15 Homemade Holiday Dog Treat Recipes (From Halloween to New Year’s)

It was December 24th. The turkey was brining. The cookies were cooling. The relatives were due in two hours. And my Golden Retriever, Finnegan, was circling the kitchen island like a furry shark, nose twitching at every buttercream scent. I had presents to wrap, a bathroom to clean, and zero time for guilt.

Then I looked at him—really looked. He wasn’t begging. He was hoping. Hoping that in the chaos of ribbon and wrapping paper and “where’s the gravy boat,” someone would remember him. So I stopped. I pulled out three ingredients. I spent four minutes making him his own batch of “reindeer cookies.” He carried one to his bed and guarded it like a diamond.

That was the year I learned: holidays aren’t just for humans. Our dogs are watching the lights, smelling the roast, feeling the excitement. They want to be included. These 15 recipes are your invitation to include them—safely, simply, and with a whole lot of love.

Holiday Safety First (Read This Before Baking)

The “No-Go” List for Holiday Treats:

• Chocolate (toxic year-round, but especially common during holidays)

• Xylitol (in sugar-free candies, gum, some peanut butters)

• Raisins and grapes (fruitcake, cookies, stuffing)

• Nutmeg (toxic in large amounts; common in holiday baking)

• Macadamia nuts (holiday nut mixes)

• Onions and garlic (stuffing, gravies, roasts)

• Raw bread dough (contains yeast that rises in the stomach)

The “Go” List for Holiday Treats:

• Pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• Plain yogurt, unsweetened applesauce

• Oats, whole wheat flour, coconut flour

• Cinnamon (small amounts), parsley, turmeric

• Cooked turkey, chicken, beef (no bones, no skin, no seasoning)

Portion reminder: Holiday treats are still treats. Even healthy homemade ones should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. A 30lb dog gets roughly 2 small cookies per day maximum.

Halloween (Spooky but Safe)

1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter “Jack-O-Lantern” Bites

These orange beauties look like tiny pumpkins and taste like fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 2 cups oat flour

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.

3. Gradually add oat flour until a stiff dough forms.

4. Roll into 1-inch balls. Flatten slightly.

5. Use a toothpick to draw “pumpkin lines” on top (optional).

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until firm.

Storage: 1 week in fridge, 3 months in freezer.

2. “Ghostly” Yogurt & Banana Freeze Pops

Spooky white pops that are more cute than creepy.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.

2. Pour into ghost-shaped silicone molds (or ice cube trays).

3. Freeze for 4+ hours.

4. Pop out and serve frozen.

Decoration (safe): Use a dab of yogurt to attach a single blueberry “eye” on each ghost.

3. Carrot & Parsley “Witch’s Brew” Biscuits

Green-flecked biscuits that look like a potion but taste like heaven to dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely grated carrots

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.

3. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.

4. Cut into small circles or cauldron shapes.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp.

Why parsley: Natural breath freshener. Your dog’s post-turkey breath will thank you.

Thanksgiving (Gratitude & Gravy)

4. Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Bites

The day-after-Thanksgiving special. Use your unseasoned turkey scraps.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked turkey, finely shredded (no skin, no bones, no seasoning)

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, chopped small)

• 1 cup oat flour

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons turkey broth (low-sodium)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

3. Roll into small balls or press into silicone molds.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Storage: 5 days in fridge (because of the fresh turkey).

5. Sweet Potato “Pumpkin Pie” Bites

No crust. No sugar. All the flavor of pumpkin pie, minus the danger.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (safe in small amounts)

• ½ cup coconut flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix mashed sweet potato, yogurt, egg, and cinnamon.

3. Add coconut flour gradually until a thick dough forms.

4. Scoop into mini muffin tins (greased or lined).

5. Bake for 20 minutes.

Pro tip: Top each with a tiny dollop of yogurt before serving—it looks like whipped cream.

6. “Gravy” Frozen Cubes (Hydration Helper)

Not a biscuit. Not a popsicle. A frozen savory cube that dogs lose their minds over.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 small carrot, finely grated

Instructions:

1. Warm broth slightly (do not boil).

2. Stir in parsley and grated carrot.

3. Pour into ice cube trays.

4. Freeze 4+ hours.

5. Serve as a cool, hydrating “gravy cube” on a hot day or after a long walk.

Best for: Dogs who don’t drink enough water, or as a low-calorie holiday “course.”

