homemade holiday treats for your dog or cat

It’s that time of year again! Time for our favorite homemade holiday treats created by our very own veterinary team. If you want your little lovebug to participate in the holiday festivities, check out these four recipes that are easy to make and easy on the tummies (if eaten in moderation). 

(Please note: Many of these ingredients can be high in fat or calories. Whether purchased or homemade, treats should be a tiny part of your lovebug’s diet, especially if your pet is small or prone to GI upset. If your dog or cat is on a special diet or they have a chronic disease, please talk with your veterinarian first.)

Apple & Peanut Butter Treats for Dogs

• Makes 6–12 treats depending on size
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients:
• 2 cups oat flour, may need more for rolling
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg

Directions:
• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Mix egg, applesauce, and peanut butter in a bowl; whisk until smooth
• Stir in oat flour and mix until dough is formed
• Place dough on countertop and knead for a couple of minutes
• Use a rolling pin to create ¼ inch thick layer
• Cut cookies with your chosen cookie cutter shape
• Place on cookie sheet and cook for 20–25 minutes; edges should be light brown
• Cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely

You can store these treats for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.  

Sweet Potato and Banana Cookies for Dogs

• Approximately 50–60 cookies
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
• 3 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups cooked sweet potato
• 1 medium banana, sliced
• 2 large eggs

Directions:
• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Grind three cups of oats in blender until finely powdered
• Add sweet potato, banana, and eggs; blend until combined
• Transfer to a bowl and add ½ cup of oats; mix well
• Shape into balls (1 ½–2 tablespoons)
• Place on baking sheet with sufficient space between the dough balls
• Use a fork to press each cookie until slightly flat
• Bake for 20–25 minutes for slightly soft; bake longer if you want a harder treat

Be sure to let them cool before your hungry furball gulps them down. You can store these cookies for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer.  

Liver Treats for Dogs

• Cook time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients:
• ½ lb liver
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour 

Directions:
• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Mix liver, eggs, and water in a blender
• Add remaining ingredients and mix well
• Pour into 9x12x2 inch baking pan and spread evenly
• Bake for 35–40 minutes
• Mixture should be dry on top and firm to the touch
• Cool in the pan and then cut into treats

Tuna Balls for Cats

• Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
• 6 oz tuna in spring water, undrained
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup water

Directions:  
• Preheat oven to 350°F  
• Mix ingredients together 
• Roll into ¼ inch balls
• Bake on greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes 
• Let cool before serving