Christmas-Inspired Recipes for Dogs

Christmas is already filled with so many incredible moments to share with our dogs, whether it’s letting them join us on winter walks, exploring Christmas markets, or simply spending the night cosying up on the sofa watching The Grinch for the one hundredth time. And of course, the festive season is the perfect excuse to test out some Christmas-inspired recipes for dogs.

Us humans get to enjoy so many delicious treats at Christmas, and we believe our dogs deserve some too. Our four-legged besties deserve to feel just as spoiled and special as the rest of the family this time of year, and one of the best ways to do that is to whip up some mouthwatering and enriching recipes for dogs, tailored to them.

You might not think it, but our dogs know when we’ve put in the effort to find a recipe for dogs that they’ll love. They understand the hard work that’s been put in to create something homemade, whether it’s making some Christmas dog treats from scratch or filling up their favourite treat dispenser with a bunch of festive goodies.

Not only does following recipes for dogs help you bond with your dog, but it also lets you control the ingredients that are going in their treats. That way, you ensure your dog gets wholesome and safe snacks. Plus, homemade dog treats can be tailored to your dog’s specific tastes, whether they’re a turkey fanatic or they can’t resist a good dollop of peanut butter.

With that in mind, we’ve created a list of some of the best Christmas-inspired recipes for dogs that covers everything, from lick mat recipes, treat dispenser recipes and homemade dog biscuits. So grab your apron, dig out your best Christmas cookie cutters (bonus points if you have anything shaped like a bone or Christmas tree), and let’s get to baking!

Lick mat recipes for dogs are a fun and easy way to keep your pup happy and distracted this holiday season. They’re not only super simple to create, but they’re tasty and with all those tiny grooves and crevices, you can be sure it’ll be a long lasting one for when you need to get on with other Christmas related tasks!

What You’ll Need

• A lick mat (like the SodaPup Christmas Tree Enrichment Lick Mat)
• Turkey, Parsnip, and Cranberry Furr Boost Dog Drink
• Crushed biscuits for dogs (like the Handmade LickiMat Sprinkles)
• A fresh parsnip

Instructions

1. Place your lick mat on a flat surface.
2. Pour the Turkey, Parsnip, and Cranberry Furr Boost Dog Drink evenly over the lick mat, ensuring it fills the grooves.
3. Sprinkle a generous layer of the crushed biscuits across the drink to add texture and crunch.
4. Finely shave fresh parsnip over the top for an extra festive flair and nutritional boost.
5. If you have any leftover turkey hanging around, feel free to add some of this too! Just be sure it’s free of any seasoning or oil.
6. Place the lick mat in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set.
7. Once frozen, serve to your pup and watch them enjoy every lick and crunch!

A nice combination of Christmas and autumnal flavours, this Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Lick Mat Recipe is packed with fibre and prebiotics. While pumpkin supports healthy digestion, the peanut butter provides a tasty source of protein and healthy fats. Plus, it’s one of the easiest lick mat recipes for dogs to make!

What You’ll Need

• A lick mat
• Poochbutter (or any dog-safe peanut butter)
• Pumpkin Pre-Probiotic Puree Powder
• Fresh pumpkin pulp (optional)

Instructions

1. Place your lick mat on a flat surface.
2. Spread a layer of Poochbutter evenly across the lick mat, filling the grooves.
3. Sprinkle a tablespoon of Pumpkin Pre-Probiotic Puree Powder over the peanut butter layer.
4. (Optional) Add small spoonfuls of fresh pumpkin pulp on top for added texture and nutrition.
5. Give to your dog as is or place the lick mat in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set for a longer lasting treat.

Making homemade Christmas treat recipes for dogs is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the holidays with your furry friend. It’s a chance to bond as you create something special just for them, and your pup will love the extra attention and care. Plus, it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing!

Another fun and festive Christmas recipe for dogs is this recipe for Beetroot Christmas Candy Canes. These colourful treats are not only adorable but also packed with health benefits. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and supports heart health, while wholemeal flour provides fibre for digestion.

What You’ll Need

• 60ml vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 225ml water
• 350g wholemeal flour
• 30g powdered milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tsp beetroot powder (or juice from cooked beetroot)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, egg, and water.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour and powdered milk. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, kneading the dough for 2-3 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into two bowls. Add vanilla extract to one half and beetroot powder to the other, kneading until evenly mixed. Chill both doughs in the fridge for 1 hour.
4. Roll small sections of each dough into long, thin strands. Twist one vanilla strand with one beetroot strand to form a candy cane shape.
5. Place on a lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for 12-15 minutes.
6. Cool completely before serving to your pup.

Another way to spoil your pup with some holiday goodies is by following this recipe for Peanut Butter Christmas Pudding Cookies. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats for digestion and peanut butter for healthy fats, these treats are both delicious and nutritious. With their yogurt "sauce" and cranberry topping, they look just like Christmas puddings too!

What You’ll Need

• 140g self-raising wholemeal flour
• 25g rolled oats
• 100g dog-safe peanut butter
• 1.5 tbsp runny honey
• 1 medium egg
• 40ml cold water
• 50g low-fat Greek yogurt
• 30 dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour and oats in a bowl. In a separate jug, whisk together peanut butter, honey, egg, and water.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until a stiff dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 4mm thickness and cut out 30 rounds with a 5cm cutter. Arrange cookies on the trays.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Mix yogurt and honey, then pipe or spoon onto each cookie to resemble "sauce." Top with a dried cranberry.
6. Store undecorated cookies in an airtight tin, decorating just before serving to keep them fresh.

Filling up your dog’s slow feeder bowl is another great way to give them a tasty treat and plenty of enrichment around the holidays. Slow feeders encourage your pup to eat at a healthy pace while keeping them mentally stimulated. By using festive recipes for dogs, you can combine delicious flavours with fun textures to make mealtime extra special.