Hanukkah (Latkes for Dogs)

7. Potato & Apple “Latke” Nibbles

Hanukkah isn’t Hanukkah without latkes. Your dog deserves the same joy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baked potato, mashed (no butter, no salt, no skin)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 egg

• ½ cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix mashed potato, applesauce, and egg.

3. Add oat flour and stir into a thick batter.

4. Drop by teaspoonful onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Flatten slightly with a fork.

6. Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

Note: Use baked potato, not raw. Raw potato contains solanine (toxic).

8. Applesauce & Honey “Gelt” Drops

Gold-colored, sweet, and completely safe. These are your dog’s Hanukkah gelt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tablespoon honey (local honey may help allergies)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup coconut flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix applesauce, honey, and oats.

3. Add coconut flour gradually until dough holds together.

4. Roll into small, flat coin-shaped discs.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Storage: 2 weeks in fridge. These get crunchier as they dry out.

Christmas (Santa Paws Edition)

9. “Reindeer Fuel” Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies

The cookie Finnegan guarded with his life. Three ingredients. Five minutes. Infinite tail wags.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.

3. Roll into small balls. Place on a baking sheet.

4. Flatten each ball with a fork (makes a crisscross pattern).

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Christmas upgrade: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted carob (safe chocolate alternative).

10. “Snowball” Coconut & Banana Bites

White, snowy, and perfect for a Christmas morning surprise.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• ½ cup coconut flour

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mash bananas. Mix with egg and coconut flour.

3. Roll into small balls. Roll each ball in shredded coconut.

4. Place on a baking sheet. Flatten slightly.

5. Bake for 15 minutes.

Why dogs love it: Coconut is highly palatable. The texture is soft but satisfying.

11. “Candy Cane” Yogurt & Beet Pops

Naturally pink from beets (not food coloring). Swirled with white yogurt to look like candy canes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (divided)

• ¼ cup cooked beet, pureed (no salt, no vinegar)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup yogurt with beet puree until pink.

2. Leave remaining ½ cup yogurt white.

3. Layer or swirl pink and white yogurt in popsicle molds.

4. Insert a safe stick (or leave stick-free).

5. Freeze 4+ hours.

Safety note: Beets turn urine and stool red. This is harmless but alarming if you don’t expect it.

12. “Gingerbread” Carob & Cinnamon Cookies

Gingerbread without the ginger (ginger is safe in tiny amounts but can upset stomachs). Carob stands in for chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• ½ cup carob powder (not cocoa powder)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix dry ingredients (flour, carob, cinnamon).

3. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients (applesauce, coconut oil, egg).

4. Combine wet and dry. Mix into a stiff dough.

5. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread shapes.

6. Bake for 15-18 minutes.

Carob vs. chocolate: Carob is safe. Chocolate is toxic. Never substitute.

13. “Santa’s Hat” Strawberry & Yogurt Freeze

A strawberry “hat” on a white yogurt base. Adorable. Edible. Frozen.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 3-4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

1. Spoon yogurt into small silicone molds (fill halfway).

2. Place a strawberry slice on top of each (point facing up = hat shape).

3. Top with a tiny dot more yogurt to “glue” the strawberry.

4. Freeze 4+ hours.

Best for: Christmas morning breakfast “dessert.”

New Year’s Eve (Celebration Treats)

14. “Midnight Toast” Bone Broth Cubes

Because your dog deserves to toast at midnight too. Zero alcohol. All celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth

• 1 teaspoon parsley (for fresh breath)

• 1 small carrot, finely diced

Instructions:

1. Warm broth slightly (do not boil).

2. Stir in parsley and diced carrot.

3. Pour into ice cube trays or champagne-flute-shaped molds.

4. Freeze 4+ hours.

5. Serve at midnight as a “toast.”

Pro tip: Hold the cube in your hand for 10 seconds before giving it to your dog (less shocking cold).

