The holiday season is a time for all family members to enjoy—including our furry friends! Homemade dog treats are a fun, healthy, and festive way to spoil your pup. Made with simple ingredients, these DIY treats are perfect for holiday gifts or just as a special snack for your dog. Follow this easy recipe to make wholesome holiday treats your pet will love!
Holiday Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter (xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs)
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour (or oat flour for dogs with wheat sensitivities)
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Optional Holiday Extras:
- Dog-safe decorations like crushed dried cranberries (make sure they’re unsweetened) or parsley for a festive look.
- Holiday cookie cutters in shapes like stars, bones, or stockings.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, applesauce, and egg. Stir until well blended.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a dough forms. It should be thick but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
3. Roll and Cut:
- Lightly flour a flat surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place each cut-out treat onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and slightly firm.
- For extra-crunchy treats, you can leave them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
5. Cool and Decorate:
- Let the treats cool completely before serving or storing. If you’d like, you can add dog-safe decorations like dried cranberry bits or a sprinkle of parsley on top.
Storing Your Homemade Dog Treats:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze treats for up to three months. Just thaw before giving one to your dog!
Alternative Flavors to Try:
If you’d like to make multiple batches, here are some other dog-friendly ingredients you can substitute or add:
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap pumpkin for mashed sweet potatoes for a vitamin-rich treat.
- Banana and Oats: Replace pumpkin and flour with mashed banana and oat flour for a hypoallergenic version.
- Turkey and Cranberry: For a festive twist, add small amounts of plain cooked turkey and unsweetened cranberry bits.
Conclusion
Making homemade holiday dog treats is a fun way to include your pet in the festive season. With simple, dog-safe ingredients, you can create a batch of treats that not only taste delicious but also let your dog join in the holiday cheer. Wrap them up in a small baggie with a ribbon for a perfect pet-friendly holiday gift!
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