Holiday Dog Treats: 10 Easy Homemade Recipes They’ll Love

Cagri Sarigoz Cagri Sarigoz · Updated February 19, 2025

Dogs bring joy to our lives every day, and the holiday season is the perfect time to show them extra love. Your furry friend deserves to join in the festive celebrations with special treats made just for them.

Making or buying holiday-themed dog treats lets you include your pet in seasonal traditions while ensuring they eat safe, pet-friendly foods. Holiday dog treats can be homemade with simple ingredients or purchased from trusted brands that create festive options for every celebration.

1. PupJoy Toy Box

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying new toys every once in a while, you can always get a regular shipment of toys and other dog accessories right to your doorstep. PupJoy delivers a box filled with fun things for your dog on a regular basis. Your doggo will absolutely love this!

A PupJoy subscription box tailored for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, featuring a variety of dog products including treats, toys, and snacks, all beautifully displayed in a teal box.

2. Carob-Dipped Holiday Bones

Carob makes a safe and tasty alternative to chocolate for your dog during the holiday season. Unlike chocolate, carob contains no caffeine or theobromine, making it completely safe for pets. You can make homemade carob dog treats that stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

3. Farm Hounds Dog Treats

Dog treats and chews play a crucial role in a pet’s life, offering not only a source of enjoyment but also benefits for their health and behavior. Treats can be used as a powerful training tool, while chews help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and keeping gums strong.

Farm Hounds emphasizes the health benefits and safety of their 100% meat dog treats and chews, made without fillers or preservatives. They proudly support regenerative agriculture and humane farming practices, ensuring every product is both nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly. 

Four dogs wearing Santa hats sit by a wooden table adorned with an array of holiday dog treats, including apples and gingerbread cookies. In the background, beautifully decorated Christmas trees add to the festive cheer.

4. Gingerbread Dog Cookies

Your pup can enjoy the classic holiday flavors of gingerbread too with special dog-friendly cookies. These treats use safe ingredients like whole wheat flour, ginger, and cinnamon to create festive cookies your dog will love. Making gingerbread cookies for dogs is simple and fun. Mix whole wheat flour with dog-safe spices like ginger and cinnamon, then add natural sweeteners like honey or molasses.

5. Turkey and Cranberry Jerky

Transform your holiday turkey leftovers into healthy treats your dog will love. Turkey and cranberry jerky dog treats make perfect use of extra holiday food while creating a nutritious snack. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can also use a food dehydrator if you have one.

6. Frozen Yogurt Pupsicles

Your dog will love these cool and creamy frozen treats any time of year. These easy-to-make pupsicles need just a few simple ingredients and take minutes to prepare. Plain yogurt forms the base of these treats, providing calcium and beneficial probiotics for your pup’s digestive health. You can add dog-safe fruits like blueberries or strawberries for natural sweetness and extra nutrients.

A dog sits at a kitchen table with plates of festive, homemade dog-shaped treats. A decorated Christmas tree and holiday decor create a cozy backdrop, making it the perfect seasonal setting.

7. Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits

You can make tasty apple cinnamon holiday treats for your dog using simple ingredients from your kitchen. These treats combine the sweetness of apples with the warm scent of cinnamon. The main ingredients include whole wheat flour, fresh apple, unsweetened applesauce, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. You’ll need basic baking items like mixing bowls and cookie cutters to create these treats.

8. Cheesy Spinach Dog Treats

Your dog can enjoy a healthy and tasty treat with these homemade spinach and cheese biscuits. These treats combine nutritious spinach with the irresistible flavor of cheese that dogs love. Making these treats is simple. You’ll need spinach, cheddar cheese, and whole wheat flour as your main ingredients. Mix them together to form a dough, then roll it out and cut into fun shapes.

9. Healthy Bite Supplements

To enhance your pet’s quality of life, especially as they age, consider integrating comprehensive nutritional support through products such as hip and joint chewables, multivitamins, and probiotics, which are designed to address specific health needs effectively.

You can also augment the balanced diet by including a multivitamin that can fill any nutritional gaps, helping maintain their overall health and vitality. Adding probiotics to your pet’s diet can also support their digestive health, which is essential for proper nutrient absorption and a robust immune system.

10. Eggnog Dog Biscuits

Make your pup feel extra special during the holidays with homemade eggnog dog treats. These festive biscuits give your dog a taste of the season while staying safe for them to eat. The recipe is simple and needs just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need plain yogurt (Greek or regular) and baby food for the base. Mix these together to create a smooth, creamy texture your dog will love.

Understanding Dog-Safe Ingredients

Making homemade treats lets you control what goes into your dog’s snacks. You can pick safe, healthy ingredients that taste great while avoiding harmful additives.

Natural Sweeteners for Dogs

  • Plain pumpkin and sweet potato add natural sweetness and nutrients to treats. These vegetables are rich in fiber and vitamin A.
  • You can use mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as binding agents that add natural sweetness. Avoid artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
  • Fresh or frozen berries make excellent natural treat additions. Stick to dog-safe options like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

Safe Flours and Grains

  • Whole wheat flour, oat flour, and coconut flour work well in dog treats. These options provide fiber and nutrients while being easy to digest.
  • Brown rice flour offers a gluten-free alternative that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs. Mix it with oat flour for better texture.
  • Rolled oats create a hearty base for treats. They’re packed with fiber and can help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
  • Remember to store your homemade treats in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer.