Healthy Holiday Treat Recipes for Pets

The holidays are the perfect time to share the love—and tasty treats—with our pets! But just like us, our furry family members benefit from healthier versions of holiday goodies. Here’s a guide to easy, pet-safe holiday treat recipes that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Each recipe is made with pet-friendly ingredients so you can spoil them without worry.

Why Make Homemade Treats?

Homemade treats allow you to control ingredients, which means you can avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and added sugars that are commonly found in store-bought pet treats. Plus, making treats is a fun way to bond with your pet and get them in on the holiday excitement!

1. Sweet Potato and Turkey Bites

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, which help support immune function, and turkey is a lean protein that dogs and cats love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded (no seasoning or skin)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup oat flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Spoon small portions onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until firm.
5. Let cool before serving.

Tip: These bites are perfect for pets who need a little extra immune support, thanks to the nutrients in sweet potato!

2. Apple and Pumpkin Biscuits

This recipe is great for dogs, as apples and pumpkins are both high in fiber and aid in digestion. Just be sure to skip the sugar or spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 small apple, grated
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine all ingredients to form a dough. If too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
4. Use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes like stars or bones.
5. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Bonus: Pumpkin is known to help with hairballs, making this treat a great option for cats too, in smaller portions.

articlebanners1

3. Peanut Butter and Banana "Pawsicles"

This frozen treat is perfect for pets that want a refreshing snack (especially if the heater's cranked up during holiday gatherings!). Remember to use unsweetened, pet-safe peanut butter—no xylitol, please!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• ¼ cup unsweetened, natural peanut butter
• ½ cup plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
• Silicone paw or bone molds (optional)

Directions

1. Mix the banana, peanut butter, and yogurt in a bowl until smooth.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or a regular ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until solid.
4. Serve as a cool treat for your pet!

4. Salmon and Spinach Cat Treats

Cats deserve a holiday treat too! These salmon and spinach bites are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for their coat, and spinach provides additional fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 small can of salmon (in water), drained
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine all ingredients to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into small, cat-sized pieces or press into a silicone mold.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until firm.
5. Let cool before serving.

5. Festive “Nog” for Dogs (and Cats!)

Skip the eggnog for your pets and serve them a pet-safe, creamy drink instead! This “nog” can be poured over kibble or served as a small holiday drink.

Ingredients

• ½ cup plain, unsweetened almond milk or goat’s milk
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 tablespoon pure pumpkin puree
• Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a small bowl and let your pet enjoy a safe, seasonal beverage!

Pro Tip: Only give a small amount—this “nog” is a treat, not a meal replacement.

Adding a dash of Prana Pets' natural supplements to these homemade treats is a fantastic way to boost your pet’s wellness while they enjoy holiday goodies! Here are a few ways to sprinkle in some extra health benefits:

articlebanners2

Boosting the Benefits: Prana Pets Supplements for Extra Wellness

Our supplements are crafted to promote a healthy lifestyle for pets, so incorporating them into these holiday treats is a simple yet powerful way to keep your furry friends feeling their best. Here’s how each of these supplements can be added to the recipes above:

• CBD Oil: Known for its calming properties, Prana Pets’ CBD Oil can be added to any of these treats to help keep pets relaxed during the holiday bustle. Just add a few drops into the batter before baking or drizzle over cooled treats. For dogs with holiday stress or cats who need a little extra comfort, this addition can be particularly soothing.
• Immunity Blend: Give your pet’s immune system a holiday boost! This blend of natural herbs, crafted to support immune function, can be stirred directly into the batter of treats like the Sweet Potato and Turkey Bites or Salmon and Spinach Cat Treats. A little goes a long way, so check dosage recommendations to add just the right amount.
• Cat Probiotic Powder: If you’re making treats for your feline friend, adding a scoop of our Cat Probiotic Powder to recipes like the Salmon and Spinach Cat Treats can support digestive health and reduce issues like hairballs. Simply blend it into the batter to give these treats a digestive and immune boost.

These small additions are a practical and tasty way to keep your pets healthy and happy this holiday season. With every treat, you’re giving them an extra dose of wellness, so everyone can feel their best while celebrating together!

Tips for Safe Holiday Treats

While whipping up holiday treats for your pets, keep a few safety tips in mind:

• Avoid toxic ingredients: Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, and anything with xylitol are off-limits for pets.
• Moderation is key: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation, especially if your pet isn’t used to extra snacks.
• Store treats properly: Most homemade treats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

With these recipes, your pets can indulge in the holiday spirit with you! Just remember to take lots of pictures—you might need them for future holiday cards! Enjoy the treats and make this season a healthy, joyful time for the whole family.

articlebanners3