The holidays are all about good food, cozy vibes, and a little extra indulgence — and yes, that includes your pets. If you’re already baking cookies and whipping up festive snacks, why not make a pet snack or two while you’re at it? Your furry friend deserves some holiday cheer, too.

These DIY pet treats are actually easy. No fancy kitchen gadgets. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple, wholesome foods you probably already have at home, and recipes that won’t take over your entire afternoon.

Before we get started, a quick (but important) reminder:

• Stick to pet-safe ingredients only

• Keep portions small — treats are a bonus, not a meal

• When in doubt, less is more

With that in mind, let’s get into some fun, festive, and totally doable holiday treats your pet will love — and you’ll actually enjoy making. 

Holiday Ingredients That Are Safe for Pets

Before you start mixing, rolling, or freezing anything, let’s talk ingredients. Not everything on the holiday menu is safe for pets — but the good news is there are plenty of simple, wholesome options that make festive pet treats.

Dog-safe ingredients

These are easy to find and super versatile:

• Pumpkin (plain, canned or cooked — great for digestion)

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free only!)

• Oats (gentle and filling)

• Apples (no seeds)

• Carrots (crunchy and naturally sweet)

Cat-safe ingredients

Cats like things a little simpler and a lot more savory:

• Tuna (plain, no salt added)

• Salmon (fully cooked)

• Plain chicken (boiled or baked, no seasoning)

• Catnip (because… obviously)

Ingredients to always avoid

These are a hard no, even in small amounts:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (common in sugar-free foods and peanut butter)

• Raisins and grapes

• Onions and garlic

When in doubt, keep it simple. Holiday pet treats don’t need sugar, spices, or fancy add-ins — just safe ingredients, small portions, and lots of love.

No-Bake Holiday Treats (Perfect for Busy Pet Parents)

Short on time? Same. These no-bake options are the ultimate win — quick to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to earn you some serious tail wags. Perfect for a festive pet snack without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bites (for dogs)

Creamy, cozy, and packed with goodness. Just mix plain pumpkin purée with xylitol-free peanut butter, roll into bite-size balls, and pop them in the fridge. That’s it. No oven. No stress. Big holiday energy.

Frozen Yogurt & Berry Bites (dog-safe)

Great for warmer homes or pups who love a cold crunch. Mix plain, unsweetened yogurt with mashed dog-safe berries, spoon into molds or an ice tray, and freeze. These make a refreshing pet treat that feels fancy but takes minutes.

Tuna & Catnip Balls (for cats)

Cats don’t care about cookies — they care about fish. Mash canned tuna (in water, no salt) with a pinch of catnip, form tiny balls, and chill. Simple, smelly, and absolutely irresistible.

Storage & Shelf-Life Tips

• Store fridge treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Frozen pet snacks last up to 2–3 months

• Always label treats if you’re making different ones for dogs and cats

Quick, festive, and totally doable — because holiday pet treats should be fun, not complicated.

Baked Holiday Treats (Still Super Easy!)

If you’re feeling a little more ambitious (or just want your house to smell amazing), baked pet treats are a fun way to get festive without going full pastry chef. These recipes are simple, forgiving, and perfect for turning everyday ingredients into a special pet snack.

Festive Dog Biscuits

Break out the cookie cutters. Mix oats, pumpkin purée, and xylitol-free peanut butter, roll it out, and cut into fun holiday shapes. Bake until lightly crisp and let cool. Cute and crunchy.

Soft Apple-Oat Treats (Great for Sensitive Tummies)

Not every dog loves a hard biscuit. These softer bites use applesauce and oats for a gentler chew that’s easier on digestion. They’re cozy, mildly sweet, and perfect for senior pups or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Crunchy Fish Crackers (for Cats)

For cats who love a little crunch, baked fish treats are a hit. Blend cooked fish with a bit of oat flour, flatten thin, and bake until crisp.
No oven? You can also dehydrate thin slices of cooked fish for an oven-free option.

Quick baking tips:

• Let treats cool completely before serving

• Store baked pet snacks in an airtight container

• Freeze extras to keep your homemade pet treats fresh longer

DIY Treats for Pets with Allergies or Sensitive Stomachs

If your pet has allergies or a sensitive stomach, holiday pet treats can feel a little stressful. But DIY makes it way easier to control ingredients and keep things simple. Sometimes the best pet snack is the least complicated one.

Single-ingredient treat ideas

These are perfect when you want zero guesswork:

• Dehydrated sweet potato slices

• Plain baked chicken or turkey pieces

• Freeze-dried fish or salmon

• Frozen pumpkin cubes

Grain-free & protein-specific options

Great for pets who react to common ingredients:

• Pumpkin + coconut oil bites

• Duck, venison, or rabbit-only treats

• Fish-based treats for poultry-free diets

• Oat-free, wheat-free recipes using sweet potato or squash

Tips for swapping ingredients safely

• Change one ingredient at a time so you can spot reactions

• Introduce new pet snacks slowly, even homemade ones

• Keep portions small — treats should never replace meals

• When in doubt, check with your vet before trying something new

With sensitive pets, less really is more. Simple ingredients, thoughtful swaps, and gentle recipes make holiday pet treats something you can feel good about sharing. 

Visit Dr. Jeff Werber’s Instagram account (@werbs_dvm) to view and submit questions and answers on weekly AMAs – or call and leave a voicemail at 424-835-0576. Your call will be returned posthaste. For emergencies, download Dr. Jeff Werber’s app Airvet, a video-chat option for veterinary needs at any time of day or night!