Why Celebrate National Cookie Day with Your Pets?

Every December 4th marks National Cookie Day, a fun occasion when people bake and share cookies. At Happy Pets, we want to turn this celebration into a special opportunity to treat our pets with safe and healthy homemade cookies. Baking pet-friendly treats is not only a sweet way to celebrate, but it also allows you to control ingredients, avoid harmful additives, and create bonding moments with your pets.

Pets and Cookies

For decades, pet owners have given small bites of leftovers to their dogs and cats. Early homemade treats were often pieces of bread or kitchen scraps, but over time, recipes specifically for pets emerged. The first commercial dog cookies appeared as convenient alternatives; however, many human cookies contain ingredients harmful to pets. Today, there is a greater awareness of toxic foods like xylitol, chocolate, grapes, or onions, making it essential to offer only treats designed with animal health in mind.

Why Using Safe Ingredients Matters

Not all cookies are suitable for pets. Common human ingredients such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, salted nuts, or seasonings can be toxic or cause discomfort. Always check labels and avoid xylitol in peanut butter or processed products, and never add salt, sugar, onion, garlic, grapes/raisins, or chocolate. The recipes below use ingredients that are safe for most dogs and cats when offered as occasional treats.

Safe Cookie Recipes for Dogs

1. Peanut Butter & Oat Dog Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (or blended oats)
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (NO xylitol)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the banana and mix with the peanut butter and egg.
3. Add oat flour until dough is firm and easy to shape.
4. Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

2. Pumpkin & Oat Dog Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (plain, unsweetened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, safe for dogs in small amounts)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pumpkin and egg until smooth.
3. Add oat flour and cinnamon to form a firm dough.
4. Roll and cut into small shapes.
5. Bake 15–18 minutes until firm.
6. Cool completely before giving to your dog.

Safe Cookie Recipes for Cats

1. Tuna & Oat Cat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water (drained)
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until a paste forms.
3. Form tiny balls or press flat with a fork.
4. Bake 10–12 minutes until firm.
5. Cool completely before offering to your cat.

2. Salmon & Oat Cat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned salmon (drained)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients to form a sticky dough.
3. Shape small cookies or use a cookie cutter.
4. Bake 10–12 minutes until set.
5. Cool fully before serving to your cat.

Join the Fun!

We’d love to see your furry friends enjoying these treats! Share a photo and tell us in the comments or on our social media which recipe you tried and how your pet liked it. 🐾 Celebrate National Cookie Day with Happy Pets and make this day special for your four-legged family members!