Pet-Friendly Holiday Recipes: Treats to Share with Your Four-Legged Friends
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to involve our furry family members? At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we know how much you love spoiling your pets, especially during the festivities. But before you share that sugar cookie or chocolate truffle, let’s look at some pet-friendly holiday recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.
Why Opt for Homemade Pet Treats?
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about making pet treats yourself—especially during the holiday season.
Homemade pet treats allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring you avoid additives or fillers that might be found in store-bought options. Even better, making festive pet snacks can be a fun activity with your children, and your pets will surely be pleased with the results!
Pet-Safe Holiday Ingredients to Consider
As you start your December pet baking journey, there are a few pet-safe ingredients to keep in mind. These ingredients are as wholesome as they are tasty, and they are ideal for creating delicious and nutritious treats for your pets:
- Pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- Peanut butter (unsalted and free from xylitol)
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Cooked lean meats like chicken or turkey
- Carrots
- Apples (minus the seeds and core)
The Crowd-Pleaser: Holiday Dog Treats Recipe
If your dog has been good all year round, reward them with a holiday-themed biscuit. Here’s a simple recipe for holiday dog treats that will get their tail wagging:
Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, pureed pumpkin, peanut butter, egg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Knead the dough and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters—think Christmas trees, stars, or dog bones!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Let them cool before serving to your pooch.
These Christmas treats are sure to make your dog’s holiday season bright!
DIY Pet-Friendly Treats for Cats: Step-by-Step Recipe
These simple, quick-to-make treats are perfect for your cat, especially during the festive season.
Ingredients:
1 can of tuna in water, drained
1 egg
1 tablespoon of parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the drained can of tuna, one egg, and a tablespoon of parsley in a blender. Blend until it forms a smooth mixture.
- Using a teaspoon, scoop small portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each dollop.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the treats become firm and are slightly golden on the edges.
- Allow the treats to cool before serving them to your feline friend.
These yummy treats are a great way to involve your cat in the celebrations.
Time to Spread the Cheer!
The holidays are all about sharing joy, love, and, of course, delicious food. The East Sacramento Veterinary Center team hopes these pet-friendly holiday recipes will make your celebrations even more special. Read more about how to make the holiday season special for your pet in this related blog post.
If you have questions about your pet’s nutritional needs or wonder how to make the holiday season safer for them, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Wishing you and your four-legged friends a festive and happy holiday season!