The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and indulgence for all members of the family—including our beloved furry friends! As we eagerly await the arrival of Santa Paws, why not surprise your fur babies with some homemade Christmas treats that are sure to make their tails wag? Not only will they appreciate the extra love and attention, but you can rest easy knowing exactly what ingredients are going into their festive goodies. Here are some delicious and easy-to-make treats that will have your pets begging for more!.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Reindeer Biscuits
Ingredients:.
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and peanut butter until well blended.
- Add the whole wheat flour and rolled oats to the bowl and mix until a dough forms.
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a reindeer-shaped cookie cutter, cut out biscuits from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving them to your furry friends.
2. Sweet Potato Snowflake Treats
Ingredients:.
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork, then microwave it on high for 5 minutes or until softened.
- Allow the sweet potato to cool, then peel and mash it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, coconut flour, applesauce, and Greek yogurt.
- Stir until well mixed and a dough-like consistency is achieved.
- Dust your work surface with coconut flour and roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out treats from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the treats are crisp around the edges.
- Allow the treats to cool before serving them to your furry pals.
3. Festive Catnip Mice
Ingredients:.
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 1/2 cup cooked and mashed spinach
- 1/4 cup cooked and mashed carrots
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons dried catnip
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, powdered milk, spinach, carrots, butter, and catnip.
- Mix until well blended and a dough forms.
- Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into tiny mouse shapes.
- Place the mice on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the catnip mice to cool completely before presenting them to your feline companions.
4. Cranberry Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water or broth
Instructions:.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, dried cranberries, applesauce, and water or broth.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a stiff dough, adding more liquid if needed.
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using your preferred cookie cutter shape, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cookies are golden and crunchy.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before sharing them with your furry companions.
5. Frosty Carob Ice Cream
Ingredients:.
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup carob powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions:.
- Peel and slice the bananas, then place them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Freeze the banana slices for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the frozen banana slices, carob powder, and coconut milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 2 hours or until firm.
- Scoop the carob ice cream into bowls and serve it to your four-legged friends as a cool and delicious treat!
Remember, moderation is key when treating your fur babies—especially during the holidays when tempting goodies are plentiful. These homemade treats should be given as occasional snacks and should not replace a balanced diet.
Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s dietary needs. With these scrumptious Christmas delights, you and your furry companions can celebrate the holiday season together in the most delicious way!.