Homemade Holiday Treats for Your Dog

Festive homemade dog treats and a warm bone broth drink make holiday celebrations healthier and happier for your furry friend.

The holiday season is a perfect time to show your dog some extra love with special treats made just for them. Wholesome, Christmas-themed recipes can support your dog’s health while adding festive fun to your celebrations.

Denise Bozenski, founder of Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness, shares, “Making homemade treats lets you control ingredients for optimal nutrition and tailor recipes to your dog’s needs. Plus, it’s a joyful way to include them in holiday traditions.”

Learn more about Denise HERE!

Peppermint & Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ground peppermint leaves (use dog-safe culinary-grade)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined into a dough.
3. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
4. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters (trees, stars, bones).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Denise notes, “Pumpkin supports digestion and immune health, while peppermint adds a refreshing twist that’s safe in small amounts.”

Learn more about pumpkin as a super food in our blog, The Benefits of Pumpkin and Other Fall Superfoods for Dogs.

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato (cooked and mashed)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potato, oat flour, cranberries, and coconut oil into a dough.
3. Shape into small bite-sized balls or press into a silicone mold.
4. Bake 20 minutes until firm.
5. Cool completely before offering.

“Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, and cranberries support urinary tract health,” Denise explains.

Festive Bone Broth “Eggnog” Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup homemade bone broth (low sodium, cooled)
• 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional and in very small amounts)

Instructions:

1. Warm the bone broth gently (do not boil).
2. Stir in pumpkin and cinnamon until combined.
3. Serve lukewarm for a cozy holiday drink.

Denise adds, “Bone broth is a nourishing way to hydrate and support joint and gut health during colder months. The pumpkin adds fiber and festive flavor.”

Check out our blog on the benefits of bone broth, Bone Broth for Dogs: A Holistic Boost for Health and Healing.

Apple & Carrot Holiday Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup grated apple (no seeds)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form dough.
3. Roll out and cut into fun holiday shapes.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.
5. Cool before serving.

“Apples provide natural sweetness and fiber, while carrots add beta-carotene for immune support,” Denise says.

Cinnamon & Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients until dough forms.
2. Shape into small balls or press into molds.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cool completely before serving.

Denise explains, “Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, and cinnamon adds a festive flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits when used sparingly.”

Creating homemade holiday treats and drinks lets you celebrate Christmas with your dog while supporting their health naturally. Want personalized recipes and nutrition plans? Contact Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness for expert guidance. Get started HERE!

FAQs

Can I make these treats ahead and freeze them?

Yes, these recipes freeze well. Thaw before serving.

Are cinnamon and peppermint safe for all dogs?

Used sparingly and in culinary-grade forms, these spices are generally safe, but always monitor your dog and consult your holistic coach.

How often can I give my dog holiday treats?

Treats should complement a balanced diet and be given in moderation during special occasions.