Just like us, our dogs love pork and potato! This Pork & Sweet Potato Dinner recipe combines both and is perfect for serving in a slow feeder. Pork is a great source of protein and amino acids to support muscle health, while sweet potato is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that aid digestion and overall health. This is one of those recipes for dogs that’s simple, festive, and sure to be a hit.

What You’ll Need

• A slow feeder bowl (like this Christmas Pine Tree Slow Feeder Bowl)
• Pork, Sweet Potato, and Apple Furr Boost Dog Drink
• Freeze-Dried Raw Pork
• Steamed and mashed sweet potato
• Leftover pork without oil or seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the Christmas Pine Tree Slow Feeder Bowl on a flat surface.
2. Break up the Coya Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Dog Food into small pieces and scatter them across the grooves of the feeder.
3. Pour the Pork, Sweet Potato, and Apple Furr Boost Dog Drink over the top, allowing it to soak into the food for added flavour and moisture.
4. For an extra festive twist, add small dollops of steamed and mashed sweet potato or bits of plain leftover pork. Be sure these extras are free from oil, seasoning, or spices.
5. Serve once cool and watch your dog enjoy their enriching and delicious Christmas feast!

Perfect for Christmas, and all year round, this Peanut Butter & Berry Dessert recipe is a sweet treat for your pup while you’re enjoying dipping into the box of Celebrations or unbuttoning your jeans for your second helping of Christmas pudding. Peanut butter is full of healthy fats and protein while strawberries and blackberries provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s why it’s one of our personal favourite recipes for dogs.

What You’ll Need

• A slow feeder
• Few tablespoons of natural or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp dog-safe peanut butter
• A handful of strawberries and blueberries
• Optional: Some banana slices and treats (such as Denzel’s Peanut Butter, Banana & Kale Vegan Bites)

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the yogurt and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into your slow feeder, spreading it evenly to fill the grooves.
3. Sprinkle on top the strawberries and blackberries
4. Optional: Add extra banana slices on top or sprinkle some dog treats for added texture and flavour.
5. Place the slow feeder in the freezer for a few hours to set.
6. Once frozen, serve to your dog and let them enjoy their tasty, long-lasting treat!

Last but certainly not least, we’ve whipped up some treat dispenser recipes for dogs. These are another fantastic way to keep your pup entertained and mentally stimulated during the holiday season. These interactive dog toys encourage slower eating and problem-solving, which can help with digestion and prevent overeating. And using recipes for dogs in treat dispensers makes mealtime more fun and enriching, especially when you need a quiet moment to crack on with Christmas preparations.

Is there any better pairing at Christmas than turkey and cranberry? We think not. And thankfully, these are two tasty treats your dogs can enjoy too! With this Turkey & Cranberry Kong Recipe, we’ve combined high protein turkey with cranberries, a source of antioxidants for your pup. It’s another one of our favourite recipes for dogs for keeping them happy and healthy.

What You’ll Need

• A Kong suited to your pup's size
• Turkey & Cranberry Pâté
• Small Training Treats (like the Pet Munchies Training Treats)
• WOOOF Pizzles Bully Stick

Instructions

1. Begin by stuffing the Kong with a generous amount of Turkey & Cranberry Pâté. Make sure it’s packed in there to keep your dog engaged.
2. Scatter some small training treats on top or layer them with the pate.
3. Place one or two – depending on your dog’s size - WOOOF Pizzles Bully Sticks into the soft batter.
4. For a longer-lasting treat, you can freeze the stuffed Kong for a few hours. Alternatively, serve it as is for an immediate festive snack!

Finally, why not whip up your pup a delicious Christmas-inspired recipe like this Turkey & Mushroom Treat Dispenser Recipe. Our dogs don’t get to try mushrooms very often, but it has several immune-boosting benefits to help keep them healthy. And of course, the turkey helps support their bones and joints – and is just incredibly tasty.

What You’ll Need

• A treat dispenser (like the Christmas Ornament Chew Toy Treat Dispenser)
• Turkey Dog Treat Paste
• Freeze-Dried Turkey Dog Food
• 7 Mushroom Blend Immune Booster Powder for Dogs
• Optional: added fruit and vegetables like green beans and raspberries

Instructions

1. Begin by filling your treat dispenser with a generous layer of Turkey Dog Treat Paste.
2. Break up the Coya Freeze-Dried Turkey Dog Food into small pieces and stuff them into the dispenser around the treat paste.
3. Sprinkle a small amount of the 7 Mushroom Blend Immune Booster Powder on top of the turkey to add an immune-boosting benefit and extra flavour.
4. Add any extras on top such as green beans, raspberries, carrot and blueberries for added nutrimental value
5. Close the treat dispenser and give it to your dog to enjoy. You can even freeze it for a longer-lasting treat.

Making Christmas recipes for dogs is so much more than just preparing treats, it’s about celebrating the season with your furry friend. Whether you’re baking homemade biscuits in the oven or preparing fun, festive fillings for lick mats, Kongs, and treat dispensers, it’s an activity packed with joy for both you and your pup. Not only do these recipes for dogs keep their tails wagging and their mouth drooling, but they also provide mental stimulation, stress relief, and a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks.

The best part? Recipes for dogs are easy to customise, so feel free to amend any of these recipes to suit your pup’s own needs. Just be sure that any additional ingredients you choose are safe for your pup. So, if you’re ready to take you and your dog’s Christmas celebrations to the next level, visit the WOOOF website here and explore a huge range of festive treats, chew-worthy toys, and adorable accessories.

Fun & Festive Christmas Activities for Dogs

The Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs

5 Best Easter Dog Treat Recipes