Holiday treats are everywhere this time of year — but not all festive foods are safe for dogs. If you’re looking for dog-friendly holiday recipes and safe holiday treat swaps, we’ve rounded up our favorite festive goodies your pup can enjoy while steering clear of dangerous ingredients.
Before We Cook: Holiday Foods to Avoid
These common holiday foods are unsafe for dogs:
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Onions & garlic
- Alcohol
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free treats)
- Macadamia nuts
- Rich, fatty table scraps
When in doubt, check the ingredient list first.
1. 3-Ingredient Festive Frozen “Snowball” Treats
A refreshing, simple treat even picky pups love.
You’ll need:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Unsweetened applesauce
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix everything together.
- Spoon into silicone molds.
- Freeze 4–6 hours.
- Pop out and serve as a holiday snack.
2. Dog-Safe Ginger “Snaps” (Crunchy + Smells Amazing)
These smell like holiday cookies — without unsafe ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ tsp fresh ginger
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into small discs.
- Bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Cool completely.
3. Pup-Approved Holiday Barkcuterie Board
Perfect for photos, parties, and picky pups.
Add dog-safe items like:
- Apple slices
- Carrot sticks
- Green beans
- Blueberries
- Pumpkin bites
- Turkey without seasoning
- Dog treats with limited ingredients
Arrange it beautifully — your dog will feel like royalty.
4. Holiday Dinner Swaps Your Dog Can Have
When your dog gives you those big, hopeful eyes...
Try these safe swaps instead of table scraps:
- Instead of gravy → low-sodium bone broth
- Instead of pie → frozen pumpkin cubes
- Instead of stuffing → plain steamed veggies
- Instead of cookies → baked sweet potato bites
Healthy, simple, dog-approved.
5. DIY Pup-kin Pie Bites
Mini dog-safe “pies” that are easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Silicone mini muffin mold
- Pumpkin puree
- A small scoop of Greek yogurt
- Crushed dog biscuits
How to make them:
- Press crushed biscuits into the bottom.
- Layer pumpkin puree.
- Add a yogurt “dollop.”
- Freeze 1–2 hours.
Festive Treats = Happy Dogs (and Safe Holidays)
With dog-safe ingredients and simple recipes, your pup can enjoy the holiday spirit without any risk.
Always introduce new foods slowly and watch for allergies.
