Holiday Baking Tips for Your Pup
The holidays are here, and your kitchen is likely filled with the delicious scents of cookies, pies, and festive treats. While it’s tempting to let your furry friend join in on the fun, not all ingredients are safe for dogs. To keep the holidays merry and your pup healthy, let’s explore what your dog can and can’t have when it comes to baking.
Ingredients to Avoid
Chocolate
A holiday baking staple, chocolate is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is due to higher levels of theobromine. Keep all chocolate treats, batter, and cocoa powder far out of reach.Xylitol
Found in sugar-free baked goods, gum, and even peanut butter, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure.Nutmeg
A common holiday spice, nutmeg can cause stomach upset, elevated heart rate, and even neurological issues in dogs if ingested in large amounts.Raisins and Grapes
Whether in cookies or fruitcakes, raisins and grapes are highly toxic and can lead to kidney failure. Be sure to keep these treats away from curious noses.Macadamia Nuts
Often found in holiday cookies, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Other nuts, like pecans and walnuts, are also risky due to their high-fat content.Yeast Dough
Unbaked dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing bloating, discomfort, or even a life-threatening condition called bloat. The fermentation can also produce alcohol, which is toxic to dogs.Butter and Sugar
While not inherently toxic, baked goods loaded with butter and sugar can cause stomach upset, pancreatitis, or obesity. Your dog doesn’t need the extra calories!
Dog-Friendly Ingredients
The good news? You can bake safe and tasty treats for your pup using these dog-friendly ingredients:
Pumpkin Puree
Not only is it delicious, but pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) is low in calories and great for digestion.Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)
Dogs love peanut butter, but always double-check for xylitol. Use unsweetened, natural peanut butter for homemade dog treats.Carrots and Apples
Both are crunchy, nutritious, and naturally sweet. Just remove apple seeds and cores, as they contain small amounts of cyanide.Oats and Whole Wheat Flour
Safe and healthy bases for homemade treats, oats and whole wheat flour are full of fiber and make a great substitute for refined flour.Bananas and Blueberries
Perfect for adding natural sweetness, bananas and blueberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.Eggs
A great source of protein and healthy fats, eggs can help bind ingredients for homemade dog biscuits.Sweet Potatoes
Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes are a tasty, vitamin-rich addition to homemade dog treats.
Holiday Baking Safety Tips
Keep Ingredients Secure: Dogs are clever when it comes to sniffing out goodies. Store baking supplies and ingredients in sealed containers and keep countertops clean.
Avoid Table Scraps: Remind guests not to slip your pup any table scraps or sweets.
Monitor the Kitchen: Supervise your dog while you’re baking to prevent accidental ingredient snatching.
Know the Signs of Toxicity: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or lethargy are signs your dog may have eaten something harmful. Contact your vet immediately if you’re concerned.
The Final Bark
Holiday baking can still include your furry family member—just stick to dog-safe ingredients and keep toxic treats far out of reach. By whipping up a few homemade, pup-approved goodies, you’ll give your dog their own festive treats to enjoy while keeping them safe and healthy this season.
Happy baking and happy holidays from Monterey Dog! 🎄🐾