The holidays are about treats, celebration, and sharing incredible moments with the ones we love—including our four-legged family members. Whether you're baking Christmas treats for cats or for dogs, there's something uniquely satisfying about baking homemade cookies for your pet.
You control the ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and create something made with love. Plus, it’s a fun bonding experience and a hands-on way to advocate for your pet’s nutrition.
Whether you're looking to bake up a batch of dog-friendly peanut butter cookies or whip up some savory salmon snacks for your cat, these simple recipes deliver on both nutrition and taste. Just like we fuel our own bodies with quality ingredients, our pets deserve the same thoughtful approach to their holiday treats. Food is fuel, even on special occasions.
Why Homemade Pet Treats?
When you bake for your pet, you know exactly what's going into their bowl, making them ideal holiday pet treats. You're in complete control and can cater to your pet's specific needs.
Homemade treats also allow you to cater to your pet's specific needs. Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? You can choose gentle, easily digestible ingredients. Is your cat a picky eater? You can experiment with different proteins to find what they love most.
Plus, baking for your pet is a fun way to bond and get creative in the kitchen. It's a small investment of time that pays off in the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're giving them something healthy.
A few guidelines before you start baking homemade treats for your dog or cat:
- Keep portions appropriate. These are treats, not meals. Even healthy homemade cookies should be given in moderation and shouldn't make up more than 10% of your pet's daily caloric intake.
- Introduce new ingredients slowly. If your pet hasn't tried a particular ingredient before, offer a small amount first to ensure they tolerate it well.
- Avoid toxic ingredients. Never use chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or macadamia nuts in pet treats. When in doubt, research it.
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Store properly. Homemade treats don't contain preservatives, so store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
What Are The Best Homemade Dog Cookie Recipes?
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies for Dogs
This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser for most dogs. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while pumpkin adds fiber and essential vitamins. These cookies are simple to make and perfect for dogs of all sizes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (unsweetened, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup water (add more if the dough is too dry)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until a dough forms. If the mixture is too crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like bones, hearts, or holiday-themed designs.
- Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Nulo Pro Tip: For an extra boost of nutrition, try mixing in a spoonful of MedalSeries Classic Turkey Bone Broth into the dough for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sweet Potato and Oat Cookies for Dogs
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which support your dog's immune system and digestive health. These cookies are great candidates for top-rated seasonal dog treats for sensitive stomachs due to their gentle, easily digestible ingredients. Combined with oats, these cookies are also hearty, wholesome, and naturally sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups oat flour (you can make this by blending rolled oats in a food processor)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, egg, and melted coconut oil.
- Stir in the oat flour and cinnamon until a thick dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool completely before treating your pup.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Pairing Suggestion: Serve these cookies alongside Nulo Chicken & Sweet Potato In Broth Signature Stew for a complete, performance-driven sweet potato treat.
What Are The Best Homemade Cat Cookie Recipes?
Cats have unique nutritional needs that differ from those of dogs. Unlike dogs (who are omnivores and can digest a variety of foods), cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are biologically designed to thrive on meat.
They need animal-based protein to get essential nutrients like taurine, which they can't produce on their own. That's why cat treats should skip the heavy carbs and focus on high-quality animal protein. This specific focus on limited, known proteins also helps ensure you are providing safe holiday treats for cats with allergies or other sensitivities.
Tuna and Egg Cookies for Cats
Tuna is a favorite among many cats, and when combined with eggs, you get a protein-packed treat that's simple and satisfying. These soft-baked, protein-focused cookies are excellent examples of top-rated holiday cat treats safe for sensitive stomachs and easy for cats to chew.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour (or chickpea flour for a grain-free option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the tuna with a fork and mix in the egg and olive oil.
- Gradually stir in the flour until a thick, doughy consistency forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1/2 inch) or press it flat and cut into tiny squares.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until firm.
- Let it cool completely before offering it to your cat.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.
Pairing Suggestion: Pair these homemade cookies with Nulo Gently-Cooked Meals Salmon & Tuna Recipe For Cats to round out holiday snack time with complete, high-protein nutrition.
Salmon and Catnip Cookies for Cats
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health. Add a touch of catnip, and you've got a treat that's both nutritious and irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (5 oz) salmon in water, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the salmon, egg, and melted coconut oil, mashing everything together.
