Biscotti for Dogs Recipe: Bake a Batch of Cranberry & Carob Biscotti Dog Treats

Perfect for dunking into a dog-friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte or a cup of dog-friendly “hot chocolate,” these Italian-inspired treats are baked in strips, cut up into slices and baked again for the perfect crunchy treat—hence the name “biscotti,” which means “twice-cooked.”

What’s great about these easy to make, three-ingredient dog-friendly biscotti treats is you can either serve them plain, or you can add in dog-safe ingredients, like dried cranberries, peanut butter or plain pumpkin puree, to make a variety of flavored biscottis. Our favorite? Biscottis drizzled with a delicious carob glaze. (Carob is a dog-safe chocolate alternative because chocolate is poisonous to dogs.)

And of course, if you’re not so handy in the kitchen, you can always purchase pre-made biscotti dog treats! Keep scrolling for our favorites.

As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Yield:
24 treats

Serving size:
1-2 treats, depending on the size of your dog

Prep time:
20 minutes

Total time:
1 hour, including cooling

2 cups plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 to 3 eggs, beaten

Mix-ins and toppings

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup carob chips

1 teaspoon canola oil

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Mixing bowls

Mixer/whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Rolling pin

Serrated knife

Baking sheet

Cutting board

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Mix the flour and baking powder in a bowl.

3. Stir in the beaten eggs, a little at a time. Be careful with the amount of egg you add as the almond butter will also add to the stickiness of the dough. You want to end up with a somewhat firm dough.

4. Mix your chosen flavoring ingredient(s) (almond butter, vanilla extract, dried cranberries or pumpkin puree) in with your hands until they are evenly incorporated.

5. Roll the dough to 7 to 10 millimeters (about 1/4 – 1/3 inch) thick by using a rolling pin. Cut the dough into two long strips, about 4 centimeters (about 1.5 inches) wide.

6. Place on a baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

7. Place the strips on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each strip into 1 – 1 1/2 centimeter (about 1/3 – 1/2 inches) thick slices at a diagonal.

8. Return the biscotti to the baking sheet, cut side down. Bake until they are a toasty golden brown, about 20 minutes. Turn the oven off and allow the biscotti to cool completely before removing it from the oven.

1. Place the carob chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chips on medium power in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted. Start with 1 tsp of the oil and stir the oil into the melted chips until incorporated and the carob is smooth and shiny. Add more oil if needed.

2. Dunk half the biscuit into the melted carob or drizzle the carob onto the biscuit. Let stand 30 minutes to allow melted carob to set before serving.

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate prepared treats and consume within 3-4 days or transfer to a freeze-safe container and store for up to 1 month.

These biscotti keep well in an airtight dog food storage container.

As you would with any other treat, serve your pooch a small amount. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily dog food. We’re talking no more than 10 percent of your pet’s diet (and if your pet is overweight, even less than that).

For example, if your pet needs 600 calories per day, they should have no more than 60 calories from treats. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

For this recipe, each plain biscotti dog treat is approximately 43 calories.

Happy fall! For more ways to stay safe and have fun with your pet this fall, check out our October calendar that’s chock full of ideas.

About the recipe developer: Kristina Johansen is a certified canine nutritionist who runs Elmo’s Kitchen and provides guidance on general nutrition and home-prepared diets for dogs.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.

If your pet has health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats. Any sudden changes to your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset. If your pet has health issues (including sensitivities to fats or food allergies) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering these food items.