Christmas Dinner For Dogs!

(Updated November 2024) With the festive season almost upon us, it’s time to celebrate some of the most important things in life: family, friends, and of course, food! Christmas provides a wonderful opportunity for all the family to come together and indulge in our favourite treats, and our pets are no exception. What better way to say you love your pooch than with a delicious Christmas dinner for dogs?!

Now that the big day is just around the corner, we’ve compiled a selection of dog-friendly Christmas dinner ideas that will tickle the taste buds of any pooch. We also take a look at the foods your pet should avoid, along with a nifty idea for the perfect pup-inspired gourmet Christmas gift!

 

Recipe 1: Christmas dinner for dogs with all the trimmings

 

This recipe is perfect for including your dog in the family dining experience. Also, it’s important to note that it contains half the daily calories for a medium-sized dog.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 100g roasted skinless turkey
• 40g tin of salmon, drained
• 350g potatoes, boiled or mashed
• 50g boiled Brussels sprouts
• 50g raw or boiled carrots
• 1tbsp cranberry sauce
• 6tbsp giblet stock

 

Method:

 

1. Prepare the ingredients before mixing everything together
2. Put the mix in your dog’s bowl and watch them enjoy!

 

Recipe 2: A feast for the poultry-free pup

 

If your pooch is on a poultry-free diet, this delicious alternative to the traditional turkey dinner is likely to go down a storm.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1lb low-fat ground beef
• 1 large potato, diced
• 2tbsp coconut oil
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 diced carrot

 

Method:

 

1. In a large skillet, cook the meat through
2. Stir in the coconut oil, then add the carrots and potatoes to the pan
3. Add enough water to cover the veggies
4. Bring to the boil on high heat, then lower to a simmer
5. Simmer for 20 minutes
6. Add the peas and stir
7. Allow cooling before serving a portion appropriate for your dog

 

 

Recipe 3: A delectable dessert for your dog

 

Once the main event has been thoroughly enjoyed, it’s time to finish off the festive feast with these delicious banana biscuits.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 2tbsp flax seeds
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups wholewheat flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large banana, mashed
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup water

 

Method:

 

1. Add the flax seeds, oats, flour, cinnamon and salt into a mixing bowl
2. Stir in the mashed bananas, coconut oil and water
3. When the mixture is thick enough to roll into a ball, roll it out on a wooden chopping board using a rolling pin
4. Use a cookie cutter to create your desired shape and pop them on a baking tray
5. Bake in the oven at 175 degrees for 20 minutes
6. Ensure they are completely cool before serving

 

Be aware of the foods you should NOT feed your dog

 

While including your dog in the festive feast serves as a special bonding experience with your pet, it’s important not to get so caught up in the excitement that you lose sight of what you are feeding them – and how much.

Firstly, while we all splurge at Christmas, try not to exceed your dog’s daily calorie intake by too much over the festive season. Overindulging them with a variety of different foods can affect their digestion and may cause vomiting and diarrhoea – something you certainly don’t want to deal with on Christmas Day.

There is also a list of gourmet treats that we, as humans, can freely enjoy at Christmas, but these can be extremely dangerous foods for our canine friends. Chocolate and alcohol, which can be found in many seasonal dishes, pose a high risk to dogs. Both items contain toxins that are poisonous to our precious pets, and if consumed, may put their health at risk.

Even seemingly innocent vegetables such as onions, leeks and garlic are toxic for dogs, so be wary of feeding them anything that may contain traces of these veggies, such as stuffing and gravy.

Other popular Christmas sweet treats like pudding and mince pies should be banned from your dog’s festive menu. These typically contain ingredients like raisins, sultanas, and other dried fruits that can cause severe issues, such as kidney failure, even when consumed in small amounts.

To avoid the risk of exposing your dog to any of these items this Christmas, you can put together a special treat stash that they can enjoy to their heart’s content.

As an extra thought, consider preparing their meals in advance and storing them in the freezer until the big day. This ensures you have a nutritious, dog-friendly option ready to go, avoiding the stress of having to whip them up from scratch!

 

 

Treat your dog to a bespoke selection box!

 

A favourite of children and adults alike, a selection box has long been considered a Christmas stocking staple. But it doesn’t seem fair that we should have all the fun, so why not include your doggie in the festivities?

Creating your very own bespoke selection box as a pet-friendly stocking filler will not only add to the excitement of Christmas morning, as you watch them open their gift from Santa, but it will give you peace of mind that the treats they are consuming are suitable, healthy choices.

Make sure to include treats that your pooch will enjoy chewing, but that also have added nutritional benefits!

 

 

Keep them chilled and calm with Serene Calming Ointment

 

Help your dog stay calm this Christmas with our award-winning Serene Calming Ointment. This all-natural, sedative-free solution provides rapid relief from dog anxiety. Voted PetQuip Product of the Year 2024, it’s the perfect calming aid to keep on hand for the festive season!

Serene Calming Ointment helps your dogs and puppies relax during anxiety-inducing Christmas situations such as lots of visitors, loud celebrations, fireworks, noisy toys and even festive carol singers at your door! If your dog sometimes feels anxious, this is one for the cupboard! Its unique patented formula is scientifically proven, easy to use, and provides fast relief within 20 minutes.

When applied to your pet’s nose, the ointment releases a pheromone allowing your dog to relax, calm, and settle quickly. It’s fast-acting, safe, effective, and easy to use, with no limit on usage. Suitable for all dogs, all breeds, and all ages, it can also be used alongside other calming products in the range. Ensure a stress-free Christmas for your furry friend by adding this essential product to your festive toolkit!

 

 

Treat your pooch with a Christmas Dinner for dogs AND with our Healthy Treats range

 

This festive season, enrich your pet’s celebrations with the gift of Healthy Treats. Lovingly developed by our expert animal nutritionists, these treats are a symphony of taste and health.

Each morsel features a crunchy cereal shell, lovingly filled with a creamy centre packed with natural ingredients. Ideal for acknowledging your dog’s achievements or simply spreading holiday joy, these treats are meticulously crafted without any artificial additives. With Healthy Treats, you’re not just giving a snack, but a wholesome, nutritious reward that echoes the festive spirit.

Embrace the season of giving by treating your furry friend to these delightful, healthy rewards, and watch their tails wag with Christmas joy!

Merry Christmas from all the team here at VETIQ!