Your dog is family… and family eats well at Christmas (or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, or any other festive celebration).
While you’re busy planning turkey, stuffing, and dessert, I can bet those big puppy eyes are watching everything, waiting for a tasty morsel to fall from the counter. But of course, in most cases, many of those dishes aren’t going to be shared outright.
The good news? Your dog can absolutely enjoy their own Christmas dinner, one that’s festive, nourishing, and gentle on their tummy. This year, make your pup their very own. Here’s a dog-safe, whole-food Christmas menu complete with an appetizer, a hearty main (plus sides), and a sweet little dessert to finish it off.
Christmas Dinner for Dogs
Grab your apron and chef’s hat and get ready to create the ultimate Christmas dinner for dogs!
Appetizer: Cranberry & Turkey Bites
A festive starter that’s light, protein-rich, and packed with antioxidants.
Why it works: Turkey is a calming protein, while cranberries support urinary tract health and add a pop of holiday flavour.
Ingredients:
- Cooked ground turkey (plain, no seasoning)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- A little water
How to make:
- Simmer cranberries with a splash of water until they burst and soften.
- Mash lightly and mix with cooked turkey.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls.
- Serve a few as a pre-dinner nibble.
Main Course: Holiday PupLoaf
The star of the Christmas table – dog edition.
PupLoaf is a beloved classic for a reason. It’s comforting, nourishing, and easy to customize for your dog’s needs. As always, we thank our friend, Dr. Judy Morgan, for sharing this recipe with us!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef 90% lean
- 8 ounces beef heart
- 5 ounces beef liver
- 20 ounces chicken gizzards
- 3 cans sardines in water, minus the juice
- 6 ounces mussels (3 teaspoons kelp could replace the mussels for trace minerals)
- 2 teaspoons ground fresh ginger
- 5 eggs with shell
- 3 ounces red pepper
- 5 ounces mixed dark leafy greens (kale, chard, spinach)
- 4 ounces broccoli
- 6 ounces butternut squash
- 3 tablespoons flax seed oil
- 4 ounces cranberries
- 4 ounces Shiitake mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds
How to make:
Grind and mix all of the above ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Pour into loaf, casserole, or muffin pans. Bake at 325 for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the pan. It should be lightly done, not overcooked (juicy in the center).
If your pet has a beef or chicken allergy, turkey is a good substitute. You can also feed it raw if you prefer.
Use within 3 to 5 days, and freeze extra portions. Feed warmed to room temperature.
Side Dishes: Steamed Veggie Medley
Because every Christmas plate needs some greens (and our dogs need those nutrients!). Lightly steamed veggies are easy to digest and full of vitamins, minerals, and more. Skip the seasoning – simple is best.
Great dog-safe options:
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato
Steam until soft, cool slightly, and serve alongside the PupLoaf.
[RELATED] There are several more vegetables (and fruits) in this post.
Dessert: Pumpkin Apple Cookies
A sweet treat that won’t send your dog bouncing off the walls. It’s a huge hit in our house. Your pup will love them, they’re a great alternative to those less-than-healthy store bought biscuits – and they’re really easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups almond flour
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon honey
How to make:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175 degrees C)
- Mix together the almond flour, wheat germ, and ground flax seed
- In a separate bowl, mix together the applesauce, eggs, olive oil, honey, and pumpkin
- Slowly combine the dry and wet ingredients together, mixing well.
- Roll out the dough and cut your treats – we like to use a little dog bone cookie cutter!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are deep golden brown and very hard.
- Cool completely on a rack before letting your pup enjoy.
- Store cookies in the fridge – they’re good for 2 weeks.
This holiday season, give your pup a little something extra. A full-out Christmas dinner for dogs is just the ticket, and with all these healthy ingredients, you know you’re doing their body good!
From our pack to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Feasting! 🐾✨
