Healthy and Safe Christmas Dog Cookie Recipe
Follow this recipe for dog cookies to give your pup a little excitement this holiday season.
Easy Dog Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped mint
- 1 peeled, grated apple
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup of chopped cranberries
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- ⅓ cup of chopped celery
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl to form a workable ball of dough
- Roll out dough on a light-floured surface
- Cut dough into the shapes of your choice
- Bake for 30 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Let cookies cool before serving them to your dog
Keeping Holiday Dog Treats Healthy and Safe
When baking for your dog, it’s important to keep their safety in mind—especially during the holidays when rich foods and festive ingredients can pose risks. While this Christmas dog cookie recipe uses pet-safe items like apple, mint, and cranberries, not all holiday ingredients are suitable for dogs. Avoid anything containing chocolate, nutmeg, raisins, grapes, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be toxic even in small amounts.
If your pup has food sensitivities, try swapping out whole wheat flour for oat flour or a grain-free alternative. You can also adjust the flavor by using low-sodium beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For an extra crunch, add finely shredded carrots or pumpkin puree for a nutrient boost that’s gentle on your dog’s stomach.
To keep your dog’s cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. If you plan to gift them to fellow pet parents, include a list of ingredients so they can check for allergies or dietary restrictions. Homemade treats are a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays together—just remember that moderation is key, and these cookies should complement a balanced diet rather than replace regular meals.
Other Healthy Dog Cookie Recipes and More
These fun and festive treats are tasty all year round:
Fun Ways to Share Christmas Cookies with Your Dog
Once your dog’s cookies are baked and cooled, turn treat time into part of your holiday fun. Dogs thrive on routine and enrichment, and these homemade cookies can add excitement to their day in healthy, engaging ways.
You can use the cookies during training sessions or as rewards for calm behavior around guests. If your dog gets anxious during the holidays, pair treat time with quiet activities like puzzle toys or snuffle mats to encourage focus and relaxation.
Get creative with presentation, too! Try using festive cookie cutters shaped like snowflakes, trees, or bones. You can even decorate cookies with dog-safe touches—such as a thin layer of plain, unsweetened yogurt or a drizzle of mashed banana—for a holiday-ready look. Just be sure to skip colored frostings, sugars, and glazes meant for human desserts.
If you’re planning a pet-friendly holiday gathering, consider making small treat bags to share with visiting dogs. Label each with the ingredients and a friendly reminder that these are for canine consumption only. It’s a simple gesture that spreads cheer while keeping everyone’s pets safe and happy.
A little creativity and care can turn a basic dog cookie recipe into a heartwarming holiday tradition—one that celebrates your pup as part of the family festivities.