’Tis the season to treat yourself — and your pets. In the midst of all the holiday craziness and festivities, don’t forget to indulge your four-legged friends. All of the visitors and decorations can add a lot of stress to your pet’s life, so taking a few minutes out of your day to do something special for your favorite companion might be in order.
A simple way to show how much you care for them is to whip up some holiday-themed pet treats. Not only will your pets remember how much they love you, but the treats will put you in the holiday spirit as well. Here are a few easy recipes that can be made quickly and with minimal ingredients.
Catnip trees
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 can tuna in oil
1 egg
1 tsp. catnip
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until it forms dough, adding water if necessary.
- Roll dough out onto a floured surface until it is about 1/3” thick. Cut into individual treats using Christmas tree cookie cutter.
- Arrange on cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Dog bone candy canes
Ingredients
1/2 ripe banana
2 Tbsp. sunflower seed butter (or any smooth seed or nut butter)
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. oat flour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In large bowl, mix all ingredients, except the 2 Tbsp. of oat flour, until doughy and slightly dry.
- Sprinkle remaining oat flour on counter and coat your hands. Roll dough out until it reaches 1/4” to 1/2" thickness. Use a candy cane cookie cutter to shape biscuits.
- Place biscuits on cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until firm.
Peanut butter & fruit wreaths
Ingredients
1/2 cup powdered peanut butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup water
Green all-natural food dye
Sliced strawberries
Cranberries
Directions
- In medium bowl, mix together powdered peanut butter, yogurt, water and food dye.
- Pour mixture into a silicone Bundt pan and place sliced strawberries and cranberries throughout to decorate.
- Freeze until completely solid.
Tip: Use this as an outdoor treat so it doesn’t stain or dampen carpets.
