Christmas Treats for Dogs: Three Simple Recipes and Festive Foods to Avoid

1Christmas Treats for Dogs: Three Simple Recipes and Festive Foods to Avoid

1. Pumpkin Star Biscuits

These biscuits combine pumpkin, carrot and apple with flour and oats. Make them small, or break them into smaller pieces before serving.

Before preparing any recipe, check every ingredient to ensure it does not contain anything your dog is allergic or intolerant to. These treats are not suitable for every dog. If your dog follows a prescription diet or a veterinary food trial, ask your vet before offering anything extra.

Ingredients

• 100g plain cooked pumpkin, mashed and cooled
• 30g finely grated carrot
• 30g finely grated apple, with the core and pips removed
• 100g plain flour, plus a little for rolling
• 50g rice flour
• 30g plain porridge oats, finely ground
• A little water, only if needed

Use plain pumpkin without skin or seeds. If buying pumpkin purée, choose a product containing only pumpkin, rather than sweetened or spiced pie filling.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, or 160°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Mix the pumpkin, carrot and apple in a bowl.
3. Stir in the plain flour, rice flour and ground oats until a dough forms. Pumpkin varies in moisture, so add a little more flour if the mixture is sticky, or a teaspoon of water at a time if it is too dry.
4. Roll out to approximately 5mm thick.
5. Cut into small stars and place on the tray.
6. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. Cooking time will depend on their size and thickness.
7. Allow to cool completely before offering a small piece.

Important: Plain flour contains wheat. Rice flour and oats do not make this recipe suitable for a dog with a wheat allergy.

These quantities provide a suggested recipe based on the ingredients shown in the accompanying image. The biscuit recipe has not been kitchen tested, so texture and baking time may need adjustment.

2. Soft Carrot Stars

This is the simplest option, using just plain carrot.

Ingredients

• One large carrot
• Water for cooking

Method

1. Wash and peel the carrot.
2. Cut into slices approximately 5mm thick.
3. Use a small cutter to create stars, or simply cut into small pieces.
4. Steam or simmer in plain water until soft enough to squash easily with a fork.
5. Drain and cool completely.

Do not add salt, butter, stock, honey or seasoning. Cut the cooked stars into smaller pieces if necessary, particularly for a small dog or one that tends to swallow food quickly.

Plain carrot can be offered as an occasional treat, provided it agrees with your dog and is prepared in suitably sized pieces.

3. Sweet Potato Trees

These soft treats need no added ingredients or festive coating.

Ingredients

• One small sweet potato
• Water for cooking

Method

1. Wash and peel the sweet potato.
2. Cut lengthways into slices approximately 5mm thick.
3. Cut out small tree shapes, or use simple small pieces instead.
4. Steam or simmer until fully cooked and soft throughout. Avoid overcooking if you want the shapes to hold together.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Do not add butter, oil, salt, spices or sweeteners. The shape is for presentation, so break it into manageable pieces before feeding.

Storing your homemade treats

Make small batches. Once cool, refrigerate promptly in a clean, sealed container and use within two days, or freeze individual portions. Defrost in the fridge before serving and discard anything showing signs of spoilage. Do not assume homemade biscuits are suitable for prolonged storage at room temperature simply because they have been baked.

Check Every Ingredient for Allergies and Intolerances

An ingredient that suits one dog may cause problems for another. Homemade food is not automatically suitable for a sensitive stomach, and a short ingredient list does not guarantee that a treat is safe for your particular pet.

Food allergies and food intolerances are different conditions, although their symptoms can overlap. Allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances do not. Both deserve careful attention.

Read the full label on every packaged ingredient, including products you have bought before. Check for added flavourings, sweeteners and any ingredient your dog must avoid. Use clean utensils and preparation surfaces to reduce contact with other foods.

Dogs can react to ingredients such as chicken, beef, dairy or wheat. Signs may include itching, sore ears, vomiting or diarrhoea, but these symptoms can also have other causes and should be discussed with a vet. During a veterinary elimination diet, even a small extra treat can interfere with the investigation.

The same care applies to cats. Always check their individual dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances before offering treats.

Festive Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Christmas food often contains several ingredients, making it easy to overlook something harmful.

Chocolate and cocoa

Keep chocolate coins, advent calendars, chocolate decorations, cakes and cocoa products out of reach. Chocolate is poisonous to both dogs and cats. pdsa.org.uk

Mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and stollen

These commonly contain raisins, sultanas or dried currants. Grapes and these dried fruits can cause serious poisoning and kidney damage in dogs. The amount needed to cause illness varies, so do not assume that a small mouthful is harmless.

