12 Best Christmas Treat Recipes for Your Dog 2025

By: Dogmeals
12 Best Christmas Treat Recipes for Your Dog (2025 Vet-Reviewed Guide)

The holidays are here, and your four-legged family member deserves to join the festive fun! While you’re baking gingerbread cookies and sipping hot cocoa, your pup is sitting there with those irresistible puppy eyes, hoping for a taste. But here’s the problem: most human holiday treats are loaded with ingredients that can make dogs seriously ill.

That’s where these Christmas treat recipes for your dog come in. Whether you’re looking for grain-free biscuits, frozen enrichment activities, or breath-freshening bites, this comprehensive guide features the best Christmas treat recipes for your dog to spoil your furry friend safely this season. These best Christmas treat recipes for dogs are vet-reviewed, easy to make, and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Making homemade Christmas treat recipes for your dog ensures you control every ingredient that goes into your pet’s mouth. Let’s make this holiday season tail-waggingly special!

Why Homemade Holiday Treats are Better for Your Pup

Walk down any pet store aisle during December, and you’ll find shelves overflowing with festive dog treats. They look adorable, sure—but flip them over and read the ingredient list. Chances are, you’ll find artificial colors, questionable preservatives, and fillers like corn syrup that offer zero nutritional value.

When you prepare Christmas treat recipes for your dog at home, you’re in complete control. Making Christmas cookies for dogs yourself means you decide what goes into your pup’s belly, which means you can:

• Avoid allergens if your dog has sensitivities to chicken, beef, or grains
• Control calorie content to prevent holiday weight gain
• Skip artificial additives that can cause digestive upset
• Customize recipes for senior dogs, puppies, or special dietary needs

Safety Warning: Never use Xylitol (birch sugar), chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onion powder, or garlic in your recipes. These are highly toxic to canines and can cause organ failure or death, even in small amounts.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, chocolate and xylitol poisoning spike dramatically during the holiday season. By baking at home, you eliminate these risks entirely.

The “Golden List”: Dog-Safe Christmas Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk substitutions. Holiday baking traditionally uses ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, but with smart swaps, your pup can enjoy all the festive flavors safely.

Here’s your quick-reference table for safe holiday substitutions:

Pro Tip: Always introduce new ingredients gradually. Even dog-safe foods can cause stomach upset if your pup’s system isn’t used to them.

Recipe 1: “Gingerbread Pups” (Grain-Free)

The classic holiday cookie, re-imagined for sensitive stomachs. These grain-free Christmas treat recipes for your dog are perfect for pups with allergies or digestive sensitivities. This is one of the most popular Christmas cookies for dogs you can make at home.

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Bake time: 20 mins
• Yields: 24 medium biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Oat Flour (or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 tbsp Blackstrap Molasses (Iron-rich and safe in small amounts)
• 1 tsp Fresh Grated Ginger (Great for digestion)
• 1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until a stiff dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of oat flour at a time.
3. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
4. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter (or any festive shape!) to cut out treats.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before serving—hot treats can burn your dog’s mouth!

Storage Tip: These biscuits stay fresh in an airtight container for 5-7 days in the fridge, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Recipe 2: The “Santa’s Lick Mat” Mocktail

Perfect for high-energy dogs who need mental stimulation while you open presents. This frozen version of Christmas treat recipes for your dog provides entertainment and nutrition. Lick mats are an incredible enrichment tool that keeps anxious pups calm during busy holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Pure Canned Pumpkin (Not pie filling!)
• 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Turkey Broth (Onion/Garlic free)
• A sprinkle of dried Cranberries (Unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Spread the pumpkin onto a silicone lick mat or a small plate.
2. Drizzle the turkey broth over the top in a decorative pattern.
3. Top with 4-5 dried cranberries for a festive touch.
4. Freeze for 2 hours minimum.
5. Present to your pup during gift-opening chaos!

Why it works: The act of licking releases endorphins in dogs, which has a naturally calming effect. Freezing the treats provides 20+ minutes of soothing enrichment. Perfect for dogs who get overstimulated during holiday parties!

Recipe 3: No-Bake Peppermint “Breath Freshener” Balls

Fresh breath for all those holiday puppy kisses! These treats are ideal for dogs with “doggy breath” or those who love to give face licks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Fresh Mint Leaves (Finely chopped—not peppermint extract!)

Instructions:

1. Pulse oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.
2. Mix with yogurt, parsley, and mint until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Insight: Parsley is a natural breath freshener and contains vitamins A, C, and K. Greek yogurt provides probiotics that support digestive health—a double win for your pup’s wellness!

Recipe 4: Frozen “Rudolph’s Carrot” Popsicles

These festive frozen treats are perfect for dogs who love to crunch and munch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded Carrots
• 1/2 cup plain Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp Natural Peanut Butter (xylitol-free!)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Insert small dog treats or kibble as “handles.”
4. Freeze for 4 hours.
5. Pop out and serve on a towel (these can get messy!).

Recipe 5: “Candy Cane” Twisted Biscuits

Two-toned treats that look just like candy canes—without the sugar rush!

Ingredients:

White Dough:

• 1 cup Oat Flour
• 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil

Red Dough:

• 1 cup Oat Flour
• 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt
• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp Beet Juice (for natural red color)

Instructions:

1. Make two separate doughs following the same method as the Gingerbread Pups.
2. Roll each dough into long rope shapes (about 1/2 inch thick).
3. Twist a white rope and red rope together, then shape into a candy cane.
4. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Instagram-Worthy Alert: These treats photograph beautifully! Tag your creations with #ChristmasCookiesForDogs to share with the community.

