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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
When you are having fun with your holiday goodies, does your dog stare at you imploringly with those eyes? The temptation to share with them is very strong, but human Christmas treats are in general not safe for our dogs.
Well, you don’t have to leave them out of the holidays. In this article, you will learn how to prepare tasty, safe-for-dogs Christmas treats that your dog will adore.
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Recipe Overview
- This homemade dog treat recipe for Christmas is super easy. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake.
- It makes around 2-3 dozen adorable apple and cinnamon stars, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit.
- These treats are packed with fiber and natural sweetness. They’re a healthy way to include your dog in the festivities.
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Ingredients List
- 1 large apple (any variety, peeled, cored, and finely grated) – Estimated Cost: $1.00
- 2 cups whole wheat flour – Estimated Cost: $0.60
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – Estimated Cost: $0.75
- 1/4 cup water (or more, if needed) – Estimated Cost: $0.00
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Estimated Cost: $0.20
- 1 egg – Estimated Cost: $0.25
Total Estimated Cost: $2.80
You can swap whole wheat flour for oat flour if your dog has a wheat sensitivity. And if you don’t have applesauce, a mashed banana works too, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated apple, whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, water, cinnamon, and egg.
- Stir everything until a firm dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a Christmas-themed cookie cutter, like a star, to cut out shapes. You can also just cut squares if you don’t have a cutter.
- Place the cut-out treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This is important so they harden up properly.
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Feeding Guidelines
- These are treats, so they should make up a small part of your dog’s diet.
- For small dogs (under 20 lbs), offer 1-2 stars per day.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 2-3 stars per day.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs) might enjoy 3-4 stars per day.
- Adjust based on your dog’s activity level. A very active dog might get a little more, a less active one a little less.
- Puppies and senior dogs might need softer treats. You can break these into smaller pieces or slightly underbake them for a chewier texture.
- Always talk to your vet if you have questions about your dog’s specific dietary needs. They can give you the best personalized advice.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Apples are great for dogs. They provide natural sweetness, essential vitamins like A and C, and lots of dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
- Whole wheat flour offers complex carbohydrates for energy and more fiber.
- Cinnamon is not just for flavor. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar, though use in moderation.
- Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, important for muscle health.
- The recipe is low in fat and free from added sugars or artificial preservatives.
- Overall, these treats offer a good balance of carbs for energy, fiber for digestion, and some protein from the egg, supporting general health.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store these homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To serve frozen treats, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, or you can gently warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Your dog will likely enjoy these treats at room temperature.
- You can offer them as a reward, a snack, or just a little something special during the holidays.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can. Oat flour or rice flour are good gluten-free alternatives if your dog has sensitivities. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly, so you might need to adjust the water content.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, they are generally safe for puppies. However, make sure to break them into smaller, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Always supervise your puppy while they eat treats.
My dough is too crumbly or too sticky. What should I do?
If it’s too crumbly, add water one teaspoon at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour until it’s workable. Different applesauce brands and even apple moisture content can affect the dough.
Can I add other ingredients?
For this recipe, it’s best to stick to the listed ingredients for dog safety and optimal results. Avoid adding anything like chocolate, xylitol, or nuts, which can be toxic to dogs.
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Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Giving your dog these homemade apple and cinnamon star treats is a simple, loving way to include them in your Christmas celebrations. They’re easy to make and full of good stuff, not bad. So here’s the thing: make some for your pup this holiday season.
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