Christmas Dog Treats

Table of Contents

1. Christmas Dog Treats Ingredients
2. Christmas Dog Treats Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make Christmas Dog Treats
4. Troubleshooting This Christmas Dog Treat Recipe
5. How To Serve Christmas Dog Treats
6. When To Serve Christmas Dog Treats
7. How To Store These Christmas Dog Treats
8. Christmas Dog Treats Frequently Asked Questions
9. Why We Love This Recipe For Dog Christmas Treats
10. More Dog Recipe's You'll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

This holiday season, treat your furry friend to something extra special with these homemade Christmas dog treats. Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and wheat flour, they’re a tasty way to show how much you care. With this simple recipe, you’ll have festive, homemade snacks that will make your dog’s holiday just as joyful as yours.

What You Need To Know

Before serving, though, be sure to check with your vet to ensure these treats are safe for your pet’s diet.

• MAIN INGREDIENTS: whole wheat flour, creamy peanut butter, water, ripe banana, large egg, honey, plain Greek yogurt, cornstarch, food coloring.
• QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven, mix treat dough ingredients, roll and cut shapes, bake, prepare and apply frosting.
• TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 2 hours 35 minutes, 36 treats.

Why This Recipe

• We developed this recipe with human-grade ingredients like whole wheat flour and creamy peanut butter, ensuring that the treats are just as good as what you’d want for yourself.
• Each ingredient has been chosen not only for taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Ingredients like honey and ripe banana offer natural sweetness and other benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Christmas Dog Treats Ingredients

Diving into the holiday spirit means getting creative in the kitchen, and what better way to show love for your furry friends than by whipping up a batch of our Christmas dog treats? This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that are safe and enjoyable for your pets, and fun for you to work with.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ⅓ cup water1 medium size ripe banana
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Red and green gel food coloring

IMPORTANT: When choosing peanut butter for your dog, it’s important to select a variety that is free from harmful additives. The best peanut butter for dogs is one that contains only peanuts or peanuts and a bit of salt—no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or oils. Specifically, avoid peanut butter with xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Opt for all-natural or organic peanut butter brands that are labeled safe for pets, ensuring your furry friend gets a delicious and safe treat. Always check the ingredient list before giving it to your dog

Christmas Dog Treats Substitutions and Additions

Creamy Peanut Butter: For dogs with peanut allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter as a safe alternative. These options keep the creamy consistency and provide similar nutritional benefits.

Water: To boost flavor, you can replace water with chicken or beef broth that is low in sodium and onion-free. This swap adds an extra layer of taste that dogs love.

Ripe Banana: If you’re looking for a variation, unsweetened applesauce makes a great substitute, providing moisture and a hint of sweetness without overpowering other flavors.

Large Egg: For egg allergies or dietary restrictions, use a flaxseed meal mixture as a binder. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

Honey: If you prefer to avoid honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent alternatives, offering natural sweetness with a similar texture.

Cornstarch: If cornstarch is not available, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used in equal measures to achieve the desired thickness of the frosting.

How To Make Christmas Dog Treats

Creating the perfect homemade dog treats is a delightful way to spend some time in the kitchen this holiday season. These treats are not only made with simple ingredients, but are also fun to whip u. Here’s how to ensure that every step of the recipe is followed correctly for the best results.

PRO TIP: If using natural peanut butter, stir it well before measuring because it tends to separate.

STEP ONE: Set your oven to 350°F.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, peanut butter warmed for easier mixing, water, mashed banana, beaten egg, and honey. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. The consistency should be firm but pliable.

PRO TIP: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

STEP THREE: Lightly dust your surface with flour. Roll the dough out to about a quarter-inch thickness. This thickness is ideal for ensuring that the treats cook evenly.

STEP FOUR: Use your chosen cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place each shape on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about one inch of space between them to allow for even baking.

PRO TIP: Dip the cookie cutters in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.

STEP FIVE: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Start checking at 15 minutes as oven temperatures can vary. The treats should be golden brown at the bottom and firm to the touch.

STEP SIX: Once baked, remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They should be completely cool before frosting.

STEP SEVEN: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, cornstarch, and honey until smooth.

PRO TIP: If the frosting is too runny, add a little more cornstarch to thicken it to the right piping consistency.

