Pet-friendly Christmas cookies for your dog or cat

The holidays are upon us again, and what could be more fun than letting your four-legged friend enjoy them with you? Just as we enjoy Christmas treats, we can also make pet-friendly Christmas cookies for our dogs and cats. In this blog, you'll find easy recipes and tips for healthy, tasty cookies that your pet can safely eat.

Why make your own pet-friendly cookies?

Many ordinary cookies contain ingredients such as sugar, chocolate and artificial additives that are be harmful to animals. By baking yourself, you have control over ingredients and can make something that suits your pet's taste and health. Homemade cookies are often cheaper AND it's fun to do.

Recipes for Christmas cookies for dogs

1. Apple-cinnamon dog cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 apple (without core and seeds)
• 200 grams of whole wheat flour or rice flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (pure, no cinnamon sugar)
• Little water to mix the dough

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
2. Grate the apple and mix with the egg and cinnamon.
3. Add flour; add water little by little until you have a firm dough.
4. Roll out on a floured work surface and cut out Christmas shapes.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

2. Peanut butter pumpkin cookies

Ingredients:

• 120 grams of pumpkin puree (without sugar/spices)
• 60 grams of peanut butter (without xylitol or other sweeteners)
• 1 egg
• 200 grams of whole wheat flour

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and egg until smooth.
3. Add flour and knead into a firm dough. Roll out and cut out shapes.
4. Bake about 20 minutes; firm but not rock hard.
5. Let cool completely before serving.

Recipes for Christmas cookies for cats

1. Tuna cookies for cats

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna (in water, not oil or salt)
• 100 grams of whole wheat rice flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of catnip (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C.
2. Drain and mash the tuna.
3. Mix with egg and flour to form a firm paste.
4. Add catnip if necessary.
5. Form small balls, press flat on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool completely.

2. Chicken liver candies for cats.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of chicken liver, cooked and finely chopped
• 50 grams of oatmeal (ground into flour)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water (if needed)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Mix liver, oatmeal flour and egg.
3. Add a little water if it is too dry.
4. Form small cookies or balls on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes until firm and let cool.

General tips for baking pet-friendly Christmas cookies

• Be careful with herbs and spices: small amounts of cinnamon can be used for dogs, but nutmeg, garlic and onion are poisonous to both dogs and cats.
• Choose pure ingredients: Avoid sugar, salt, artificial additives and chocolate.
• Test new flavors carefully: every pet is different; start small and observe.
• Store smart: Cookies without preservatives spoil faster. Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

Let your pet join in the Christmas cheer!

These recipes will give your dog or cat a safe, healthy and festive snack during Christmas. Homemade Christmas cookies show your love in a tasty way. Enjoy the holidays and have fun baking! But note: before you serve your cat a bowl of milk with the cookies, read first why milk is not good for cats. Tip: for more snack ideas see also our healthy (Christmas) snacks.