pies. But while I was busy baking for family and friends, my dog Rei would sit by the counter, eyes wide, hoping some of that festive magic was for him too.
That’s when I decided to start making homemade Christmas dog treats easy DIY style — recipes simple enough to whip up while the oven was already warm, but special enough to let Rei feel included in the holiday cheer.
1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat if your dog tolerates it)
½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 egg
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix peanut butter, pumpkin, and egg in a bowl.
Gradually stir in flour until dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it with Christmas-themed cutters, dog paw shapes, or dog bone shapes.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until firm.
Cool before serving.
Calories: 28 kcal
Protein: 1.2 g
Fiber: 0.6 g
Fat: 1.1 g
Probiotic-Rich: Supports digestion.
High in Vitamins: Pumpkin and banana add essential nutrients.
Low-Calorie: Great for hot days or post-walk snacks.
Human-Safe: Sweet, creamy, and healthy for you too.
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Gentle on digestion, rich in fiber |
| Peanut Butter | Protein and healthy fats |
| Oats/Flour | Energy and steady digestion |
| Egg | Protein and amino acids |
| Cinnamon (opt.) | Holiday aroma + antioxidants |
Oat Flour (1 cup) → Gentle on digestion, provides complex carbs for steady energy, plus B vitamins for skin & coat health.
Pumpkin Purée (½ cup, unsweetened) → Rich in fiber for healthy digestion, vitamin A for vision & immune support, and natural antioxidants.
Peanut Butter (½ cup, xylitol-free) → Source of protein and healthy fats for muscle strength and sustained energy (always check no xylitol).
Egg (1) → Complete protein with essential amino acids, plus vitamin D, iron, and healthy fats that support growth and repair.
Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional) → Safe in small amounts, offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, plus a cozy holiday aroma.
✨ Together, these ingredients make festive treats that are high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins — perfect for keeping your pup healthy while celebrating the holidays.
Dough too sticky? → Add a little extra oat flour.
Dough too dry? → Add 1–2 tsp pumpkin puree.
No cookie cutters? → Roll into balls and flatten with a fork.
For Rei , the sound of the peanut butter jar popping open is Christmas magic in itself. He licks the spoon while I roll out the dough — his little holiday tradition. Baking together has become a way to pause, laugh, and bond in the middle of holiday chaos.
Swap pumpkin for applesauce if you like.
Add a sprinkle of flaxseed for an omega-3 boost.
Make mini shapes for training rewards.
Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Fridge: 1 week.
Freezer: 2 months (thaw before serving).
Homemade Christmas dog treats don’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you can make easy DIY festive snacks that are healthy, adorable, and full of holiday spirit. Most of all, they give dogs like Rei a place at the table during the most magical season of the year.