Stuffing, onion gravy and seasoned leftovers

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives can damage red blood cells. Cooking does not remove the risk. Check stuffing, sauces, stock, gravy and meat dishes carefully. These ingredients are also dangerous for cats.

Products containing xylitol

This sweetener can appear in sugar free products, some nut butters and baked goods. It can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. Check labels rather than relying on the product name.

Alcohol

Keep drinks, boozy desserts and unattended glasses away from pets. Alcohol can cause serious poisoning.

Cooked bones

Turkey and chicken bones can cause choking, splintering, internal injury or an obstruction. Put carcasses and bones into a securely closed bin that neither dogs nor cats can access.

Other foods to keep out of reach

Avoid blue cheese, macadamia nuts and mouldy leftovers. Rich foods such as pigs in blankets, turkey skin, buttery vegetables and fatty meat trimmings are unsuitable festive extras. Cream and other dairy products may also cause digestive upset.

Overeating: A Small Treat Can Quickly Become Too Much

A biscuit from one person, some turkey from another and leftovers after dinner can add up considerably.

Too much food can upset digestion and contribute to weight gain. In dogs, eating fatty foods can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful condition that can become serious. Contact your vet if your dog develops vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or marked lethargy.

As a general guide, treats should provide no more than 10% of daily calories, with the remainder coming from a complete, balanced diet. This is an upper limit, rather than a target, and some pets need stricter restrictions. Include treats within the daily allowance rather than adding them on top of normal meals. FACT SHEET

Ask one person to manage treats and explain the rules to visitors. Keep portions small and supervise eating. There is no single biscuit allowance that suits every dog because body size, health, activity and the size of the treat all matter.

Remember the Cats Too

Cats also need protection from festive food, unsuitable ingredients and overfeeding. Chocolate, onions and garlic must be kept away from them, and Cats Protection also advises avoiding grapes and raisins.

The recipes above are intended as occasional dog treats, rather than recipes formulated for cats. Do not assume that something suitable for a dog is equally appropriate for a cat.

For cats, a small portion of their usual complete food set aside as a treat is a straightforward option. Extra play or attention can also be a reward without adding calories. PDSA

What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Harmful

Contact your vet or their emergency service immediately if you suspect poisoning. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Keep the packaging and note what was eaten, the approximate quantity and when it happened. This information can help your vet assess the risk.

Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

This article provides general information and does not replace veterinary advice. Consult your vet before introducing new treats if your dog or cat has allergies, digestive problems, an existing medical condition or a prescribed diet.. Pumpkin Star Biscuits

These biscuits combine pumpkin, carrot and apple with flour and oats. Make them small, or break them into smaller pieces before serving.

Before preparing any recipe, check every ingredient to ensure it does not contain anything your dog is allergic or intolerant to. These treats are not suitable for every dog. If your dog follows a prescription diet or a veterinary food trial, ask your vet before offering anything extra.

Ingredients

• 100g plain cooked pumpkin, mashed and cooled
• 30g finely grated carrot
• 30g finely grated apple, with the core and pips removed
• 100g plain flour, plus a little for rolling
• 50g rice flour
• 30g plain porridge oats, finely ground
• A little water, only if needed

Use plain pumpkin without skin or seeds. If buying pumpkin purée, choose a product containing only pumpkin, rather than sweetened or spiced pie filling.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, or 160°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Mix the pumpkin, carrot and apple in a bowl.
3. Stir in the plain flour, rice flour and ground oats until a dough forms. Pumpkin varies in moisture, so add a little more flour if the mixture is sticky, or a teaspoon of water at a time if it is too dry.
4. Roll out to approximately 5mm thick.
5. Cut into small stars and place on the tray.
6. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. Cooking time will depend on their size and thickness.
7. Allow to cool completely before offering a small piece.

Important: Plain flour contains wheat. Rice flour and oats do not make this recipe suitable for a dog with a wheat allergy.

These quantities provide a suggested recipe based on the ingredients shown in the accompanying image. The biscuit recipe has not been kitchen tested, so texture and baking time may need adjustment.

2. Soft Carrot Stars

This is the simplest option, using just plain carrot.

Ingredients

• One large carrot
• Water for cooking

Method

1. Wash and peel the carrot.
2. Cut into slices approximately 5mm thick.
3. Use a small cutter to create stars, or simply cut into small pieces.
4. Steam or simmer in plain water until soft enough to squash easily with a fork.
5. Drain and cool completely.

Do not add salt, butter, stock, honey or seasoning. Cut the cooked stars into smaller pieces if necessary, particularly for a small dog or one that tends to swallow food quickly.

Plain carrot can be offered as an occasional treat, provided it agrees with your dog and is prepared in suitably sized pieces. PDSA

3. Sweet Potato Trees

These soft treats need no added ingredients or festive coating.

