DIY Christmas Dog Treats!!
This holiday season, treat your furry friend to something extra special with these homemade Christmas dog treats. Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and wheat flour, they’re a tasty way to show how much you care. With this simple recipe, you’ll have festive, homemade snacks that will make your dog’s holiday just as joyful as yours.
ingredients:
Treat Dough
2 ½ cups whole wheat flour spooned and leveled
1 cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup water
1 medium size ripe banana mashed
1 extra large egg beaten
2 tablespoons honey
Treat Frosting
⅔ cup plain greek yogurt
¼ cup +2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 ½ tablespoons honey
Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions:
•Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
•Add the whole wheat flour to a large sized (4-5 quart) mixing bowl.
•Heat the creamy peanut butter for 20 seconds, if your peanut butter is a bit too thick.
•Stir in the creamy peanut butter, water, mashed banana, beaten egg and honey. Continue stirring until well incorporated.
•Dust your work surface with the remaining flour. Turn the dough out onto the floured work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness.
•Use the cookie cutter to cut the shapes out and place on the prepared baking sheet 1 inch apart.
•Bake for 18-20 minutes. (Remember all ovens cook differently, so begin checking the treats at the 15 minute mark) Look for a golden brown bottom.
•Transfer the treats to a cooling rack to cool completely. While the treats are cooling, prepare the treat frosting.
Frosting treats
•In a small sized (3-4 cups) bowl, combine the plain greek yogurt, cornstarch and honey until well combined.
•Divide the frosting into 3 bowls. Add 1-2 drops of green food coloring to one bowl and red to another, leaving the third bowl untinted. (You can add more food color if a darker color is desired) Stir until colors are consistent.
•Next, fill piping bags with each color of frosting. Snip the tip of the piping bags and decorate the treats with small circles for paw pads or snowflake patterns. (The frosting will be on the thin side, so be very careful as it will drip)
•Allow the frosting to harden before serving.
As the festive season approaches, many pet owners look for ways to include their furry friends in the celebrations. Homemade dog treats are a fantastic option, especially during Christmas, as they allow pet owners to control the ingredients and avoid harmful additives often found in commercial products. There is an increasing trend towards using more natural ingredients, like whole wheat flour and peanut butter, which not only provide flavor but also nutrients. Decorating dog treats with festive frostings can also add a fun touch to holiday gatherings. Using plain Greek yogurt as a base for frosting is a smart choice, as it offers probiotics for gut health in addition to being tasty. The use of food coloring, while fun, should be approached with caution; opting for natural colorants can be a safer alternative. Engaging your pets in holiday spirit with DIY tasks can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Not only will your dog enjoy the tasty rewards, but making treats like these can be a delightful way to spend time together. Consider involving your children in the baking process, fostering a love for cooking and caring for pets in the next generation. Lastly, these dog treats can make great gifts for other pet owners. Homemade gifts add a personal touch, and sharing such treats can spread joy among friends and family who love their pets just as much. Just remember to package them safely and include a list of ingredients for pet owners concerned about allergies. In conclusion, DIY Christmas dog treats are a thoughtful way to celebrate the season with your pets, ensuring they enjoy the festivities alongside you. Enjoy baking!
These look great and healthy too I think I’m going to try this one too. If he doesn’t like them I know my son or daughters dog would