9 Best Pet-Safe Christmas Dog Treats

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The Christmas season is full of gifts, treats, and decorations for humans to enjoy, but if you want to make your canine companion feel special too, consider getting some Christmas dog treats. Many of the meals and snacks we enjoy around the holidays aren’t safe for pets, so it’s important to pick out special ones they can enjoy without harm. Pets are part of the family, so they should be spoiled just as much as our human family members during Christmas festivities.

To help you pick out some holiday treats that are both safe and tasty for dogs, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options. However, it’s important to consider your dog’s preferences and sensitivities when making a decision.

Buyer’s Guide: Christmas Dog Treats

Any dog treats can be great as Christmas gifts, but there are plenty of options that are exclusive to the holiday season. These special treats are often shaped like Christmas items, have holiday packaging, or have a festive flavor. However, even with special treats like these, you should keep the following factors in mind.

Ingredients

Make sure the ingredients are both safe and tasty for your furry friend. If your dog prefers a certain flavor like chicken or peanut butter, seek out a treat with that ingredient. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, make sure the treats avoid those items. The safest treats will typically be the ones with a small ingredient list that only includes natural, human-grade ingredients.

Nutritional Value

Treats are part of your dog’s daily calorie intake, so they should provide something beneficial. Look for treats that improve areas of your dog’s health, such as their skin, coat, teeth, joints, and energy levels. Also, if you plan to use the treats for training, make sure they’re low in calories.

Size and Texture

The size and texture of the treats should be appropriate for your dog’s age and size. Soft, chewy treats are best for small dogs or older dogs with dental issues. However, if your dog prefers something they can chew on for longer periods, you may want to purchase easily digestible chews instead of small snacks or training treats.

Value for Money

Finally, consider whether or not the price is worth it for the type and quantity of treats. When in doubt, read the product reviews for more information.

Best Christmas Dog Treats

Advent calendars are a great way to reward your dog every day leading up to Christmas. The Wufers Advent Calendar Cookies Box includes a different beautifully hand-decorated dog cookie each day. The treats look good enough for humans to eat, especially since they’re all made with human-grade ingredients. However, all the dog Christmas cookies are made with pet-safe items like honey, peanut butter, and apples. Everything used in these adorable snacks is natural and easy on your dog’s tummy. Your pup will look forward to their advent cookie every day with this special product.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Holiday Trees Turkey & Cranberry are the most festive dog training treats out there. Each treat has less than three calories so you can reward your pup without worrying about weight gain. Crafted into charming tree shapes, these treats are made with high-quality turkey as the first ingredient, offering a rich protein source for your canine friend. The addition of cranberries not only lends a festive touch but also provides antioxidants, making these treats a healthy option. Free from corn, wheat, and soy, Zuke’s mini treats are easily digestible and are perfect for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

DreamBone Holiday Variety Vegetables and Chicken Dog Treats are a delightful mix of treats shaped like Christmas items, including snowmen, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men. These treats are made with a delicious blend of vegetables and chicken, ensuring each bite is not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. They have all the benefits of rawhide treats without having any rawhide in them, which makes them easy for dogs to digest. Since they’re large treats, dogs will spend some time chewing on them, which can clean their teeth as they chew.

Whimzees are a popular line of dental chews, and these ones are special because they’re shaped like snowmen and Christmas trees. These holiday-themed chews are specially designed to clean teeth, promote gum health, and freshen breath, ensuring that your dog enjoys a merry and bright smile throughout the Christmas season. Made with limited, natural ingredients, these vegetarian dental chews are not only tasty but also easily digestible because they’re low in fat but rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Most dogs love the flavor of these snacks so much that they don’t realize how healthy they are.

Puppy Scoops Holiday Ice Cream Mix 4 Pack offers a delightful way to pamper your pooch with a festive and cool treat. This pack includes four delicious, dog-safe ice cream mixes that are specially formulated to be a creamy, yet lactose-free option for your pup’s sensitive stomach. It’s an easy-to-make treat; simply add water and freeze to create a flavorful ice cream that your dog can enjoy. Each flavor is made with natural, high-quality ingredients ensuring a delicious and wholesome treat. The four festive flavors in this pack are hot carob, peanut butter cookie, Christmas cookie, and roast beef.

