Is your pet staring longingly at the holiday table, hoping for a little something extra in their bowl?
One of the best ways to show your pet how much you love them is by giving them healthy treats. Not only will they be healthier, but they’ll also be happier.
There are a lot of unhealthy pet treats on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find ones that are nutritious and won’t make your dog or cat sick. Healthy treats can help your pet lose weight, maintain energy levels, and stay strong and healthy.
So next time you reach for a treat to give your beloved pet, make sure it’s something that will benefit them! They’ll thank you for it with lots of wags and purrs.
Need some help with a pet-friendly holiday treat recipe to make your furry friend feel included this holiday season? Check out these easy cat and dog treat recipes that are both delicious and safe.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of homemade dog biscuits or some catnip-laced cookies, these pet-friendly recipes are sure to please. And with only a few simple ingredients, they’re easy for pet parents to make as well.
So get in the holiday spirit and treat your four-legged friend to something special this year.
Homemade Pet-Friendly Treats are Better
When it comes to pet-friendly options, there are a lot of choices out there for healthy pet treats. And while you might think that giving your pet a homemade treat now and then is perfectly harmless, there are some benefits here, so you aren’t wrong!
For one thing, it can help to build up your pet’s immunity to potential allergies and other health problems.
Additionally, holiday treats can help dogs and cats stay calm and relaxed during periods of excitement or stress.
Dog-Friendly Recipes
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, treats! But what about our four-legged friends? Dogs want in on the holiday fun too! Here are some easy and delicious holiday treats that dogs love and your whole family can enjoy.
Homemade Dog Biscuits
One easy and affordable option for homemade dog treats is to make your own biscuits. There are many dog treat recipes online for biscuits, or you can even buy a pre-made mix at the store. Just be sure to stay clear of any harmful ingredients to dogs, like chocolate, raisins, or nuts.
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Treats for Dogs
One dog treat recipe that is easy to make is the peanut butter and pumpkin variety. And what doggie wouldn’t love pumpkin during the holiday season?
Ingredients:
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup canned pumpkin
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, peanut butter, pumpkin, baking powder, and egg until well combined.
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Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes.
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Place treats on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
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Let cool completely before serving.
Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
Does your dog enjoy bananas over pumpkins? Then this simple biscuit recipe is right up their alley.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas
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1/4 cup peanut butter
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1 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, mash together all of the ingredients.
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Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes.
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Place treats on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
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Let cool completely before serving.
Most dogs will love the combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Gingerbread Dog Biscuits
What would the holidays be without some gingerbread? These Gingerbread Dog Biscuits from Taste of Home are perfect for Fido! Made with whole wheat flour and molasses, they’re healthy and delicious treats. Plus, they’re shaped like little bones, so your pup can really get into the holiday spirit!
Meaty Meatballs
If you’re looking for something a little more savory, try making some meatballs just for your pup. Use lean ground beef or turkey and mix in some shredded carrots and green beans for added nutrients. You can even shape the treats into little bones or paw prints for an extra special touch.
As you can see, with a few basic ingredients, making dog friendly-treats are not only simple but rewarding as well. Just be sure to leave out the sugar substitute called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Or, instead of using sugar, try using honey or molasses as a sweetener. You can also add some carob chips or carob powder to give the cookies a chocolatey flavor that your dog will love.
One last great idea is to pick up some all-natural dog chews or bones. These make great stocking stuffers for dogs and will keep them busy (and out of trouble!) for hours. Look for products that are made in the USA and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Cat-Friendly Recipes
Cats are carnivores, and their diet should consist primarily of meat. However, some commercial cat treats contain fillers and preservatives that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Homemade treats are a great way to give your cat the necessary nutrients without worrying about what’s in it.
Many healthy treat options are available for cats, including freeze-dried meats, seafood, and fruits and vegetables. You can even make your own using natural ingredients. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s something your cat will enjoy, and that is good for their health.
