There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen at Christmas, and our furry friends are always the first to notice! While many festive foods are off-limits for pets, a little time in the kitchen can make the season extra special for your dog or cat. We’ve created two simple, pet-safe recipes (one for dogs, one for cats) so everyone can enjoy a homemade festive nibble this year.
Before you preheat the oven, let’s cover some important safety notes.
Christmas Foods That Are Not Pet-Safe
Many ingredients we enjoy at Christmas can be harmful to pets. Always check your recipes carefully before letting your cat or dog have a taste.
Toxic or unsafe foods for dogs and cats include:
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Chocolate and cocoa
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Raisins, currants, and sultanas (including in mince pies and Christmas pudding)
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Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
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Grapes
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Macadamia nuts and walnuts
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Alcohol of any kind
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Xylitol (a common sweetener found in sugar-free foods)
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Dairy-heavy recipes, as many pets struggle to digest lactose
If you’re ever unsure about an ingredient, err on the side of caution and leave it out.
Christmas Biscotti for Dogs
Crunchy, festive, and naturally sweetened, these easy biscuits are perfect for your pup’s Christmas stocking.
Ingredients:
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1 cup oat flour (or blitzed rolled oats)
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½ cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
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Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray.
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Mix together the egg, pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
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Add oat flour a little at a time until a soft dough forms.
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Roll out and cut with festive cookie cutters, stars or bones are perfect!
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
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Let them cool completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
Festive Salmon Bites for Cats
Cats tend to be pickier eaters than dogs, but these soft, fragrant salmon bites are bound to win them over.
Ingredients:
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1 small tin of salmon in spring water (drained)
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons plain flour (or oat flour for a lighter bite)
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1 teaspoon finely chopped catnip (optional but festive!)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a small tray.
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Mash the salmon and blend with the egg and flour to form a soft paste.
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Spoon small dollops onto the tray, about teaspoon-sized.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft in the centre.
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Cool fully before offering to your cat.
Keep refrigerated and use within three days.
Making Christmas Safe and Special
Homemade treats are a lovely way to include your pets in the festive celebrations, but remember that moderation is key. A few small bites are plenty alongside their regular balanced diet. Avoid sharing rich leftovers or processed snacks and keep an eye on clever paws when the mince pies come out!
Spending a little time baking for your four-legged friend is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and a kind reminder that love, not leftovers, is the best gift of all.
