The Christmas season is here, and while you’re busy preparing for holiday festivities or making travel plans, don’t forget to spoil your furry family members as well. Whether you’re staying in or heading out of town, Paw Pals’ dog sitting services will ensure your pet is well cared for during the holidays. For a personal touch, why not make some homemade, festive dog treats before you go? It’s a fun way to include your pup in the seasonal joy while ensuring they’re treated to something extra special.
Whether your dog loves the taste of peanut butter or can’t resist the smell of mint, we’ve compiled some of the best DIY holiday dog treats to get tails wagging this season.
1. Apple Mint Christmas Dog Bones
Ingredients: Rolled oats, applesauce, and mint
Bring an aromatic twist with these apple and mint Christmas dog bones. Not only do they smell festive, but that slight tinge of green will give them a holiday vibe. Want a healthier color alternative than artificial food coloring? Use spinach instead. The combo of applesauce and mint provides your pup with a refreshing, tasty snack that’s also packed with nutritious ingredients.
Rolled oats are a great addition to pup treats as they provide fiber, which is excellent for digestion, and applesauce offers a sweet note dogs can’t resist. These cookies not only turn out vibrant for the holiday season, but the refreshing taste of mint also helps combat doggy breath, making them both a treat for your dog and a favor to you!
2. Gingerbread Dog Cookies
Ingredients: Ginger, molasses, cinnamon, flour
Who says gingerbread is only for humans? While you’re making a batch of gingerbread men for yourself, why not add a second tray for your furry pal? Ginger is safe for dogs in small amounts and can even benefit their digestive systems. Of course, traditional human icing is not dog-friendly due to high sugar content, but don’t worry—there are dog-safe icing recipes available online that allow you to safely add some holiday pizzazz.
Decorating these little dog-shaped gingerbread cookies can be a fun family task! Even though your dog won’t fully appreciate the fine details, it’s a great way to make the holidays more inclusive for your four-legged friends. And let’s be honest—there’s something heartwarming about putting in that extra bit of effort for your canine companion.
3. Calvin’s Christmas Cookies
Ingredients: Flour, eggs, chicken broth, and oats
This recipe has a sweet origin story: it was created by a dog owner named Calvin, whose beagle would sit, eyes wide and drooling, at all the tempting Christmas desserts that the humans enjoyed. Out of sympathy, Calvin designed a cookie recipe just for the dogs so that they could enjoy Christmas indulgence too.
These Christmas cookies feature simple and dog-safe ingredients, like chicken broth to give them a savory kick. It’s a great option for pets who may not be a fan of sweet treats but would absolutely love savory alternatives. These cookies are not only customizable but also nutritious for dogs.
4. Dog Candy Canes
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, cranberry paste, and mint
This creative candy cane-shaped treat takes a bit more effort than other recipes on our list, but the result is paws-itively fantastic! You can twist strips of dough into fun candy-cane shapes and add natural red coloring (via cranberry paste) to bring in that festive flair.
Imagine hanging these adorable dog-friendly candy canes on the lower branches of your tree (where your dog won’t reach too easily, of course) or packaging them in a cute box as a holiday gift to a fellow pet owner. Truly, this is a fun and exciting way to celebrate Christmas with your fur baby.
5. Mutt Mints
Ingredients: Mint, honey, whole wheat flour
We’ve already mentioned the benefits of mint for combating doggy breath, but mutt mints take it one step further by including honey. Raw honey is rich in vitamins and can help boost your dog’s immune system during the cold winter months. When you blend the mint’s cooling effect with the sweet taste of honey, you get a treat that’s delightful, nutritious, and holiday-worthy.
Not only are these easy to make, but they also store well, so you can have them on hand for special occasions or as rewards for your pup during holiday festivities.
6. Carob Molasses Dog Treats
Ingredients: Carob powder, molasses, eggs, oats
Many pet owners know to avoid chocolate, but did you know that carob is a dog-safe alternative? Carob is naturally sweet and mimics chocolate’s flavor profile without any risk to your dog’s health. These carob molasses treats are rich in calcium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants, making them as healthy as they are tasty.
Carob molasses treats have the added benefit of being low in purines, which helps prevent kidney stones in senior dogs or those predisposed to such issues. Enjoy baking these simple treats while keeping your pup’s health in mind.
Ensuring Pet Health During the Fall and Winter
Now that you’ve baked an array of delightful treats for your dog, it’s essential to focus on another aspect of your dog’s holiday experience: their health. Winter can bring unique challenges for pets, and making sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and healthy is key to an enjoyable holiday season.
1. Proper Grooming for the Season
A regular grooming routine becomes even more crucial as the colder months roll in. Your dog’s summer coat will shed, allowing their thicker winter coat to come through. However, without regular brushing, dead hair can clump and irritate your dog’s skin. Aim to give your dog a thorough brush at least once a week to remove old hairs and prevent matting, especially for longer-haired breeds.
2. Stay Cozy and Warm
Even though some dog breeds handle cold temperatures better than others, all dogs require extra warmth when the temperature drops. If your dog stays outdoors, inspect their kennel for cracks or drafts where cold air might get in. Consider adding insulation, heating pads, or even extra blankets to keep your dog comfortable. And remember—if it’s freezing outside, your dog may be better off spending more time indoors, away from harsh elements.
3. Adjust Their Diet
Cold weather often means your dog will burn more energy to stay warm, so you may want to increase their calorie intake slightly during the winter months. However, every dog is different, so monitor your dog’s weight and consult with your vet to see whether any dietary adjustments are needed.
Book Northern Virginia’s Best Dog Sitters for the Holidays
The holidays are a time for creating special memories, and that includes your furry family members too! With these DIY holiday treats and a little extra winter care, your dog can fully enjoy the festive season alongside you. To make sure your pup is well looked after, whether you’re home or away, trust Northern Virginia’s top dog sitters at Paw Pals. Reach out today and ensure your dog has a safe, happy, and pampered holiday season!
