The winter holidays are a time for family, festivities, and, of course, food! While you're enjoying all the delicious treats of the season, why not share the love with your pup? Homemade dog treats not only show your dog how much you care but also give you control over the ingredients, ensuring your dog gets a healthy and safe treat. In this blog, we’ll share some easy homemade dog treat recipes that are perfect for the winter holidays.

Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?

Many store-bought dog treats contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and excessive sugar or salt. By making your dog’s treats at home, you can ensure they’re eating natural, wholesome ingredients. Plus, homemade treats are an affordable and fun way to show your dog some extra love during the holidays!

Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats:

• Control Over Ingredients: You can select the healthiest and safest ingredients for your dog.
• Customization: Make treats to suit your dog's specific tastes and dietary needs.
• No Artificial Additives: No chemicals, preservatives, or artificial colors.
• Freshness: Homemade treats are fresh and free of harmful preservatives.

Holiday Dog Treat Recipes

Below, we’ve gathered a few easy and dog-safe recipes to try for your pup this holiday season. These treats are simple to make and will keep your dog wagging its tail with joy!

1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg until it forms a dough.
3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Why It’s Great for Dogs: Pumpkin is great for digestion, and peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. Both ingredients are also perfect for the holiday season.

2. Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Slice the sweet potato into thin rounds or strips.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through. Bake until the sweet potato is dried out and slightly crispy.
4. Let them cool before giving them to your dog.

Why It’s Great for Dogs: Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious treat. Plus, they’re low in fat and easy to digest.

3. Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oat flour, applesauce, water, egg, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
5. Allow the treats to cool before serving.

Why It’s Great for Dogs: Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins, while cinnamon can help support your dog’s digestive system. Just be sure to avoid any sugar or sweeteners in the applesauce.

4. Carrot & Oatmeal Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together oat flour, whole wheat flour, grated carrots, egg, water, and olive oil until you form a dough.
3. Roll the dough out and use a cookie cutter to make shapes.
4. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Why It’s Great for Dogs: Carrots are rich in vitamins and support dental health, while oatmeal is gentle on your dog’s stomach.

5. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the banana and mix with peanut butter and flour until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten with a fork.
4. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
5. Allow the bites to cool before serving.

Why It’s Great for Dogs: Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber, and peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and protein, making these treats a nutritious option for your dog.

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Whether you're enjoying the winter holidays at home or on the road, your pup will love the comfort of a Orthopedic Dog Bed. Click here to shop our collection and give your dog the best sleep of their life.