Recipe 6: Sweet Potato “Stocking Stuffers”

Simple, nutritious, and dogs go absolutely crazy for them.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Sweet Potatoes
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (low and slow).
2. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds or strips.
3. Lightly brush with coconut oil.
4. Bake for 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until chewy and dehydrated.

Shelf Life: These natural chews last 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.

How to Make DIY Dog-Safe Icing (The “Pro” Secret)

Most blogs fail to explain how to decorate Christmas cookies for dogs safely. Store-bought icing contains sugar, artificial colors, and sometimes xylitol. When making Christmas treat recipes for your dog, avoid these entirely with this 2-ingredient dog icing:

Recipe:

1. Mix 2 tbsp Cornstarch with 1 tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt until smooth.
2. For natural coloring:
   • Red: Add a drop of Beet Juice
   • Yellow: Add a pinch of Turmeric
   • Green: Add a drop of Spirulina powder
3. Transfer to a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
4. Pipe decorative patterns onto cooled treats.
5. Let harden in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Creative Ideas: Draw snowflakes, write your dog’s name, or create simple patterns. Your pup won’t care what they look like—but your Instagram followers will love them!

Recipe 7: Apple Cinnamon “Wreath” Cookies

Festive ring-shaped treats with fall flavors dogs adore.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced Apple (core and seeds removed)
• 2 cups Oat Flour
• 1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon
• 1 Egg

Instructions:

1. Puree apple until smooth.
2. Mix with remaining ingredients.
3. Roll dough and use a donut cutter to create wreath shapes.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Recipe 8: Peanut Butter “Snowball” Cookies

Rich, protein-packed treats perfect for active dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Oat Flour
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients until dough forms.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Flatten slightly with a fork (creates that classic peanut butter cookie pattern).
4. Bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes.

Recipe 9: Chicken & Cranberry “Festive Bites”

A savory option for dogs who prefer meat over sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded Chicken
• 1/4 cup dried Cranberries (unsweetened)
• 1 cup Oat Flour
• 1 Egg

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Form into small patties.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Recipe 10: Pumpkin Spice “Pupkin” Muffins

Mini muffins that are perfect for portion control.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Pure Pumpkin Puree
• 2 cups Oat Flour
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Fill mini muffin tins 3/4 full.
3. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes.

Recipe 11: Banana “Elf Hat” Frozen Treats

Shaped like little elf hats using banana slices and yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe Bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup Plain Yogurt
• Strawberry pieces (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dip banana slices in yogurt.
2. Top with a strawberry piece.
3. Freeze on parchment paper for 2 hours.

Recipe 12: Turkey & Sage “Holiday Feast” Biscuits

Savory treats that taste like Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, ground Turkey
• 2 cups Oat Flour
• 1 tsp fresh Sage (finely chopped)
• 1 Egg

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Roll and cut into festive shapes.
3. Bake at 350°F for 22 minutes.

Storage & Portions: Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Now that you’ve mastered these Christmas treat recipes for your dog, let’s talk about keeping your pup healthy during the indulgent holiday season. Proper storage of your homemade Christmas cookies for dogs ensures they stay fresh and safe.

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Since these treats lack preservatives, store in an airtight container for 5–7 days maximum.
• Freezer: Freeze treats for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Room Temperature: Only if you’re gifting them within 24 hours. Otherwise, always refrigerate.

Portion Control:

According to veterinary nutritionists, treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Here’s a quick reference:

Remember: These are guidelines. Adjust based on your dog’s activity level, age, and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can dogs eat cinnamon in Christmas cookies?

Yes, in small amounts. Use Ceylon Cinnamon rather than Cassia, as it contains lower levels of coumarin—a compound that can be harmful to liver health in dogs when consumed in large quantities. A pinch per recipe is perfectly safe and provides anti-inflammatory benefits!

Is pumpkin pie filling safe for dogs?

Absolutely not. Pumpkin pie filling contains nutmeg (toxic to dogs in high amounts), sugar, and sometimes xylitol. Only use 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree with no added ingredients. Check the label carefully—it should list only one ingredient: pumpkin.

How do I package these for a gift?

Great question! Homemade dog treats make wonderful gifts for fellow dog lovers. Here are packaging ideas:

• Glass mason jars with a festive ribbon and a label listing ingredients
• Brown paper bags tied with twine and a handwritten recipe card
• Small tin containers lined with parchment paper

Avoid plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and cause homemade treats to mold faster. Always include storage instructions and a “best by” date (7 days from baking).

My dog has allergies. Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! These recipes are highly customizable:

• Egg allergy: Use a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
• Oat sensitivity: Swap for coconut flour or rice flour
• Peanut allergy: Use sunflower seed butter instead

How do I know if my dog is having an allergic reaction?

Watch for signs like excessive itching, hives, swelling around the face, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms after introducing a new treat, discontinue immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Final Thoughts: Make This Holiday Special

Creating Christmas treat recipes for your dog isn’t just about baking—it’s about showing love, keeping your pup safe, and making holiday memories together. These best Christmas treat recipes for dogs are designed to be simple, safe, and absolutely delicious from your dog’s perspective.

This holiday season, skip the store-bought options filled with mystery ingredients. Roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and try these Christmas treat recipes for your dog to watch your dog’s tail wag with pure joy as they crunch into a homemade treat made with love.

Your turn! Which recipe will you try first? Share your creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing happy pups enjoying their homemade goodies. And if you’re looking for more ways to spoil your furry friend, check out our guides on [dog-safe holiday decorations] and [winter paw care tips].

Happy baking, and happy holidays from our pack to yours! 🐾🎄