Holiday Pet Treats From “Santa Paws”

Dogs sure have a way of melting our hearts, especially when their sweet puppy eyes are begging for a nibble underneath the dinner table. As much as you’d love to give in and share what’s on your plate, that might not be the safest option for your furry friend.

This holiday season, don’t forget your pets. We’ve teamed up with our Aprons Chefs to bring you some treats that are sure to have their tails wagging!

Basic Dog Biscuits

Yield 30 (2-inch) Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• Water as needed

Method

Heat oven to 350°F.

Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer with dough hook attachment. Mix until dry, stiff dough forms. Place dough on floured work surface and roll out to ½-inch thick. Cut out using a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Pierce the center of each biscuit with a fork lengthwise, one time. Bake 45 minutes or until hard. Cool on rack.

Peanut Butter Bacon Treats

Yield 4-5 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup all-natural peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 3 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

Heat oven to 300°F.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix until dough forms.

Transfer dough to floured work surface and roll out to ¼-inch thick.

Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into 1×3-inch strips. Transfer strips to a parchment lined baking sheet. Pinch strips to raise center to create a wavy bacon effect. Bake 25 minutes. Cool on rack.

Apple Cracker Treats

Yield 2½ dozen

Ingredients

• 2 Gala apples, chopped into 1-inch squares
• 1½ cups quick cooking oats
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Method

Heat oven to 350°F.

Place apples in food processor and pulse until apples are in small pieces. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until well mixed. Spoon mixture by the tablespoon onto parchment lined baking sheet. Press dollops down with finger tips to make thin crackers. Bake 30 minutes or until browned and crispy. Cool on rack.

Banana Carrot Bars

Yield 2 dozen bars

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 egg

Method

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cut carrots and banana into 1-inch pieces. Place in food processor and pulse until carrots are finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process until dough is formed. Transfer dough to floured work surface and roll out dough to ¼-inch thick. Cut dough with cookie cutter and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, turn off oven and let sit with door cracked open for 20 minutes.

 *Before getting creative in the kitchen, consult with your vet about adding any new ingredients to your pet’s diet.

We know they’ll be drooling over these goodies, and we won’t blame you if you take a bite, too! Snap a picture of your pet enjoying these sweet treats underneath the Christmas tree to share with us on Facebook or Twitter!