The holiday season is a time of joy, indulgence, and togetherness. Families gather around tables laden with cookies, pies, and savory dishes, while homes fill with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and roasted meats. For many of us, our dogs are part of that family celebration. Their wagging tails and eager eyes remind us that they, too, want to share in the festivities. But while it’s tempting to slip them a piece of fruitcake or a bite of chocolate truffle, many traditional holiday foods are unsafe for dogs. The good news? With a little creativity, you can make holiday treats designed specifically for your canine companion—safe, healthy, and just as festive.

Homemade dog treats offer several advantages:
- Control over ingredients: You decide what goes in, ensuring no harmful additives or unsafe foods.
- Health-conscious choices: You can tailor recipes to your dog’s dietary needs, whether they require grain-free, low-fat, or high-protein snacks.
- Festive fun: Shaping treats into stars, trees, or snowflakes adds holiday cheer.
- Bonding: Baking for your dog is a way to show love and include them in seasonal traditions.

Ingredients to Avoid
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to know what *not* to use. Many holiday staples are toxic to dogs:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, the darker the more dangerous. Not even a litte.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- Onions and garlic: Harmful to red blood cells.
- Nutmeg: Toxic and often found in holiday baking.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute that can be deadly.
- Excessive fat or salt: Can lead to pancreatitis or dehydration.

Stick to dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free), oats, carrots, apples, and lean meats.
Here are three holiday-inspired recipes that will delight your pup without compromising their health.

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Holiday Cookies
Pumpkin is rich in fiber and vitamins, while peanut butter adds protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
· 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat · flour for gluten-sensitive dogs)
· 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
· ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
· 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, in small amounts)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
Gradually add flour and cinnamon, forming a dough.
Roll out and cut into festive shapes (bones, stars, trees).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm.
Cool completely before serving.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

2. Apple & Carrot Pupcakes
Perfect for a holiday brunch, these mini “cupcakes” are moist, naturally sweet, and safe.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup grated carrots
· 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
· 1 egg
· 1 ½ cups oat flour
· 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix carrots, applesauce, and egg.
Stir in flour and baking powder.
Spoon into mini muffin tins.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Cool and top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt “frosting.”

These pupcakes are festive enough to serve alongside human desserts, ensuring your dog feels included.

3. Holiday Turkey Jerky
Dogs love meat, and this simple jerky recipe makes use of holiday turkey leftovers.
Ingredients:
Lean turkey breast, sliced thin
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 200°F.
Place turkey slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake for 2–3 hours until dried and chewy.
Cool and store in the fridge.
This protein-packed treat is perfect for dogs who prefer savory snacks.
Holiday treats for dogs don’t have to look plain. Use cookie cutters shaped like snowflakes, gingerbread men, or candy canes. Decorate pupcakes with yogurt swirls or sprinkle crushed dog biscuits on top. Package treats in festive tins or jars if you’re gifting them to fellow dog owners. Presentation adds to the holiday magic and makes your effort feel special.

Even with dog-safe treats, moderation is key. Overfeeding can lead to some serious stomach upset. Keep these guidelines in mind:
· Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
· Introduce new ingredients slowly to avoid digestive issues.
· Always supervise when giving chewy treats like jerky.
· Store homemade treats properly to prevent spoilage.
Beyond treats, there are other ways to make your dog part of the celebration:
· Advent calendars: Fill with small dog biscuits for daily surprises.
· Stockings: Hang one for your dog and fill it with toys and snacks.
· Family photos: Include your dog in holiday portraits.
· Holiday walks: Take your dog to see neighborhood lights, giving them exercise
and stimulation.

Homemade dog treats aren’t just for your own pup. They make thoughtful gifts for friends and neighbors with dogs. A tin of pumpkin cookies or a bag of turkey jerky shows care and creativity. Pair with a handwritten recipe card so recipients can recreate the treats themselves. In a season centered on generosity, sharing with pets and pet owners spreads joy in unexpected ways.
The holidays are about love, warmth, and celebration. By making safe, festive treats for your dog, you extend that spirit to your four-legged family member. Whether it’s a batch of peanut butter cookies, a tray of apple pupcakes, or savory turkey jerky, these homemade delights ensure your dog can join in the holiday cheer without risk. With a little planning and creativity, you’ll create memories and wagging tails that last long after the decorations come down.