15. “Good Luck” Greens & Black-Eyed Pea Pops

Southern tradition says black-eyed peas bring good luck on New Year’s. Your dog gets the same wish.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked black-eyed peas (no salt, rinsed)

• ½ cup cooked collard greens or spinach (chopped small)

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth (or leave chunky for texture).

2. Pour into small molds.

3. Freeze 4+ hours.

Why this works: Black-eyed peas are safe and high in fiber. Greens add vitamins. Your dog starts the year healthy.

Holiday Gift Guide (Packaging Ideas)

These treats make wonderful gifts for fellow dog owners. Here’s how to package them:

For baked cookies:

• Mason jar with a fabric lid (tie with ribbon)

• Cellophane treat bags from a craft store

• Clean, empty cookie tin lined with parchment paper

For frozen pops:

• Not giftable (need freezer). Instead, gift the dry mix in a jar with instructions.

Labels to include:

• “Homemade for dogs. Not for human consumption.”

• Ingredient list (in case of allergies)

• Storage instructions (“Refrigerate” or “Freeze”)

• “Made with love by [Your Dog’s Name]”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular holiday spices like nutmeg or clove in dog treats?
No. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs in large amounts (contains myristicin, which causes tremors and seizures). Clove is irritating in high doses. Stick to cinnamon (small amounts), parsley, and turmeric—these are safe and dogs enjoy them.

2. My dog has a sensitive stomach. Which holiday treat should I start with?
Start with Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Bites (Recipe #1) or Sweet Potato “Pumpkin Pie” Bites (Recipe #5). Both are low-fat, high-fiber, and gentle on digestion. Introduce any new treat in a tiny amount (half a cookie) and wait 24 hours.

3. Can I substitute regular flour for holiday treats?
Yes. Whole wheat flour works well. For grain-sensitive dogs, use oat flour or coconut flour. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid—use 1/3 cup coconut flour for every 1 cup of regular flour. Adjust liquid accordingly.

4. How long do homemade holiday dog treats last?
Baked treats (dry): 1-2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, or 3 months in the freezer. Soft/fresh treats (with meat or fresh produce): 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Frozen pops: 2-3 months in the freezer.

5. Are sugar-free holiday treats safe for dogs?
No. “Sugar-free” often means xylitol, which is deadly to dogs. Never use sugar-free sweeteners, sugar-free peanut butter, or sugar-free applesauce. Use unsweetened, natural ingredients only.

6. Can I give my dog a “Thanksgiving plate” of human food?
No. Human Thanksgiving food contains butter, salt, onions, garlic, sage (safe in tiny amounts but can upset stomachs), and often hidden xylitol (in sugar-free desserts). Make your dog their own plate using unseasoned turkey, plain pumpkin, and plain green beans.

7. What’s a safe “chocolate” substitute for Christmas dog treats?
Carob. Carob powder is naturally sweet, looks like cocoa powder, and is completely safe for dogs. Find it at health food stores or online. Never substitute cocoa powder (contains theobromine, same as chocolate).

8. Can puppies eat these holiday treats?
Yes, with adjustments. Puppies have smaller stomachs. Cut treats into pea-sized pieces. Avoid high-fat ingredients (coconut oil, peanut butter in large amounts). Frozen treats are excellent for teething puppies (4-6 months). Supervise every treat.

Final Thoughts

That Christmas Eve, Finnegan didn’t care that his cookies weren’t perfectly round. He didn’t notice that the “reindeer” shape looked more like a blob. He cared that I stopped. That I looked at him. That I took four minutes out of the chaos to make something just for him.

Holidays are loud. They’re stressful. They’re full of expectations and shopping lists and relatives who ask when you’re getting married. But in the middle of all that noise is a dog who loves you simply, quietly, and without conditions. They don’t want a new sweater or a fancy bed. They want to be included.

So this holiday season, when you’re up to your elbows in flour and your kitchen smells like cinnamon, set aside a small bowl. Mix three ingredients. Bake six tiny cookies. Watch your dog’s tail start a helicopter spin. That’s the real holiday magic.

Now go preheat that oven. Santa Paws is coming. 🎄🐾