Make These Pet-Friendly Christmas Breakfast Treats Your New (Fur) Family Tradition

Whether your family meets at the kitchen table for French toast before opening presents, or nibbles on cinnamon rolls under the Christmas tree as you tear into them, your Christmas morning breakfast traditions have always been a sweet (and delicious) start to the festive day. This year, for a new (fur) family tradition, add this special DIY dog treat and cat treat to your Christmas morning menu, created by cookbook authors and co-founders of Trunk Pop Dinners Marge Perry and David Bonom.

First up is a drool-worthy edible present for your pooch: “Bacon,” cheddar and egg frittata muffins. This savory pet breakfast treat includes eggs, melty cheese and one of your dog’s already-favorite noshes—Begg’in Strips!

As for your kitty’s Christmas breakfast, serve up an adorably delicious DIY cat treat inspired by the bagel and lox sandwiches at your favorite local deli. This lox-and-bagel with schmear recipe features cat-safe handmade mini “bagels” and Fancy Feast filets for a festive feline treat.

Time to break out the holiday-themed pet PJs and get ready for an especially delicious Christmas morning. See the full recipes below.

Note: Although each recipe was formulated for either dogs or cats respectively, both are safe for either species.

3 Beggin’ Strips Bacon Flavor Dog Treats, chopped

3 tablespoons low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

3 large eggs

2 large egg whites

1/4 cup unsalted beef or chicken broth (without garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs)

Non-stick mini muffin pan

Measuring spoon

Measuring cup

Bowl

Whisk or fork

Yield:
12 mini muffins

Serving size:
1 treat

Prep time:
10 minutes

Cook time:
30 minutes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop up the Beggin’ Strips into small-diced cuts.

2. Evenly distribute the chopped Beggin’ Strips and cheddar cheese among the muffin cups.

3. Combine the eggs, egg whites, and broth in a bowl and beat well.

4. Divide mixture among the muffin cups. Bake in the center of the oven until the eggs are set and puffed, about 18-20 minutes.

5. Cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.

1/3 cup flour

1 and 1/2 teaspoons organic dried catnip, like SmartyKat Organic Catnip

1/2 large egg

4 and 1/2 teaspoons canned pure pumpkin (Do not use pumpkin pie purée, which contains additional sugar and spices.)

Inaba Churu Tuna with Salmon Puree Cat Treat

Fancy Feast Purely Natural Wild Alaskan Salmon Filets

Baking sheet

Parchment paper

Bowls

Spoon or fork

Measuring cup

Measuring spoon

Toothpick

Yield:
20 bagel breakfast sandwiches

Serving size:
1 treat

Prep time:
20 minutes

Cook time:
14 minutes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine the flour and catnip in a bowl.

2. Half an egg by cracking and whisking 1 egg in a small bowl and then measuring out two tablespoons.

3. Combine the halved egg (the measured two tablespoons) and pumpkin in a separate bowl.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a thick dough forms. Knead the dough in the bowl several times until fairly smooth.

5. Form the dough into 40 (1/4-teaspoon) balls. Place on the baking sheet and slightly flatten each. With the tip of a toothpick make a small hole in the center of each “bagel.” Bake until just starting to brown, 12-14 minutes. Let cool.

6. Squeeze a little of the Inaba Churu Tuna with Salmon Puree Cat Treat on 20 of the “bagels.”

7. Cut the Fancy Feast Purely Natural Wild Alaskan Salmon Filets across into thin slices. Top each of your schmeared bagels with a slice of the filet.

If you prefer, you can substitute your own steamed fresh salmon or low-sodium canned salmon. However, do not use smoked salmon due to its higher sodium content.

8. Place a second “bagel” (flat side facing down) on top of the filet, creating a mini breakfast sandwich, and serve.

As a special Christmas surprise for your fellow cat parents, consider dropping off some of your extra mini breakfast sandwiches so their kitties can enjoy them too!

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate cooked leftovers within 2 hours of preparation and consume within five days or transfer to freeze-safe containers and store for up to 1 month.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. They are intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.