- Stir in the oat flour and catnip until a dough forms.
- Roll into small balls or flatten and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the treats are firm and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Note: While homemade treats are a great way to supplement your cat's diet, their primary meals should be protein-rich and complete. Nulo’s cat food recipes provide the high-meat, low-carb nutrition that supports your cat's natural carnivorous needs.
Not Into Baking? Try These Festive Nulo Treats Instead
Not every pet parent has time to bake, and not every pet is food-motivated by cookies, and that's okay. If your dog or cat isn't interested in homemade treats, or you're looking for even simpler ways to make the holidays special, here are some festive ideas using Nulo products.
For Dogs and Cats: Bone Broth "Hot Cocoa"
On a cold winter day, there's nothing quite like a warm mug of hot cocoa. Your pet deserves that same cozy comfort. Warm up a serving of FreeStyle Classic Bone Broth and pour it over their regular kibble, or serve it in a bowl on its own. It's hydrating, packed with collagen for joint support, and feels like a special treat on a chilly holiday evening. Think of it as your pet's version of curling up by the fire with something warm and delicious.
Bonus cozy tip: Need “marshmallows”? Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw pieces make the perfect bone broth “hot cocoa” topper.
For dogs - Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Chicken and Blueberries
For cats - Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Turkey and Duck
For Dogs: Cranberry Frozen Bark Treats
These layered frozen treats are a festive, no-bake comparable to your favorite no-bake cheesecake recipe (but for dogs)! They're easy to prep, look beautiful, and use Nulo Omega Skin & Coat Functional Granola Bars For Dogs—a crunchy granola bar treat that adds texture and functional nutrition.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped into small pieces
- Plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- Nulo Omega Skin & Coat Functional Granola Bars For Dogs, finely crumbled
Instructions:
- Layer ingredients in a silicone freeze mold or ice cube tray in this order: cranberries on the bottom, Greek yogurt in the middle, and finely crumbled granola treats on top (forming a crust-like layer).
- Freeze until solid—at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Pop out of the mold and serve as a cool, festive treat.
Pro Tip: These frozen treats are great for hot days or after active play sessions. The yogurt provides probiotics for digestive health, cranberries add antioxidants, and the granola crust delivers a satisfying crunch that dogs love. These are truly unique holiday treats for dogs!
For Cats: The Feast of the Seven Fishes
If you're familiar with the Italian-American holiday tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, you know it's all about celebrating with an abundant seafood spread. Your cat can have their own version.
Create a festive "holiday plate" by offering a variety of Nulo's fish-based wet food options—think salmon, tuna, trout, and other seafood flavors from our Nulo recipes. Arrange small portions of different wet foods on a plate, and let your cat sample their way through their own seafood feast.
Here are seven Nulo fish-based recipes to create your cat's holiday feast
- Nulo Prowess All-in-One Essentials for Adult Cats & Kittens Tuna & Shrimp Paté in Broth
- Nulo Chunky Cuts in Gravy Tuna & Chicken Recipe
- MedalSeries Pate Trout & Salmon Recipe
- MedalSeries Shredded Beef & Rainbow Trout Recipe In Gravy
- MedalSeries Cat & Kitten Mackerel, Shrimp & Mussel Stew
- FreeStyle Cat & Kitten Yellowfin Tuna & Crab Stew
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FreeStyle Cat & Kitten Mackerel, Shrimp & Mussel Stew
How Can I Make Treat Time A Healthy Habit For My Pet?
Homemade cookies are a great way to show your pet some extra love during the holidays, or really any time of year. These recipes are simple, customizable, and made with real ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you're baking peanut butter cookies for your adventure-loving dog or preparing salmon bites for your curious cat, you're providing them with fuel that supports their health and happiness.
Remember, treats are just one part of a balanced approach to pet nutrition. The foundation of your pet's diet should always be high-quality, complete food that meets their unique needs. At Nulo, we believe that every meal—and every treat—is an opportunity to fuel incredible moments. So get baking, get celebrating, and enjoy the joy that comes from making something special for your pet.
Happy baking and happy holidays from all of us at Nulo!
