Holiday Recipes for Dogs

The holidays are a time for family feasts. And since our dogs are family, it would be a shame to leave them out of the merriment just because they can’t have what we’ve prepared. Thankfully, there are many pet-safe recipes you can easily prepare so that your dogs can safely take part in the festivities.
 
Here are some of the best holiday-themed dog recipes you can easily make at home:
 

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for Dogs

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Classic gingerbread cookies are a Christmas staple. But, household pets are better off without them because they typically contain nutmeg. In dogs, nutmeg toxicity can cause anything from a stomachache to more serious conditions like disorientation and seizures.
 
Here’s how to make a pet-friendly gingerbread cookie alternative for your dog:
 
Ingredients:

• 3 cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Ginger Powder
• 1 large Egg
• 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Molasses

Procedure:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground cinnamon, and ginger powder. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
• Add the egg, coconut oil, and molasses into the bowl and mix together until you have the consistency of firm dough.
• If the dough is crumbly, add small portions of water and continue mixing. Repeat this step until you get the right consistency.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for 1 hour.
• Once rested, take your dough and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle extra flour on the dough and your rolling pin if it gets too sticky.
• Cut the dough into small pieces or use cookie cutters to create cute shapes.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 165°C).
• Place the dough portions on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
• When the timer runs out, turn off the heat and leave the cookies inside until the oven cools down completely (it could take a few hours).
• Remove the cookies from the oven, place them in an airtight container, and offer them to your dog as a special holiday treat.

 

Mince Pie Recipe for Dogs

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Having mince pies for the holidays is a centuries-old British tradition that has made it to many American homes. The problem with these small pastries is that Christmas mince typically contains several ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including raisins, nutmeg, and brandy.
 
Here’s a recipe to make a dog-safe mince pie for the holidays:
 
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1/2 cup Oat Flour
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 4 Tbsp. Water
• 1/2 Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup Blueberries
• 1/4 cup Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt

Procedure:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (about 190°C).
• Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or wipe the surface with cooking oil.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the two kinds of flour.
• While mixing, add the applesauce and water in small portions.
• Once your dough is firm enough to create a ball, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick.
• Cut out 4-inch circles and press them into the wells of the muffin tin to create pie cups.
• Place the muffin tin the oven and bake for 8 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let the cups cool completely before removing them from the tin.
• Combine the chicken, blueberries, and yogurt and use as filling.
• Serve as a main course.

 

Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Dogs

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Pumpkin pie is one of the most popular holiday desserts. Although it is not always poisonous to dogs, there are several ingredients you need to watch out for.
 
For example, nutmeg is a pet poison that is often part of traditional holiday spices. Additionally, most pies contain too much sugar for your dog to tolerate. Those that don’t might contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure.
 
Here’s how to make a pumpkin pie that’s surely safe for your dog to consume:
 
Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup Oat Flour
• 1/3 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1/2 Banana
• 1/3 cup Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree

Procedure:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour and applesauce. Mix until you create a firm dough ball.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized portions.
• Place each ball at the bottom of each well in a muffin tin. Press to flatten along the bottom and sides.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (about 175°C).
• Bake the piecrusts in the oven for 8 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool before removing them from the tin.
• In a separate bowl, mash the banana into the pumpkin puree and stir until well combined.
• Divide the filling equally into the 12 piecrusts.
• Serve no more than one pie at a time.

 

Eggnog Recipe for Dogs

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Eggnog is a beloved holiday beverage, particularly because of its nostalgic scent and warming qualities. However, this popular Christmastime drink is dangerous for dogs because it contains toxic substances like bourbon, rum, and nutmeg. Additionally, it is rich in dairy, which can difficult for your dog to process.
 
Make some dog-safe eggnog using this recipe:
 
Ingredients:
 

• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Plain Unsweetened Yogurt
• 1 large Egg, separated
• 1/2 Tbsp. Honey
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon 

Procedure:

• Combine milk, yogurt, egg yolk, and honey.
• Stir until homogenous.
• Whip egg whites until you form stiff peaks.
• Pour eggnog into your dog’s drinking bowl, top off with whipped egg whites, and serve.

By preparing these recipes, your dog can really feel like a special part of the family during the holidays. Keep in mind, however, that they should only eat so much. Don’t let them binge on these treats just because it’s a special occasion. You can always keep leftovers in the fridge and let them enjoy the feast over several days.
 
To further ensure the safety of your pets while taking part in your celebrations, make sure your guests are familiar with ground rules for visiting friends and family.