Classic Christmas Cookies for Dogs & Holiday-Inspired Treats for Cats

For many people, the best part about the holidays is the great food and treats that headline most social gatherings or cozy nights at home. From gingerbread and eggnog to turkey and cranberries, the usual feasts associated with winter holidays are enough to make anyone's mouth water. But we shouldn’t be the only ones enjoying holiday goodies – getting our dogs and cats involved in the festivities with Christmas cookies for dogs and other festive treats makes for a lot of fun and some full bellies. While veterinarians don’t recommend letting your pet indulge in any “people food” this holiday season, we’ve got some great news: making Christmas dog treats at home is simple, affordable, and something the entire family can enjoy together.

Our pets have been extra nice this year, so it’s about time we reward them with some delicious homemade goodies. After all, ‘tis the season to treat your pets, so check out our favorite holiday dog treat recipes – as well as some bonus recipes for our feline friends – that are sure to keep tails wagging all winter long. 

Holiday-Inspired Treats & Christmas Cookies for Dogs

For Dogs: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Snowflake Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten sensitivity)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, mixing until a dough forms. Add water a little at a time if the dough is too dry.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to create festive treats.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until firm.
6. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

---

For Dogs: Apple-Cranberry Holiday Chews

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup dried unsweetened cranberries (finely chopped)
• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine applesauce, cranberries, and egg until well mixed.
3. Gradually stir in the oat flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch) and flatten slightly.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

---

For Dogs: Dog Friendly-Gingerbread 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten sensitivity)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup molasses (unsulfured and dog-safe)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Add the applesauce, molasses, and water, stirring until a dough forms. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too dry.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and use gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutters for a festive look.
5. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until firm.
6. Let the biscuits cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

---

For Dogs: Dog Nog Frozen Smoothie Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt, almond milk or goat’s milk, mashed banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
4. Serve the frozen treats as a cool snack for your dog. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

---

Holiday Cat Treats for Our Feline Friends

While recipes for dog Christmas treats are often the most popular among pet owners, that doesn’t mean they’re the only pets that deserve some homemade treats! Holiday cat treats are just as easy to make and are sure to keep cats of all kinds full and purring all season long. 

For Cats: Tuna & Sweet Potato Winter Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water (drained)
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato (plain, cooked)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the tuna, mashed sweet potato, and egg until combined.
3. Gradually add the oat flour until a sticky dough forms.
4. Roll into small bite-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until firm.
6. Cool completely before offering to your cat. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

---

For Cats: Festive Chicken & Catnip Stars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (finely chopped or shredded)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp catnip (optional)
• 1/2 cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the chicken, egg, and catnip until well mixed.
3. Slowly add the oat flour, forming a sticky dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and use small star-shaped cookie cutters to cut treats.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
6. Let cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Top Ingredients for Safe and Tasty Holiday Pet Treats

One of the best things about making cat and dog treats at home is the freedom to get creative and tweak recipes as needed to make the perfect safe snack for your pet. You can even do a little experimenting and cook up a few recipes of your own!

To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of some pet-safe ingredients that help make the perfect cat or dog Christmas cookies or holiday snacks. 

Protein:

• Cooked chicken, turkey, or beef (unseasoned and fully cooked with the bones removed)
• Canned tuna or salmon (packed in water, no added salt)
• Eggs (fully cooked or used in baking recipes)

Grains:

• Whole wheat flour
• Oat flour or rolled oats
• Brown rice flour

Fruits (Fresh or Unsweetened):

• Apples (peeled and core removed)
• Blueberries
• Cranberries (fresh or dried, unsweetened)
• Bananas
• Pumpkin puree (100% pure, no sugar or spices)

Vegetables:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots (grated or cooked)
• Green beans

Dairy Alternatives (in moderation):

• Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• Unsweetened almond milk

Flavor Enhancers and Add-ins:

• Cinnamon (small amounts)
• Ginger (small amounts)
• Catnip (for cats)
• Unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Molasses (unsulfured, in small amounts)

Binding Agents:

• Eggs
• Applesauce (unsweetened)
• Mashed bananas

Now that you're armed with our favorite holiday, pet treat recipes, grab your apron (and maybe a festive bandana or sweater for your pet), and let’s get baking! Who knows? You might just have some extra paws helping out in the kitchen to get these recipes just right.

Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.

If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Teletriage platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.