Ingredients

• One small sweet potato
• Water for cooking

Method

1. Wash and peel the sweet potato.
2. Cut lengthways into slices approximately 5mm thick.
3. Cut out small tree shapes, or use simple small pieces instead.
4. Steam or simmer until fully cooked and soft throughout. Avoid overcooking if you want the shapes to hold together.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Do not add butter, oil, salt, spices or sweeteners. The shape is for presentation, so break it into manageable pieces before feeding.

Storing your homemade treats

Make small batches. Once cool, refrigerate promptly in a clean, sealed container and use within two days, or freeze individual portions. Defrost in the fridge before serving and discard anything showing signs of spoilage. Do not assume homemade biscuits are suitable for prolonged storage at room temperature simply because they have been baked.

Check Every Ingredient for Allergies and Intolerances

An ingredient that suits one dog may cause problems for another. Homemade food is not automatically suitable for a sensitive stomach, and a short ingredient list does not guarantee that a treat is safe for your particular pet.

Food allergies and food intolerances are different conditions, although their symptoms can overlap. Allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances do not. Both deserve careful attention.

Read the full label on every packaged ingredient, including products you have bought before. Check for added flavourings, sweeteners and any ingredient your dog must avoid. Use clean utensils and preparation surfaces to reduce contact with other foods.

Dogs can react to ingredients such as chicken, beef, dairy or wheat. Signs may include itching, sore ears, vomiting or diarrhoea, but these symptoms can also have other causes and should be discussed with a vet. During a veterinary elimination diet, even a small extra treat can interfere with the investigation.

The same care applies to cats. Always check their individual dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances before offering treats.

Festive Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Christmas food often contains several ingredients, making it easy to overlook something harmful.

Chocolate and cocoa

Keep chocolate coins, advent calendars, chocolate decorations, cakes and cocoa products out of reach. Chocolate is poisonous to both dogs and cats.

Mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and stollen

These commonly contain raisins, sultanas or dried currants. Grapes and these dried fruits can cause serious poisoning and kidney damage in dogs. The amount needed to cause illness varies, so do not assume that a small mouthful is harmless.

Stuffing, onion gravy and seasoned leftovers

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives can damage red blood cells. Cooking does not remove the risk. Check stuffing, sauces, stock, gravy and meat dishes carefully. These ingredients are also dangerous for cats.

Products containing xylitol

This sweetener can appear in sugar free products, some nut butters and baked goods. It can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. Check labels rather than relying on the product name.

Alcohol

Keep drinks, boozy desserts and unattended glasses away from pets. Alcohol can cause serious poisoning. rspca.org.uk

Cooked bones

Turkey and chicken bones can cause choking, splintering, internal injury or an obstruction. Put carcasses and bones into a securely closed bin that neither dogs nor cats can access.

Other foods to keep out of reach

Avoid blue cheese, macadamia nuts and mouldy leftovers. Rich foods such as pigs in blankets, turkey skin, buttery vegetables and fatty meat trimmings are unsuitable festive extras. Cream and other dairy products may also cause digestive upset.

Overeating: A Small Treat Can Quickly Become Too Much

A biscuit from one person, some turkey from another and leftovers after dinner can add up considerably.

Too much food can upset digestion and contribute to weight gain. In dogs, eating fatty foods can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful condition that can become serious. Contact your vet if your dog develops vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or marked lethargy.

As a general guide, treats should provide no more than 10% of daily calories, with the remainder coming from a complete, balanced diet. This is an upper limit, rather than a target, and some pets need stricter restrictions. Include treats within the daily allowance rather than adding them on top of normal meals.

Ask one person to manage treats and explain the rules to visitors. Keep portions small and supervise eating. There is no single biscuit allowance that suits every dog because body size, health, activity and the size of the treat all matter.

Remember the Cats Too

Cats also need protection from festive food, unsuitable ingredients and overfeeding. Chocolate, onions and garlic must be kept away from them, and Cats Protection also advises avoiding grapes and raisins.

The recipes above are intended as occasional dog treats, rather than recipes formulated for cats. Do not assume that something suitable for a dog is equally appropriate for a cat.

For cats, a small portion of their usual complete food set aside as a treat is a straightforward option. Extra play or attention can also be a reward without adding calories.

What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Harmful

Contact your vet or their emergency service immediately if you suspect poisoning. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Keep the packaging and note what was eaten, the approximate quantity and when it happened. This information can help your vet assess the risk.

Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

This article provides general information and does not replace veterinary advice. Consult your vet before introducing new treats if your dog or cat has allergies, digestive problems, an existing medical condition or a prescribed diet.