Claudia’s Canine Bakery Gourmet Christmas Dog Treats are premium, festive cookies that come in adorable shapes like bones, stars, and trees. Baked with love and using only high-quality, human-grade ingredients, each treat in this gourmet collection is designed to tantalize your dog’s taste buds while also ensuring nutritional value. Many of the treats are artistically hand-decorated, adding a visual appeal that mirrors the joyous spirit of the Christmas season. Free from fillers and artificial additives, the treats ensure that your furry friend gets nothing but the best. These gourmet treats are for dogs of all sizes, but if your pup is small or has sensitive teeth, you may want to break the treats into smaller pieces.

Blue Buffalo Holiday Santa Snacks Oatmeal & Cinnamon is a festive treat designed to bring holiday cheer to your furry friend’s snack time. They come in several fun holiday shapes, such as trees, stars, and gingerbread men. Infused with the heartwarming flavors of oatmeal and cinnamon, these crunchy dog biscuits are not only delicious but also crafted to be nutritious. Made with wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables, they embody Blue Buffalo’s commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients without poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. These treats are the perfect stocking stuffers for your four-legged family members.

Bocce’s Bakery sells several holiday treats with their most popular one being the Holiday Feast Treats. However, there’s also Figgy Pudding and Santa S’mores. The Holiday Feast Treats are made with a blend of turkey, pumpkin, and cranberry to give your dog plenty of tasty flavors with every bite. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients, these treats are a gourmet blend of holiday favorites, ensuring that your pup doesn’t miss out on the Christmas feast fun. Bocce’s Bakery is renowned for its commitment to limited ingredient recipes, which means each treat is free from artificial additives and fillers. Plus, the treats are soft and chewy so even dogs with sensitive teeth can enjoy them.

Portland Pet Food Company’s holiday treats are pet-safe gingerbread cookies. Crafted with love and attention to detail, these cookies are baked with all-natural ingredients that prioritize both taste and nutrition. The delightful gingerbread flavor is complemented by safe, human-grade ingredients, ensuring that your pet gets to enjoy the classic Christmas treat in a form tailored for them. Portland Pet Food Company is known for its commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, which means no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. These treats have a limited ingredient list, making them great for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make Dog Christmas Treats?

Making dog Christmas treats involves using dog-safe ingredients to create festive and tasty snacks. Start by selecting a base, like oatmeal or peanut butter. Mix in nutritious additions such as pureed pumpkin or grated carrots. For festive flavors, consider dog-friendly spices like cinnamon (in moderation).

Shape the dough into fun holiday-themed forms using cookie cutters, then bake until lightly browned. Always avoid ingredients toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, and certain nuts. Before introducing any new treat, consult with your vet to ensure its suitability for your pet.

Can Dogs Have Table Scraps?

Yes, dogs can have certain table scraps, but it’s essential to ensure they’re safe and given in moderation. Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and certain nuts. Also, avoid overly fatty or spicy foods, which can upset their stomach. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions.

What Christmas Foods are Unsafe for Dogs?

Several Christmas foods are unsafe for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins (found in mince pies and Christmas pudding), onions, garlic, alcohol, macadamia nuts, cooked bones (which can splinter), and foods high in fat or salt, such as certain hams and gravies. It’s essential to keep these and any other toxic foods out of your dog’s reach during the festive season.

How Many Christmas Treats Can Dogs Eat?

The number of Christmas treats a dog can eat depends on the treat’s size and ingredients, as well as the dog’s size, age, and overall health. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Always monitor your dog for any adverse reactions and consult your veterinarian for specific guidance tailored to your pet.

Can Dogs Chew on Bones From a Christmas Meal?

No, it’s not a good idea to give dogs bones from a Christmas meal. Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or damage to the digestive system. Always opt for bones and chews specifically designed for dogs if you wish to give them a bone-like treat.

Are Christmas Trees Safe for Dogs?

Christmas trees themselves aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can pose hazards. Pine needles can cause oral injury or gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. Additionally, tree water can harbor bacteria or contain harmful additives. Ornaments, tinsel, lights, and cords can be choking hazards or cause blockages if ingested. It’s essential to monitor your dog around a Christmas tree and take precautions to keep them safe.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a time for sharing love, joy, and gifts with those we hold dear, including our loyal canine companions. These Christmas treats for dogs will not only satisfy your pet’s taste buds but also convey your affection and care. So, as you celebrate this festive season, don’t forget to make it a ‘paw-some’ Christmas for your beloved pet as well!

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