STEP EIGHT: Divide the frosting into three parts, coloring one part green and another red, leaving one part plain. Stir well to ensure the colors are evenly distributed.

STEP TEN: Fill your piping bags with the colored frostings. Cut a small tip off each bag and decorate the treats with festive designs like snowflakes or paw prints.

Allow the frosting to set before offering them to your dog or packing them as gifts.

Present these Christmas dog treats in a decorative box or tin as the perfect gift for your furry friend. They make a beautiful addition to any holiday treats collection.

Troubleshooting This Christmas Dog Treat Recipe

The dough is too sticky to roll out.
Make sure to measure the flour accurately and add a bit more if the dough feels sticky. A well-floured surface also helps prevent sticking during rolling.

The treats aren’t holding their shape while baking.
This can happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to help maintain shape during baking.

The frosting is too runny to decorate the treats.
Add a little more cornstarch to the frosting to thicken it up. This will help it hold onto the treats better and make decorating easier.

The treats are too hard or too soft after baking.
Baking times may need adjusting depending on your oven. If they’re too hard, bake them for a shorter time. If they’re too soft, leave them in the oven a bit longer, checking frequently.

How To Serve Christmas Dog Treats

After lovingly preparing these Christmas dog treats, it’s just as fun to think about the different ways you can present and serve them to your furry friends. Here are a variety of serving suggestions that not only enhance your pets’ experience but also align perfectly with the festive spirit of the holiday season.

Gift Box: Pack these treats in a decorative gift box as a special holiday gift for your dog or your friends who are dog people. Adding a festive ribbon and a personalized tag makes this a thoughtful and appreciated present.

Advent Calendar for Pets: Create a DIY advent calendar with these treats, placing one in each pocket. It’s a fun way to count down the days to Christmas with your pet, offering them a little surprise each day.

When To Serve Christmas Dog Treats

Christmas dog treats are more than just a festive snack; they’re a way to include your beloved pet in the holiday celebrations. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a large festive event, these treats can bring a touch of joy and a lot of tail wags.

Family Christmas Morning: As everyone unwraps their gifts, have a special treat ready for your furry family member. These treats ensure your pet feels included in one of the most joyous family moments, enhancing the warm, festive atmosphere.

Doggy Play Date: Bring these treats along to a casual doggy play date in the park during the holidays. They are perfect for sharing among furry friends and show thoughtfulness and care for their well-being, making both pets and their owners happy.

New Year’s Eve with Pets: As you prepare to ring in the New Year, include your pet in the celebration with these treats.

How To Store These Christmas Dog Treats

Once you’ve taken the time to make these delightful dog Christmas cookies, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and tasty for your furry friend. Here’s how you can store these treats to ensure they remain a delicious reward for your pet over the holiday season.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you prefer to keep the treats in the fridge, place them in a sealed container or a zip-lock bag. They will last for up to three weeks when stored this way. This is a great option if your home is warm or if you’ve used perishable ingredients in the frosting.

IN THE FREEZER: For long-term storage, the freezer is your best bet. Freeze the treats on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Make sure they are thoroughly sealed to avoid freezer burn.

REHEATING: To bring frozen treats back to life, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge overnight. If you need to warm them up quickly, you can place them in the microwave for a few seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Just be sure they are only mildly warm to the touch before giving them to your pet to avoid any risk of burns.

Why We Love This Recipe For Dog Christmas Treats

Pet-Friendly Fun: It’s a blast to see pups enjoying treats made with safe, wholesome ingredients—tail wags guaranteed!

Customizable Creations: Whether it’s changing up the frosting colors or using different cookie cutters (such as a Christmas tree, dog bones, stars,etc), each batch is a new adventure.

Perfect for Gifting: These treats make heartwarming gifts for pet owners, adding a personal touch to holiday celebrations.

Make With Kids: From mixing the dough to decorating with frosting, it’s a festive activity that the whole family can enjoy.

These Christmas dog treats offer a delightful way to include your pets in the festive fun, combining wholesome ingredients with the joy of homemade care. They’re perfect for ensuring your furry friends feel as special as any family member during the holiday celebrations. Just be sure to check with your vet before offering these treats to ensure they’re a safe option for your pet.

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