We know it’s nice to treat your pets as well as yourselves at Christmas so, as promised, here are a couple of pet-appropriate recipes; one for dogs and one for cats. Rabbits can celebrate Christmas with a few festive favourites too, see our notes at the end of the article.
Always feed treats in moderation and only if the ingredients are tolerated by your pet. If you’re in doubt, then stick to your pet’s usual diet. Remember a toy and a cuddle can be as special as something to eat, so it’s not all about the edible, but it can be fun to do some festive pet-friendly bakes…here are our favourites…
*Remember; children should always bake with a responsible adult*
Christmas Cranberry and Mint Dog Biscuits
You can make lots of little ones or a few larger ones; it’s your choice. These biscuits should keep well in an airtight container for several weeks.
Ingredients
- 200g dried cranberries, finely chopped – in a food processor is best
- 250g wholemeal flour
- 125g fine oatmeal
- 125g porridge oats
- 150ml sunflower oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of mint, finely chopped
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees centigrade
2. Mix the sifted flour, oatmeal and porridge oats in a large bowl
3. Make a well in the centre and add the oil, eggs, cranberries and mint
4. Mix until you have a well-blended, sticky dough
5. Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface
6. Roll the dough between 2 sheets of greaseproof paper to approximately half a centimetre thickness
7. Remove the top layer of greaseproof paper
8. Cut-out the biscuits using a floured biscuit cutter of your choice
9. Place on a greased baking sheet/tray and cook for approximately 50 minutes, until crisp
10. Cool on a wire rack – allow to cool completely before feeding to your dog
Adapted from a recipe by Pam Corbin writing for River Cottage.
Christmas Cat Treats
Okay, there’s nothing particularly Christmassy ingredients-wise here but these are brilliantly simple to make and the dough can be kept in the freezer; great because you needn’t make too many at once, meaning you avoid the desire over-feed your feline!
The cooked biscuits last approximately 1 week in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 1 x 145g tin of tuna chunks in spring water, undrained
- 1 egg, beaten
- 210g plain, wholemeal flour
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees centigrade
2. Empty the tuna into a bowl, spring water included
3. Add the beaten egg and whisk the mixture thoroughly using a hand blender
4. Add the flour and stir until fully blended and doughy
5. Split the dough in to four equal portions – freeze three of them as one quarter of this mix will make plenty of treats for the week
6. Roll out the dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper to approximately 1cm thick
7. Remove the top layer of greaseproof paper
8. Cut the biscuits in whatever shape you choose – baubles or holly leaves maybe?!
9. Place the biscuits on a lined baking tray and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes – until crisp and golden.
10. Allow to cool completely before feeding to your cat
Adapted from similar recipes from various sources
Treats for rabbits at Christmas
Rabbits can have Brussels sprouts in small numbers – do not over feed as they can cause gas
Rabbits can also enjoy a gnaw on the sprout stalk but again – in moderation as it can be very tough
Rabbit love herbs so feeding some fresh, green herbs like mint or parsley can be a lovely way to treat your rabbit
Remember however, a rabbit’s diet should be mostly hay and grass and these treats should be just a small addition
*please note we cannot guarantee how any individual animal will react to any foodstuff and we take no responsibility for any adverse reaction that should occur.