Last December, I baked a batch of soft Christmas dog treats because crunchy biscuits didn’t feel right for the season. As the smell of pumpkin and apples drifted through the kitchen, a little nose peeked around the oven door, waiting like these cookies were the best present under the tree. That’s when I realized — Christmas magic isn’t just for us, it’s for our dogs too.
Not every dog loves crunchy biscuits. Puppies, seniors, or dogs with sensitive teeth need softer options — but that doesn’t mean boring. These soft Christmas dog treats are chewy, festive, and full of seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, and ginger.
Recipe 1: Soft Pumpkin & Oat Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
½ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
1 egg
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix pumpkin, egg, and yogurt until smooth.
Stir in oat flour and cinnamon.
Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds onto a tray.
Bake 12–15 minutes until soft but set.
Recipe 2: Chewy Cranberry & Apple Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup chopped unsweetened cranberries
1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mix applesauce and coconut oil.
Stir in flour and cranberries.
Shape into small balls or press into festive molds.
Bake 10–12 minutes until soft and chewy.
Recipe 3: Soft Gingerbread Banana Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
½ cup mashed banana
2 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 egg
½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mash banana and mix with peanut butter, egg, and ginger.
Stir in flour until dough forms.
Roll into small balls or cut with gingerbread cookie cutters.
Bake 12–14 minutes for a soft, chewy texture.
Nutrition Highlights
Easy to Chew: Perfect for puppies and seniors.
Holiday Flavors: Pumpkin, apple, banana, and ginger bring Christmas spirit.
Wholesome Ingredients: No refined sugar, no artificial colors.
Low-Calorie Options: Keeps pups festive without overfeeding.
Ingredient Benefits:
Ingredient
Benefit
Pumpkin
Fiber for healthy digestion
Oat flour
Gentle, gluten-free base
Banana
Potassium & natural sweetness
Cranberries
Antioxidants & urinary support
Peanut butter
Protein & healthy fats (xylitol-free only)
Nutrition Benefits
Supports Digestion: Pumpkin, oats, and apples add fiber.
Boosts Immunity: Cranberries provide antioxidants.
Energy & Protein: Peanut butter and egg help sustain energy.
Safe & Festive: All-natural ingredients designed for dogs.
Recipe Customizations
Swap pumpkin for sweet potato purée.
Use blueberries instead of cranberries.
Add a dash of cinnamon or turmeric for extra aroma.
Make mini-bites for training treats or larger cookies for gifting.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 7 days.
Freezer: Up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Common Issues & Fixes
Too dry? Add 1–2 tbsp applesauce or yogurt to soften the dough.
Too sticky? Dust dough with a little extra oat flour before shaping.
Not chewy enough? Bake a few minutes less for a softer texture.
Bonding with My Dog During Prep
Making soft treats takes a little extra patience, but it’s worth it. While the dough mixes and the kitchen fills with warm holiday scents, most pups wait close by — ears perked and tails wagging. By the time the cookies come out of the oven, you’ve not only baked something safe and festive, but created a holiday memory together.
Final Thoughts:
These soft Christmas dog treats are the perfect way to include every pup in the holiday magic — especially those who need gentler snacks. From pumpkin cookies to chewy cranberry bites, they’re festive, safe, and made with love. Sharing a plate of holiday cookies while your pup gets their own soft, tail-wagging treat? That’s what Christmas traditions are all about. 🎄🐾
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