Salmon and Tuna Pate
Salmon and tuna pate is not only nutritious, but it’s full of flavors that many cats love. The omega helps keep their coat shiny and strong while giving them other nutrients for strong bones and teeth. This recipe is super simple and contains minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
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1 can salmon
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1 can tuna
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Shredded cheese
Instructions:
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Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.
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Spoon into small dishes.
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Refrigerate until firm.
Chicken Liver Treats
We’re not sure we’ve ever met a feline friend that didn’t like chicken liver – so we’re sure your cat will enjoy these savory treats, and you’ll be happy knowing it contains all the best ingredients.
Ingredients:
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1 pack of chicken livers
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Olive oil
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Plain yogurt
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Rolled oats
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Bit of honey
Ingredients amounts are determined by your package weight of chicken livers and how much of a fan your cat is of yogurt and honey. You can use smaller amounts if you have a cat who isn’t the biggest fan of oats but still want to provide it for them. The fun here is experimenting to see what works best for you and your cat.
Instructions:
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Start by sauteing chicken livers in a bit of olive oil until they’re cooked through.
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Then let them cool before chopping them into small pieces.
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Mix the chicken livers with some plain yogurt, rolled oats, and a bit of honey.
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Spoon into small dishes and refrigerate until firm.
Tuna Cakes
If you have ever had a tuna melt, tuna patty, or salmon patty and your feline friend decided that your meal needed to be theirs – you’re in luck! This recipe is great for using leftover tuna – you can even substitute salmon if you’d like.
Ingredients:
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Tuna
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Egg
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Bread crumbs
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Minced onion or garlic
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350 F.
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Just combine tuna, egg, bread crumbs, and some minced onion or garlic in a bowl.
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Form into small patties and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
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Let cool before serving to your cat.
Fish Biscuit Cookies
These fish treats are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. These treats are tasty and healthy and contain all-natural, simple ingredients. By making homemade holiday treats for your feline friend, you’ll know they’re getting special treats made with love and care – the perfect gift!
Ingredients:
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1 cup of cooked white fish
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1/4 cup of whole wheat flour
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1/4 teaspoon of salt
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1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 200 F
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First, combine the cooked fish, flour, and salt in a medium bowl.
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Then add the olive oil and mix until everything is well combined.
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Next, use a spoon or your hands to form the mixture into small balls.
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Finally, place the balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and smash them down to a round cookie shape (or use a cookie cutter to shape them).
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Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
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Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your cat.
Pumpkin Spice Cat Cookies
Is your cat more of a sweets fan? These Pumpkin Spice Cat Treats are sure to hit the spot! Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, which can help with digestive issues. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C and potassium. And when it comes to spices, cinnamon is known to be a natural anti-inflammatory.
So if you’re looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your feline friend this fall, give one of these recipes a try. Your cat will love the delicious pumpkin flavor, and you’ll feel good knowing they’re getting some extra nutrition too!
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup canned pumpkin
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1/4 cup water
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350 F.
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In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients together.
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Drop dough by the teaspoon onto a silicone cookie sheet or parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.
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Let it cool completely before giving it to your cat as a special holiday treat.
You can also get creative with your cat treat recipes. For example, you could use different-shaped cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes or add some finely chopped catnip for an extra special treat.
Going Away This Holiday Season?
Making your own pet-friendly, healthy treats at home is easy and a great way to show your furry family members some extra love. By using simple, natural ingredients, you can create delicious and nutritious snacks that will make your pet happy and healthy. So next time you’re in the kitchen, why not whip up a batch of homemade treats for your four-legged friend?
If you’re traveling out of LAX, our Kennel Club is designed to give you and your pet the peace of mind you need to know your pet is in the best hands. No matter what healthy treats your pet needs (or doesn’t), we ensure your pet will get the care and attention they need while you’re away. Feel free to bring your homemade holiday treats!
Ready to book a stay with us? Reserve your pet’s spot today!